Latest news with #one-Michelin-starred
Vogue Singapore
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
At Wakuda, a modern omakase experience converging art, cuisine and culture unfolds
The wonders of Japanese cuisine need no explanation nor reason to indulge in. Omakase , a revered fine dining experience showcasing the freshest ingredients and spectacular craftsmanship, however, often calls for a special occasion. At Wakuda, the omakase experience is redefined through modern twists, unveiling an artfully contemporary yet approachable take on Japanese cuisine. Whether it be date night, a celebratory dinner or just a casual soirée, the well-established restaurant is an ideal spot for all to savour the flavour of the seasons. Wakuda's stunning interiors are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture and designed by the globally renowned Rockwell Group and Japanese artist Jun Inoue. Courtesy of Wakuda A gorgeous saloon nestled in the iconic Marina Bay Sands , Wakuda's interiors are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. Designed by the globally renowned Rockwell Group and Japanese artist Jun Inoue, guests are in for a visual treat the instant they step into the intricately designed space. Take in the Kumiki details , a time-honoured Japanese woodcraft featured throughout the restaurant, as well as the majestic wood facade on its exterior. Artisanship lies at the heart of Wakuda, permeating every corner from the design to the delectable menu. Founded by Chef Tetsuya Wakuda of one-Michelin-starred Waku Ghin, Wakuda reconceives conventional Japanese dining with contemporary flair, without forgoing the essence and expertise of tradition. At Wakuda, premium ingredients are flown in from various prefectures of Japan. Courtesy of Wakuda Tuck into Wakuda's signature 15-course sushi omakase menu, specially curated by head chef Pavel Nigai and sushi master Daniel Tan. With premium ingredients flown in from various prefectures of Japan, Wakuda's prized produce also include umibudo (sea grapes) and mozuku (seaweed) from Okinawa, as well as Tasmanian ocean trout and ora king salmon from New Zealand. Feeling a little more indulgent? Opt for the 17-course omakase menu, including sake and wine pairings curated by their in-house sommelier, drawing from the restaurant's robust sake collection as well as a carefully crafted cocktail selection inspired by Japanese flavours and ingredients. Wakuda is home to a robust sake collection as well as a carefully crafted cocktail selection inspired by Japanese flavours and ingredients. Courtesy of Wakuda All this takes place in the restaurant's private omakase room—tucked away for a more intimate dining experience as you soak in the atmosphere and watch your dishes come to life before you. As you bask in the resplendent ambiance and embark on a feast for all your senses, it might strike you that for a truly special night—there is nowhere better you could be. Wakuda, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 2, Lobby, 018956
Asahi Shimbun
26-05-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Airlines diversify in-flight meals to cater to growing passenger base
Chef Masaki Hashimoto, center, poses for a photo in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on March 6, with Air Canada executives to present the new Japanese in-flight meals for the airline, for which he served as a supervisor. (Kenta Nakamura) Diners wanting a premium Japanese 'kaiseki' cuisine worthy of a Michelin star are getting their desires fulfilled high in the skies over the Pacific. Air Canada's Signature Class passengers departing and arriving in Japan since March can feast on a meal featuring simmered 'kinmedai' (alfonsinos), 'hamo' (dagger-tooth pike conger) skin marinated in sweetened vinegar and soba noodles infused with green tea. The dish was supervised by a one-Michelin-starred Japanese head chef based in Toronto. Air Canada has offered Japanese in-flight meals in the past, but it is the first time for the airline to serve a menu created by a Japanese chef. Scott O'Leary, vice president in charge of customer services and other aspects, said that the company invests to improve in-flight experiences for its passengers and that the quality of meals is as important as the conditions of the seats and the aircraft itself. Air Canada designs its meals and services consistent with airport lounges and other facilities as part of efforts to improve the overall quality of airline services to expand its loyal customer base, he added. IMPROVING IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE Air Canada is among airlines offering all possible options to win over passengers with in-flight meals, which are also increasingly diversified as the number of inbound tourists grows. Fares for flights departing and arriving in Japan remain high because of increased air travel demand, rising fuel costs and other factors. For both All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA) and Japan Airlines Co. (JAL), the average spending per international passenger has risen by about 50 percent from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While inbound tourists benefit from the weak yen, there is a growing need for high-quality trips meriting the price tag, according to a high-ranking member of a major foreign airline. The situation shows that passengers are also slowly becoming luxury-minded when it comes to in-flight meals. In addition, airlines are serving a wide variety of menu options to cater to more diversified dietary habits in recent years. Air Canada serves 12 "special meals," including those conforming to religious regulations, prepared for vegans and meeting other preferences. ANA and JAL also offer more than 20 meal options each in an aim to increase the satisfaction levels of their customers by providing more choices. "Eating habits are increasingly diversified on a global level. We will enrich the options for our customers," an ANA representative said. REDUCING FOOD LOSS Furthermore, such efforts lead to reducing food loss and waste. Because some passengers have meals in airport lounges before boarding or sleep through their flights, in-flight meals are often left unserved. Untouched meals and leftovers cannot be reused because they must be incinerated upon arrival for quarantine reasons. According to an estimate by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other authorities, airlines generate 3.6 million tons of cabin and catering waste globally annually. Of this, uneaten in-flight meals account for about 18 percent, or approximately 650,000 tons. It led JAL to start the Meal Skip Option service for all its international routes in 2022, allowing passengers to select the option to cancel in-flight meals when they book their flights. "Some passengers who couldn't eat regular in-flight meals for various reasons now make reservations for what they can eat and finish eating it all, and the number of meals disposed of has dropped," a JAL representative said. The airline intends to reduce the disposal rate for in-flight meals from 4.4 percent in the business year that ended in March 2024 to less than 4.3 percent in the current business year. ANA also launched the similar No Thank You Option service in 2023. The company has incorporated a service to accept advance reservations for sandwiches and other snacks to reduce leftovers. It also utilizes artificial intelligence to forecast the suitable number of meals to be loaded on each flight. ANA has set a goal of lowering the disposal rate for food including snacks served in airport lounges from 4.3 percent in the business year that ended in March 2024 to 3.8 percent or less in the business year ending in March 2031 and to 2.3 percent or less in the business year ending in March 2051. The airline recycles 100 percent of food scraps generated while preparing in-flight meals to produce compost and other materials.
CNA
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
This fine-dining restaurant chef started a tea drinks stall to build his ‘own dream' instead of other people's
At prettily designed stall Cha Mulan in Bedok Food Centre and Market, former fine-dining restaurant chef Kenneth Teo, 30, hawks wholesome Chinese tea drinks. While it's served in cute cups reminiscent of those from bubble tea shops, this isn't your typical bubble tea – there are no tapioca pearls or popping boba here. Instead, think of it as tong shui (Cantonese-style soupy desserts) with TCM benefits plus tea in a cup, offering a similar sip-and-chew experience with nourishing ingredients like goji berries, peach gum, poached pears and snow fungus. But like bubble tea, the sugar level here is customisable. Teo is a culinary school grad (he declined to name the school) who worked at establishments like one-Michelin-starred mod Korean restaurant NAE:UM and award-winning NEL Restaurant in Sydney, for about five years. "I like the Disney character Mulan," Teo shared, referring to his stall's name which was inspired by Chinese folk heroine Hua Mulan. "I envision my company to be like her: Aesthetic, but also very strong in nature." WHY BECOME A DRINK STALL HAWKER? "I 100 per cent enjoyed being a chef at high-end places," Teo asserted. "The people I crossed paths with were the most talented individuals, all highly motivated to push limits. I always felt I could achieve anything when I was with them." Despite thriving in fine-dining, Teo's perspective shifted later. "Hawker centre culture has always excited me," he explained. Perhaps the fact that Teo's grandfather used to operate a yong tau foo stall in Bedok North, Ah Joo Handmade Fish Ball, now run by his uncles, also helped motivate him to become a hawker. He used to help make fish balls and yong tau foo at the stall when he was in school. "Hawkers are the heart and soul of Singapore's culinary heritage," he added. WANTS TO BE HIS OWN BOSS, SPOOKED BY MUM'S RETRENCHMENT IN THE PAST Inspired by his girlfriend's love for bubble tea, Teo wanted to create a healthier alternative, which sparked Cha Mulan's concept. "These aren't your typical pearls," he explained. "We use peach gum – a natural collagen that grows in peach trees. It's well absorbed by our bodies, and kids love the texture." His career change was also driven by practical concerns. "My mum was retrenched when I was young. That experience taught me that I never want to face job insecurity," Teo shared. "Building other people's dreams is never a long-term goal. Building your own dream is always the end goal." "The Singapore government encourages entrepreneurship, and there are grants available. The hawker community has a true kampong spirit – everyone is willing to try new things and support each other." In October 2024, Teo opened his first stall at Bedok Food Centre and Market, originally called The Flower Mulan. A chance encounter would soon transform his solo venture into a far more ambitious partnership. ACCIDENTAL PARTNERSHIP AND STALL EXPANSION Enter Teo's business partner, the marketing savvy Josiah Tan, 33. "I was having kway chap at Bedok Food Centre when I saw an uncle take a drink sample from Kenneth's stall. Within 10 seconds, without even checking the price, the uncle said, 'gei wo yi bei' [give me one cup in Mandarin]," recalled Tan. Intrigued, he tried a sample himself and was won over. The SMU business management and marketing graduate launched a business consulting firm focused on helping SMEs grow in his second year of university and ran it for almost a decade. He has since stepped back from that business, which his partner continues to run. Why the pivot to owning a hawker brand? Tan said his grandparents used to run a chicken rice stall, working gruelling hours in sweltering heat. "My grandmother would turn to neighbouring stalls for a cup of Coke to seek relief from the intense heat," Tan recalled. "By 38, she developed diabetes. Back then, people didn't understand the long-term implications of these seemingly harmless daily habits." Her condition progressively worsened, leading to two amputations. "Her soul and zest for life were sucked out because of diabetes," he said softly. "What if, 40 or 50 years ago, the stall behind hers wasn't selling sugary drinks, but a healthier alternative like our tea where you can control sugar levels? That's one of the biggest reasons I'm doing this," Tan emphasised. "Beyond just making money, we want to provide drinks that can contribute to people's well-being." TWO WEEKS TO FORM BUSINESS 'MARRIAGE' Tan reached out to Teo via Instagram and met him four days after first sipping his drinks. "Our values are aligned. I was the one chasing him," Josiah laughed. "It took about two weeks to chase him, and then we got married together business-wise, which was much faster than me chasing my wife!" Tan invested a "sizeable amount" from his savings to join the business, though he's reluctant to reveal exactly how much. "Enough to go on many, many holidays," he quipped. With his marketing background, he helped repackage and rebrand the concept, tweaking the brand to a catchier "Cha Mulan", and creating product names, while Teo focuses on the recipes. TONG SHUI IN A CUP Prices range from S$4.90 to S$5.90 a cup, with eight base ingredients to choose from. For example, there's the Cleanse Mulan, which comes with poached pear and silky snow fungus. The pear is simmered with lemon and ginger for over eight hours – an old-school remedy for respiratory issues like coughs and colds inspired by Teo's grandparents' recipe. "The Cleanse Mulan is my mum's personal favourite," Tan laughed. "She has trouble with constipation. After she drank that, wah, qing qing (smooth in Mandarin)!" After selecting a base, customers can choose from three teas: Artisan White Peach Oolong, Artisan Osmanthus Oolong, or the Artisan Tea of the Day – all brewed on-site using tea leaves from China. Next comes the option to customise sugar levels, which range from 0 to 100 per cent (they recommend 50 per cent), followed by a choice of ice levels to suit your preference. OPENING SHOP AT JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT SOON Since opening the first stall in October 2024 at Bedok Hawker Centre, Cha Mulan has already expanded to Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Marine Parade and Bukit Merah. While the business is growing steadily, Tan admitted they haven't broken even on their initial investment yet. He clarified that while they are sole brand owners of Cha Mulan, they aren't direct owners of all the outlets. Instead, he said they partner with stall owners who run the various outlets under the Cha Mulan name. "Our goal is to bring Cha Mulan to as many people as possible – across Asia, including Malaysia and China," he boldly declared, adding that they are open to franchising. Cha Mulan is opening two more outlets within the next few months, this time beyond hawker centres: A standalone shop in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, and more impressively, a kiosk at Jewel Changi Airport in July. "This isn't just a business," Tan emphasised. "It's a mission inspired by a deeply personal family story."
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
FACT's favourite places to celebrate Easter 2025 in Dubai
These Easter brunches will ensure an egg-stra special Easter weekend across the UAE. Easter brunch is a delightful tradition, creating a celebratory and relaxed meal to mark the holiday. It's a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy Easter egg hunts and family fun. These are the best places to celebrate Easter in Dubai. Armani Hotel Dubai Celebrate Easter in true Armani style with a five-course set menu at the one-Michelin-starred Armani/Ristorante. Crafted by Head Chef Giovanni, the menu features Carota (a puffed carrot bun with Krystal caviar and sour cream), Capasanta (Hokkaido scallop crudo with green asparagus and strawberry) and Ravioli in Verde (handmade ravioli filled with herbs, sheep ricotta, green peas, and purple prawn). The main course includes Rombo Chiodato (wild turbot served with fennel, radicchio, and spiced buttermilk sauce) and Coniglio (rabbit loin paired with shallot paste, confit rhubarb, and fruit mustard jus). Available from 19 to 21 April, from 6:30pm to 11:30pm. AED 650 per person (five-course set menu). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. This Easter Sunday, elevate your celebrations with a sky-high brunch experience at CÉ LA VI Dubai. Gather with friends and family for an afternoon of Pan Asian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and views of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa. The set menu features signature dishes and Easter desserts and is accompanied by live entertainment and a touch of sparkle courtesy of glitter face artists. Sunday, 20 April from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 390 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages) and AED 690 (champagne). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. City Social Dubai This Easter, gather with loved ones for an elegant celebration at City Social, where celebrity Chef Jason Atherton presents a family-friendly feast with stunning Dubai Marina views. Savour fresh Brittany Oysters, Chicken Karaage, and Smoked Salmon Blini, followed by Josper-grilled Beetroot Salad, Oak-smoked Burrata and Parmesan Rice. For mains, choose from signature roasts such as USDA Prime Sirloin, Mediterranean Seabass, or Miso Barley-grilled Baby chicken, served with Yorkshire Puddings, Beef Fat Potatoes, and Creamy Mash. End on a sweet note with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Vanilla Basque Cheesecake. Sunday, 20 April from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. AED 295 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. The FACT award-winning Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers a Sunday Roast rooted in British culinary history this Easter. Begin with signature starters like the iconic Meat Fruit before indulging in a traditional roast with a twist—choose from Hereford Sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish cream, Roast Chicken with veal and herb stuffing, or the Roast Cauliflower with Truffle Sauce. To finish, a special Easter dessert features coconut pannacotta, mango yolk, and passionfruit. Sunday 20 April from 12pm to 3pm. AED 495 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Fairmont The Palm Celebrate Easter in style with a spectacular brunch at Fairmont The Palm's Flow Kitchen, where a selection of gourmet dishes awaits. Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with festive entertainment, including face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny, live music, a bubble show, and balloon art. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages) and AED 550 (bubbly). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Celebrate the season of renewal with an exquisite Easter Brunch at Jou Jou Brasserie inside the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The lavish buffet showcases signature mains such as roasted Beef and Lamb, Salt-crusted Canary Seabass and Torta Pasqualina, a Ligurian-style ricotta and spinach pie. Freshly handcrafted pastas and risottos will be served alongside artisanal cheeses and Easter desserts. Younger guests can enjoy dedicated Easter entertainment. Available on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. AED 485 (soft beverages) and AED 715 (house beverages). GO: Follow @joujoudubai on Instagram for more information. Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen Celebrate Easter at Atlantis, The Palm, where the traditional Sunday roast takes centre stage at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen & Bar. Perfect for a family gathering, this Easter feast features a generous three-course menu starting with sharing-style appetisers, followed by a choice of roasted beef, chicken or lamb. End on a sweet note with timeless British desserts like sticky toffee pudding and strawberry trifle. From arts and crafts and cookie decorating to an exciting egg hunt, bouncy castle, and a visit from the Easter Bunny, children can enjoy plenty of Easter fun. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. AED 275 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Gather your loved ones for a flavour-packed Easter at Kitchen6, the all-day dining destination inside JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Expect a generous spread featuring global flavours, hearty seasonal favourites, and celebratory sweet treats – all served in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for Middle Eastern mezze, Asian wok-fried delights, or a traditional roast with all the trimmings, the Easter buffet promises something for every palate. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 235 (soft beverages) and AED 350 (house beverages). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. One&Only Royal Mirage Soak up the sunshine and savour the flavours of South America at Beach Bar & Grill by Mauro Colagreco this Easter. Set on timber decks with sweeping views of Palm Island Bay, this refined yet relaxed seaside brunch offers chargrilled octopus, zesty ceviche and golden empanadas. Little ones will be enchanted with pony and camel rides, a petting zoo, an Easter egg hunt, and upbeat live music. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 550 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. One&Only The Palm Gather your loved ones for a family brunch at ZEST on Easter Sunday. Set against the backdrop of lush gardens and serene pool views, the menu is Italian-inspired and features dishes like Pumpkin Soup with Black Caviar, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, Polpo All Luciana, Spezzatino di Vitello con Polenta, and Prawn Bisque. Enjoy live entertainment as you dine al fresco on the sun-kissed terrace or inside the elegant dining room. Sunday, 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 545 (house beverages) and AED 695 (premium beverages). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Sofitel Dubai The Palm Celebrate Easter at Manava, Sofitel Dubai The Palm's vibrant garden terrace brunch filled with gourmet dining, festive cocktails, live music, and family-friendly fun. Feast on live cooking stations, an indulgent Seafood Bar with poached lobster, oysters, and prawns, an Easter Egg Station with truffle egg cocotte and eggs benedict, and a carvery featuring roasted lamb leg and glazed turkey crown. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, a bouncy castle, face painting, and a magic show for kids. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 400 (soft beverages) and AED 525 (house beverages). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Prepare for an Easter Sunday celebration at Palm Kitchen inside Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, where a family-friendly brunch awaits. Indulge in a lavish buffet featuring a fresh seafood bar, live carving stations, international classics, vibrant Indian specialities, and a decadent dessert corner. Little ones can look forward to an exciting Easter egg hunt, face painting, arts and crafts, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 499 (house beverages). GO: Call 04 275 4444 for reservations and more information. The Beam Gather with family and friends for a relaxed and elegant lunch at The Beam by Nick Alvis on Easter Sunday. With its breezy bistro-style setting and neighbourhood charm, The Beam offers the perfect backdrop for a joyful afternoon in the spring sunshine. Enjoy a menu of sharing-style starters, hearty mains, and nostalgic desserts — from Smoked Salmon with avocado and pickled chilli to Garlic-Studded Leg of Lamb, Sea Bream with saffron cream, and a sweet finish of Hot Cross Bun and Butter Pudding. Plus, there will be an Easter egg hunt in the garden. Sunday 20 April from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages), AED 450 (sparkling beverages) and AED 650 (champagne package). GO: Email Call 04 316 5555 for reservations and more information. The Croft Dubai's much-loved British gastropub at Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites will celebrate Easter with a family-friendly brunch. Expect a Sunday Roast with hearty helpings, an Easter egg hunt, face painting, a roaming magician and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Sunday 20 April from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 150 (food only) or AED 245 (three-course set menu with three hours of free-flowing beverages). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, blends timeless family traditions with exhilarating Easter celebrations. Head to Caravan for the Easter Mega Brunch, which includes an Easter egg hunt in the resort gardens. The afternoon soiree features a bountiful buffet, live cooking stations, a dedicated kids' area, appearances by the Easter Bunny and gifting. AED 595 (soft beverages), AED 750 (house beverages), AED 895 (sparkling) and AED 245 (children aged four to 12 years). Sunday 31 March, from 12pm to 4pm. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Celebrate Easter the Italian Way with a special sharing brunch at TOTÓ. Indulge in a rustic yet refined feast featuring savoury classics like Impepata di Cozze, Pasqualina, Supplì al Telefono and Torta Verde, followed by hearty mains including Agnello Ligure, Lasagna, Polpettone in Umido, and Risotto Asparagi e Vongole. End on a sweet note with the Colomba cake served with mascarpone cream. Sunday 20 April from 12pm to 3pm. AED 320 (soft beverages), AED 475 (house beverages) and AED 585 (premium beverages). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Celebrate Easter in style with a luxurious weekend getaway at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Kick off the festivities on 19 April with the vibrant Bunnies & Barbies beachfront party, featuring a live DJ and gourmet bites. On Easter Sunday, you can enjoy a lavish Easter Brunch at Lexington Grill & Bar, complete with family-style dishes, BBQ stations, and a classic lamb carving. For a more elegant affair, indulge in an Easter-themed Afternoon Tea at Camelia Lounge, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savoury treats. GO: Visit for reservations and more information.
Japan Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Air Canada has a new 'kaiseki'-inspired menu
Riding high on the wave of travel to Japan, Air Canada has enlisted a Michelin-starred chef for the first time to develop Japanese kaiseki (multicourse Japanese haute cuisine) to be served in its Signature Class (formerly known as International Business Class). Created by chef Masaki Hashimoto, who runs the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto in Toronto, the new in-flight menu was officially launched on March 3. It will be available on routes between Canada and Japan. At a March 6 tasting event in Tokyo for the new in-flight menu, Mark Nasr, Air Canada's executive vice president of marketing and digital, says the new offering 'allows us to bring a real Japanese experience (to customers) from the moment their trip starts.'
