Author: Nicholas Ng

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2025: The Complete Events Calendar

Nicholas Ng

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2025 marks a new chapter for Malaysia’s evolving cocktail culture, bringing together some of the most innovative bars, chefs, and spirits brands from across the region and beyond. This year’s edition promises more than just guest shifts—it presents a curated celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and collaboration across five vibrant zones of the city: Bangsar, Damansara Heights, PJ/TTDI, KL City Centre and Chinatown. Continue reading →

Eastern & Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia’s Luxury Passage

Nicholas Ng
Eastern & Oriental Express | Wild Malaysia | Food For Thought

There are few experiences that capture the romance of rail travel quite like the Eastern & Oriental Express. On its latest iteration, the Wild Malaysia journey, Belmond reimagines the golden age of slow travel with a four-day adventure that traverses rainforest-cloaked terrain, cultural capitals, and coastal towns. From the moment the forest-green train glides out of Singapore, guests are ushered into a different pace of life—one where brass finishes glint under soft lighting, where velvet upholstery invites pause, and where the landscapes beyond the carriage windows become meditative theatre. In this world of teak and time, there is nowhere to rush to. Continue reading →

Seoul City Guide: Michelin-Stars and Hidden Bars

Nicholas Ng
Where to Stay | Seoul City Guide | Food For Thought

Seoul, where ancient palaces overlook futuristic skyscrapers, offers a vibrant blend of tradition and modern luxury. The culinary landscape ranges from Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to humble street stalls serving age-old recipes. Speakeasy bars and wine lounges thrive amid dynamic nightlife, marrying Korean ingredients with global mixology trends. Accommodations span century-old hospitality reborn in modern splendour to chic lifestyle hotels. This guide showcases authentic Seoul—highlighting local heritage, flavours, and design, steering clear of typical tourist traps, inviting discerning travellers to experience the city’s true essence. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: Gaggan Reclaims The Crown

Nicholas Ng
A50BR2025 | Food For Thought

The 13th edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards took place in Seoul, South Korea on 25th March 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. The ceremony crowned Gaggan in Bangkok as Asia’s Best Restaurant, celebrating a triumphant return to the top. This year’s list features 16 cities and introduces seven new entries into the top 50. Continue reading →

Taichung Cocktail Camp: Taiwan’s First Outdoor Cocktail Festival

Nicholas Ng
Taichung Cocktail Camp | Food For Thought

The 2025 Taichung Cocktail Camp (TCC) transformed Taichung into the centre of Asia’s cocktail culture, bringing together renowned bartenders, local talent, and industry professionals for a day of mixology, competition, and collaboration. Held at ALIVE Glamping Base, the event combined cocktail craftsmanship, outdoor dining, and interactive experiences, followed by guest shifts across the city, making it an immersive celebration of Taichung’s vibrant drinks scene. Continue reading →

Asia’s Finest Tables by UOB Cards: Dine at DC Restaurant

Nicholas Ng
Turbot | DC Restaurant | UOB Cardmembers | Food For Thought

DC Restaurant by Darren Chin, a one MICHELIN-starred establishment, is now part of Asia’s Finest Tables by UOB Cards, a curated dining programme that brings together some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants. UOB Visa Infinite Metal and Zenith Cardmembers in Malaysia along with other selected cardmembers across Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia can enjoy an exclusive fine dining experience with a specially crafted menu at DC Restaurant. Continue reading →

Nick Picks: 5 of the Best Quiet Luxury Hotel Experiences in Malaysia for 2024

Nicholas Ng
One&Only Desaru

When I travel, I’m not just looking for a place to rest my head. For me, it’s about finding spaces that tell a story, places that feel as though they were made just for me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of staying in some extraordinary hotels, but these five stand out as my personal picks for 2024. These are the places I’ve experienced myself, where quiet luxury, impeccable service, and thoughtful details came together to create something truly unforgettable. Continue reading →

A View from Above: TAAN’s Hyper-Local Thai Evolution

Nicholas Ng
TAAN - Chef Thep | Taan Bangkok | Food For Thought

High above Bangkok, on the 25th floor of Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok, TAAN redefines Thai cuisine through its deep alliances with farmers, fishermen, and artisans. Since opening in 2018, this restaurant has become a platform that honours underappreciated producers and the culinary heritage they uphold. We speak to Executive Chef Monthep “Thep” Kamolsilp on how he nurtures an ethos rooted in sustainability and respect for local traditions, yet is always open to new ideas.  Continue reading →

Macau City Guide: Culinary, Cocktail, and Luxury Escapade

Nicholas Ng
Macau City Guide | Food For Thought

Macau, a city where East meets West, offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and modern luxury. From its UNESCO World Heritage sites to its bustling entertainment complexes, Macau seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. The city’s culinary scene, sophisticated cocktail culture, and luxurious accommodations provide an exceptional experience for discerning travellers. Whether exploring historic streets or indulging in Michelin-starred dining, Macau offers something extraordinary for everyone. Continue reading →

Bangkok City Guide (Part 2): A Gastronomer’s Guide

Nicholas Ng
Bangkok City Guide Part 2 | Food For Thought

Bangkok, a city that never ceases to amaze, offers a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and luxury. From Michelin-starred dining to vibrant cocktail bars and world-class hotels, there’s always something to discover. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Bangkok promises an unforgettable experience with its ever-evolving offerings. As there is just os much to explore, see what’s new in part 2 of our Bangkok City Guide. Continue reading →