May Chow is more than just a chef. Ever since she scaled the heights and achieved the coveted title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017, the Canadian-born Hong Kong-based restaurateur has risen to international acclaim for her progressive East-meets-West cuisine. You might find the charismatic chef on screens too as she made cameos on judging panels of renowned reality television shows such as Masterchef Asia and Top Chef USA and even Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.

Today, she runs Little Bao in Causeway Bay and Central, Hong Kong, a wildly popular casual concept where she slings out tongue-in-cheek twists on American grub peppered with Asian influences. More recently, Chow teased Little Bao over a two-day pop-up—in collaboration with Junior the Pocket Bar—to appease her hungry fans in Singapore. Think thick greasy chicken sliders and the ultra-savoury sliced beef onion stir fry fries. To no surprise, there were lines outside the doors and her buns quickly sold out. While Chow was here, Tatler Dining caught up with her to find out where she goes for the best breakfast back home in Hong Kong. 

For a traditional Hong Kong breakfast, Chow recommends Cheung Hing. “I admit, this recommendation might be slightly biased since it’s near my home—close to the Happy Valley racecourse. But Happy Valley is a treasure trove of iconic eats, including an amazing bakery, top-notch chicken ramen, excellent pho, and some of the best pizzas in Hong Kong. It’s worth stopping by Cheung Hing, getting it to go by asking the lady at the window for the next batch of fresh-out-of-the-oven egg tarts and pineapple buns. Their scrambled egg and ham sandwich is a personal favourite—I suggest adding an extra order of scrambled eggs for the perfect ratio. Don’t expect stellar service at this cha chaan teng though, it’s all part of the Cantonese tough love charm,” she explains. 

While those looking for a comforting bowl of congee can head to Mong Kok for Mui Kee. The local gem is known for its silky, creamy congee. Chow continues: “What sets it apart is its commitment to fresh-to-order cooking. Their nose-to-tail fish congee, featuring parts from skin to fish belly, is a signature dish not to be missed.”

Of course, a trip to Hong Kong is never complete without dim sum. For Chow, she enjoys Luk Yu Tea House. “With the closure of Lin Heung during the pandemic, finding a nostalgic dim sum spot has become a rarity. That’s why I recommend Luk Yu. Rumour has it that a little tip to the servers might secure you a coveted ground-floor seat in the morning. Otherwise, most visitors find themselves upstairs. As a bastion of Chinese tradition, many regulars have their preferred spots. Opt for the rarer—and old-school—finds like beef siu mai, big chicken bao and plenty more. While not as polished as modern versions, they offer a high-quality taste of old Hong Kong nostalgia,” she says.

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Carlos Sicilia, Kevin Troyano Cuturi and Jazz Chong have one thing in common: they are exceptional figures in the art world, with years of experience curating evocative pieces. Sicilia, the art curator at Liaigre, has a phenomenal background in art history and market, as well as a wealth of knowledge of the international landscape of contemporary art. He prides himself on the artwork he has acquired by young artists he has been supporting for many years. Cuturi, on the other hand, is the founder of the bold and sophisticated Cuturi Gallery, with a 15-year background in personal art collecting.

Another gallerist in the mix is Chong, the owner of the prestigious Ode to Art. A music enthusiast and passionate art collector, she enjoys the insights gained from engaging with fellow collectors, artists, and clients, allowing her to delve into a wide range of backgrounds and cultural narratives. With input from these three art virtuosos, we bring you a guide to breaking into the world of art collecting and curating, for the advanced as much as the uninitiated.

For new and upcoming art collectors, deciding what pieces to start with can be a challenge, particularly when one’s taste in art is still being refined. Choosing whether to explore local galleries for hidden gems or set one’s sights on renowned international artists is another tricky crossroads.

“I find it interesting to start a collection that resonates with our cultural and geographical origins,” says Sicilia, nudging collectors towards finds with a personal connection rather than a fixed approach. Cuturi seconds this: “I would recommend buying what you like first. There’s no need to start being too academic about collecting art. You can fine-tune your way of collecting over time. The important thing is enjoying the process and the artwork once it’s presented in your home!”

How to refine one’s taste in art for a cohesive collection may be another concern for new collectors. With countless ways to discover, appreciate, and learn about art, it can be difficult to choose the way forward—especially as art is highly subjective, emotional, and by no means an exact science.

While reading and visiting exhibitions and museums can help with exposure to art styles and movements, as Sicilia shares, it’s important to embrace the journey, and the continuous learning involved. As a collection inevitably reflects one’s personality, history, culture, and sensitivity, he advises new collectors to first and foremost “purchase art they feel like living with”.

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Seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom is a memorable experience for many travellers, whether it be your first or tenth time seeing them. This is one of the busiest seasons for travel in Japan, with locals and tourists alike braving the crowds to catch a glimpse of these beautiful blooms. The Japan Meteorological Corporation’s (JMC) latest cherry blossom forecast update on March 21 shares that cherry blossoms are predicted to start flowering in Osaka on March 25 and reach full bloom on April 1. If you have yet to find a spot for cherry blossom viewing, we have got you covered.

While Osaka Castle Park is a popular spot to visit at any time of the year, come during spring and find 3,000 cherry trees turning the park pink. While these trees are planted throughout the park, you’ll want to head near the moat on the south side of the castle for stunning views. If you visit in the evening during cherry blossom season, you’ll be able to revel in the sight of 300 cherry trees lit up. 

Another popular park to visit during cherry blossom season is the Kema Sakuranomiya Park which stretches over 4 kilometres along the Ozawa River and is lined with 4,500 cherry trees. Stroll along the bank or take a sightseeing boat to admire the rows of pink blooms.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is known for its Tower of the Sun sculpture by artist Taro Okamoto and has over 5,000 sakura trees of nine different varieties including higanzakura and kanhiuzakura which begin to bloom in the middle of March. if you’re looking to have a picnic while viewing the blooms, you’ll be able to find plenty of space to do so around the iconic sculpture.

But, if you’re visiting a little later in the season, head to Osaka Mint Bureau during its opening week in mid-April. On the grounds, find yaezakura, a double-layered cherry blossom variety that flowers later than the classic somei yoshino variety. This means you’ll still get to catch these blooms in full swing even after the cherry blossom season in Osaka. Avoid the crowds by heading down on a weekday.

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With Hari Raya celebrations a month away, it’s a good time to start thinking about the outfits that you’ll be flaunting during the festive season in 2024. It won’t be easy, what with the beautiful Raya collections that modest fashion brands from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have unveiled this year.

Some designers have offered their exquisite takes on the kebaya, updated with modern fabrics and cuts. Floral patterns and batik prints have again proved to be popular and appear across striking baju kurung ensembles, with brands offering matching sets for the whole family. You can also consider traditional styles from beyond Singapore, such as the Morrocon jalabiya. After all, isn’t the festive season the perfect time for trying something new?

Malaysian atelier Hani Mokhta is perhaps most well-known for its bespoke bridal creations, but the label also offers elegant kebaya sets and shawls for every occasion. This festive season, shop the Primadonna collection, a joyful celebration of vivid colours and florals. For ultra-soft and matching mini-me sets, give Malaysian-owned Whimsigirl a try. Its Eid collection pieces are made from soft organza, featuring intricate embroidery with various motifs, and gorgeous scarves.

If you’re big on patterns, look no further than Indonesian label Batique’s Wijaya collection. For the ladies, the brand has striking ensembles with relaxed kebaya tops cut from textured fabrics, complete with batik skirts in satin. The men’s outfits, meanwhile, feature colourful batik tops with satin pants. You can also coordinate your outfit with the kids through Batique’s equally fun designs for girls and boys.

Wearhouse presents the Eid Enchanted collection this year, with an array of feminine and modern Baju Kurung sets inspired by flowers. Combining traditional grace with contemporary flair, the Anggerik is an elegant black floral lace piece, that echoes the intricate beauty and sophistication of orchids. Or opt for the Cempaka kebaya for a delicate yet vibrant floral number with elegant pearl buttons along the sleeve cuffs and back of the neck, adding a touch of refined grace.

Malaysian designer Syomirizwa Gupta looks to his grandmother’s collection of traditional sarongs from the ’40s and ‘50s to inspire his Raya designs. This season, the label presents the Oolalla Tropika Raya RTW collection, epitomising the perfect blend of culture and minimalism. If you really want to leave an impression this Raya season, consider the crowd favourite Dahlia Kebaya, adding a splash of colour and boldness to your celebrations.

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