Dio Asahi

Steaming plate of Penang Char Kway Teow served on a white dish atop rustic wood, featuring wok-seared flat rice noodles and thin egg noodles glazed in dark soy sauce, tossed with shrimp, sliced chicken, mushrooms, and scallions—capturing the smoky depth and layered textures of Malaysia’s legendary street food.

The Legendary Penang Char Kway Teow: A Culinary Journey

October 25, 2025

The air in Penang is thick with anticipation, carrying the sounds and smells of Malaysian street food being crafted with expert care. Your attention is captured by one of the many street vendors, a master standing before a seasoned wok glowing over an intense fire. The rhythmic clanging of metal on metal is the soundtrack…

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Group of friends sharing a variety of dishes at a round table, capturing the warmth and togetherness of communal dining in Asia.

Communal Dining Traditions in Asia: Shared Meals, Lasting Bonds, and Cultural Heritage

October 18, 2025

Imagine a dining table crowded with large platters of steaming food, the smell of spices in the air, small bowls arranged neatly around the shared table, and laughter echoing across the room. Across Asia, dining tables play a central role in communal dining traditions, serving as the focal point for etiquette, social interaction, and the…

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Overhead view of a bowl of Cao Lầu noodles, a Hoi An specialty with Japanese roots, featuring thick rice noodles, crispy fried tofu, fresh lettuce, and bean sprouts, served in a blue-and-white ceramic bowl with wooden chopsticks resting on top, set against a bamboo mat backdrop evoking traditional Vietnamese dining aesthetics.

Cao Lầu Noodles: Hoi An’s Legendary Noodle Dish with Japanese Origins

October 11, 2025

Imagine sitting on a low stool in a bustling alleyway of Hoi An’s ancient town. The warm, fragrant air is thick with the scent of sizzling marinated pork, fresh herbs, and the unmistakable aroma of fish sauce and fried rice crackers. In front of you, a bowl of Cao Lau noodles gleams, their golden brown…

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Vibrant Gujarati thali served on a rustic wooden table, featuring an array of plant-based dishes in gleaming metal bowls—creamy lentil dal, spiced potato curry, okra stir-fry, paneer in tomato gravy, eggplant masala, and fragrant white rice topped with coriander. Accompanied by chapati, papad, raita, pickles, and gulab jamun, this traditional Western Indian feast celebrates balance, flavor, and cultural richness in every bite.

Gujarati Thali Guide: Western India’s Plant-Based Feast

October 2, 2025

Imagine a large, gleaming steel plate arriving at your table, a vibrant constellation of small bowls each filled with colourful and fragrant preparations. In the centre, fluffy plain rice sits next to a pile of wafer-thin, ghee-brushed Indian bread. This isn’t just an Indian meal; it’s a traditional Gujarati thali, an immersive culinary journey through…

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