Eating history: Where to experience Asia's most revered culinary traditions
2. Kimjang (Korea)
Above Kimchi-making is one of a revered culinary tradition from Korea (Photo: huiyeon kim via Unsplash)
Unesco inscription: 2013
Few foods inspire as much national pride as kimchi—and few practices are as cherished as kimjang, the communal ritual of making it. Typically held in late autumn, kimjang sees families and neighbours come together to transform mountains of cabbage, radish, garlic and gochugaru (chilli flakes) into vats of fermented brilliance. Each household adds its own variations, whether in spice blends, ingredients or methods.
Beyond preservation, kimjang represents intergenerational learning and social cohesion. Historically a survival strategy for enduring Korea's harsh winters, it remains a vital cultural touchstone today. Unesco recognised kimjang as a powerful expression of Korean solidarity and cultural continuity. Where to experience kimjang
In Seoul, Museum Kimchikan offers workshops that demystify the process. Outside the capital, rural communities host kimjang festivals from late October through early December, with some welcoming visitors. Year-round, Korean folk villages offer immersive classes for those eager to learn this living tradition hands-on.
Don't miss: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 3. Hawker culture (Singapore)
Above One of Singapore's many hawker centres (Photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash)
Unesco inscription: 2020
Singapore's hawker centres are more than food courts—they're microcosms of a nation. At these bustling open-air markets, Malay satay sizzles next to Chinese noodle stalls, and Indian curries waft through the air. Hawker culture is a living, delicious reflection of Singapore's multicultural society.
Originating from itinerant street vendors, hawker centres were formalised in the 1970s to raise hygiene standards. Today, they are beloved for their affordability, variety and inclusivity. UNESCO's 2020 inscription acknowledged not just the food, but the social fabric: hawker centres as communal spaces where different classes, ethnicities and generations meet in the shared joy of food. Where to experience hawker culture
Try Maxwell Food Centre, home to the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, with its colonial-era architecture and evening satay stalls; or neighbourhood gems like Tiong Bahru market or the Old Airport Road food centre. Local favourites often have the longest queues—and the most loyal followings. 4. Traditional tea processing (China)
Above Chinese tea ceremony (Photo: 五玄土 ORIENTO via Unsplash)
Unesco inscription: 2022
In China, tea is more than a drink—it's a philosophical tradition. UNESCO's 2022 listing recognised the cultivation, processing and cultural practices surrounding six main tea types: green, black, white, yellow, oolong and dark (such as Pu-erh). Each has its own terroir, personality and preparation method.
Tea-making is a skill-intensive process involving withering, oxidising and roasting, but it also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Gongfu Cha ceremony, for example, is both a meditation and a gesture of respect. Tea is central to family gatherings, religious festivals and even business etiquette. Where to experience tea culture
Travel to Fujian's Wuyi Mountains for oolong tea, or Yunnan's ancient pu-erh groves. In Hangzhou, Longjing (dragon well) green tea is harvested near West Lake. For a curated experience, visit traditional teahouses in Beijing or Chengdu. Tea markets like Maliandao in Beijing offer a chance to explore China's vast tea landscape in one place. 5. Breakfast rituals (Malaysia)
Above A traditional Malaysian breakfast (Photo: Damia Mustafa via Unsplash)
Unesco inscription: 2023
In Malaysia, breakfast is more than a meal—it's a cultural mosaic. From banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak to roti canai dipped in dhal, the diversity of breakfast fare reflects the country's multiracial harmony.
In hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), Malaysians of all backgrounds come together. The dishes themselves often blur culinary boundaries—Chinese-Malay laksa, Indian-Malay mamak roti, and more. UNESCO's 2023 recognition celebrates breakfast as a daily ritual of coexistence, trust and shared identity.
Where to experience breakfast culture
In Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields' mamak stalls are famous for roti and teh tarik. Penang's George Town is a haven for breakfast-hopping—start with char kway teow, then move on to kaya toast and assam laksa. In Ipoh, old-school kopitiams serve kai si hor fun and their legendary white coffee in vintage interiors.
See more: Rooted in Flavour: A deep dive into Malay food
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
Meet the Saudi Entrepreneur Turning Taif's Roses into Luxury Products
The damascene rose is a natural treasure bestowed by God upon the city of Taif, bringing hope and love to its inhabitants. They're beautiful in appearance, exquisite in scent, elegant in presence and their reputation precedes them. They live in the peaks and are nourished by the sky. In Taif, roses mean hospitality. They represent a combination of tenderness and toughness. There are tales of women in Taif who continued to tend to their husbands' rose farms out of loyalty after they passed away. They symbolise life renewed; when picked, a new bud appears in its place. Taif's rose industry is steeped in the city's cultural and social fabric. The first damascene rose was planted in Taif 300 years ago and the Taif rose industry has been around as long as modern-day Saudi Arabia. In December 2024, UNESCO included all practices related to the Taif rose in its list of intangible cultural heritage. With a practice so deeply rooted in Taif tradition, it was paramount to me, as Wardat's founder, that we retained its authenticity at all costs. So far we have had a beautiful journey – from increasing the number of Taif rose products on the market to offering Taif rose farm tours and experiences, and creating rose-related content. This delicate flower, which is often known as the 'shy rose', has opened so many doors for me – and not just economically. It has introduced me to the social, cultural and religious heritage of my city. The demand for our Taif roses is huge, far surpassing the city's capacity supply. At Wardat, customers often reserve our roses in December, ahead of the harvest season in April, and our client list includes sheikhs from GCC countries. Taif rose oil is considered one of the most expensive perfumes in the world – the price of 1 tola (the equivalent of 12ml) costs over SAR 2,000. For this reason, it is called 'the royal perfume' and is one of the most highly coveted natural products in the world. Photo: Fahad Al Shanbari shot near Jabal Cafe, Taif
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Eating history: Where to experience Asia's most revered culinary traditions
2. Kimjang (Korea) Above Kimchi-making is one of a revered culinary tradition from Korea (Photo: huiyeon kim via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2013 Few foods inspire as much national pride as kimchi—and few practices are as cherished as kimjang, the communal ritual of making it. Typically held in late autumn, kimjang sees families and neighbours come together to transform mountains of cabbage, radish, garlic and gochugaru (chilli flakes) into vats of fermented brilliance. Each household adds its own variations, whether in spice blends, ingredients or methods. Beyond preservation, kimjang represents intergenerational learning and social cohesion. Historically a survival strategy for enduring Korea's harsh winters, it remains a vital cultural touchstone today. Unesco recognised kimjang as a powerful expression of Korean solidarity and cultural continuity. Where to experience kimjang In Seoul, Museum Kimchikan offers workshops that demystify the process. Outside the capital, rural communities host kimjang festivals from late October through early December, with some welcoming visitors. Year-round, Korean folk villages offer immersive classes for those eager to learn this living tradition hands-on. Don't miss: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 3. Hawker culture (Singapore) Above One of Singapore's many hawker centres (Photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2020 Singapore's hawker centres are more than food courts—they're microcosms of a nation. At these bustling open-air markets, Malay satay sizzles next to Chinese noodle stalls, and Indian curries waft through the air. Hawker culture is a living, delicious reflection of Singapore's multicultural society. Originating from itinerant street vendors, hawker centres were formalised in the 1970s to raise hygiene standards. Today, they are beloved for their affordability, variety and inclusivity. UNESCO's 2020 inscription acknowledged not just the food, but the social fabric: hawker centres as communal spaces where different classes, ethnicities and generations meet in the shared joy of food. Where to experience hawker culture Try Maxwell Food Centre, home to the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, with its colonial-era architecture and evening satay stalls; or neighbourhood gems like Tiong Bahru market or the Old Airport Road food centre. Local favourites often have the longest queues—and the most loyal followings. 4. Traditional tea processing (China) Above Chinese tea ceremony (Photo: 五玄土 ORIENTO via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2022 In China, tea is more than a drink—it's a philosophical tradition. UNESCO's 2022 listing recognised the cultivation, processing and cultural practices surrounding six main tea types: green, black, white, yellow, oolong and dark (such as Pu-erh). Each has its own terroir, personality and preparation method. Tea-making is a skill-intensive process involving withering, oxidising and roasting, but it also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Gongfu Cha ceremony, for example, is both a meditation and a gesture of respect. Tea is central to family gatherings, religious festivals and even business etiquette. Where to experience tea culture Travel to Fujian's Wuyi Mountains for oolong tea, or Yunnan's ancient pu-erh groves. In Hangzhou, Longjing (dragon well) green tea is harvested near West Lake. For a curated experience, visit traditional teahouses in Beijing or Chengdu. Tea markets like Maliandao in Beijing offer a chance to explore China's vast tea landscape in one place. 5. Breakfast rituals (Malaysia) Above A traditional Malaysian breakfast (Photo: Damia Mustafa via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2023 In Malaysia, breakfast is more than a meal—it's a cultural mosaic. From banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak to roti canai dipped in dhal, the diversity of breakfast fare reflects the country's multiracial harmony. In hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), Malaysians of all backgrounds come together. The dishes themselves often blur culinary boundaries—Chinese-Malay laksa, Indian-Malay mamak roti, and more. UNESCO's 2023 recognition celebrates breakfast as a daily ritual of coexistence, trust and shared identity. Where to experience breakfast culture In Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields' mamak stalls are famous for roti and teh tarik. Penang's George Town is a haven for breakfast-hopping—start with char kway teow, then move on to kaya toast and assam laksa. In Ipoh, old-school kopitiams serve kai si hor fun and their legendary white coffee in vintage interiors. See more: Rooted in Flavour: A deep dive into Malay food
Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Art-inspired journeys: 8 travel destinations that capture the spirit of famous masterpieces
2. 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh – Iceland Above A starry night in Iceland would be a dream for Van Gogh lovers. (Photo of Iceland: Jonatan Pie/Unsplash) Van Gogh's swirling skies and emotional intensity find their match in Iceland's untamed beauty. With its stark volcanic landscapes and chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a celestial spectacle that mirrors the dreamlike quality of the painting. Visit Þingvellir National Park to walk along tectonic rifts, or take in the icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, the elements feel alive—a cosmic drama playing out under the stars. Also read: Want to see the Arctic Circle's northern lights? You can right here in Hong Kong 3. 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer – Bruges, Belgium Above The cobbled roads of Bruges, Belgium would appeal to fans of Vermeer's depictions of a quiet, timeless world. (Photo of Bruges: Dana Andreea Gheorghe) Vermeer's intimate portrait evokes a quiet mystery—an everyday moment imbued with grace. Bruges, with its medieval streets, serene canals and soft Flemish light, offers the same sense of timelessness. Meander through the lace shops near the Markt, take a boat ride under arched stone bridges or visit the Groeningemuseum to see masterpieces by the Flemish Primitives. The city's hushed beauty and quiet charm echo the gentle stillness captured in Vermeer's work. 4. 'American Gothic' by Grant Wood – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Above Minneapolis offers a modern, creative take on Midwestern roots, echoing Grant Wood's nuanced portrait. (Photo of Minneapolis: Josh Hild/Unsplash) 'American Gothic' is often read as a stern portrait of traditional values, but Grant Wood's subtle satire also hints at performance and persona. Minneapolis, a progressive cultural hub in the American Midwest, offers a travel destination that contrasts with the painting's severity while staying geographically and thematically relevant. Visit the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden, explore the dynamic Mill District along the Mississippi, and discover the city's vibrant design, music and food scenes. Minneapolis honours its roots while looking to the future—reframing rural Americana with wit and imagination. 5. 'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo – Petra, Jordan Above Petra's ancient rock-cut architecture embodies the human spirit and divine connection Michelangelo captured. (Photo of Petra: Michael Mitrakos/Unsplash Michelangelo's fresco is a visual metaphor for divine spark and human connection. Petra, hewn from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataeans, radiates that same spirit of awe and transcendence. Walk the Siq to the dramatic façade of the Treasury, or ascend to the Monastery for sweeping desert views. Nearby Wadi Rum invites travellers into a vast, almost biblical landscape, where silence reigns and the heavens feel close. This is a place where human creativity and the sublime meet. Also read: A travel guide to Jordan: What to see, eat and do on your first visit 6. 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Above Las Vegas' neon frenzy and sensory overload channel the raw anxiety and intensity of Munch's 'The Scream'. (Photo of Las Vegas Strip: aestelle/Unsplash) Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' captures a moment of existential panic—overwhelmed by sensation, unsure of what's real. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, with its neon delirium, surreal architecture and manufactured realities, is one of those travel destinations that channels this same disorientation. It's a place where overstimulation is the point: from the slot machines to the Strip, the city is a cacophony of lights, sound and spectacle. If Munch painted 'The Scream' today, it might well be in front of a pyramid, a pirate ship or the Eiffel Tower—on the same block. Don't miss: How to spend 24 hours in Las Vegas, Nevada 7. 'Water Lilies' (Nymphéas) by Claude Monet – Giverny, France Above Giverny's gardens let visitors step into Monet's world of shifting light and tranquil reflections. (Photo of Giverny: Alexandra Salvado/Unsplash) Monet's Impressionist reverie invites immersion in water and light. Giverny, where Monet's famous garden still thrives, offers a travel destination that allows visitors to step directly into the painter's world. Wander the flower-lined paths and cross the Japanese bridge, pausing to contemplate the water lily ponds that inspired so many masterpieces. Nearby Rouen provides further insight into Normandy's charm with its Gothic cathedral and quaint old town, enriching the sensory experience Monet so cherished. 8. 'Nighthawks' by Edward Hopper – Tokyo, Japan Above Tokyo's late-night solitude and urban quietude capture the mood of Hopper's iconic 'Nighthawks' scene. Hopper's 'Nighthawks' is all stillness and solitude—strangers sharing space but not connection, framed by fluorescent quiet. Tokyo, with its late-night convenience stores, glowing vending machines and tucked-away izakayas, mirrors that exact sense of urban isolation. Add this to your list of upcoming destinations if Hopper is your vibe, and if you prefer places where silence is part of the architecture. Wander Shibuya after midnight, take the last train from Ikebukuro, or find yourself alone in a ramen shop at 2 in the morning. There's a kind of intimacy in the anonymity here—precisely what Hopper captured in paint. Don't miss: What you should know about Shibuya Sakura Stage, Tokyo's latest must-visit destination These travel destinations align with the spirit of their corresponding artworks, prompting journeys beyond the familiar and into atmospheres that echo art's deepest impressions. Whether seeking contemplation, drama or quiet elegance, your next trip can be a dialogue between place and painting.
