Category: AsiaPac

Ajiro in Kyoto is the Temple for Japanese Buddhist Cuisine

Shojin Ryori cuisine

Michelin one-starred Ajiro is certainly the temple of buddhist vegetarian ("shojin ryori") cuisine with the foundation of its food being yuba, the tofu skin that Kyoto is famous for.  I've been here in both winter and summer and have enjoyed both visits immensely. Beautifully presented dishes are brought forth as we scoop the yuba from a simmering box of soy milk. So this is non-stop yuba snacking punctuated by vegetarian presentations of meat dishes. And best of all, whether it's true or...

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Sasagin, Tokyo – Late Summer Goodness at a Favourite Izakaya

Every time I visit Tokyo, I look forward to squeezing in dinner at Sasagin especially when there are seasonal goodies to try. This time round the Sanma fish (or Pacific Saury in english and, according to Wikipedia, also known as the mackerel pike) was in season and it was simply grilled with salt. The Sanma is an oily fish but much less fishy than mackerel or sardine. And when its grilled just right with salt, all you need is a squeeze of lime or lemon. While also known for a great...

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Hanamaru, Tokyo – Best Conveyor Belt Sushi has a Ginza Branch

I'd happily recommend Hanamaru to anyone looking for good sushi in Tokyo and now that its Ginza branch is open, it's even better. This is conveyor belt sushi that renders a visit to a Michelin-starred sushi-ya unnecessary for the most part, especially as I could eat almost 12 times at Hanamaru for the cost of a single meal at the loftier restaurants (JPY 2,500 which is around USD 25 left me very full and happy enough to cry). The fish is fresh and Hanamaru serves some Hokkaido specialities...

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Mid-Autumn Lights at Gardens by the Bay

The giant light displays at the Gardens by the bay are a nice reminder of the Mid-Autumn Festival that used to be one of my favourite childhood festivals. Every evening until September 18, these "lanterns" will be lit highlighting the various folktales that surround the festival. In addition, as the Singapore Art Festival is also going on, Ron Arad's 720 degrees art installation is set up in The Meadow of the Gardens. The installation consists of projected images on a "curtain" of silicon...

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Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Power

Over the past few months, Gardens by the Bay has put on some temporary displays at its Flower Dome that have been fun to photograph. First there was Lilytopia in June and then the Orchid Extravaganza that was part of the Singapore Garden Festival. Having missed the events earlier this year (tulips, cherry blossoms), I now make a point to check their website for upcoming features. I think it's time I bought their annual membership!

More photos from Lilytopia below (there...

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