Hong Kong
I'm a Hong Kong-based freelance specialising in luxury travel and food features for top-tier global publications and platforms. I write mainly for CNN.com, Travel & Leisure, BBC Travel and The South China Morning Post, as well as CNBC, Robb Report US, Channel News Asia, inflight magazines and luxury titles.
DINING OUT HAS NEVER BEEN more of an escape, letting us truly travel through our tastebuds, so we can't wait to get our chopsticks and forks into some of the hottest new restaurants in Asia-Pacific for 2022.
(CNN) - Inflight dining was far from its glory days even before Covid ensured everything was plastic-wrapped and pre-ordered. On long-haul international flights, the question "chicken or fish" is often met with resigned acceptance of a nuked, tiny meal in an aluminum foil tray. A limp salad -- with half a cherry tomato.
Black and white truffles from Italy, dug up in places like Alba and Chianti, are used in some of the world's finest dishes, but experiencing them on home turf is tough to top.
Hong Kong (CNN) - For Sandeep Arora, home is the ancient city of Jalandhar in India's Punjab region. His wife, son and parents live there, but he hasn't seen them since March 2020. Amy Stott hasn't seen her parents -- or eaten at her beloved local fish and chip shop -- in Manchester, England since June 2019.
From chicken rice in Singapore and fish and chips in Britain to white sandy beaches in India, these kitchen artists rave about things they can't wait to get back to in their homelands.
Few experiences celebrate the joys of summer living like eating and drinking outdoors. From the Gritti Palace on the banks of the Venice Grand Canal, to the rooftop of London's Dorchester Hotel, here are some of the best places to eat in the open air.
ALL YOU NEEDED to complete the picture at HongKong airport were tumbleweeds. At 5 p.m. on a Thursday, there were no other cars, buses or passengers to be seen at the vast drop-off for departures. None. Just me, my wife and our equally bemused Uber driver.
FROM THE BEATLES TO BEYONCÉ and Princess Diana to Andy Warhol, pretty much every superstar passing through Hong Kong 's Fragrant Harbour has walked its marble floors, taken in the legendary views-and maybe enjoyed a tipple or two in the famous watering holes.
At one of Hong Kong's hottest restaurants, Batard - which has a three-month wait list - chef Aven Lau is dishing up big plates to pair with the fine wine selection. One of the signature dishes? Lau's take on Hainanese chicken rice.
Three couples who work together in top Hong Kong restaurants, talk about the chemistry that allows their relationships to thrive amid the pressures of their trade.
It started with an epic checklist but ended in a profound reminder why we travel in the first place. This was no usual trip abroad, no direct hop for a week away. After extensive researching and checking government, tourism authority, news, airline and resort websites, we decided to take the plunge and proactively leave Hong Kong to travel.
The Land of The Thunder Dragon, as the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan's full name translates into English, has famously embraced modern life at a considerably slower pace than much of the rest of the world. Television and the internet only arrived in 1999, with mobile phone networks coming four years later.
From clever and playful raw vegan creations to plant-based Cantonese fine dining, restaurants are offering new vegan and vegetarian experiences to entice diners.
(CNN) - As the world continues to ease lockdown measures, opportunities abound for the first wave of intrepid travelers who are willing -- and legally able -- to hit the road again. After months of closure, resorts and hotels alike are understandably very keen to get local and international business back in, meaning there are some stellar deals to be had for staycations or longer breaks.
With cabin fever having taken on a whole new resonance in 2020, citizens in densely-populated, compact Hong Kong are paying top dollar to fly high.
ALTHOUGH WE'RE SURE ROSES, CHOCOLATES and chilled Champagne will still be out in force, Valentine's Day this year (like all the other holidays of the past year) is truly like no other. Ever since the first lockdowns kicked in, fine-diners have looked for creative ways to unfurl those white tablecloths on our own tables.
BLING EMPIRE'S CHRISTINE CHIU MAY HAVE seriously raised the bar for extravagant spending, but here in Asia we're not exactly short on ways to splash the cash when it comes to travel-especially when love is in the air. In time for Valentine's Day, we present eight over-the-top trysts-ranked in ascending order of nightly room rate per couple.
Mongolia's weather defines its food like few other destinations, with meals heavy in meat and dairy products and full of unique flavours Visitors can arrange to stay in tents next to families and dine with them
A cup of tea with Prince Charles, forgotten lemon tarts passed under London's Tower Bridge - chefs who have catered for the super-rich look back at the exclusive events they've been a part of.
Grounded by the coronavirus, travellers are looking at where they live through fresh eyes and finding new ways to satisfy their appetites for journeys.
Comfort food knows no geographical boundaries. Wherever you are in the world, there will always be a dish that your fellow citizens are more than happy to gravitate towards. Here are 10 such dishes from around the world, as recommended by top chefs.
Where do chefs get their inspiration from? If you ask these three Hong Kong chefs, they will tell you it's their grandmother's cooking - from a Taiwanese rice dish to a grilled fish that would be marinated for a full day.
It was just after 11am on a Sunday morning in Hong Kong and already 32C in the shade. The dazzling sun reflected off the steel-and-glass skyscrapers in the city's central business district, while opposite the Bank of America Tower down below, Rachel untied the knot on a small plastic bag containing chicken-feet adobo.
More importantly, the chefs also reveal the first thing they'd eat once they arrive at their chosen destinations.
(CNN) - Whether you're on the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives or in the mountains of Bhutan, enjoying the energetic buzz of Bangkokor relaxing in a quiet retreat in rural Japan, there's somewhere new for everyone looking to lay their head in style during their Asia Pacific travels this year.
Suppliers and restaurateurs say that strong demand for beef, especially wagyu, owes to its versatility and the inability of Hong Kong residents to travel to Japan.
This year marks 100 years since the start of an era which was to define 1920s America, help usher in the Jazz Age and even unexpectedly boost organized crime: Prohibition. Described by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson as "a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far-reaching in purpose," Prohibition ushered in laws banning the manufacture, sale and transport of alcoholic beverages.
For off-grid experiences that offer solitude and the chance for reflection, try the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, the grasslands of Mongolia, and the Himalayan vistas of Bhutan.
Cappelletti with a white ragu, a homage to Florentine garganelli, deconstructed vitello tonnato - Italian chefs in Hong Kong on the secrets to four regional Italian dishes.
In her new eight-part documentary podcast series, A Carnivore's Crisis, Rachel Khoo weighs the arguments for and against plant-based diets, asking if there is any merit to going vegan.
Historic England is the country's official list keeper of the most historically and architecturally significant places in England - places such as monuments, shipwrecks and battlefields. And pubs. Earlier this month, the heritage organization updated 11 English pub listings to reflect their cultural heritage and national importance, with one receiving a coveted Grade I designation.
Photo: Courtesy Shaun Fenn It's hardly breaking news that long-haul airline food makes you lose the will to live-or certainly wish you'd eaten before boarding. Once a reheated foil tomb of unidentifiable slop is thrust in front of you, you then enjoy the absurdly awkward ballet of endeavoring to eat it without your elbow taking out a fellow passenger's tray-or indeed the passenger themselves.
(CNN) - From Mexican dishes with a stellar view across the rooftops of London to Ethiopian cuisine in upstate New York, Mediterranean creativity in Bangkok to a Texas-inspired grill in Hong Kong, many of the most exciting new restaurants opening this year take their cue from global cuisines.
Although Maine is the biggest state in the New England region of the US, it's arguably one of the least well-known and well-traversed. That should change in 2020 with the state's headline-making bicentennial. What visitors to the city of Portland can expect to encounter is a thriving yet laid-back destination with outsize culinary talent.
(CNN) - HNL -- MAJ -- KWA -- KSA -- PNI - TKK -- GUM. That's Honolulu -- Majuro -- Kwajalein -- Kosrae -- Pohnpei -- Chuuk -- Guam. You'll definitely want a window seat. Aviation geeks call it "the holy grail of flight routes."
Situated in the elegant seaside town of Menton in the French Riviera, the clue is in its name. Mirazur roughly translates as "look at the blue," suggesting a vantage point over the water. And it certainly has one, reached by a winding incline of a road.
(CNN) - Welcoming diners such as Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, sporting icon David Beckham and superstar musician Ed Sheeran would be enough to make any restaurateur weep with joy. But for Hisato Hamada, the 42-year-old co-founder of Tokyo's white-hot Wagyumafia restaurant brand, which serves the world's finest cuts of Kobe beef, it's all in a day's work.
The definitive winter playground for those seeking to ski some of the finest powder on the planet, Niseko, Japan is also home to eats which go way beyond just fuel to sustain you on the slopes.
The (CNN) - United States' 49th state, the country's largest, is famed for snowy landscapes, wintry weather and frigid temperatures. But the long days of summer -- most of the state has almost 24-hour daylight for two months each year -- mean that there's no shortage of time to experience the wilderness, people and culture that make this a truly special destination.
With visitors arriving in ever greater numbers in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympics, five sure-fire Tokyo spots offer masterclasses in produce, taste, technique and experience.
For urbanites living in constantly bustling Asia, it's difficult to imagine a more idyllic scene than lunch on the terrace at Lake House in Daylesford, a small town an hour northwest of Melbourne. Trees provide gentle cover from sunlight, covering the deck in warmth, while the lake in question is a perfect shade of blue and super-elegant suites and villas overlook the water.
This vibrant town in Central Vietnam has plenty of charms Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all our top stories delivered We're on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us for the latest news, events and happenings Maybe it was Hoi An's history as a maritime merchant's crossroads, one where flavours and ingredients from across Asia and around the world would meld in delicious harmony.
(CNN) - It's the only flight I've ever been on where the attendant walked down the narrow aisle holding a notepad asking, "Does anyone need a taxi booking for when we land?" As introductions go to this quiet corner of South Australia, it speaks volumes.
There was a time when imes have changed significantly, and to our delight, we're seeing an increasing number of hotels that care enough to surround itself with art in collections that are good enough to rival an established art museum. Love art? Look no further.
Hong Kong and Macao are two vibrant and dynamic cities, where tantalizing aromas of food await at every turn.
Food writer Maya Kerthyasa is endeavouring to record Bali's huge array of culinary traditions before they disappear: "Food here is considered like a religion". By Chris Dwyer on The paradise destination of has grown so much as a destination that it can feel impossible to keep up with the genuine and unique soul of the island's cuisine.
(CNN) - Veuve Clicquot's famous yellow label may be immediately recognizable around the world, but the remarkable woman behind the brand? Less so. The French champagne house takes its name (which translates as "Widow Clicquot") from an extraordinary, pioneering lady who overcame unimaginable hurdles to transform Veuve Clicquot into one of the world's most sought-after fine wines.
Meet the chef and writer whose cookbook was named by The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times Book Review as one of their books of the year.
For decades, Chinese food in Paris consisted largely of buffet trays of meats, rice and vegetables, all sweet and slightly cloying. Luckily things are changing, with restaurants introducing Parisians to genuine regional Chinese cuisines.
Chefs revitalising the country's food industry cook use traditional local produce and techniques but incorporate global influences.
Jeannie Cho Lee, Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty and Sarah Heller are part of exclusive worldwide group of only 384 people
(CNN) - Bobsledding in Utah with Olympic medalists, a $50,000 per night penthouse in New York and the chance to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game. If you're one of the lucky few happy to drop some serious coin on travel experiences in the United States, then there are almost no limits to what you can find yourself doing.
The journey to a fine winery providing something a little different - in terms of history, setting or artistic offerings - is well worth making
The Mediterranean city state, known for its luxury yachts, hotels and casinos has been a playground of the rich and famous for more than a century
Three restaurants - Edge, Backyard and SingleThread - all use locally grown produce, in some cases their own and serve Sonoma wines. Their menus are heavily influenced by the seasons and change regularly.
From 'MasterChef Australia' mentor Shannon Bennett's Ike-Jime Seafood by Vue to Sunda's fusion fare, the dining scene in the Australian city is bursting with novel flavours
A private Indonesian cruise, tailor-made tour in Mongolia and an island-resort stay in the Philippines are among holiday delights
For urbanites living in constantly bustling Asia, it's difficult to imagine a more idyllic scene than lunch on the terrace at Lake House in Daylesford, a small town an hour northwest of Melbourne. Trees provide gentle cover from sunlight, covering the deck in warmth, while the lake in question is a perfect shade of blue and super-elegant suites and villas overlook the water.
Brilliant Taiwanese produce discovered with an award-winning chef
(CNN) - Maybe you'd choose the white sands and turquoise waters of a deserted tropical beach. Perhaps it's the lure of iconic cultural cities such as Paris, Venice or Istanbul. Then again, the call of the wild from a safari is a pretty special way to spend time with your beloved.
(CNN) - French haute cuisine in Macau, Mediterranean mezze in New York, European classics in Nairobi and refined beach shack seafood in Bali are just some of the options enticing global diners to new restaurants in 2018. Here are 14 additions to the culinary must-try list for those keen to get in first at the hottest tables around the world.
Hong Kong is the fashion capital of Asia - and for good reason. Here are the best places to shop, from boutiques to megamalls to street markets.
Located in a Grade II listed building dating back to 1884, the property is filled with photographs, pop art, memorabilia and more
But the handful of green wooden sheds known as taxi cabmen's shelters have a fascinating history. They date to 1875, back when horse-drawn Hansom cabs were the vehicle of choice for London's first taxi drivers.
The capital of The Philippines has come into its own in recent years as the nation's culinary traditions have finally started to receive long-overdue kudos. Filipino restaurants have been winning rave reviews and awards from D.C.
Hawaiian food is as delicious as it is diverse. From fusion fine dining to comforting fast food, the unique flavours found on Oahu represent the multicultural US state
Hawaiian food is as delicious as it is diverse. From fusion fine dining to comforting fast food, the unique flavours found on Oahu represent the multicultural US state
Mind-blowing ingredients grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna or fished from the Mediterranean Sea, piquant flavours of a cuisine shaped by waves of invaders, all savoured at an alfresco lunch put on by villagers: Sicily is the promised land
(CNN) - For many of us, February 14 usually involves picking up some flowers on the way home from the office and hoping the best ones haven't already gone (they usually have). Or showing your special someone how much you care by attempting to bake for the first -- and last -- time.
Be it pancakes, fish noodle soup, grilled sausages or the outstanding local noodle dish mi quang, there's something for everyone at the city's countless street food stalls, modest restaurants and high-end resorts
If there's a more relaxing or luxurious vacation than kicking back on the deck of your own sleek yacht in the warm azure waters of Southeast Asia, then we've yet to find it.
The fish is so poisonous it can lead to agonising death by respiratory failure, but it is a rare and expensive delicacy in Japan, and is sold at a curious auction that involves only secret hand signals and gestures
It was just after 11am on a Sunday morning in Hong Kong and already 32C in the shade. The dazzling sun reflected off the steel-and-glass skyscrapers in the city's central business district, while opposite the Bank of America Tower down below, Rachel untied the knot on a small plastic bag containing chicken-feet adobo.
Marcus Wareing in Knightsbridge, Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Mayfair and Alain Ducasse in Park Lane serve extraordinary meals in opulent surroundings, and at prices which represent remarkably good value
There are few travel experiences more enticing than a late summer afternoon in a beautiful Italian vineyard, a glass of wine in hand from grapes that you can see on the nearby vines. Perhaps some olives from the property, a nugget of local cheese or home-cured salumi can accompany as the prospect of dinner gets even more enticing.
Be it pancakes, fish noodle soup, grilled sausages or the outstanding local noodle dish mi quang, there's something for everyone at the city's countless street food stalls, modest restaurants and high-end resorts
Glass, Ora and Mrs Robinson's are three restaurants that epitomise Berlin's dining scene - passionate, fun and vibrant. They serve exciting, well-presented dishes in relaxed settings with an emphasis on techniques and flavours
The portrait of an elderly lady with slightly stern features, dressed in black with a white lace veil, which has adorned countless corks, is one that perfectly fits the cultural notion of a widow. It is easy to neglect the fact, however, that in the early 19th century, many women were widowed when still decades from their dotage.
Nothing was too grand for the recent Shanghai International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), where the biggest and most exclusive names in hospitality battled for a slice of the lucrative and growing Chinese outbound travel pie. Money not an issue? Here are a few of the more incredible experiences that were on show.
Clouds of red dust rise up through the distant undergrowth followed by a growing crescendo of rustling and shuffling before the first attempt at a fearsome trump. It sounds more like a children's party trumpet. Baby elephants are cute enough, but when red-brown from hours out playing and foraging in the dry Nairobi National Park, they look like they've been dusted in cocoa powder.
(CNN) - If you haven't received an invitation by now, the chances are there won't be a seat for you at St. George's Chapel at Britain's Windsor Castle on May 19. From getting up close-ish on their brief processional route to having your own royal getaway, here are some travel options to allow you to say you were there -- at least in spirit.
Switzerland has long been a popular travel destination with Indian tourists, largely thanks to its use as a backdrop in Bollywood films, its hills coming alive with perfectly choreographed and synchronised dancers. The young couple from Mumbai, however, sitting next to me on the Glacier Express train, are visiting the chic Swiss resort of St Moritz for a very different and highly unusual reason: a cricket tournament ...
As we wend our way from the station in Nakatsu, 120km east of Fukuoka on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, it quickly becomes clear that my week with Walk Japan has one critical element: being naked among strangers. As a Brit, this prospect is absolutely terrifying.
In 2017, Changi Airport registered a record 62.2 million passenger movements. It's an impressive figure that also translates as an awful lot of in-flight drinks. The growing range of crafted beverages and special drinks on offer has never been more impressive - or enticing.
Jamon Iberico de bellota is loved by gastronomes in Hong Kong and around the world. We visit the unique Mediterranean environment where the pigs that are the source of the dry-cured delicacy roam
(CNN) - It was the unlikely setting of a dark basement rock bar named Alfred's Pizzeria that confirmed our suspicions about Perth. Under a tongue-in-cheek sign proclaiming "No Stairway to Heaven," brilliant cocktails, the perfect playlist and impeccable handmade pizzas came together in one of the coolest bars in what's definitely one of the coolest cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Helicopter rides, archery classes and yak dumplings make for a highly memorable visit to the mysterious Himalayan kingdom By Chris Dwyer There's a Como in Bhutan? No - there are two in the landlocked, mysterious Himalayan Buddhist kingdom whose name means "land of the thunder dragon".
Sitting at a geographical crossroads between continents, Georgia's dishes reflect the nation's long history as a melting pot of Asian, Persian, Arab and European cultures
Forget what you think you know about Philippine food. Here, we visit four restaurants in the nation's capital that are pushing the boundaries of the local cuisine well beyond the standard sisig and adobo.
All of a sudden, everyone's talking about the cuisine of the Philippines. In Manila, we find out why. Words by CHRIS DWYER
Chris Dwyer, CNN * Updated 17th July 2017 (CNN) - Pop-ups have taken the culinary world by storm in recent years, allowing chefs of repute to bring their unique experience and talent to shine in someone else's kitchen.
The ultimate tortilla, the tomatoes of your dreams, and more, washed down with white wine - the humble fare cooked by amateurs at a San Sebastian private dining club is top-drawer
It's an obsession shared by many who love Chinese food: Sichuan peppercorns, or hua jiao. The tiny, woody jewels that famously numb the lips are not peppercorns at all, but seed pods of the prickly ash tree.
New York's Eleven Madison Park knocked Italy's Osteria Francescana into second place and pushed Spain's El Celler de Can Roca into third, after seven years climbing the leader board. The 2017 ceremony took place in Melbourne, Australia on April 5, having moved from New York the year before.
Travelling through China's southwest province, we uncover the truth behind this extraordinary ingredient (it's actually a berry), and search Chengdu for the ultimate in ma la
Hanami, or watching the cherry blossoms, is a Japanese institution. Here's our guide to the best restaurants and locations to sit, eat and enjoy sakura season in Japan's beautiful former imperial capital
Nearer Jakarta than Sydney, Darwin, with its laid back vibe, is a great starting point to explore a huge area where hardly any humans, but plenty of crocodiles and other exotic fauna, live - such as Danish bush bar owner King Kai
After an awkward start, Chris Dwyer lifts the lid on Spain's hugely popular snack culture, sampling classic and modern dishes in the nation's capital
Food rationing persists in Cuba's capital, and most places can't offer exceptional cuisine, but adventurous visitors can find plenty to write home about, including shrimp, pork and rice dishes to keep Hongkongers happy
A five-star tour of some no-frills Kowloon eateries whets the appetite for what could be the best Cantonese dinner in Hong Kong. By Chris Dwyer Photographs by Callaghan Walsh In the center of the wooden workbench sits a metal bowl of sweet and fragrant char siu pork topped with pine nuts.
Located on Albermarle Street in swanky Mayfair, it promises a fun and modern take on the country's cooking with dishes that include hoedeopbap: slices of raw and fresh seafood with signature Korean dressing and marinated skewers of Ibérico pork and prime rib, cooked in the classic Korean barbecue style.
A heritage-listed former pub in Sydney? Whether you like your hotels opulent, classy, off-the-wall or flashy, these top new properties -- some already open -- are worth checking into in 2016. Opened: December 1, 2015 Quirky Keemala is designed around both nature and culture, making it one of Phuket's most unique properties.
The Godfather of contemporary British cuisine, Marco Pierre White once held three Michelin stars at a younger age than any other chef in history. His mercurial talents and life story are laid bare in an in-depth interview for Hong Kong's leading luxury magazine.
If you're a gourmand and a connoisseur of the finest produce, there's a good chance that jamon iberico de bellota - otherwise known as ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs - is already a go-to at home or when dining out.
Central Vietnam is home to some of the richest and most diverse cuisine in Asia, with brilliant, iconic dishes at every turn. From street-side eats to fine dining, the stretch of coast around Da Nang and Hoi An is revealed as a true culinary paradise.
I visit the culinary hotspot of Tulum in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula for Hong Kong gourmet publication Crave magazine.
Vietnam's third largest city is second to none when it comes to homegrown cuisine, as a tour of eateries both here and in nearby Hoi An reveals. By Chris Dwyer Photographs by Liem Tran Quang Vietnam famously enchanted both the author Graham Greene and his protagonist Thomas Fowler in The Quiet American.
(CNN) - Walk into almost any fine dining kitchen and the chances are its chefs would say there's only one holy grail of achievement in their profession: to be awarded a Michelin star. Since 1926 in France, and more recently around the world, these accolades have come to represent the pinnacle of cuisine and also helped raise the profile of French tire giant Michelin.
Opulence is everywhere. A McLaren F1 sits casually behind a Ferrari F150 at the stoplight, certain hotels offer guests a 24-carat gold iPad to use during their stay, while gold leaf and marble often seem the only materials interior designers have to work with.
A chat with French top chef Alain Ducasse, who shared his thoughts on the state of contemporary French cooking and produce - inside and outside France. By Chris Dwyer on There can be few dining rooms around the world with a more impressive view than Alain Ducasse 's Spoon at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hong Kong.