☀️Good morning, explorers!

Foodie fashion is officially trending.

First it was Coach’s pretzel, then Fendi’s dumpling, Loewe’s martini olive keychain… and now, Louis Vuitton just dropped a Taiyaki bag charm. Yes, the cute little Japanese fish-shaped pastry everyone can’t stop obsessing over.

Loved across Japan, South Korea, and China, this tiny luxe snack-for-your-handbag has collectors and fashion lovers collectively squealing.

But Japan’s sweet moment isn’t over. Besides taiyaki, mochi, and kakigori… Baumkuchen, the iconic German layer cake, is just as adored in Japan. So Gucci… maybe it’s time to start thinking about a Baumkuchen bag charm.

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Germany invented Baumkuchen, the buttery, ring-layered “tree cake”, and has baked it for centuries. So why does Japan love it more than Germany ever did?

Blame one man: Karl Juchheim, a German baker with very bad timing. During World War I, he was living in China, got captured by Japanese forces, and was sent to a POW camp in Japan. Instead of sulking, he baked.

In 1919, he introduced Baumkuchen to Japan at an industrial exhibition in Hiroshima, the first time most Japanese had ever seen this dramatic, spit-roasted cake with its perfect rings.

Why Japan embraced the German classic:

In Tokyo, the cake was elevated from tradition to status symbol. Especially around the holidays, department stores and luxury patisseries line up limited-edition holiday flavors that disappear faster than you can say “matcha ganache.”

Tokyo’s must-try Baumkuchen:

🎄 Snowy Baumkuchen at Nenrinya — a winter-only limited edition of their signature Baumkuchen, finished with a drizzle of white chocolate made from Hokkaido milk

🍁 Maple Baumkuchen at The Maple Mania — a maple‑syrup‑soaked Baumkuchen that’s part of The Maple Mania’s signature range of maple sweets

🌾 Gluten-Free Earl Grey Baumkuchen at Tama Kuchen — made with organic brown rice flour, subtly infused with Earl Grey and decorated with white chocolate

🇨🇳 Shanghai: German Butterfly Cookies are a beloved snack and the city’s number-one souvenir, sold year-round in pastry shops and gift boxes.

🇹🇼 Taipei: The city’s most famous gift item, the Pineapple Cake, may be Taiwanese in origin, but it’s essentially a European-style pastry (shortcrust + fruit jam).

🇰🇷 Seoul: German Christmas Stollen is considered the ultimate festive treat, often reimagined with chestnut and sweet-potato fillings for a distinctly Korean twist.

As the nights get colder and holiday gatherings fill the calendar, I’ve been craving a new kind of ritual—something warm, social, and feel-good, without the fogginess that often follows a drink. And this season, I found it.

Meet Vesper, Pique’s brand-new, non-alcoholic adaptogenic aperitif—and truly one of the most exciting launches they’ve ever released. Crafted with rare botanicals and science-backed ingredients, it delivers everything I love about a drink: the unwind, the mood lift, the sense of connection… just without the alcohol.

Each sip brings a soft drop in the shoulders, a gentle lift in spirit, and a clear, grounded presence. Sparkling, tart, and herbaceous, Vesper feels luxurious and intentionally crafted—perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, and an elevated start to Dry January.

Because it’s new (and already going viral), it will sell out fast.

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If anyone has brought authentic German bread culture to Asia, it’s Michael Richter.
As German resident of Seoul for over 20 years, he turned the city into a hotspot for real-deal German baked goods.

🌟 Why he stands out:

At Seoul’s best German bakery, The Baker’s Table in Itaewon, Micha delivers a true taste of home for visitors and expats alike. Expect hearty rye, crusty country loaves, chewy pretzels, and classic sandwiches, that, we agree, actually taste like Germany.

But it doesn’t stop at bread. Breakfast and brunch, as well as classic German comfort food are all on the menu… with a pint of good beer, of course.

Thank you, Michael, for making us Germans (and anyone who loves great bread) feel at home, even in Seoul!

Tokyo is a whirlwind of neon lights, bustling streets, and non-stop energy. Yet somehow, we keep coming back for moments of calm, secret corners, authentic Japanese experiences… and of course, the food.

Right in the middle of Otemachi’s skyscrapers sits HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a luxury ryokan that somehow feels like it time-travelled straight into modern Tokyo. And we’re very glad it did.

One minute you’re squeezing through the crowds, the next you’re barefoot on tatami floors, wrapped in a yukata, wondering why real life doesn’t always come with unlimited tea and perfect silence.

💸 Price check
From ¥90,000+ per night. Not cheap, but neither is inner peace.

Why we love it:

♨️ Rooftop onsen: Soak, relax, and pretend to own Tokyo at the hot springs from 1,500 m below ground.

🍱 Holistic Ryokan breakfast: A perfect harmony of colours, flavours, and seasonal goodness so good you’ll wonder why all mornings aren’t like this.

👘 Yukata all day, every day: Once you put it on, jeans become offensive. You’ve been warned.

At Mashi No Mashi in Tokyo, ramen goes full on luxury mode: A5 wagyu melts over a rich, umami-packed broth, while perfectly chewy noodles soak up every decadent drop. It’s indulgent, it’s next-level, and yes… it’s 100% worth flexing your taste buds for.

At Hakata Tenjin, it’s all about the milky, slow-simmered pork broth that clings to the thin noodles and hits with pure comfort. No frills, no fuss, just the kind of affordable bowl of ramen Tokyo locals eat on repeat.

There are thousands of ramen shops in Tokyo, serving delicious bowls at every price point. Try a different one every day and see how long you can go!

Welcome to Shanghai’s cozy neighbourhood, where boutique bakeries, hidden gems, and subtle Christmas vibes turn every stroll into a mini European escape. Start on Wukang Road, wander into Anfu Road, and let curiosity do the rest.

🧁 Bakery standout
Apoli Itabakery feels like stepping into a whimsical Italian patisserie with a touch of Harry Potter magic. Their sweet and savoury bakes look and taste out of this world. Robert’s favourite is the Strawberry & Cream Maritozzo. Pillowy, nostalgic, and gone in seconds.

🛍 Boutique find
Housed in a beautifully restored European-style villa, Dongliang Studio is a cult-favourite concept store showcasing independent Chinese designers. Think chic fashion, accessories, and artisanal ceramics, that make the perfect Christmas gift.

☕️ Sip break
Esc.coffee is a neighbourhood staple for smooth brews and seasonal specials. Anna loved their Christmas-inspired latte, complete with cute tree latte art and a gentle hint of cinnamon. Cozy, festive, and exactly what you want mid-stroll.

Taipei is a feast for the senses, but even amid night markets, festive lights, and holiday treats, there are plenty of ways to stay balanced, relaxed, and feel your best this season.

🥊 Punch it out: TMMA 台北格鬥運動館
Punch, kick, and sweat your way through the holidays. This high-energy boxing session will torch those festive treats and leave you feeling strong, energised, and totally unstoppable.

💅 Festive pampering: Cloudia Nails 小雲時尚美甲
Treat yourself to a holiday manicure. Think sparkling reds, winter greens, tiny snowflakes, or a touch of glitter to keep your nails camera‑ready.

🎨 Create & calm: Art Journey Taipei
Slow down with a hands-on Taiwanese pottery class. Shape your own cups or bowls and head home with a one-of-a-kind holiday gift.

✅ Be mesmerised by how Baumkuchen is made.
✅ Learn how to say Merry Christmas in 46 different languages.
✅ Buy high quality matcha and bake our Matcha Crinkle Cookies.
✅ Start dreaming where you’ll travel in 2026.
✅ Watch why Filipino Christmas starts in September.

Skate under Tokyo’s glittering skyline at Tokyo Midtown’s Grass Square, surrounded by festive lights and cheerful seasonal music. It’s pure holiday magic on ice.

When: Now through February 23, 2026 (Closed Jan 1)
Where: Tokyo Midtown Grass Square, Roppongi
Hours: 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Admission: ~¥2,000 (skate rental ¥500)

What else you can’t miss this Christmas:

🎄 Midtown Christmas Illuminations: Sparkling light tunnels, art installations, and cozy winter vibes.
🏰 Tokyo Disneyland: Magical holiday parades, seasonal decorations, and limited-edition treats.
🛍️ Holiday Shopping at Omotesando: Streets dressed in lights, limited-edition goodies, and serious gift inspiration.

⏱️ Prep: 30 min | Chill: 30 min | Bake: 12–15 min