Japan

“I have experienced failure as a politician and for that very reason, I am ready to give everything for Japan.” ― Shinzo Abe

Nick Picks: Ski, Sip and Savour at Niseko Village

Nicholas Ng Leave a comment
Nisekoyo at Niseko Village | Food For Thought

Niseko Village, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is celebrated for its blend of culinary excellence, scenic beauty and its powdery champagne snow. Overlooking Mount Yōtei and described as the Aspen of the East, this contemporary luxury winter sports destination offers a meeting of eastern hospitality with western après ski traditions, and what’s interesting is the duality of some of their outlets, like Gogyo, a ramenya by day and izakaya by night, and Chuya, a teahouse in the morning and cocktail bar in the evening. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020: Asia Coming Together Through Virtual Telecast

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Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2020 | Food For Thought

The highly anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 was initially meant to be celebrated in Saga, Japan, with the city preparing to welcome some of the biggest culinary names in Asia. However, due to the unfortunate circumstance of the Covid-19, the small ceremony was held in Tokyo with the main event streamed as a live broadcast over The World’s 50 Best Facebook on the 24th of March. As the indomitable human spirit keeps fighting on, we take a look at the restaurants that made the biggest impact in 2019. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 Icon Award: Yoshihiro Murata of Kikunoi

Nicholas Ng 1 Comment
Chef Yoshihiro Murata Preview | Yoshihiro Murata of Kikunoi | Food For Thought

Yoshihiro Murata of Kikunoi in Kyoto has been awarded the American Express Icon Award for the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020, an award voted on by one’s peers. Known not only for his championing of traditional Japanese cuisine, but also originating the Japanese Culinary Academy, we sit down with the esteemed chef to know a bit more about his journey. Continue reading →

Travel, Wonder and Wanderlust

Nicholas Ng
Mountain | Travel | Food For Thought

We always look forward to travelling yet, when we are clearly asked why we do so, we tend to give superficial answers. Superficial in the sense that we want to get away from our work stress or see the world. These are the most common answers when asked why we travel. But as Alain de Botton puts it in his book The Art of Travel, we don’t seem to ask ourselves the deeper reasons we travel. We say we do it for pleasure, yet know that it takes out of of quite a lot, from money to energy, but yet we do it. It really is a way for us to get away and think while we are away, when we are not in our comfort zones. It is this that gives us a better objective view of our life plans and situation. It is through this we can be better people. Continue reading →