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Things I Bought That I Definitely Shouldn’t Have: A Journey of Regret and Laughter
Submitted by Steven Pham Ah, the joys of adulthood—when the freedom of spending your hard-earned money comes with the bittersweet taste of regret. Let me take you on a whimsical journey through my wallet’s misadventures, highlighting two shining examples of how I managed to part ways with my cash: Valorant skins and an omakase experience that fell flat. The Allure of Valorant Skins Imagine this: I’m immersed in a fierce Valorant match, adrenaline surging as I grip my mouse, poised to turn the tide for my team. My heart races not only from the intensity of the game but also from the stark realization that my knife skin is as…
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I Know These Restaurants Hate to See Me Coming
Submitted by Gina Choi Growing up working in my family’s restaurant and being a huge foodie since birth, I think I know a thing or two about what makes a good restaurant. I would even go as far as to say that one of my main love languages would be food. Speaking of love, nothing screams true romance more than grabbing a quick dessert to share after a dinner date. So to start, the first restaurant that hates to see me coming has to be Mango Mango Dessert Cafe. As someone whose favorite fruit is mango, this cafe satisfies all of my cravings with desserts ranging from mango sticky rice…
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My Obsession with Watching Mukbangs
Submitted by Hera Lee If you haven’t come across a mukbang video, have you been living under a rock? Mukkbang, for those who are unaware of its popularity, is an online video trend that involves people eating food in front of an online audience. This trend originated in South Korea, hence the name. The term is a blend of the Korean words “muk-da” (먹다) meaning “to eat” and “bang-song” (방송) meaning “broadcast”. These mukbang videos have hosts eating large, sometimes impressive amounts of food while interacting with their audience in real-time or through pre-recorded content. Sometimes, mukbang videos can be served as ASMR content, which are sensory and satisfying videos…
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Sweet Delights: Cheat Day ft. Asian Desserts
Submitted by Jodie Li When I have my cheat days, my heart always stays close to Asian cuisines. With various alluring flavors and textures of food, it’s hard to resist my sweet tooth. From crispy pastries to creamy rice dishes, these indulgent treats bring a taste of tradition and satisfaction, making them perfect for a day of indulgence. Here’s a look at some must-try Asian-themed cheat day desserts I recommend and adore the taste of: 1. Honey Toast Originating from Japan, Honey Toast (Shibuya Toast) features a thick slice of toasted bread, buttered and baked until crispy outside but soft inside. Topped with honey, whipped cream, and fruits like bananas…
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Convenience Stores in Korea vs. the U.S.
Submitted by Hera Lee If you are an avid TikTok user or are on social media, you may have come across viral videos of convenience stores, typically in countries like Korea and Japan. Convenience stores, although not as glorious as they sound, have become a widely popular fixation in the Western world. These stores, unlike the ones you find in America or other European countries, are not your typical, boring shops that sell chips and drinks. With the help of Korea’s innovative technology and creativity, these Asian countries have found ways to enhance the experience of shopping at a convenience store. 1. Variety In a typical American convenience store like…
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Cheapest But Tastiest Foods in Korea
Submitted by Gina Choi This past Summer, I visited South Korea for the first time. This was such an enlightening experience and not a day goes by without missing the people, the culture, and the cuisine. The cuisine was definitely something to admire especially because of its cheap prices. In this article, I will be sharing some popular street foods that I’ve been so grateful to enjoy throughout my trip to the motherland. 십원빵 – 10 Won Bread This delectable bread deserves its spot as number one on this list for its price and quality. The 10 won bread is sold for just 10 won as its name suggests, making…
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Allure of Night Markets: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture, Food, and Community
Submitted by Jodie Li As the sun begins to set and the lights flicker to life, the cities in Asia reawakens. The streets that were quiet during the day, transformed into vibrant night markets, where the air fills with the smell of sizzling street food, the chatter of excited crowds, and the yellings of vendors calling out their delicious specialties. For many, these markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up souvenirs—they celebrate culture and are a gathering point for the community. In the heart of these bustling scenes lies a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience…
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An Underrated Chef
Upon graduating from New York University, Chef Vicky Lau embarked on an advertising career as a graphic designer, where she honed her ability to leverage subtle visual cues to elicit audience responses—a skill later integrated into her culinary endeavors. Fueled by her passion for the culinary arts, Lau pursued culinary education at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok, subsequently refining her talents at the Michelin-starred Cépage in Hong Kong under Chef Sebastien Lepinoy's guidance.
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My Favorite Asian Female TikTok Creator: Viveca Chow
TikTok is an extremely useful and informative tool for seeking new ideas, finding new products, and sharing your life stories and personality in videos. Many of these TikTok creators and influencers are promoting items and have sponsorships on TikTok. Although this platform is great for insight and information, there are a handful of videos that can spread false statements and can be misleading or a scam to their audience. It is important to be cautious when watching a TikTok influencer promote a product or stating facts in general. However, there are many TikTok creators who post their lifestyle, fashion, new places to explore, and helpful tips to improve one’s own…
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Flavorful Narratives: Stephanie Soo, Queen of Mukbang and Digital Storytelling
In the vast growing digital world where creators are fleeting attention, Stephanie Soo emerges as a multifaceted gem, often underappreciated for the amount of research, dedication, and enjoyment she creates from her dazzling content. As a female Asian creator, Stephanie brings a unique blend of vulnerability, strength, personality, dedication, and relatability to her content, weaving narratives that resonate deeply with a diverse audience. Her journey underscores her excellence as a digital storyteller and highlights the broader discourse on the representation and visibility of Asian women in media landscapes often dominated by homogeneous voices.