Food & Drink Around The World

Shabu Shabu at Home Made Easy: A Japanese Hot Pot Recipe Anyone Can Master Why Shabu Shabu is the Ultimate Japanese Hot Pot Experience When I first encountered shabu shabu, I was at a cozy Japanese restaurant, entranced by the aroma of simmering broth and the sight of paper-thin meat slices swirled in boiling water. The experience was memorable: the process felt like a warm, communal dance where each ingredient added to the whole. Recreating shabu shabu at home can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you might think—and the joy it brings is worth every step. Here’s how to bring the magic of shabu shabu into your own kitchen! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. What is Shabu Shabu? Shabu shabu is one of Japan’s most beloved hot pot dishes. The name, which roughly translates to "swish swish," refers to the action of cooking thin slices of meat in a pot of simmering broth. Unl...

Chinese Hot Pot at Home: Warm Up with This Easy and Flavorful Recipe! Creating a homemade Chinese hot pot is one of the most delightful ways to enjoy a cozy, interactive meal with friends and family. In this post, I’m thrilled to walk you through making this easy, flavorful hot pot recipe at home. Chinese hot pot is so much more than just soup—it's a sensory experience that brings warmth, rich flavors, and a variety of ingredients right to your table. I’ll share my favorite tips for crafting the perfect broth, choosing the best ingredients, and setting up a dipping sauce bar to customize every bite. Let’s dive in! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. What is Chinese Hot Pot? Hot pot, or "huo guo" in Mandarin, is a beloved Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a communal meal where a pot of simmering broth sits at the center of the table, and everyone dips a va...

The Simplest Miso Soup Recipe – Perfect for Beginners! Making miso soup for the first time was an unforgettable experience for me. As a food writer with a passion for all things Japanese, miso soup became one of those dishes I wanted to master. Unlike more complex recipes, this easy miso soup recipe relies on a few key ingredients and simple techniques that bring out deep, comforting flavors, ideal for anyone, beginner or pro. So if you've been craving an authentic bowl of miso soup, you're in the right place! In this article, I’ll break down the essentials of making traditional Japanese miso soup, how to customize it to fit your personal tastes, and share my favorite ingredients and products for a truly authentic experience. Let’s dive in! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. What Is Miso Soup? Miso soup is a comforting staple in Japanese cuisine that dates back centuries, symboli...

Perfectly Tender Beef Bourguignon in a Slow Cooker—No Wine Needed! When we think of a dish like Beef Bourguignon, what often comes to mind is a decadent French meal simmered with rich red wine, slowly melding together flavors over hours to create something that feels as indulgent as it is delicious. But what if you want to enjoy all of that rich, savory goodness without using wine? Maybe you're avoiding alcohol, or you just don't have any wine on hand. That's exactly what led me to create this version: Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker—no wine needed! This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a classic French dish with fewer ingredients, less effort, and absolutely no compromise on flavor. In fact, using a slow cooker not only simplifies the process but makes the beef unbelievably tender, allowing the flavors to come together effortlessly. I’ve cooked many variations of this recipe, and every time, I’m amazed at how this version shines without wine. This post may conta...

Hearty, Healthy, and Delicious: Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe There’s something magical about a warm bowl of ramen—rich broth, tender noodles, perfectly cooked chicken, and a soft-boiled egg on top. Not only is ramen delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit almost any taste or dietary preference. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that I’ve perfected over time: a hearty, healthy, and delicious chicken ramen noodle soup. I love cooking ramen because it satisfies that craving for comfort food while still being incredibly healthy. You control what goes into the dish, allowing for a clean, wholesome meal with minimal fuss. Plus, using a crockpot allows me to infuse deep flavors into the broth without spending hours in the kitchen! In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect chicken ramen noodle soup—one that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with nu...

10 Must-Try Indonesian Dishes That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away! When I first started exploring the vibrant world of Indonesian cuisine, I had no idea just how complex, rich, and varied the flavors would be. As a chef, I’ve always been intrigued by cuisines that weave together different tastes and textures to create something entirely unique—and Indonesian food does this beautifully. Each dish tells a story, from bustling street markets to traditional family kitchens where generations have perfected their recipes. In this post, I’m excited to share 10 must-try dishes that will take your taste buds on a journey through Indonesia’s diverse and colorful culinary landscape. Whether you’re looking for hearty meals, vegetarian or vegan options, healthy choices, or something a little more indulgent, Indonesian food has it all. Let’s dive in! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. 1. Nasi Goreng (Indon...

The Best Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Try—In Just 20 Minutes! Are you looking for a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and takes less time than ordering takeout? Let me introduce you to Kimchi Fried Rice—or as it's known in Korea, Kimchi Bokkeumbap. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed with spicy, tangy kimchi and rich umami flavors, and the best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you're new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned kimchi lover, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. In this post, I’m going to share my personal Kimchi Fried Rice recipe, complete with options to customize it with your favorite protein like chicken or tuna. I’ll also provide tips on how to make it extra healthy without sacrificing taste. Let's dive in! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more. What is Kimchi Bokkeumbap? Kimchi Bokkeumbap, or Kimchi Fried...

Fluffy, Fun & Irresistible: The Ultimate Cotton Candy Cake Recipe You’ll Love! When it comes to desserts, I’m always on the lookout for something that brings joy to both the eyes and the taste buds. If you’re like me, you want a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also creates an unforgettable experience. That’s exactly what the cotton candy cake does! A light, fluffy cake infused with the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy, vibrant layers of pastel colors, and frosting that’s as whimsical as the carnival treat itself—this cake is a dream come true. In today’s post, I’ll be guiding you through creating the ultimate cotton candy cake at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this homemade cotton candy cake recipe is fun, easy, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family at any birthday party or special occasion. Plus, I’ll share some decorating tips that’ll transform your cake into a stunning centerpiece. This post may contain affiliate link...