restaurants

Best and worst restaurants from all over the world, featuring some of our favorite or worst dishes and desserts.

Shenyang, Liaoning – A Renowned City for Chinese Cuisine
In Shenyang, culinary delights are never about delicate plating—they are the down-to-earth warmth and fiery passion etched into the very soul of the city’s streets. Hidden in Tiexi District, Qunle Restaurant serves the homestyle flavors of old Shenyang, while on Taiyuan Street, Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles wafts with the sweet, sour, spicy, and numbing aroma of street food. These three dishes—Qunle’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack, Qunle’s Minced Pork with Eggplant, and Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles—are not just cherished memories on the lips of every Shenyang local; they are the key to understanding Northeast China’s culinary culture. With their affordable prices, rich flavors, and generous portions, they paint the most vivid picture of this industrial old city’s vibrant street food scene.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Famous City of Chinese Cuisine — Hong Kong
Hong Kong, the international metropolis hailed as a "Culinary Paradise", masterfully blends the elegance of Cantonese cuisine, the vibrant warmth of street food culture, and the fresh delights of seafood feasts. The translucent har gow in teahouses carries the leisurely charm of morning tea; the typhoon shelter fried crab at dai pai dongs wafts with an irresistible rich aroma; the beef brisket noodles on street corners deliver late-night comfort; and the steamed garoupa at banquets embodies Cantonese tradition. To savor these classic dishes is to read the story of Hong Kong's culinary culture.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Chongqing – A Renowned City of Chinese Cuisine
Known as the Mountain City, Chongqing’s cuisine is steeped in the bold, unrestrained spirit of the jianghu (a world of martial arts, wanderers, and unwritten codes). Steam rises from noodle stalls on stone steps, the rich aroma of beef tallow wafts from hot pot restaurants in hidden alleys, and charcoal fires crackle under grilled fish stands at night markets. These three iconic dishes – Chongqing Xiaomian (Spicy Noodles), Chongqing Mala Hot Pot, and Wanzhou Grilled Fish – are the culinary totems of Chongqing. With numbing spice (mala) as their soul and fresh, fragrant flavors as their backbone, they use the most humble ingredients to paint a vivid portrait of the Mountain City’s vibrant, down-to-earth charm.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Hangzhou, Zhejiang – A Renowned City for Chinese Cuisine
To truly understand the soul of Hangzhou’s local life, you don’t need to fixate on the scenic beauty of West Lake. Just wander into Damalong Lane, nestled at the foot of Wu Mountain. This narrow alley—stretching about 230 meters from Chenghuang Paifang Lane in the north to Chayuan Qian in the south—holds the cultural legacy of a Southern Song Dynasty cavalry garrison, and more importantly, exudes the vibrant, down-to-earth vibe of old Hangzhou.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Changsha, Hunan – A Renowned City for Chinese Cuisine
The morning in Changsha is awakened by the smell. It's a fragrance of richness and spice, lingering in the cool air. Before the first rays of light fully disperse the mist over the Xiang River, the streets and alleys are already filled with steam rising from large pots, the sizzle of fried buns on a hot griddle, and the comforting warmth of boiling bone broth. The way this city wakes up is direct, intense, and full of vibrant energy—everything you need to know about it is wrapped up in its breakfast culture.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Flavors of Harbin: A Culinary Journey Through the Centuries-Old Daoli Market
In Harbin, if you want to experience the authentic local flavors, Daoli Market is your best destination. Founded in 1902, this century-old market, once referred to as “Bazaar” in Russian, continues to embody the spirit of a traditional market where "shopping and eating go hand in hand." During the cold winter months, stepping into the market through its thick cotton curtain immediately envelops you in the enticing aromas of meat, baked goods, and sweets—there’s the effervescent freshness of freshly brewed Kvass, the smoky scent of red sausages, the sizzling sound of fried pork tenderloin, and the rich aroma of smoked meat pancakes and sweet-and-sour Guo Bao Rou. Each of these flavors represents the taste memories etched deep in the hearts of Harbin locals, making it the perfect place to experience the city’s food culture.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Traditional Chinese Cuisine – Xi'an Grand Tang Feast
Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, is a city steeped in the rich history of the Tang Dynasty. In recent years, the cultural revival in this historic city has brought a unique dining experience — the Tang Dynasty Court Banquet, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of ancient China. Here, dining is not just a meal, but a cultural journey that combines traditional food, performances, and an opportunity to experience the lavish feasts of the Tang Dynasty.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
TOUS les JOURS' Fall Beverages Are Cool: An Exclusive Interview
Originally Published October 16, 2024 as part of Joe Nasta's Seattle Foodie Poet coverage for National Dessert Day:
By Joe Nasta | Seattle foodie poet2 months ago in Feast
Famous City of Chinese Cuisine – Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir: A Feast of Prairie Cuisine Located in northern China, Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia is a vast land blessed with expansive grasslands. Here, nomadic culture and food culture are deeply intertwined. Food is not just for sustenance, but a tribute to the prairie, a song celebrating the hard work of the herders. Unlike the refined coastal dishes or spicy regional flavors, Inner Mongolian cuisine is characterized by rich, hearty meats, with high-quality Sunite lamb taking center stage. Embracing the philosophy of "making the most of everything," every part of the meat is valued. For visitors, dishes like shouba lamb, smoked skewered lamb, and hearty sausage platters are sure to satisfy your appetite and offer a memorable experience.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Famous City of Chinese Cuisine – Xiamen
Nestled on China’s southeastern coast, Xiamen is known as the "Garden on the Sea". The rhythm of life in this city is deeply intertwined with the ocean, especially when it comes to its culinary culture. For food lovers, Xiamen holds a delightful surprise: premium seafood like king crabs and lobsters, which are considered luxury treats elsewhere, are easily accessible to all here—whether it’s for a local family dinner or a traveler in search of authentic flavors. Beyond these eye-catching crustaceans, Xiamen’s food scene is a wonderful blend of coastal freshness and Minnan (Southern Fujian) traditional flavors, making it a must-visit destination in China.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
Famous City of Chinese Cuisine – Xinjiang
Xinjiang: A Land of Breathtaking Landscapes and Irresistible Cuisine Nourished by the snowmelt of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang is a land that never lacks for heart-stirring scenery or mouth-watering food. Its flavors hold the boldness of nomadic traditions and the delicacy of farming cultures, each bite carrying the freshness of mountain snowmelt and the hearty generosity bestowed by the grasslands.
By lnle khkl2 months ago in Feast
My Tous les Jours Trip. Top Story - December 2025.
As someone who lives in a rural area, I don't get the chance to visit fancy restaurants or bakeries that often. So, when a friend told me about a French-Asian bakery that's less than an hour away, I knew I had to check it out and grab some pictures for social media. Tous les Jours ended up providing an immersive experience that went above and beyond my expectations--although I did leave with a few reservations.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Feast