Chris Infotainment

A ripe jackfruit tumbling into a pond turned into a free buffet, drawing a school of grass carp that swarmed in to devour it. No feast was planned, but the pond jolted alive when a ripe jackfruit fell into the water and instantly became the center of attention for a school of grass carp. Only a few fish drifted over to sample the fruit at first, but news of a free meal spread quickly. Soon an entire school gathered, with fish crowding in, one pushing past another for a share. Chunks of yellow jackfruit floated on the surface, sending ripples across the water with every bite and turning the pond into a lively spectacle. With no feed and no human involvement, nature delivered a surprise change of menu for the day. The fish competing over the fruit made the scene feel like an impromptu party, leaving the pond buzzing as if it were a festival. A Unique Natural Encounter This unexpected event highlights how wildlife can adapt and react to new opportunities in their environment. Gras...

Experiences to Try in Hong Kong A Culinary Collaboration Between France and China Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, located in the heart of Hong Kong, recently welcomed a special guest from Beijing—Li Zhanxu of Qu Lang Yuan. This two-night residency brought together the talents of Li, whose restaurant is nestled in a tranquil courtyard in the historic Dongsi Hutong district, and Anne-Sophie Pic, the renowned French chef behind the Hong Kong outpost. The collaboration created a unique blend of French and Chinese culinary traditions, showcasing a poetic dialogue through food. The menu featured a seamless integration of techniques, with Pic’s signature comte berlingots infused with oolong tea and Alsatian venison paired with black garlic. This event was a sophisticated exploration of cross-border gastronomy, offering diners a texturally rich experience that highlighted the best of both worlds. The venue, situated on the 44th floor of Gloucester Tower in Landmark, can be booked through c...

A Centenarian's Bold Approach to Food Despite being 100 years old and having lost all her teeth, Zhong Wenyu continues to enjoy a wide range of foods from traditional dishes to bubble tea, cola, coffee, and ice cream. Her unique lifestyle has captured the attention of many, especially on social media platforms. Zhong, a resident of Shanghai, recently celebrated her 100th birthday in September. Her daily life is documented by her granddaughter, Xiaodan, who was born in the 1990s. Xiaodan shares these moments on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu under the account "100-year-old Sister Zhong." Her journey to fame began last year when a video of her eating hairy crab went viral. Xiaodan shared her thoughts on why she started documenting her grandmother's life. "My grandmother is a very unique person and lives quite differently from most elderly people, so I wanted to record these interesting moments," she said. She added that she didn't expect so m...

Phu Quoc Night Market to Temporarily Halt Operations Duong Dong Night Market, a bustling hub in Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is set to suspend operations after the Lunar New Year holiday. This decision comes as part of efforts to improve urban management and ensure smoother traffic flow in the area. On January 9, local authorities confirmed that traders at Bach Dang Night Market, also known as Duong Dong, will be allowed to operate until February 28. This date corresponds to the 12th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Tet holiday period. The decision was made to support small traders who have already prepared goods for the upcoming Tet celebrations, which begin on February 17. The market has long been a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of food, souvenirs, and entertainment. It features over 100 stalls and is considered one of the best places to experience local life on the island. Despite its popularity, the market has...

A Historic Winery's Journey to Hong Kong In May 1976, the wine world experienced a seismic shift. At a blind tasting in Paris, later known as the Judgment of Paris, a panel of French judges unknowingly shattered the belief in Gallic superiority. The catalyst was a 1973 Chardonnay from Château Montelena. When the scores were announced, this California bottle outperformed some of the finest white Burgundies, including a Meursault Charmes and a Bâtard-Montrachet. This moment, often referred to as the "shot heard round the world," transformed the Napa Valley from a local curiosity into a global powerhouse. Fifty years later, the estate that orchestrated this historic win is making its debut in Hong Kong. On January 18, Château Montelena will bring its legacy and impressive cellar to Lai Ching Heen for a dinner that promises to be both educational and indulgent. To truly appreciate the wine, one must understand the land it comes from. Château Montelena is located on the no...

A Guide to Hong Kong’s Festive Season: Events and Takeaway Menus As the year draws to a close, Hong Kong is alive with a variety of events and culinary delights that promise to make the holiday season unforgettable. From traditional feasts to unconventional twists on classic dishes, there's something for everyone this festive season. Cultural Celebrations and Artistic Displays One of the highlights of the season is the "Simple Gifts of Joy" celebration at Tai Kwun, which runs until January 4. This event features "Circus Plays," a program that brings in high-caliber international circus acts. Among the performances are the Asia premiere of The Genesis from Denmark and the Hong Kong premiere of Spiral Slide from the United States. In a more philanthropic twist, Upper House has partnered with artist Cj Hendry and auction house Phillips to create an art-led tree. The installation consists of 200 oversized plush green "juju" toys, each "adoptabl...

Indonesia's Culinary Excellence on the Global Stage Indonesia has made a significant mark in the world of cuisine by securing the 10th position on TasteAtlas's list of the world's 100 best cuisines this year. This achievement places Indonesia at the top among Southeast Asian countries, highlighting its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Vietnamese cuisine follows closely behind Indonesia, claiming the second spot in the region. Thailand is next in line, showcasing the strong culinary presence of Southeast Asia on the global map. In contrast, Singapore and Laos found themselves near the bottom of the ranking, which was determined based on an impressive number of 590,228 valid ratings for 18,912 different foods in TasteAtlas's extensive database. Iconic Dishes to Try TasteAtlas recommends that visitors explore some of Indonesia's most iconic dishes to fully experience its culinary diversity. Among these are: Nasi Padang : A traditional Indonesian meal consisti...

McDonald's Reverts to Plastic Lids After Customer Backlash McDonald's has reversed its decision to replace plastic coffee lids with a more eco-friendly alternative, just months after introducing the change. The fast-food giant initially made headlines last year when it decided to phase out its black plastic lids in favor of a moulded fibre option. However, the move backfired, leading to widespread customer complaints and ultimately prompting the company to abandon the initiative. The switch to the new lids was part of McDonald’s broader sustainability goals, including a commitment to reduce material usage across its packaging by 30% by 2030. The company had launched the new lids in January, aiming to contribute to its "closing the loop on waste" strategy. Despite this, customers quickly voiced their dissatisfaction, citing several issues with the new design. One major concern was the perceived lack of security of the paper-like lids. Employees reported that some cu...

Bun bo Nam Bo (Southern-style beef noodle) has been ranked 81st, while pho bo (beef noodle soup) came in at 83rd in the list of 100 Best Dishes in the world for 2026, as published by an international food magazine. This recognition highlights the global appeal of Vietnamese cuisine and its deep roots in local traditions. The southern Vietnamese beef noodle dish is a traditional favorite that features a combination of beef, rice vermicelli, garlic, and fresh herbs and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and bean sprouts. It has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5, reflecting its popularity among food lovers around the world. Bun bo Nam Bo (Southern-style beef noodle). Photo by TasteAtlas The dish is typically served in bowls where the noodles, vegetables, and herbs are arranged neatly. The beef is stir-fried and placed on top before being garnished with peanuts and shallots, adding both texture and flavor to the meal. Pho bo, the beef-based variant of pho, also made it i...

Chefs United for Tai Po Six chefs from Jia Group restaurants - Ando, Mono, Louise, 22 Ships, Leela and Estro - are coming together for a seven-course charity dinner featuring an exclusive selection of rare wines by the bottle. Tickets are HK$3,888 per person with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Hong Kong Red Cross. The event will take place on December 9, from 6pm at Louise, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. To book, go to sevenrooms.com/experiences/louise. Top Swop The vintage and second-hand clothes swap event series is donating all ticket proceeds from its upcoming swap on December 13 and 14 at Eaton HK's cocktail bar, Terrible Baby, to the Hong Kong Red Cross disaster relief fund. Entry is HK$85 presale or HK$100 at the door. This event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to exchange clothing items while supporting a noble cause. The swap will be held on December 13-14, 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan. For details, visit topswop.club. Friendsmas A...

Eating sweet fruits such as mango, jackfruit, longan and durian can have an impact on liver health, especially when consumed in large quantities. These fruits are naturally high in fructose, a type of sugar that the liver processes. When the body is exposed to excessive amounts of fructose over time, it places additional stress on the liver, which must work harder to metabolize this sugar into energy or store it as fat. This process can lead to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In turn, this condition can cause elevated liver enzymes, which are often detected during blood tests. Individuals who are already at risk—such as those who are overweight, have high blood lipids, or suffer from diabetes—are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Sliced mango cubes on gray surface. Illustration photo by Pexels A typical serving of sweet fruit, around 200–300 grams, provides approximately 150–250 kcal, equivalent to a...

A Culinary Journey Through Sarawak's Wild Flavors Marian Chin, a scholar and researcher from Kuching, Malaysia, has dedicated her life to documenting the rich biodiversity of her homeland. Her work has now taken her beyond the borders of Sarawak, bringing the unique flavors of the East Malaysian state to Hong Kong for the first time. "Come, I want you to have a look at my office," says Marian Chin as she steps into her kitchen and pantry in Kuching, Sarawak. Every shelf is lined with jars and bottles of herbs, spices, preserves, and other indigenous foods found only in the jungle of the East Malaysia state. These are not just ingredients; they are a testament to the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Sarawak. Sarawak, located in the northwest of the island Borneo, is home to rainforests, rivers, jungles, and more than 30 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct dialects, cultures, and traditions in foraging for sustenance. Though Chin often knows of the ingredients ...

The Science of Starvation: Understanding the Body's Response Hunger exists on a spectrum, ranging from food insecurity to complete starvation. At its core, it is a complex interplay of physiological and psychological processes that affect individuals in profound ways. When food becomes scarce, the body begins to adjust, first by reducing meal frequency, then by consuming its own reserves. This process starts with a drop in energy levels, followed by the breakdown of fat and eventually muscle. As critical organs begin to fail, the risk of death increases significantly. In regions like Gaza and Sudan, thousands of children under five and pregnant or lactating women are currently experiencing acute malnutrition. In Sudan, conflict and restricted humanitarian access have pushed millions to the brink of starvation, with famine warnings growing more urgent daily. To understand the science behind starvation, we turned to nutritionists Ola Anabtawi and Berta Valente, who explained what ...

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Tradition Nguyen Hue, a bustling street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is set to transform into a vibrant "flower street" for eight days during the Lunar New Year. This annual event, which has become a cherished tradition, will feature not only an array of colorful flowers but also food stalls, marking a new addition to the festivities. City authorities have announced that the event will open to the public at 7 p.m. on February 15 and will continue until February 22. The celebration will be spread across both sides of Nguyen Hue Street and at its intersection with Le Loi Street. Organizers are planning to set up nearly 50 food booths, offering a wide variety of local delicacies to visitors. The Lunar New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, is the most significant festival in the country, and the "flower street" event has evolved into a cultural hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City. Last year, the street attracted over 1.2 million visit...

As the floodwaters begin to recede, the needs of affected communities are shifting from immediate sustenance to essential items that support long-term recovery and dignity. While food remains a priority, there is a growing recognition that other supplies—such as gas stoves, dry clothing, medicines, and hygiene products—are equally vital in preventing disease and restoring normalcy. In Hanoi, Thanh Ly, a 40-year-old woman, took it upon herself to address this need. When she heard about a relief truck heading to Phu Yen, she gathered warm clothes with her friends and carefully sorted them by age and gender. Rather than purchasing common relief items like instant noodles or bottled water, she spent VND5 million (US$200) on sanitary pads and 100 pairs of underwear. Her decision was met with resistance from her husband, who questioned whether people in such dire circumstances would care about “private matters.” He also worried that sending such items could lead to criticism or even reluct...

A Vibrant Culinary Destination Vinh Khanh Street in Ho Chi Minh City has gained international recognition as one of the world's 31 coolest streets, according to a British magazine. This bustling street is known for its numerous seafood grills that line both sides, offering an array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Located approximately 2.5 kilometers from Ben Thanh Market, the street is filled with hundreds of sidewalk restaurants serving various types of seafood, including oysters, lobsters, sushi, and snails. The atmosphere on Vinh Khanh Street is lively and engaging. As described by the publication, the street is designed to keep visitors entertained throughout the evening. Street vendors offer dried squid as a pre-dinner snack and ice cream for dessert, while buskers perform in the middle of the road, creating a unique blend of entertainment and local culture. Motorbikes weave through the crowd, adding to the dynamic energy of the area. Must-Try Restaurants One of the most f...

Collaboration Between GS Retail and Hitachino Nest GS Retail, known for operating the convenience store chain GS25, has made an exciting announcement. The company revealed that it will be exclusively releasing a new beer called "Daisy Ale." This unique product is the result of a collaboration between GS Retail, Japan's renowned brewery Hitachino Nest, and G-Dragon’s fashion brand Peaceminusone. Hitachino Nest is a well-known beer brand that originated from Kiuchi Brewery, a historic Japanese brewery located in Ibaraki Prefecture. With a legacy spanning 200 years, the brand has earned significant recognition, including being named the World Champion Beer at the Japan International Beer Competition. The head brewer from Hitachino Nest was directly involved in the development of Daisy Ale, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the product. The name "Daisy Ale" is inspired by G-Dragon’s symbolic "Daisy," reflecting the creative synergy between the b...

A unique fish pond in southern China has captured the attention of netizens and visitors alike after its owner shared an unusual feeding practice. The pond, located in Hunan Province, is known for its spicy cuisine and has become a local curiosity due to the daily feeding of up to 5,000 kg of chili peppers to the fish. The pond covers approximately 10 acres and is home to over 2,000 fish. These fish are regularly fed a variety of chilies, including cone peppers and millet peppers. According to Kuang, the owner of the pond, this practice not only enhances the appearance of the fish but also improves their flavor. "At peak times, we feed the pond up to 5,000 kilos of chili peppers each day. The same chillies people eat can be used as fish feed. After consuming them, the fish develop better body shapes, enhanced flavor, and even shiny, golden scales," Kuang explained in an interview. A photo shared on Chinese social media shows a fish pond in Changsha where its owner feeds ...

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited the site of the '1,000 Won Breakfast' project, which provides affordable breakfast meals to university students. The visit took place on the 17th, during which the Prime Minister emphasized that the initiative will be significantly expanded next year to support more students. The Prime Minister's visit included a stop at the Eunhaenggol Restaurant located at Sungkyunkwan University in Jongno-gu, Seoul. On the morning of the same day, he had a 1,000 won breakfast and engaged with university students to hear their feedback. The event was attended by several government officials, including Song Mi-ryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Heo Eun-a, the Presidential Office's Social Integration Secretary, professors from Sungkyunkwan University, and students. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the purpose of the visit was to assess the on-site response to the '1,000 Won Breakfast' project, a youth polic...

Nutrifoods Ghana Upgrades Canmaking Line with $500,000 Investment The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, recently commissioned an upgraded canmaking line at Nutrifoods Ghana Limited’s culinary plant in the Tema Industrial Area. The investment, exceeding US$500,000, marks a significant step forward for the company as it aims to enhance its production capabilities and ensure product quality. This facility enhancement is expected to strengthen Nutrifoods’ safety controls and reinforce quality assurance measures. It will also enable the company to expand its production capacity and maintain a consistent 24-hour production schedule. This aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, which seeks to sustain employment and drive economic growth. During his visit, the Chief of Staff commended Nutrifoods for creating over 2,000 jobs through its 24-hour operations model. He emphasized that the government’s comprehensive programme for industry, being developed by the trade and industry m...