Chris Infotainment

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

Expansion into the U.S. Market CJ Olive Young, a well-known name in the Korean beauty industry, has announced its plans to open its first physical store in the United States. The company is set to launch this new venture in May of next year, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. As K-beauty continues to gain international recognition, Olive Young is leveraging this growing trend to enter the U.S. offline market, which is considered the largest beauty market in the world. Strategic Location for the First Store The first U.S. Olive Young store will be located in Pasadena, California. This city, situated 18 km northeast of Los Angeles (LA), is known for its affluent residents and proximity to prestigious institutions such as the California Institute of Technology. An official from Olive Young explained that the area’s high-income population makes it an ideal location for the brand’s expansion. The presence of these research institutions also contributes to a demo...

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...

International Recognition of Kimchi Cabbage in Global Standards South Korea has achieved a significant milestone in the international food standards arena by successfully adding the term “kimchi cabbage” to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX) guidelines. This change allows foreign supermarkets to label the main ingredient of kimchi containers as “kimchi cabbage” instead of “Chinese cabbage.” The addition reflects the growing global recognition of Korean kimchi and its cultural identity. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced this achievement on the 17th, following the 48th CODEX meeting held in Rome, Italy, from the 10th to the 14th of last month. CODEX, a joint committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), sets international food standards and includes 188 member countries. Official Listing of ‘Kimchi Cabbage’ as a Kimchi I...

Global Celebration of Pepero Day Lotte Wellfood recently organized a vibrant event called 'Welcome to K-Sweet Holiday' at Father Duffy Square in New York's Times Square. This celebration took place on the 11th, coinciding with Pepero Day. The event aimed to bring together people from different backgrounds and highlight the brand's presence on an international scale. The event was filled with various activities that attracted a large number of visitors. Attendees had the opportunity to taste different products offered by Lotte Wellfood. Additionally, there were live performances that added to the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the event was a 2-meter-high Pepero sculpture, which became a central attraction for many. There was also a photo zone featuring the Pepero character 'Ppero,' allowing visitors to capture memorable moments. Despite the below-freezing temperatures, the event saw a significant turnout, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting the v...

A Controversial Encounter at McDonald’s in Singapore A video that has recently gone viral on social media depicts an Indian woman confronting McDonald’s staff in Singapore after she claims to have been served a non-vegetarian burger despite ordering a vegetarian one. The incident, which has sparked heated discussions online, highlights the importance of clear communication and awareness of menu options when dining at international fast-food chains. In the clip, shared on Instagram by user @youngn.lost, the woman is seen standing near the counter of a McDonald’s outlet, visibly upset as she speaks emotionally to a staff member. Her words, "I am from India, how can you?" reflect her frustration and disbelief. The staff member responds calmly, stating, "I know you are from India," which prompts the woman to ask, "Then how can you do this?" According to the video, the woman claims she specifically ordered a vegetarian burger but was shocked to discover it ...

Italian premium chocolate brand Ferrero Rocher has faced a wave of consumer backlash after it was revealed that the production site for products supplied to the South Korean market has shifted from Italy to China. Despite the company's assurances that there has been no change in product quality, many customers are expressing disappointment and concern over the shift. According to industry sources, Ferrero Group recently began supplying Ferrero Rocher products manufactured at its Hangzhou, China factory to the South Korean market. This move has sparked mixed reactions among consumers and retailers alike. Some domestic convenience stores and large supermarkets are currently selling a mix of remaining Italian-made stock and newly arrived Chinese-made products. It is expected that once the Italian stock is depleted, the products will likely be fully replaced with Chinese-made ones. The country of origin for Ferrero Rocher on major online malls is already listed as “China.” Industry...

In Vietnam, the act of re-seasoning food—especially noodle soups—has become almost second nature for many diners. It's a common sight in Vietnamese restaurants: a customer sits down, and without even taking a spoonful of broth, reaches for the fish sauce bottle, chili jar, or a wedge of lime. This behavior seems automatic, as if the bowl of pho must be "a bit stronger," "a bit spicier," and eventually, sometimes unbearably salty. A bowl of pho. Photo by Pexels This habit is most prevalent with Vietnamese noodle dishes, and it has become an integral part of the dining culture. Whether it's pho, hu tieu, bun bo, or even broken rice (com tam), every table is typically lined with condiments. It's an unspoken invitation: season your meal however you like. Most people don't trust the chef's palate more than their own. They add fish sauce before tasting, then chili, then a pinch of sugar. The result is often a muddled flavor that overshadows the ch...

The Importance of Food Security “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in form of bread.” Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948. The great Indian leader and liberator made that remark before he was assassinated in 1948 at a time when his country, now divided into at least three nations, suffered from food scarcity worse than Nigeria is experiencing now. Certainly, it can also be said that there are millions of people in Nigeria today, so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except either as a loaf of bread or a bowl of cooked rice. I was only four years old in 1948. So, I had to interview those far older than me to know how the food situation was like at the time – in addition to historical research. Surprisingly, Nigeria was then a net exporter of food at a time when almost 99 per cent of Nigerians were illiterates; when the University of Ibadan was just opening its doors to students. All the Nigerian university graduates could not have been more t...

Global Instant Noodle Consumption Trends A recent report has revealed that the average Vietnamese person consumed 81 packs of instant noodles last year, placing Vietnam at the top of the list as the world's highest per capita consumer of instant noodles. This statistic highlights the deep-rooted cultural and dietary significance of instant noodles in Vietnamese society. South Korea came in second, with an average of 79 packs of instant noodles consumed per person, according to a report from the Korea Times, which cited the Osaka-based World Instant Noodles Association. Thailand followed closely in third place, with an average of 57 servings per person. Nepal ranked fourth with 54 servings, while Indonesia and Japan each recorded 52 servings. Malaysia also made the list with 47 servings per person. Per capita consumption of instant noodles is particularly high in Asian countries that have traditional noodle-eating cultures. These nations often incorporate instant noodles into th...

New Sashimi Products Target Solo Drinkers CU, a convenience store chain operated by BGF Retail, has introduced a new line of small-portion sashimi products designed to cater to individuals who prefer to drink alone. These products come with accompanying sauces to enhance the overall dining experience and provide added convenience for consumers. On the 10th, BGF Retail announced that it will launch four small-portion sashimi items on the 12th. The products include "Aged Salmon Sashimi," "Aged Flatfish Sashimi," and "Chewy Gwamegi" (each priced at 13,900 Korean won, 70g), as well as "Aged Skate Sashimi" (9,900 Korean won, 100g). A representative from CU explained, "While sashimi is a popular drinking snack, delivery portions are often large, prices are high, and small purchases are difficult in stores, making it challenging for single-person households to enjoy. We aimed to meet the demand of single-person households and those who drink alon...

Expansion of Ottogi's Halal-Certified Products in Indonesia Ottogi, a leading food company, has made a significant move into the Indonesian market by announcing the sale of its halal-certified ‘Jin Ramen’. This development comes after the product received certification from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which is the primary Islamic decision-making body in the country. The certification was granted in December of last year, paving the way for the company to launch its products in Indonesia. The company will begin full-scale sales this month, with an initial focus on large supermarkets and hypermarkets. These retail outlets are key distribution points for consumer goods in Indonesia, making them ideal for introducing new products to a broad audience. Ottogi aims to leverage these channels to build brand awareness and establish a strong presence in the market. In addition to Jin Ramen, Ottogi plans to introduce three types of halal-certified cheese ramen to the Indonesian ma...

Steven Tang's Instagram account might initially appear to be the profile of a food influencer. His posts are filled with vibrant images of traditional local dishes like roasted meat rice, egg tarts, and instant noodles with luncheon meat. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these images are not photographs but rather intricate hand-drawn illustrations. Since its inception in 2018, Tang’s Instagram page has garnered over 45,000 followers. Many have commented that his artwork makes them “drool,” while others admire the realistic quality of his drawings. Tang is entirely self-taught, having never received formal art training. He shared with HKFP that he never anticipated that drawing with colored pencils would turn his childhood hobby into a full-time profession. As a food enthusiast, Tang began sharing his food art as a way to bring his favorite dishes to life on paper. His first artwork to gain public attention was a bowl of Yunnan-style rice noodles from the ...