Experiences & Luxury.
Travel at its considered best, for readers who plan carefully and spend deliberately.
Royal Albatross Launches Southern Islands Dining
Tall Ship Adventures has introduced a new dine-and-sail experience on the Royal Albatross, combining a three-course lunch with speedboat transport to Singapore's Southern Islands.
Jae O Chula Owner Builds Bangkok Noodle Empire from Debt
Muay Sae-Chua, known as Jae Oh, transformed her Bangkok eatery, Jae O Chula, into a globally recognised culinary destination. The restaurant, famous for its MaMa Oh Ho tom yum noodles, holds Michelin recognition. This success follows her recovery from severe financial distress, now drawing significant queues.
SingleThread Expands Luxury Hospitality with Kyoto Outpost
Luxury hospitality brand SingleThread implements a distinct growth strategy, focusing on cultural translation rather than direct replication, as demonstrated by its SoNoMa restaurant within Capella Kyoto. This approach aims to preserve brand identity while expanding into new global markets, offering a counter-model to common industry practices that often dilute brand distinctiveness.
Ho Chi Minh City Tops Time Out's Global Street Food Ranking
Ho Chi Minh City has secured the leading position in Time Out's global assessment of street food destinations, outranking regional culinary centres like Bangkok and Singapore. This achievement marks the first time the Vietnamese metropolis has claimed the top spot, demonstrating its growing appeal for food-focused travel.
Chase, American Express Confirm US Open Lounge Access
Credit card providers Chase and American Express will again operate dedicated lounges at the 2026 US Open tennis tournament in New York. These spaces offer cardholders amenities and respite during the event.
Thien Canh Vien Coffee Shop Reopens in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s Thien Canh Vien coffee shop has reopened following a six-month closure. The establishment, formerly Noong Oi, sustained extensive fire damage. It now features an ancient eastern town motif, a departure from its previous ‘Garden of Eden’ theme.
Singapore's Kalanidi Curry Spices Closes After 53 Years
Kalanidi Curry Spices, a prominent Indian spice stall in Singapore, has ceased operations. The closure on August 16, 2026, follows the retirement of its second-generation owner, A.K. Kalanidi. This marks the conclusion of a 53-year family presence within the city-state's hawker sector.
New York City Bars: Condé Nast Traveler Editors Curate Top Venues
Condé Nast Traveler editors have compiled a selection of New York City's notable drinking establishments. This August 2026 guide details venues across the metropolis, from intimate wine bars to high-altitude cocktail lounges, offering insights for international travellers and hospitality professionals.
Silversea Debuts S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages
Silversea has introduced a new series of culinary-focused cruises, S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages. These itineraries aim to differentiate the luxury cruise line by providing in-depth access to regional food cultures across Europe, starting in late August 2026.
Havelock Palace Apologises for Changi Beach Seafood Foraging
Singapore's Havelock Palace restaurant issued an apology after cooking wild marine life gathered from Changi Beach. The incident prompted public criticism and a food safety warning from regulators.
Dragon Pearl Cave Adds a Show-Dining Option to Ha Long's Evening Itineraries
The Cam Pha venue seats guests inside a limestone cave for a fixed-session dinner and live performance twice daily, giving a market long built around daytime bay cruises a structured indoor option after dark.
Shanghai Noodle Shop Wei Xiang Zhai Sees Surge After Tom Holland, Zendaya Visit
Shanghai's Wei Xiang Zhai, an 11-table noodle bistro, gained significant international attention following visits by Hollywood actors Tom Holland and Zendaya in late July 2026. This incident highlights a broader shift in global tourism, with social media and celebrity endorsements driving travellers towards authentic local culinary establishments.
Four Michelin Stars Lost, Six Gained in Singapore's 2026 Guide as Alma, Chaleur, Esora, Euphoria Clo
Singapore's 2026 Michelin Guide sees four one-Michelin-star restaurants — Alma, Chaleur, Esora, and Euphoria — removed due to permanent closures. Concurrently, six new establishments received their first star, bringing the city-state's total to 33 one-star, nine two-star, and three three-star restaurants, demonstrating a dynamic shift in its fine dining landscape.
Yunnan's Wild Mushroom Season Boosts Tourism, Rural Incomes Through Culinary and Foraging Tours
China's Yunnan province sees its annual wild mushroom season attract travellers and bolster local economies through culinary tourism and guided foraging programs. Mekong Tourism reports on the region's unique appeal.
Portland, Maine, Culinary Scene Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler highlighted Portland, Maine's distinguished culinary reputation on 31 July 2026, citing its reliance on fresh local ingredients and a philosophy of authentic dining. The city's food culture, established by influential chefs in the 1990s, continues to attract diverse culinary talent, with establishments like Aomori and Bread & Friends featuring prominently.
Thailand Launches 'Thai Street Gold Star' App for Certified Street Food Vendors
Thailand has introduced the Thai Street Gold Star mobile application and a quality certification programme for street food vendors, aiming to assist local and international diners in locating accredited eateries across major tourism hubs.
All-You-Can-Eat Durian Buffet for P100 Launches in Philippines' Bukidnon
Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines has launched an all-you-can-eat durian buffet, allowing patrons to consume various durian cultivars for a starting price of P100 (approximately US$1.70). This initiative aims to draw visitors during the peak harvest season, aligning with similar culinary tourism efforts across Southeast Asia.