☀️Good morning, explorers!

Italy invented tiramisu. Everyone agrees on that.

So when Japan walked into Rome and won the world’s biggest tiramisu competition, people collectively gasped into their espresso. A grand-piano-shaped tiramisu, dark and white chocolate, perfect technique, perfect timing.

We love moments like this. Because they prove one thing: Comfort food doesn’t disappear. It evolves. It travels. It gets reimagined. Sometimes, it even comes back better dressed.

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When we first set foot in Hong Kong, the local snacks felt rather simple,… almost too innocent. Egg waffles? Cute. Pineapple buns? Fluffy. Custard tarts? A sweet little hug in pastry form.

But those “harmless” classics had a full-on glow-up. And wow, did they come back with attitude.

Cha Chaan Tengs (aka Hong Kong’s “tea restaurants”) popped up in the 1950s, when locals wanted Western-style food without the Western-hotel price tag. Think milk tea, French toast, and baked rice that could probably cure heartbreak.

Over time they became the heartbeat of the city: Breakfast with your uncle, a rainy-day hideout, or the place you “accidentally” spend two hours gossiping over milk tea. They’re fast, chaotic, charming, and uniquely Hong Kong.

Our go-to Cha Chaan Tengs (aka: the classics we can’t stop inhaling)

Chefs and café owners started experimenting with flavors, textures, and over-the-top twists, giving the old-school classics a modern, Instagram-worthy edge.

Our must-try glow-ups:

🍍Pineapple Bun Burger from Bolo Bolo — fluffy inside, crackly top, and stuffed with satay beef, cheese and more.

🍮 Golden Lava French Toast from Chau Kee — thick, golden, and oozing silky custard lava like it’s auditioning for a slow-motion food commercial.

🧇 Pineapple Bun Egg Waffle from Chicken Egg Boy — Hong Kong egg waffle meets pineapple-bun. A match no one asked for, but everyone suddenly needs.

🇹🇭 Bangkok: Mango sticky rice transformed into a flaky croissant, drizzled with coconut caramel

🇹🇼 Taipei: Bubble tea turned into silky crème brûlée with caramelized crackly top, and chewy pearls hidden underneath

🇯🇵 Osaka: Takoyaki reimagined as cheesy, truffle-filled street bites

Meet Dej Kewkacha, the genius behind Bangkok’s most inventive desserts (and yes, one of Asia’s top pastry chefs).

🌟 Why he stands out:

Forget everything you thought you knew about Thai sweets. Dej blends Thai flavours with French technique and Japanese precision. Think silky mousses, cheeky fruit “ravioli,” and miso‑tinged custards that surprise, delight, and somehow still feel comfortingly familiar.

He’s best known for his dessert empire, Kyo Roll En, and his past omakase dessert bar Kyo Bar, both playgrounds for his playful, inventive style.

Today, as Executive Pastry Chef at Louis Vuitton Bangkok, Dej continues to craft luxurious desserts that are equal parts artistry, creativity, and pure indulgence.

Consider this your cheat sheet for making the most of every moment in the city’s top‑ranked address. Because back in 2021, Anna actually did an internship at this hotel — which means she knows the hotel inside and out.

In 2025, Rosewood Hong Kong was officially crowned No. 1 Hotel in the World by The World's 50 Best Hotels. Honestly? We weren’t surprised. If any hotel could out-glam, out-design, and out-service its competition, it’s this one.

Perfectly perched on the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront, Rosewood gives you front-row views of Victoria Harbour. Step outside and you’ve got museums, malls, and cultural spots. Step inside and you get 11 restaurants and bars, a killer spa, and interiors so pretty you suddenly “become someone who appreciates design.”

💸 Price check
Expect HKD 6,000+ per night. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

Anna’s must‑dos:

🇮🇳 A Taste of India at Chaat: Michelin-starred Indian flavours done the Rosewood way: vibrant, refined, and full of “OMG you have to try this” moments.

🍵 Manor Club Access: If your room comes with club privileges, congrats. You’ve basically unlocked adult Disneyland: Champagne, snacks, panoramic views, and the kind of calm that makes you forget Hong Kong even has traffic.

🖼️ Wander the hotel’s art‑filled corners: The hotel itself is basically like a museum. You’ll want to photograph every corner, promise!

At Butterfly Patisserie inside Rosewood Hong Kong, the classic egg tart gets a full luxury upgrade: silky Hokkaido vanilla custard is cradled in a perfectly flaky, buttery shell. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and yes… it’s totally worth flexing your taste buds for.

Gold Garden Restaurant serves some of the best egg tarts in Hong Kong. Always freshly made, you’re served a warm tart with flaky, buttery crust and smooth, slightly sweet custard. It’s a local’s favourite for a reason!

But what really is the best egg tart in all of Hong Kong? We found out for you!

Welcome to Da’an District, Taipei’s neighbourhood where classic Taiwanese desserts get a modern twist. Skip the tourist crowds and explore spots locals actually love.

🛍 Boutique find
SunnyHills Pineapple Cake Boutique is famous for classic and newly interpreted pineapple cakes, served fresh in-store with tea tastings. Warning: you may end up buying a box (or three) for yourself.

🌿 Culture & calm
Tonghua Night Market offers a true local market experience. Grab scallion pancakes, oyster omelettes, and stinky tofu while soaking up the night‑market chaos.

🍮 Glow-up dessert experience
Take a Traditional Dessert Class and learn how to make Taiwanese pineapple cakes and longan pastries yourself. Bonus: you get to eat your homework.

Osaka is a feast for the senses, but it’s also full of ways to stay balanced, relaxed, and feeling your best between takoyaki runs and light shows.

🏋️‍♂️ Move & feel strong: Lifix Gym
Michael’s go-to fitness spot with excellent equipment and classes that will satisfy both gym newbies and training pros. Great for a quick sweat sesh or a full workout between city wanderings.

☕ Work, sip & recharge: LiLo Coffee Roasters
This specialty coffee haven is one of Osaka’s best spots to slow down. Think expertly roasted single‑origin brews, cozy corners, and a vibe that’s great for reading, people‑watching, or settling in with your laptop.

♨️ Soak & unwind Japanese‑style: Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu
A beloved urban onsen with mineral‑rich waters, rooftop baths, and panoramic views that’s perfect for easing travel fatigue and soothing sore muscles.

✅ Cook our HK-style French toast, because calories don’t count during vacation.
✅ Wear stretchy pants to enjoy all the Cha Chaan Teng glow-ups comfortably.
✅ Buy a heated mattress pad to keep cozy at home.
✅ Get used to saying “Ok-la”, the HK way to agree, smile, and survive chaos.
✅ Watch “The Holiday” to get into the Christmas spirit!

Central’s Immersive Light Show debuts, with eight iconic buildings coming alive in a 360° projection spectacle set to festive music. A first-ever spectacle this year!

When: Now through January 4, 2026
Where: Statue Square Gardens, Central

Showtimes (every 30 min):
7:30–11:30 pm (Monday to Friday)
7–11:30 pm (Weekends & public holidays)

What else you can’t miss this winter:
🎄 Christmas Town at Statue Square: Giant 20 m tree, festive décor, and photo ops galore.
✨ Starlight Boulevard on Chater Road: Stroll under sparkling canopies and cheerful city vibes.
❄️ Discovery Bay Winter Wonderland: Sip hot chocolate, nibble treats, and hop the ferry for full holiday fun.

Serves: 2
⏱️ 20 minutes

Spread peanut butter between 2 slices of bread and press into a sandwich.

Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow bowl until smooth.

Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating fully but carefully.

Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
Fry each side until golden brown and crispy on the edges (8–12 minutes).

Top each piece with a slice of butter.
Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, and serve immediately.