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Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
A feast for the senses: 9 immersive food museums around the world
2. Cup Noodles Museum, Japan With headquarters in Osaka and Yokohama, this museum transforms the humble cup noodle from a convenience store staple to a canvas for creativity. Its centrepiece is the My Cup Noodles Factory, where you can design your own cup, choose the soup flavour and toppings and watch as your personalised creation is vacuum-sealed before your eyes. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you'll knead, steam and flash-fry noodles using the same method that inventor Momofuku Ando pioneered. Between hands-on experiences, check out exhibits on the cup noodle evolution and the humble shed where it was invented in 1958—a reminder that it's not the tools, but the idea that makes innovation possible. Also read: Japan's famous Cup Noodles Museum has opened in Hong Kong 3. Hollands Kaasmuseum, Netherlands In a weigh house where cheese traders have conducted business since 1365, the Hollands Kaasmuseum (Dutch Cheese Museum) puts visitors at the centre of a centuries-old industry. Exhibits display traditional tools, from wooden moulds and antique butter churns to hand-carved carriers, which cheese porters still use during Friday market demonstrations from April to October. Right outside the museum doors, visitors can witness the cheese-trading ritual that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages—complete with white-uniformed guilds, rhythmic bargaining calls and the distinctive hand-slap method of sealing deals. Also read: To brie or not to brie: These are the best cheese platters and charcuterie boards in Hong Kong 4. Wonderfood Museum, Malaysia In Penang, dubbed Malaysia's food capital, the Wonderfood Museum features larger-than-life handmade replicas of over 100 dishes. What makes the museum extra interesting is its focus on action—visitors can pose as hawkers dramatically tossing noodles or pulling teh tarik with theatrical flair. Beyond the unique photo opportunities, the exhibits serve as an archive, documenting the country's multicultural food culture and preserving culinary techniques and presentations. Also read: A weekend in Penang: Must try spots to eat, drink, and play 5. Musée Art du Chocolat, France Explore chocolate in its most extraordinary forms, ranging from architectural replicas to life-sized sculptures that could be mistaken for bronze if not for the unmistakable aroma. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the museum reveals its treasures in a series of immersive displays. Discover chocolate-making secrets from plantation to finished product, techniques to create chocolate sculptures and works of art by master chocolatiers and contemporary sculptors. With its rich storytelling and hands-on confectionery workshops, this culinary museum is one of the most unique museums to visit for chocolate lovers. Also read: What makes a great chocolate dish? We ask chefs and chocolatiers 6. World Coffee Museum, Vietnam Located in the coffee-growing region of Buon Ma Thuot, this museum houses over 10,000 artefacts spanning coffee's global journey, from traditional coffee grinders to modern brewing equipment. Exhibits follow coffee's essential stages—planting, harvesting, roasting, preserving and enjoying—showing how each step has evolved across cultures and centuries. The museum's architecture reflects its natural setting through curved blocks that evoke traditional Ede long houses and Central Highlands rooftops. Founded by the Trung Nguyen coffee company, the museum has an on-site cafe that serves speciality brews reflecting the styles and techniques explored in the exhibits. Also read: The ultimate bucket list for discerning coffee lovers: 9 best travel destinations to visit 7. Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo, Philippines Manila's tribute to Filipino culinary identity blurs the line between food museum and immersive theatre. Set in a village-like environment with jeepneys and corner sari-sari stores, the experience is like going on a culinary road trip across the archipelago's over 7,000 islands. Watch a dance performance inspired by the Pahiyas Festival, taste local delicacies such as dried fish and puto (steamed rice cake) and try on traditional handwoven costumes. Between activities, snap photos with replicas such as the Chocolate Hills or Mayon Volcano, connecting food traditions to the land that shaped them. Nearly all of the 14 exhibits are constructed from repurposed materials, including used rubber slippers, rubber tires and old car mats. The museum also partners with over 100 micro-, small- and medium-scale businesses across the Philippines, creating a market for their products and connecting urban visitors with rural producers. Also read: All the new restaurants in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2025 8. Southern Food and Beverage Museum, USA This New Orleans landmark doesn't just document Southern cuisine—it deconstructs the historical forces and cultural exchanges that shaped it. From plantation-era cooking traditions born under slavery to the vital role of Black-owned restaurants during the Civil Rights Movement, the museum reveals how food has long been a site of power, resistance and identity in the American South. Exhibits explore the evolution of Cajun and Creole cuisines, the legacy of Louisiana's shrimping industry, and the regional nuances of barbecue. Cooking classes, available through advance booking, offer hands-on opportunities to engage with these traditions. Also housed within the museum is the Museum of the American Cocktail, which traces the storied history and offers a taste of New Orleans' cocktail culture. 9. Museum of Food, Singapore Unlike conventional museums, this mobile museum functions as a roving cultural ambassador, popping up in shops, schools and public spaces. Exhibits showcase traditional kitchen tools such as stone grinders, mooncake moulds and specialised implements behind heritage recipes. Beyond preserving artefacts, the museum brings vintage recipes to life, ensuring Singapore's multicultural food traditions live on through practice. You might find yourself tasting sambals and chutneys, pickling vegetables for achar or wrapping nasi lemak in banana leaves—not just observing history, but living it in this hands-on culinary experience.
Time Out
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This adults-only museum in Melbourne's inner north was just named one of the world's most underrated
Melbourne's cultural crown may have slipped recently, with the news it didn't rank among the global top 20 cities for art and culture (Sydney in fifth?! We were robbed!), but a recent round-up of the world's most underrated museums has put our beloved hometown right back in the spotlight. A poll of Time Out editors from across the globe revealed a list of 11 excellent but under-the-radar museums that warrant some well-deserved recognition. Some are small and incredibly niche, others simply sit in the shadow of bigger institutions – and they're all worth adding to your must-visit list. There's the CupNoodles Museum in Osaka, which – you guessed it! – is a shrine dedicated entirely to the joys of instant noodles. Also making the cut is the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, which not only boasts ginormous dinosaur skeletons, fossils and the bones of a 10.6-metre-long sperm whale, but also has a cool biophilic cliff-like design as part of it's exterior facade. And flying the (freak) flag for Melbourne is none other than the Museum of Desire. Located in Collingwood, this relatively newish spot (it opened in December 2024) is a celebration of all things love, pleasure and sex. Open to curious visitors aged 18-plus, it has 25 interactive spaces that have been specifically designed to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality. We're talking a kissing booth, a ball pit full of boobs and a vast collection of erotic art. If you're feeling particularly frisky, you can finger the 'orgasm harp' to a musical climax or check out the 'Confessions of a Photocopier' installation for some NSFW office antics. The Museum of Desire was joined by two other Aussie representatives: the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, a treasure trove hidden in the grounds of the University of Sydney that houses diverse artefacts from archives of art, historic antiquities and scientific specimens; and MOD in Adelaide, a free, futuristic museum that blends art and science in a super interactive way. So move over Melbourne Museum and the Immigration Museum (kidding, we love you guys), because there's a sexy new addition to Melbourne's world-class museum line-up. And it's bound to get tongues wagging. Here are 11 of the world's most underrated museums, according to Time Out editors:
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
15 Largest Cities in Japan, Ranked by Population
Japan, a country of rich tradition and cutting-edge modernity, is home to some of the most populous cities in the world. From the industrious metropolis of Tokyo to the cultural heritage of Kyoto, the largest cities in Japan offer a unique blend of history, innovation and vibrant local life. Japan's urban centers are hubs of culture, technology and cuisine, attracting millions of visitors and residents alike. Here are the top 15, based on data from World Population Review. The capital and largest city of Japan, Tokyo is a global hot spot for culture, business and technology. Known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets and world-class dining, the city offers endless attractions, including the historic Meiji Shrine, the densely packed Shibuya Crossing and the vibrant Akihabara district. With over 8 million inhabitants, Tokyo's mix of tradition and innovation makes it one of the world's most fascinating cities. Located just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city and a major port. Known for its beautiful Minato Mirai waterfront district, Chinatown and the Cup Noodles Museum, the city combines modern attractions with a laid-back atmosphere. Osaka, in the Kansai region, is known for its vibrant food scene (like many of the major cities in Japan), buzzing nightlife and welcoming culture. Landmarks like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan make it a popular destination. The city's nickname, "The Nation's Kitchen," reflects its culinary prowess. Nagoya, an industrial powerhouse, is Japan's automotive hub, home to Toyota and other major manufacturers. The city features attractions like Nagoya Castle, the Atsuta Shrine and the futuristic SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, showcasing its blend of history and technology. The largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is famous for its beer, ramen and annual Snow Festival. The city offers access to stunning natural landscapes and is a gateway to skiing and other outdoor adventures. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city known for its Kobe beef from Wagyu cattle and stunning views. Attractions like the Kobe Harborland, Nunobiki Herb Garden and the Ikuta Shrine highlight its charm. Kyoto, Japan's former capital, is renowned for its traditional culture, historic temples and beautiful gardens. Landmarks like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district attract visitors seeking a glimpse into Japan's past. Located on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a vibrant city known for its food stalls (yatai), historic temples and modern shopping districts. The city's close proximity to Korea and China has made it a cultural and trade gateway for centuries Part of the Greater Tokyo Area, Kawasaki is known for its industrial base and cultural attractions such as the Kawasaki Daishi Temple and the Nihon Minkaen, an open-air museum with preserved buildings from the Edo Period. Located north of Tokyo, Saitama is a growing city known for its cultural attractions, including the Railway Museum and the Saitama Super Arena. Its suburban feel and proximity to the capital make it a popular place to live. Hiroshima is a city of history and resilience, known worldwide for its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorate the 1945 atomic bombing. The nearby Itsukushima Shrineon Miyajima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Japan's enduring beauty. The largest city in the Tohoku region, with a population of just over 1 million people, Sendai is known as the "City of Trees" for its lush greenery. Attractions like Zuihōden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins and the Tanabata Festival highlight its rich culture and history. Located in northern Kyushu, Kitakyushu is an industrial city with a rich history. Its attractions include the Mojiko Retro district, Kokura Castle and the Kanmon Straits, offering a mix of culture and stunning views. Part of the Greater Tokyo Area, Chiba is home to Tokyo Disneyland and the Chiba Port Tower. The city is also known for its large convention centers and easy access to Narita International Airport, making it a key gateway for travelers. Located near Osaka, Sakai is a city with deep historical roots, known for its kofun (ancient burial mounds) and traditional crafts like knife-making. The city's mix of heritage and modern development makes it an intriguing destination in the Kansai region. We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor. Original article: 15 Largest Cities in Japan, Ranked by Population Copyright © 2025 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
