THE MOUTH GUIDES

Weber Workshops Bean Cellar | Review

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:55:45 GMT

WEBER WORKSHOPS BEAN CELLAR

The Ultimate Simple Travel-Hack For Coffee Enthusiasts?

BENJAMIN SAND - MAY 2026

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Build Quality ★★★★★ 5/5

Capacity ★★★★★ 5/5

Design ★★★★★ 5/5

Value ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★★ 5 / 5

If you travel often, or want to store rare coffee in the freezer for special occasions, this is the final boss.

Price 44 EUR (for 10, depending on if you include the wooden rack)

Bottom Line: The most stylish way to store and keep single-doses of coffee.

There are many predicaments we face as travellers when it comes to storing and carrying coffee. Either you cram a bunch of bags of half-full, opened coffee in your suitcase and juggle the workflow spilling half the beans on your hotel floor, or you find a genius alternative.

Ever tried weighing or dosing coffee on a plane, or ferry? Yeah, nah.

The Comandante jars are great, but they're heavy... and bulky. Other similar vials and containers are either made out of glass (and therefore a potential hazard), or awkward and look more like a laboratory specimen than somewhere to store your exclusive Sudan Rume.

Then there's zip-lock bags, but not only are they prone to letting the sun shine in, they are definitely not air-tight.

Well, Weber Workshops have come up with a solution that is truly going to change the way I carry coffee in the future. I honestly cannot believe I'm this excited over a polymer tube...

WHO ARE WEBER WORKSHOPS?

Weber Workshops is what happens when Silicon Valley meets the obsessive craftsmanship of Japan. Founded by Douglas Weber, the company was born from a desire to escape the endless cycle of obsolescence. Instead of building gadgets meant to be replaced in two years, Weber moved to Itoshima, in the Japanese countryside, to build heirloom-quality instruments. Every product is designed with the philosophy that a coffee tool should be a lifetime companion, combining high-precision mechanical engineering with materials that age as gracefully as the coffee they process.

The team - a ragtag clan of artists, engineers, dreamers, and madmen - combine eccentricities to channel into their craft. Every product is broken down to the last atom to investigate how it can be improved, how retention can be minimised, or how the conditions inside a container can be perfected.

By treating coffee as a precious commodity, they have built an ecosystem around it to present in its greatest form, and minimise the external factors that diminish its brilliance.

They are basically seers of the caffeine cartel.

WHAT IS A BEAN CELLAR?

In the crudest parlance: a polymer container for coffee beans.

The first thing you notice about the cellars is the sheer, unadulterated intent behind them. Unlike their glass counterparts, these work magnificently for the nomad minimalist who wants to escape for a long weekend, and bring only a few doses of coffee. Ground or beans.

They are matte, tactile, and feel anything but "plasticky".

The way the lid slides on with that touch of resistance, consoling you with the fact that air is the enemy, and your precious cargo will be safe. A valve on top releases CO2 from degassing beans, but prevents evil oxygen from spoiling the party.

As many coffee shops around the world have experimented with (including April in Copenhagen - who use the Weber Workshop Bean Cellars, and OneHalf in Kuala Lumpur), pre-dosing coffee and using it within a 24-48 hour window is almost unnoticable to the final flavour. Therefore, if you want to go ULTRA minimalist and ditch the grinder and scales, these are the perfect vessels to weigh, grind, and seal (up to) 20-28 grams of your favourite coffee for brewing over a long weekend.

Should you be going for a week, then just bring your hand-grinder, 7-8 cellars, and store the beans whole. Problem solved!

WHAT I LIKE

As a self professed global nomad, one who values travelling light, and dresses exclusively in dark hues, these cellars are a hit. Knowing they are sturdy, won't shatter if a luggage handler had a bad day, and look premium sitting on your hotel desk, they will definitely be my companion for long into the future.

I like to think that accessories mirror the person who chooses them, and for me life has always been about minimalism, simplicity, unfussy design and a lack of loud logos or gawdy prints. These cellars hit all the right notes, and say alot without the need for neon and sparkle.

Watch Our Coffee Shelters deep-dive on the Bean Cellars.

The Positives

The One-Way Valve: This is the game changer here. The "One-Way Valve" cap allows CO2 to escape without letting oxygen in. So, feel free to shove a portion of that expensive Panama Geisha in the freezer and keep it for a special occasion - the delicate florals won't die in this container.
Workflow Ease: Weighing out your single-dose the night before and storing it in one of the Weber Workshop bean cellars means you don't have to fuss around in the morning when your head's not 100%. For that alone, these are a great help.
Elegance: Unlike glass, these polymer vials are built for bumps of life. You can drop them, travel with them, or throw them in a bag without the fear of shards. Glass vials can be beautiful, but for me, the ease and safety of polymer wins hands-down.
Static: For some reason, the polymer seems to handle static well, so you rarely need to worry about fines stuck to the insides.

The Negatives

The Price: Excellence has a price tag, and Weber doesn't hide from that. At over $5 a pop, the initial outlay may sting, but these will probably last long enough for you to have forgotten the credit card bludgeoning.

Volume: While perfect for standard 18-22g doses, those who favor massive 30g filter brews might wish for just a few extra millimeters of headroom.

The good news is that Weber recently launched these .

Final Thoughts

The Weber Workshop bean cellars may b e the only accessories from the company that I could currently afford to splash out on, doesn't mean I don't have my eye on further splurges in the future. The company is one that I align with on many fronts, and they have just taken a step to make my life easier on my frequent trips, and to that I salute them.

The bean cellars can be bought directly from their website . This is not an affiliate link, and I won't earn anything from it, but Weber were kind enough to ship the products to me, so its only right to help others find the way to happiness.

FAQ

What is the "One-Way Valve" actually doing?

Freshly roasted coffee naturally releases CO2. The proprietary valve in the cap allows this gas to escape while preventing oxygen from entering. Because CO2 is heavier than oxygen, it effectively "pushes" the air out of the vial, bathing your beans in a protective blanket of their own gasses.

Can I put these in the freezer?

By all means! The polymer is designed to handle a deep freeze, unlike glass, which can become brittle and crack in extreme cold.

Pro Tip: Grinding beans while frozen is a pro-move as it creates a more uniform particle size and leads to a higher extraction yield.

How do I clean them?

The polymer cellars are remarkably low-maintenance. You can wipe them with a damp cloth or give them a soak in warm, soapy water.

Pro Tip: If the O-ring feels a bit tight after a wash, a tiny drop of food-grade mineral oil will keep the "twist-and-pull" action feeling silky.

How many grams do they hold?

The standard cellars are designed for a sweet spot of 18g to 22g of roasted coffee. Depending on the roast level (darker roasts are more voluminous), you can push them up to 24g-28g.

What if I prefer the look of glass?

While the polymer is king for durability and freezing, they have them in borosilicate glass as well.

Millab EO1 | Review

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:09:46 GMT

`Millab EO1 Review: The Best Portable Electric Grinder in 2026?`

Grind Quality (Filter): ★★★★★ 5/5

Grind Quality (Espresso): ★★★ 3/5

Battery Life: ★★★★★ 5/5

Build Quality & Design: ★★★★★ 5/5

Travel Friendliness: ★★★ 3/5

Value for Money: ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT — ★★★★ 4/5

Best For : Filter coffee lovers, minimalist kitchens, light travellers Not For: Espresso drinkers, backpackers, anyone counting gram.

Price : ~€180–€220

Bottom Line: The most stylish portable electric grinder on the market.

Outstanding for filter, weak for espresso. Buy it if you drink pour-over and want something that looks as good as it performs.

WHAT IS THE MILLAB EO1?

The Millab EO1 is a battery-powered electric coffee grinder designed for filter brewing, travel, and minimalist home use. Made by Millab — the premium sub-brand of Timemore — it delivers over 100 pour-over grinds on a single charge, features a stepless grind adjustment dial, and comes with a full kit including stand, magnetic grounds catcher, and spray bottle. At around 900g it's not ultralight, but it is the most beautifully designed portable electric grinder currently available.

After 6 months of daily use, here is The Mouth's full verdict.

Timemore has a partner, Millab, who produce higher-end models for their line. Think Toyota and Lexus, kinda like that. The Millab is their venture into electric grinding on a portable level. Designed with travellers in mind, or people who want an ultra-minimalist kitchen counter, this battery driven grinder weighs in at around 900g.

Able to perform on one charge for over 100 pour-over portions, and about 30 espresso ones (even tho it is not optimal for espresso), this really changes the game for travellers who don't have to worry about charging it for at least a month.

The first thing I noticed is the style. It's exceptionally designed, very striking and sleek, and has that matte black minimalist look. It would fit on any stainless steel counter-top, or on a log in the middle of the forest. The noise level is quite acceptable for the size of the grinder, and the work-flow is pretty easy, the only small annoyance is the removeable lid, which is another thing to lose or drop. But overall, a very satisfying product.

I have had mine for about 6 months now, and below are my thoughts using it.

Who is Timemore?

Timemore is a forward-thinking Chinese company that has quickly earned a respected place among the world’s leading coffee equipment makers. Founded with a vision to blend precision engineering, beautiful design, and everyday usability, Timemore now offers a wide family of products — from award-winning hand grinders to elegant pour-over brewers, kettles, and scales.

What makes Timemore truly remarkable is how they consistently achieve harmony between craftsmanship, functionality, and price. Their grinders, for example, deliver performance and consistency on par with much more expensive competitors, while their attention to design aesthetics sets them apart in the market.

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

Style – Let's not kid around, this thing is sexy. It looks amazing on the kitchen counter, and even better on a bungalow balcony when you're making coffee in the morning.

Complete Kit – I love that it comes with everything I need, including a stand, magnetic grounds catcher, spray bottle, and brush. It feels premium right out of the box.

Smooth Grind Adjustment – The dial feels precise and easy to control. I can fine-tune my grind without any guesswork.

Static Reduction – The included spray bottle actually helps reduce static and mess. A small touch, but one I really appreciate.

Impressive Battery Life – I can grind for weeks without recharging. It handles a lot of doses before it needs more power. Especially filter-coffee.

Quiet & Powerful – It feels strong while running but doesn’t make much noise, which makes it nice for early morning brews.

The Negatives

A Bit Heavy – At around 850g, it’s solidly built, but I find it bulky to travel with. I mostly keep it on my counter. If I do travel I don't bring the stand, as that is almost 300g itself.

Beans Get Stuck In Hopper - Almost every time I use it, I have to shake or hit the grinder to get the last beans to go through. This is a small thing, but can be something to consider in future editions, to solve a workflow annoyance. In my experience testing the Whirly, it did not have this issue.

Not Great for Espresso – While it handles pour-over beautifully, I’ve found it doesn’t grind fine enough for consistent espresso shots.

Thoughts

Great build quality, a little on the heavy side, but probably the best portable electric grinder you'll find currently on the market. 100% recommended.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount click here .

BUY THIS IF:

- You drink mostly filter coffee (V60, Chemex, Aeropress)

- You want an electric grinder you can travel with

- Counter aesthetics matter to you

- You want weeks of grinding without recharging

SKIP THIS IF:

- You pull espresso daily

- You're a serious backpacker watching every gram

- You need a workhorse for high-volume grinding

BENJAMIN SAND

We only review what we love. This unit was provided without cost, for field testing, but all opinions remain our own.

Popl Burger | COPENHAGEN

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Popl | Copenhagen

NOMA-TTER WHAT, THESE WERE MEDIOCRE

It might help your PR campaign to push the narrative of being a NOMA -partner restaurant, but when you start yelling from the rooftops you're also sticking your neck out for some serious criticism. Any other burger shop would be judged on their merits, but someone associated with such a monster in the international food scene better deliver.

Do Popl? Absolutely not.

Lets ignore the glaring prices for a second and look at the menu. Ketchup. Ketchup. $1 for a tiny little plastic tub. Excessive. Surely ketchup is something you don't pay for at a burger restaurant when you're already parting with close to THIRTY EURO for a burger, fries and (in my case) a water. Thirty Euro can buy you a meal at a michelin star restaurant.

Now, back to what's most important, the food. If you are expecting tourists and locals alike to flock to your shores and pay double what a normal burger place charges, then you better have figured out some savant way to make this the most delicious experience on earth: sea cucumber tears, kelp resonance, cows raised by high-class escorts.

To begin with the positives, the french fries were great. Crispy, fluffy inside, well seasoned. The lady had also managed to serve both my friends and my food arrived a full 15 minutes later, but she did appologise and offer me a free cookie. It's the sign of a place that is paying attention to do these small pleasantries.

However, the most important thing here, the reason everyone comes, is the burger. In short it was catastrophic. Barely a sliver of pink left in the meat, completely grey and dry, not even seasoned correctly, an aggressive "mustard-forward" secret sauce, melty cheese and the worst culprit of all: The Bun.

Leaving aside the painfully poor judgement in Bun-Patty ratio, the bread was overly dry, far too thick and ate stodgy. One bite and the resounding taste was of barren bread, not helped along by the fact the meat too was dry. The only component adding some moisture was the sauce, but the mustard was overpowering.

I tried removing the top half of the bun but that only highlighted how over-cooked the meat was and I gave up and let a 15 Euro cheeseburger sit and cool while I ate the fries and drank sips of my water to rehydrate my mouth.

TRANG FOOD GUIDE

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:15:34 GMT

Food Guide To Trang

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN TRANG

99.9% of foreign visitors to these parts either land in Phuket, Samui, Surat Thani or Krabi and head straight off to an island for some R&R. What people fail to realise is that Southern Thailand has some of the best food in the whole country, and the people away from the tourist trails are the friendliest you'll find. Walk any street in Trang and you'll guaranteed be greeted with smiles from strangers and even a few hello's. On top of that, the food scene is rich with both contemporary and traditional restaurants waiting for you to order. The other winning combo is that they add less sugar overall than their Northern diabetics. Heat and balance is on offer here and we're totally down with it.

Dim Sum is a famous breakfast in Trang, and the city is littered with multiple places. Pork is also king here, so you'll be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn't offer its version of the local speciality: Moo Yang.

The coffee scene is in its infancy but we found a few to quench the caffeine withdrawals.

This guide especially could not have been made without the countless amazing contributions and tips from some of the restaurants featured beneath. Big shoutouts to Mook at Lion's Tale and the family at EggE Egg Egg for trip-changingly epic tips!

Be sure to go to both those places on your city tour of Trang!

KO JANG

A hidden tea omakase in a random backalley? Yes sir!

The owner of this veritable diamond is a bonafide legend in the best terms of the word. Open when he feels like it, closed without notice, suddenly disappears for vacations, doesn't bother to pull the shutters up but leaves a window open as sign that you can approach and order, limits customers to one order per day- this glorified shed serves some of the best tasting fruit tea we have ever tried in Thailand, and we generally despise fruit tea. The excitement of heading there and not knowing if you'll even get served is part of the thrill. If he happens to be closed, then just suck it up buttercup and head to the fantastic bookstore twenty meters down the road. Info further down.

EGG E EGG EGG

Only open for brunch from 10am - 1pm, this family run restaurant in a labyrinth-like location is top of the list for a fresh, tasty lunch. They are known for their oysters and the crab omelette rice bowls. A must-do on your Trang itinerary.

339 HUAN KHAO SOI

The vast majority of popular Khao Soi places in Chiang Mai fail to serve up a bowl as great as this. The owner is from the North, but takes the best parts of the dish and tailors it to the souths longing for a bit more heat. None of the thick, heavy, sweet coconut cream curry here; a thinner, super flavoursome spicy broth with all the usual suspects served in Air Conditioned glory.

CHEW DAM

Soul satisfying Hokkien Mee noodles wrapped in the most deeply addictive broth, sprinkled with dark, crunchy fried shallots, peppered with pork slices and greens, and accompanied by the usual slew of condiments to elevate the dish to how you like it (splash of vinegar, hit of chili powder, tons of green pickled chili slices).

This food makes you crave home and adventure in the same bite.

p.s. The pro move here is to either go off-hours or just before closing, otherwise you'll have to wait upwards of an hour for your food.

JEEB KHAO DIM SUM

Come here early in the morning if you're looking for OLD SKOOL style Trang dim sum. It's an experience.

KHRUA THONG NA THAM

20 minutes outside of Trang lies the best place for all your southern comforts. Just remember to arrange transport back as the Grab app does not work that far. All your usual dishes are standout and the service is delightful.

PHAN MA BA

Two doors down from the tea conjurer is this beautiful Murakami-loving bookstore. Take refuge from the raging sun and peruse some books or grab a coffee in the garden cafe.

p.s. If you're hungry, they serve one of the best Phad Ka Prow in town! No kidding, seriously, the best damn pork Phad Ka Prow ever. On earth maybe. Ok maybe not, but maybe.

SI ESPERANZA

Latte-art lovers should stop by this cafe in Trang, the location near the train station also makes it a super convenient stop in or out of town.

LION'S TALE

Your spot in Trang for cocktails and a taste of the finer things in life. A mix of local dishes, pasta and western comforts prepared with love and attention. The co-owner Mook was instrumental in helping set up this city guide.

CHEN JIA DIM SUM

This female owned and run dim sum cafe serves up versions that most people will be familiar with. The air conditioned clean locale makes it a favourite for local families and the dim sum is great. Make sure you order the prawn dumplings in lime and chili (pictured above).

HAWKEN COFFEE BREWERS

The cafe that local baristas go to on their day off. Run by a charming couple, the refurbished old shop interiors are conducive to sipping an ice americano and cooling off from the heat.

JEI KEE ROAST PORK

The pork is only ready after 10am, so time your visit. Our suggestion is to get the rice with chicken combo and ask for some pork to be added. Skin crispier than glass, and succulent -slightly sweet- chicken makes for the perfect pre-lunch. Make sure you coat it in the dark brown umami-bomb sauce they provide.

p.s. There are two places almost next to each other with indentical awnings, the one to the left is where you get the pork rice.

JEE PAN (กล้วยทอดจีผัน)

Whenever an 80 year old woman is frying bananas, you know they're going to be the best in town. These are more savoury than sweet due to the type of banana they use, but the locals flock here so be expected to wait in line.

KIM RESTAURANT

Trang locals flock to Kim for the taste of old skool Chinese-Thai food. As suspected, they're known for their pork, but their seafood dishes are also great. The location works for anyone staying near the train station.

LA'ONG COFFEE

Hidden in the back of a gas station, this little pearl gets the prize for most retro/beautiful interiors. The coffee is great and you have the added luxury of the Khao Soi spot round the back.

Talk about killing two birds with one stonefruit.

NAPO GRILLED CHICKEN

Muslim grilled chicken with yellow rice and thick (sweet) sauce? This roadside stall is achingly friendly and super tasty. Just be sure to ask for the sauce on the side because it packs a saccharine punch and is best enjoyed in moderation. The small white chilis are an amazing palette burner/cleanser.

p.s. Thanks to the owner of What Da Ale for the tip !

BANG RAK BEEF NOODLE

Be prepared for a few curious stares if you make it to this heatbox of a food stall. Their beef noodle soup is the best in town, a touch sweet but throw some vinegar and chilli in there and you're golden. The Thai's have a different appreciation of texture and gristle than most Westerners, so if you are of weak disposition you may find yourself plucking a few bits out of your soup.

SAND WHITINGS

Seafood directly from the fishermen is what this restaurant proudly proclaim, and after having a meal there who are we to disagree. Special mention to the yellow-ish crab curry with thin noodles on the side. One of the nicer venues in Trang, but the price is also nice.

NONG TIK ICE CREAM SHOP

The towns favourite coconut ice-cream shop. Google map link will take you to the bigger stall across the road, but just ask for ice-cream and you will be escorted opposite to a small stall to fill your fantasies.

KHAO CHONG

Old skool soul playlists and the interiors of a vintage record hunters dream, this is one of Trangs classic stops for an afternoon sip.

WHAT DA ALE

Due to the stranglehold Singha and Chang have on the local market, craft beer is an underground phenomenon in Thailand. All the cool kids in Trang head to What Da Ale bar, a hip little place with the requisite Nirvana and Zeppelin posters on the wall, couches and a stage for jamming.

If you're into Indie bars, this is your option.

ร้านครัวชานชาลา

Adventurous eaters should visit this simple shop specialising in silky smooth steamed egg, reminiscent of chawanmushi. Their fish cakes and a bowl of rice are the perfect accompaniment. The owners don't speak english, so show them this sign if you want to order:

ALBARB COFFEE SHOP

Despite the interior being hotter than a barbeque on Venus, this muslim shack makes excellent chicken Murtabak. Their roti are good too, but a bit more on the thin-crispy side than the traditional Malay/Indian style with thicker chewier texture.

KOYING

The official gossip club of Trang, these lovely (lively) ladies prepare all your old classics with a deft touch. You come here for a steaming plate of Phad Se Ew or style fried rice (chinese style), and leave with a full belly and a few laughs echoing behind.

KLIK BY WANCLICK | KUALA LUMPUR

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:04:00 GMT

KLIK by WanClick | Kuala Lumpur

VINTAGE CAMERAS & POUR-OVER COFFEE

Tucked inside Kiara East’s DEX Suites in Taman Mastiara, KLIK by WanClick feels like a time capsule. With vintage film cameras, it's a magnet for photography lovers and coffee-nerds alike. The space is sleek, minimal, and as usual in Malaysia, friendly.

The coffee menu is what surprised me the most. A retro camera shop that serves Geisha? Ok. They run on the principal of pay-what-you-think, after sipping your lightly brewed coffee.

There are a few options for beans, and you can take a look around the shop and pet the cat whilst you wait.

The location is definitely a hurdle for most travellers or tourists to KL, as it's a good 30 minute drive from downtown areas. You have to purposely set out to come, but that's half the fun of exploring a new city. Finding little gems like this tucked in the most random little corner.

Cat and coffee lovers are going to have a memorable morning at Klik. Just take the train up and walk a couple blocks. As the coffee is pay-what-you-think, we encourage you to add a little extra appreciation since these guys are trying to keep the underground scene of KL alive, against all odds.

KHUA KLING PAK SOD | BANGKOK

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Khua Kling Pak Sod | Bangkok

BURN YOUR MOUTH IN THE SOUTH

On the dankness meter, this restaurant sits up top. There are few places in Bangkok where you'll get southern food as tasty and diverse as here. Don't go to the Sathorn Branch, but come to the Thong Lo temple, and reserve a table if you're not prepared to wait.

Their signature pork dish was fiery as hell, salty, umami laden and downright delicious.

The fried fish rice is apparently Gaggan Anands favourite dish, and we're seeing why. Funky and spicy and crispy and delicious all in one, this plate was killer.

The shrimp were plump, fresh and tangy. Spicy to the afterglow, but not aggressively so.

These greens, one of the house specialties, were fire.

I don't know, sometimes when you order multiple dishes one or two of them are forgotten. I honestly can't remember that much about this bowl of curry, so I guess it didn't change my life.

All in all tho, Khua Kling is a place you come to share plates with people you love and look them in the eye when they spoon some goodness into their mouths.

It's unmissable in Bangkok, unmissable.

Geimori GU38 | Review

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:25:39 GMT

GEIMORI GU38 GRINDER

The Best Budget Single-Dose Grinder?

BENJAMIN SAND - APRIL 2026

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Build Quality & Design ★★★★★ 5/5

Grind Quality — Filter ★★★★ 4/5

Grind Quality — Espresso ★★★ 3.5/5

Retention ★★★ 3.5/5

Value for Money ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★ 4 / 5

Best For: Home brewers who want an attractive, quiet single-dose grinder primarily for filter coffee, on a budget.

Not For: Serious espresso drinkers, or anyone expecting true zero retention.

Price: ~$159–$199

Possibly the best-looking grinder at this price point on the market. Design aside, the static control is solid, and for filter coffee it does a more than respectable job. The grind uniformity and retention numbers fall short of the "zero retention" marketing claims though, and for espresso the results are inconsistent. But for what it is — a beautiful, capable filter grinder — and you won't be disappointed if you take the plunge and purchase the GU38 .

WHAT IS THE GU38?

The Geimori GU38 is a single-dose electric burr grinder from Wirsh, a Chinese coffee equipment brand that has been quietly building a lineup of espresso machines and accessories. The GU38 is the company's counter-top flagship grinder — below it sits the T38 portable battery-powered version, above it the larger GU64 flat burr model.

It features 38mm 6-core conical burrs machined from high-nitrogen SUS420 stainless steel rated at HRC58 hardness, a 96W DC motor running at a steady 190 RPM, 65 stepless grind settings with claimed 0.01mm micro-adjustment precision, a magnetic dosing cup, and an all-metal body with a walnut wood hopper lid.

It ships with bellows, a spray bottle for RDT, and a cleaning brush.

On paper, it reads like a grinder that should cost considerably more than it does. In practice, the picture is a little more nuanced — but still largely impressive for the money.

QUICK SPECS

Burrs: 38mm 6-core conical burrs (SUS420 Stainless Steel, HRC58 hardness).
Motor: 96W DC motor at a steady 190 RPM.
Adjustment: 65 stepless grind settings (0.01mm precision).
Build: All-metal body with a walnut wood hopper l id.
Included: Bellows, RDT spray bottle, magnetic dosing cup.

WHO IS WIRSH/GEIMORI?

Wirsh is an American-registered company with Chinese manufacturing roots, founded with a focus to excel in home espresso and coffee equipment. The Geimori grinder line — launched originally as a Kickstarter with their flat burr GU64 and GU78 models — generated genuine specialty coffee industry attention when Sprudge covered it in 2024, describing the feature list as reading "like a deeply nerdy Reddit r/coffee thread."

The GU38 is their most accessible entry point, with conical burrs, smaller footprint, lower price — but built with the same all-metal philosophy and aesthetic as the rest of the range. This is not a brand pumping out white-label generic gear. There is genuine engineering intent here, even if the execution is not flawless at this price point.

DESIGN - WHERE IT GENUINELY EXCELS

The GU38 is, without question, one of the most attractive coffee grinders available at this price. The all-metal body in matte black (or white), the walnut wood hopper lid, the compact footprint — it looks like it costs three times what it does. At 5.5 pounds and 3.5 x 6 x 12 inches, it is light and slim enough for small kitchens and genuinely beautiful enough to sit proudly on any counter.

The magnetic dosing cup is a genuinely smart design touch — it clicks into place under the chute cleanly every time, reducing mess and making the workflow feel polished. The 65-click stepless dial is smooth and feels premium to turn, and the single-button operation keeps things simple. The included spray bottle for RDT and the bellows for clearing the chute are both actually useful rather than box-filling accessories.

This thing does not feel cheap in the hand. At all.

GRIND SIZE & RETENTION

Here is where we need to slow down and look at the actual data rather than the marketing copy — because there is a gap between what is claimed and what independent testing shows, and you deserve to know about it before spending your money.

Retention — The Real Story

Wirsh markets the GU38 as having "zero retention" with less than 0.1g retained per dose when using RDT. Independent testing by Tom's Guide, using a Fellow Tally Pro scale across three consecutive 20g doses, found an average retention of 1.67% — meaning approximately 0.33g of coffee stayed in the grinder per dose. For context, the Varia VS3 measures 0.75% retention, the Baratza Encore ESP 1.55%, and the Breville Dose Control Pro a worse 2.15%.

So the honest picture: the GU38 is not zero retention, but it is not bad retention either. It sits in the middle of the pack. With RDT and the bellows, you will get that number lower — closer to the 0.1g claimed — but under normal use conditions it is around 0.33g per dose.

For a single-dose grinder, this is something to be aware of, especially if you are rotating between expensive specialty coffees where cross-contamination matters.

Grind Uniformity — Filter vs Espresso

At medium grind settings for filter coffee — around the 30-40 range (in our tests) — the GU38 performs well enough to produce enjoyable, balanced pour-overs. The 38mm conical burrs do a reasonable job and the result in the cup for V60 and Chemex brewing is genuinely pleasant.

At espresso settings the picture becomes more complicated. Lab sieve testing of fine grind (setting 5) showed that only 50% of grounds passed through the 300-micron sieve, meaning fully half the grounds were smaller than Turkish grind — while 20% were simultaneously in the 500-800 micron range typical of Chemex. In practical terms this means you have a bimodal distribution: very fine particles and relatively coarse particles mixed together, which produces inconsistent extraction, channeling risk, and unpredictable shot quality.

For a grinder marketed as capable of "professional espresso" and "perfect 9-bar extraction," this is a tad exaggerated. It will pull espresso, and many home users report enjoyable shots, but if you are pulling on a high-end machine with precision baskets and expecting competition-level consistency, the GU38 will not deliver that.

Grind Speed

At 190 RPM the motor is quiet — measured at 75dB, noticeably quieter than the Baratza Encore ESP and comparable to the Eureka Mignon Specialita, though louder than the Varia VS3's whisper-quiet 67dB.

The trade-off is speed: 20g at a medium grind setting takes around 39 seconds. This is not a dealbreaker — it is the same as the VS3 and a natural characteristic of low-RPM DC motors, but worth knowing if you are making multiple doses in quick succession.

Dark Roasts

Since we do not use dark-roast beans, we did a bit of hunting and some users online have flagged that oily dark roast beans can clog the conical burrs, requiring more frequent cleaning. If you drink predominantly dark roasts, this is a grinder to approach with caution. We tested the machine with Medium and Light roast coffee, so we cannot comment 100% on this.

For medium and light roast specialty coffee it performs considerably better.

Watch KEEN ON COFFEE review the Geimori GU38 on Youtube above.

The Positives

The Build — Metal construction with walnut wood accents. It looks amazing for the price and feels solid in the hand.

The Quiet Motor — 75dB is genuinely impressive for an electric grinder at this price.

The Workflow — Everything you need is in the box and it all works cleanly.

The Static Control — For all the retention caveats, the static levels are genuinely low. Just use a spray bottle.

The Filter Performance — For V60, Chemex, Aeropress, the GU38 produces pleasant, balanced cups. It does not accentuate acidity and florals, but it creates a sweet and balanced cup that works well with any bean origin.

The Stepless Dial — 65 settings with claimed 0.01mm micro-adjustment is excellent for a grinder at this price. The ability to make tiny incremental adjustments between brew sessions is something you normally pay more for.

The Negatives

The Retention Gap vs Claims — "Zero retention" is aspirational marketing. Real-world average retention of 1.67% with bellows is fine but not zero.

Espresso Uniformity — Bimodal grind distribution at fine settings means inconsistent espresso extraction. This is not a precision espresso grinder despite the marketing language.

Dark Roast Compatibility — Oily beans and the 38mm conicals do not always agree. Lighter and medium roast specialty coffee is this grinder's comfort zone.

Grinding Speed — 39 seconds for a 20g dose is on the slow side for a counter-top electric grinder. Not a dealbreaker but worth knowing.

Auto Switch-off — I feel this would have been a nice feature, as grinders that you manually have to turn OFF are a bit distracting for workflow. However, at the price I can understand why this wasn't a priority.

Finishing — As seen in the photo above, the etching of the numbers on the dial are done poorly. This is an area that escaped the team in charge of checking finishing standards.

Charging Brick - The power cable is huge, something that they could have made a lot smaller in footpring, to really look sleek on a counter-top. Their machine looks super minimal, so the power box could have been designed with a bit more intentionality.

Final Thoughts

The GU38 is a grinder that will genuinely impress you in some areas and quietly frustrate you in others — and the key is knowing which category you fall into before buying.

If you drink mostly filter coffee, want something beautiful on your counter, appreciate a quiet motor and a clean workflow, and are working with a budget around $160-200, this is an excellent choice.

It over-delivers on design, handles filter coffee well, and ships with a complete accessory kit that rivals what much more expensive machines include.

If you pull serious espresso daily, rotate through oily dark roasts, or need true single-dose zero-retention performance, you are going to run into the limitations fairly quickly — and at $199 the Baratza Encore ESP is a more consistent espresso grinder, even if it cannot touch the GU38 on aesthetics.

Buy this for what it is — a beautiful, honest filter grinder with solid filter cup quality and a great workflow — rather than what the marketing says it is, and you will be very happy with it.

BUY THIS IF:

You drink primarily filter coffee — V60, Chemex, Aeropress
Counter aesthetics matter to you, it is truly stylish
You want a quiet early morning grinder
You are on a budget around $160-200 and want the best looking option in that range

SKIP THIS IF:

You pull precision espresso daily and need true grind uniformity
You drink predominantly dark, oily roasts
You need proven zero-retention performance
You have the budget to step up to the Varia VS3

The Mouth may receive a small commission from some of the links above, at no extra cost to you. It is the only financial gain this website receives since we do not run Google Ads.

We only review what we love. This unit was provided without cost, for field testing, but all opinions remain our own. This link will give you a 15% discount.

Bookoo Scales | Review

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:18:32 GMT

BOOKOO MINI SCALES

The Greatest Mini-Scales Ever Built?

BENJAMIN SAND

We all heard the mic drop when Lance Hendrick reviewed these scales. The internet went absolutely postal in response, and production was ramped up hard. I managed to snag a scale a few weeks later, and had had it for over 6 months now.

In short, it's the best travel scale I have ever used, for it's size and how damn clean it looks. There are some kinks, but nothing is perfect.

For me, I keep it in my backpack at all times. The feeling of waking up in a hotel room, knowing I have a responsive, USB-C powered scale that can rock my morning coffee weights down to the 0.1 decimal, make sure I can do a pourover or AeroPress in my room, or on a balcony, and take up no more room than a pack of cards.

No, this thing is a beauty. It's also built really solidly, so I don't feel worried it's going to break. The carry-case protects it for the actual travel days, but the rest of the time it can happily sit on a table and is always ready for action. I cannot tell you the amount of times people have commented on how cool the scale looks, and how small it is.

Below are the pro's and con's of this product:

Who is BOOKOO?

BOOKOO is an innovative brand dedicated to reimagining the coffee experience through modern design and reliable functionality. Known for their fresh approach to portable coffee gear, they are steadily building a reputation for creating tools that combine simplicity with smart engineering. BOOKOO products are designed for coffee lovers who value both performance and style, making them a brand to watch as they continue to grow and inspire.

Competitors

It sits between the cheaper end of the scale (pun intended), where quality really starts to feel cheap, and the higher end Acaia that really take a massive bite out of your wallet. The question for most people will be, is the Acaia worth the extra layout, and can you deal with the cheaper options on a day-to-day basis?

For me, the Acaia doesn't offer enough to justify the almost $150 jump in price, and the cheaper options such as the Wacaco, gave me response issues and overall build quality worries.

In short, the Bookoo has it all.

The Positives

Precision & Accuracy: Offers 0.1g measurement increments and a 0.1g/s flow rate, ensuring precise dosing and extraction monitoring.

Smart Connectivity: Features Bluetooth integration with apps like Bookoo, Beanconqueror, Odyssey Espresso, and Decent Espresso Machine for real-time data and OTA updates.

Compact Design: Measuring 8cm x 8cm x 1.5cm with a silicone mat, it fits perfectly in most espresso machine drip trays.

Long Battery Life: The 500mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of use per charge, lasting 1-2 months between charges.

Easy Maintenance: Designed with IPX4 water resistance for easy cleaning—simply wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

The Negatives

Learning Curve: A steep learning curve due to the scale's advanced features and app interface. The bluetooth can be a bit glitchy.

Size Limitations: The compact size may not accommodate larger portafilters without additional accessories.

Price Point: Priced at approximately $129, it may be considered expensive compared to other coffee scales.

Thoughts

The Bookoo Mini is the best travel scale I've used—and the asterisk matters. It's the best because of its design, portability, and data connectivity. It's not the best because of durability (unproven), app stability (flaky), or value (expensive).

Buy it if:

You're serious enough about coffee to track extraction, but travel enough to care about weight
Design matters to you—and I mean genuinely, not as an afterthought
You can tolerate Bluetooth quirks

Skip it if:

You just need a reliable scale (get the Timemore)
You're a data obsessive and need rock-solid app performance (get the Lunar)
You're traveling ultra-light and $129+ feels excessive

After six months? I'm keeping it. Because perfect doesn't exist at this weight and price. This gets close enough that I forgive the flaws.

BUY YOUR BOOKOO HERE

IPOH VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:11:03 GMT

Vegetarian & Vegan Guide To Ipoh

A GUIDE TO EATING VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD IN IPOH

Mostly known for it s Chicken Rice, bean sprouts and white coffee, this guide will feature none of those. For plant based or animal-free food, The Mouth sent the carrot apostle to test the waters and part the sea of knowledge.

Below are the best restaurants we found either offering purely vegan, vegetarian or with options for meat-free on the menu. A few of them are outside the downtown area, but well worth taking a Grab taxi to.

So stop asking where you can find the best vegan and vegetarian food in Ipoh, and click on the map below and start eating!

CLICK ICON FOR ALL LOCATIONS

YC VEGE LIFE CAFE

This unassuming gem serves one of the tastiest lions mane rendang curry ever. The sauce is thicker than a regular rendang, but that doesn't stop it absolutely popping with flavour. Dynamite !!!

Thanks to Vegan Food Quest for their guide!

AMBIENCE TEA HOUSE

Highly recommended by the barista at Aud's, this slightly oddly located gem serves the best vegetarian Asam Laksa you'll ever eat. Close your eyes and you truly wouldn't know this was plant-based (well, except for the egg).

VEGAN LIFE

Many of the vegan and vegetarian restaurants in town are located near the temple Wat Puthanimittam. Vegan Life has some serious chops when it comes to noodle soups bursting with flavour, and is very popular amongst the locals.

MAMA GO VEGE CAFE

Their Indonesian curry with rice was a showstopper. Smack full of flavour and bursting with umami.

QI FU HEALTHY PARK

Run by the friendliest ladies in Ipoh, this popular vegetarian restaurant serves plant-based sushi, noodle, curry and rice dishes. The prices are good and the quality is excellent.

HOME NOODLES CAFE

A quiet, secret vegetarian cafe making excellent noodle based dishes, but also a killer "Mutton" curry with rice. The interiors are splashed with the owners sons paintings, and the vibe is very zen and friendly.

HOME RECIPE VEGETARIAN CAFE

One of the hidden gems in Ipoh's vegetarian food scene, this friendly cafe serves delicious dishes to throngs of loyal locals. Their curry dishes are expecially good, though the broth here is one the milder side which means you don't get palate fatigue by the time you've finished.

FU TIEN

Known for their plant-based sushi, that is definitely the way to go here. Their noodle dishes are not quite as successful.

FRIENDS OF VEGGIE

If you are down in these parts visiting the excellent Omni Cafe, then walk across the road and have lunch at this tiny, friendly, tasty vegetarian/vegan eatery.

FUNNY MOUNTAIN SOYA BEANCURD

More popular than Harrods at Christmas, this stall serves delicious desserts to a pack of wild followers. Be early because they sell out fast. Try their Tau Fu Fah, but for us the bottle version was too sweet.

KUSAMU

Everyone needs a solid cup of coffee once in a while, and this is by far the best coffee you'll get downtown-ish.

SRI ANANDA BHAVAN

Now that Krishna Bhavan has shut its doors for the final time, this is where you'll get a decent dosa.

AUD'S CAFE

Again, not strictly vegetarian or vegan, you can get tasty breakfasts here without meat. Their coffee is roasted by The Roast Things in KL, so it's worth ordering a cup.

MOGA PUNJAB

Their Aloo Paratha is the stuff of legends, and eating here you can see why. Always a crowd at lunchtime and the hot plate is busy non-stop.

p.s. If you want it vegan ask for them to not fry it in butter/ghee.

ÊTRE PATISSERIE

Vegans look away, but these pastries are amazing. Their mushroom quiche is great, and their croissants are excellent.

MITO

Meat-free Asian dishes done in a clean, minimalist restaurant. The flavours are good, but it's not one of the essential places to go in Ipoh.

OLD TOWN CAPATI

Not a vegetarian or vegan place per se, but you can get decent and cheap Indian vegetarian food here, and pretty good chapati.

Aurzen Zip | Review

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:32:45 GMT

AURZEN ZIP Review

The Best Portable Projector for Nomads in 2026?

BENJAMIN SAND - APRIL 2026

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Portability ★★★★★ 5/5
Picture Quality ★★★ 3.5/5
Build Quality ★★★★★ 5/5
Battery Life ★★★ 3.5 /5
Value for Money ★★★ 3.5/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★ 4 / 5

Best For: Ultra-minimalist travelers, TikTok/Reels viewing, dark hotel rooms.

Price: ~$279 (plus ~$100 for the essential CastPlay dongle)

Bottom Line: The most impressive piece of folding tech I’ve carried, but the "hidden costs" and weak battery make it a luxury for the aesthetic-obsessed rather than a practical powerhouse.

The Aurzen Zip is a Tri-Fold form factor mini-projector. When closed, it’s a solid gray slab the size of a thick wallet. It’s the first projector I’ve used that genuinely feels like part of an everyday setup rather than a "piece of gear" you have to carry around.

The build quality really sets it apart. The hinges are stiff and deliberate, allowing you to angle the lens toward the ceiling or a wall without needing a tripod. No part of it feels cheap, or plastic. It is very well constructed, and it shows.

At just 280g, it disappears into a pocket.

WhO ARE AURZEN?

Aurzen is an entertainment technology brand built on the philosophy of "Focus on the Good Stuff." In a crowded market of noisy distractions, they position themselves as a purveyor of clarity, aiming to bring people closer through immersive, shared experiences. They’ve quickly gained traction in the specialty tech space by rejecting the industry's habit of spec-padding, instead opting for a "True Brightness" promise backed by transparent SGS certifications to ensure users get exactly what is advertised.

Beyond the lens, the brand is defined by a "Slab Design" aesthetic and a commitment to sustainability. From their self-developed VibeBass™ audio technology to their use of eco-friendly soy ink and biodegradable eggshell packaging, Aurzen treats hardware as a lifestyle choice. They iterate tirelessly to create products like the Zip and Boom series that age gracefully and offer a minimal disruptive impact, catering to a modern, nomadic audience that prizes both high-end design and environmental responsibility.

WHAT IS THE ZIP?

The Zip is an ultra-minimalist 720p native resolution and 100 ANSI Lumens brightness, pocket projector. It works by screen-mirroring, as the product itself only has one Type-C socket, for charging. The projector has no native apps, and no way to go online, therefore all actions have to be taken through the device you connect to it.

100 lumens is a fraction of what you’ll find in larger "portables." In a room with any ambient light, the image is washed out. However, in a pitch-black room, the DLP tech is surprisingly sharp up to about 60 inches.

One of the Zip's best tricks is the vertical projection mode. Fold the stand, rotate it, and you can project TikToks or Instagram Reels in full-screen on your wall. It feels built for the phone-first generation.

Battery & Sound

This is where the Zip shows its physical limitations.

Battery Life: On a full charge, you’ll get roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in standard mode. You won't finish a movie. If you slide the "Boost" brightness switch, that number drops even further.

Planning Tip: You absolutely need a power bank (like an Anker 737) to keep it tethered to its USB-C cable for anything longer than a YouTube deep-dive.

The "Netflix" Issue: Unlike the Nebula, the Zip has no native OS (like Android TV). It relies on screen mirroring. Because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions, you cannot cast Netflix, Disney+, or Prime from your phone - you'll just get a black screen with audio.

The Solution: You have to buy Aurzen’s proprietary CastPlay Wireless HDMI Dongle to bypass this. It works perfectly, but it’s an extra $100 and adds bulk to a device that is supposed to be "minimalist."

Watch TechDaily's experience with the Zip.

The Positives

Insane Portability:

Truly the only "pocketable" projector that doesn't feel like a toy.

Auto-Everything:

The ToF (Time of Flight) sensor handles focus and keystone correction in seconds.

The Aesthetic:

The Solid Gray finish is brutalist, stealthy, and minimalist.

Construction:

The build-quality on this machine feels absolutely premium, no short-cuts have been taken, even down to the packaging it comes in.

The Negatives

Brightness:

Strictly for dark environments. In daylight you will see a washed out picture.

Battery:

Does not last through a standard feature film.

No Native Apps:

The lack of a built-in OS makes the external dongle a mandatory (and expensive) purchase for most users.

Sound :

The speaker is only 1W, so you are limited as to what you can do without either connecting headphones or using your laptop speakers and just casting the image.

Tests in daylight, so you can see the picture is still viewable.

Final Thoughts

Buy this if: You want the most portable, best-designed projector on the planet and you already carry a beefy power bank. It’s perfect for the nomad who wants a "ceiling cinema" in their Airbnb without the bulk.

Skip this if: You want a "one-and-done" device. By the time you buy the Zip and the required HDMI dongle, you’re in the price bracket of much brighter, more capable (if larger) units.

The Aurzen Zip proves you really can fit a cinema in a wallet. It’s not a "spec-beast," but it is a "vibe-beast." If you can swallow the dongle cost and the short battery, it’s a stunning addition to a light travel kit.

Perfect for digital nomads. Pick one up here .

Projected on the ceiling in darkness.

FAQ

Does the Zip have a built-in OS (like Netflix or YouTube)?
No. This is a "Bring Your Own Content" device. It is entirely reliant on wireless screen mirroring from your phone, tablet, or laptop. This is great for privacy and speed, but it means your phone is the remote.

Why is my Netflix screen black when I try to cast it?
That’s the "DRM Wall." Apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max block wireless mirroring to prevent piracy. To watch these, you’ll need the CastPlay Wireless HDMI Dongle (or a standard HDMI adapter and a cable) to "hardwire" the connection and bypass the block.

Can I charge the Zip with my MacBook charger?
Yes. The Zip supports 24W Power Delivery (PD) fast charging via USB-C. Any high-quality GaN charger or power bank will keep it topped up. In fact, if you want to watch a full 2-hour movie, keeping it plugged into a power bank is essentially mandatory.

How big can the picture actually get?
While Aurzen says it can go up to 120 inches, the "sweet spot" for 720p at 100 lumens is between 40 and 60 inches. At that size, in a dark room, the image is crisp and punchy. Any larger, and you start to lose that "retina" feel.

Does it work for TikTok and Reels?
This is actually the Zip’s "secret weapon." Because of the tri-fold hinge, you can rotate the projector onto its side. The ToF sensor detects the rotation and flips the image into Vertical Full-Screen Mode. It is hands-down the best way to watch vertical content without the annoying black bars.

Do I need a tripod?
Almost never. The tri-fold design acts as its own multi-angle stand. You can tilt it from 0° (straight ahead) to 90° (straight at the ceiling) just by adjusting the hinges. The weighted base keeps it stable even when it’s fully extended.

Is it loud (fan noise)?
Surprisingly quiet. Because it’s a DLP engine and only 100 lumens, it doesn't generate the massive heat of larger lamp-based projectors. You’ll hear a faint whir, but it’s easily masked by the built-in speakers or a pair of AirPods.

We only review what we love. This unit was provided without cost, for field testing, but all opinions remain our own.

Timemore x Anthony Douglas Flow Tamper | Review

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:02:39 GMT

Timemore x Anthony Douglas Flow Tamper Review

The Best Self-Leveling Tamper You Can Buy Right Now?

BENJAMIN SAND - APRIL 2026

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Build Quality ★★★★★ 5/5

Tamping Consistency ★★★★★ 5/5

Design ★★★★★ 5/5

Value ★★★★ 4.5/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★★ 5 / 5

Best For Home baristas and travelling espresso obsessives who want competition-level consistency without the guesswork.

Price $99 USD / €115 EUR

Bottom Line: The most beautiful, consistent, and thoughtfully designed tamper we have ever used.

A genuine game-changer for espresso preparation.

Gone are the days of leaning on your tamper and hoping for the best. If you're even slightly off, you'll be left with a sour, badly extracted shot that probably suffered from channeling.

The Timemore x Anthony Douglas Flow tamper is here to tear up the rule book and make sure your shots are all perfect.

WHO ARE TIMEMORE & ANTHONY DOUGLAS?

Founded in Shanghai in 2012, Timemore have spent over a decade quietly building one of the most respected accessory lines in the industry — winning Red Dot, iF, and G-Mark design awards along the way.

Their Chestnut grinders can be found on counters from Buenos Aires to Christchurch. Their Fish kettle is the go-to for V60 obsessives worldwide, often being featured by Barista champions in their competition runs. They do not rush to market with gimmicks. They build things properly and they look extraordinary doing it.

Anthony Douglas is the 2022 World Barista Champion, and Timemore's Global Brand Ambassador. When he collaborated with them to design the Flow tamper, this was not a casual signature on a mediocre product, this was a working champion telling a world-class manufacturer exactly what a tamper needs to do at the highest level.

WHAT IS THE FLOW TAMPER?

The Flow is a 58mm self-leveling tamper with a fixed collar design that rests on the rim of your portafilter basket, ensuring perfectly vertical 90 degree tamping every single time.

The self-leveling mechanism means that even if your wrist tilts slightly, the tamper corrects itself. The base meets the coffee flat. The puck is even. The extraction is consistent.

WHAT I LIKE

I have used a lot of tampers. Countless cheap versions that came included in boxes, mid-range calibrated ones, heavy steel ones with wooden handles.

None of them felt like this.

The first thing you notice is the weight distribution — it sits in your hand in a way that feels completely natural. The second thing you notice is how clean the tamp feels. No wobble. No uncertainty. The collar finds the basket rim and the base drops flat.

This immediately changed the consistency of my shots. The sour edges that occasionally crept in — particularly with lighter roasts where even minor channeling is punishing — disappeared. The flow through the puck became what it is supposed to be: even, controlled, predictable.

For anyone brewing on a Slayer, a La Marzocco, or any 58mm machine, this fits perfectly. And because it is Timemore, it looks super stylish sitting on your bench between shots.

Buy this if: You pull espresso seriously at home, you are tired of wondering whether your tamp is level, and you want a tamper that looks as good as your machine.

Skip this if: You are on a very tight budget, or you use a non-standard basket size.

Get to know Anthony Douglas

The Positives

Self-Leveling: The fixed collar system is genuinely the best implementation of self-leveling tamping available at this price point.

The Collaboration: Anthony Douglas,the 2022 World Barista Champion designing a tamper means the brief behind this product came from someone who has pulled more competition-level shots than almost anyone alive.

The Aesthetics: Timemore has won multiple international design awards and you feel that in this product. The Flow tamper is genuinely one of the most beautiful pieces of coffee equipment currently available.

The Price: $99 for a collaboration between the world's leading coffee accessory brand and the reigning World Barista Champion is, frankly, a bargain. Comparable tampers from lesser brands cost more and do less.

The Negatives

Minor Coffee Retention : Like all tampers with a collar guide, there is very slight coffee retention between the guide and the base. It is minimal, it does not affect your shot, and a quick wipe between pulls solves it entirely.

58mm Only: If you are running a 54mm or 51mm machine, this is not for you.

Final Thoughts

The Timemore x Anthony Douglas Flow tamper is the best tamper I have ever used. Full stop.

It removed a variable from my espresso preparation that I did not fully realise was still a variable. The consistency it delivers is significant and immediate. Combined with the fact that it looks like it belongs in a design museum and carries the genuine input of the 2022 World Barista Champion, the only question is why you would use anything else.

If you pull shots on a 58mm machine and you care about what ends up in the cup, buy this. The end!

Grab yours here: timemore.com

FAQ

Q: Is the Timemore Flow worth the price?
A: At $99 with World Barista Champion input and Timemore build quality, it is one of the best value tampers available at any price point.

Q: How does it compare to other self-leveling tampers?
A: The Flow's compact design, superior aesthetics, and collaboration pedigree put it ahead of most competitors. The Normcore V4 is a solid alternative but lacks the design refinement and the Anthony Douglas brief behind this product.

Q: Does it fit all 58mm portafilters?
A: Yes — standard 58mm baskets including VST and IMS fit perfectly.

Q: Does it work for home baristas or just professionals?
A: This is specifically designed to bring competition-level consistency to the home. It is the ideal tamper for the serious home barista who has invested in a good machine and a good grinder and wants the preparation stage to match.

MUJGAN YELDEGIRMENI | ISTANBUL

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:39:55 GMT

MUJGAN YELDEGIRMENI | ISTANBUL

PLATTERS THAT MATTER

Kadikoy is known for a host of reasons, the nightlife on Kadife Sokak, the Baris Manco museum, hipster cafes in Moda, amazing food, and the lively market. But what flies under the radar is this little corner gem, offering one of the best breakfasts you'll find in Istanbul.

Obviously you're going to have enough food to feed an army, so don't come here if you're solo dining, but at least once in your life you should be privy to the decadence of an Istanbul breakfast platter.

Crammed to the corners will unspeakable deliciousness, this will set anyone up for a long day of browsing. My tip is to move in random directions amongst the plates, but never, ever forget the honey and kaymak cheese. It's a revelation.

The cafe is a local favourite, and the outside tables get snapped up very fast on sunny days, so come early, or be prepared to wait.

If in doubt on what to order, just show the server the photo above, and they'll be dialed in. It's not cheap tho, as things in Istanbul have gone ballistic due to inflation, but a once in a lifetime treat is worth burning the credit card.

FRUKT

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

FRUKT | TURKU

EIGHT DEADLY SHOTS

My f light from Copenhagen landed at 3pm. My train north was at 6pm. Three hours to kill in Turku, a city I had never been to, but I had one spot saved on google maps: Frukt.

I checked the opening times. Fuck. They close at 4pm. I began to sweat profusely, running through the tiny airport, boarding the bus, and praying he left early. The doors closed, but the bus didn't move, as a hippie looking backpacker argued about something less important than my future cup of coffee. She finally relented, handed over some money, and found a seat.

The bus reached downtown at 3.45. I checked the map, 8 minute walk. Out of breath, I stumbled into the cafe, conscious of the fact that most service industry places hate latecomers as they usually start cleaning and packing away half an hour before.

Instead I was greeted with a big smile, and after explaining how I had three hours in Turku, and had wanted to visit Frukt for a while, my fears were allayed and my bag placed down in relieved strokes. I perused the menu, was recommended their Geisha, agreed, chatted with the barista about the shop and mulled their retail shelves.

Moments later, owner and head roaster Samuli, appeared. We got into a long discussion about the scene in Turku, the importance of washed coffee, the trend of many to veer towards heavily processed formulas (sadly), the bakery his wife runs (I tasted a delicious pastry that had floral notes), and between tongue-wagging, managed to taste two or three of their wonderful coffee.

A couple of producers from Brazil entered for a meeting, so I didn't want to outstay my welcome. I sipped my coffee, paid, and grabbed my bag.

I traded a few grams of coffee I had in my bag from Norange in Copenhagen for them to try, and in return I received two small bags of coffee I hadn't tried in the shop. What a beautiful day it turned out to be.

Unbelievably, I had managed to drop by and visit what I consider one of Finland s most important cafes, despite my plane landing an hour before closing time. That speaks of Finnish efficiency, and the generosity of the staff to let me stay after closing and drink some clean, sweet, complex cups.

I hope I'll be back one day, with a bit more time to spare. Thanks Frukt!

HANOI FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:59:26 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO HANOI

THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN HANOI

Perched far from the hissing streets of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi offers a slightly diffused experience for the sensitive soul. Blessed with acres of tiny alleyways in which all manner of treats can be discovered, this city really is a walkers paradise. Despite having to keep your wits about you to avoid a stray scooter, the best thing to do is skip public transport and head out into the wild, following your nose to some of the local hotspots.

With decade long experience in unmasking Hanoi's food offerings, combined with a few whispers from respected chefs, the plan was set in action and The Mouth's trusty broth lord tasted far too many mediocre dishes in order to serve you up the cream of the crop.

A couple of cafes in which to rest your weary legs have been thrown in for shits and giggles. Hanoi might not have the best Pho in Vietnam, but they sure do have some other tasty offerings.

Below are our favourite spots, after suffering through quite a few middle-of-the-road plates.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

PHO GIA TRUYEN BAT DAN

The saltiest, dankest, desirous bowl of Pho you'll find in Hanoi. Yes it's shabby and the sight of hanging flesh may curl your toes, but this broth keeps you dipping your spoon until you're spent.

BUN CHA HANG QUAT

Our favourite Bun Cha in Hanoi, even though we are not the biggest Bun Cha fans. However, there is nothing quite like sitting on plastic stools in an alleyway as people mill past you and waiters scurry off with hot bowls of pork.

BANH MI MAMA

Discipline yourself to stop assuming just because it is near the church, its going to be trash. These fine ladies make some of the best Banh Mi in town.

PHO BO DUONG TAU

Another corker of a Pho spot with super salty broth, but umami bomb level.

BAMI BREAD

Our favourite Banh Mi in Hanoi.

4P's

This Japanese-owned chain may very well be some of the best pizza you'll find in Asia, let alone Vietnam.

BUN BO NAM BO

Nothing hits quite like a bowl of Bun Bo Nam Bo from here. Laced with noodles, greens, acid and spice, there is no stopping the mouth symphony when you take your first slurp.

PHO GA NGUYET

Chicken versions of Pho are not something we usually eat, but they do a mighty fine job highlighted by the constant scooter pick-ups, and packed dining room. Delicate, sippable broth with all the usual suspects.

EAT LIST

Granted, it's a peculiar name for an Indian restaurant, but this place does everything right. 100% worth trading in an evening of local cuisine for a walk down Indian lane.

BANH MI TRAM

Famous for their red wine beef soup which countless banh mi are dipping into until you're so full you have to be rolled out the shop. The broth is a touch too sweet, but it's worthy of your coins.

PHO THIN

Slightly outside the main drag means you'll get authentic Pho, and less chance to encounter a Vlogger from hell. Solid broth with the added bonus of stir frying the meat which lends a different flavour to raw slices plonked in.

CA PHE NHA KHO

A twenty minute taxi ride from the lakeside, and not a single tourist in sight. The best place to bring a laptop, have a coffee and write a novel.

BOOKNEST

Hanoi's quirky little gem.

LOADING T CAFE

Our favourite perch to judge the world as it passes by.

NGOAM

Say one day you feel like venturing into the western demographic and bite into a superb burger, then this is your saving grace. Exceptional comfort food in modern surroundings.

BEST DOSA IN KUALA LUMPUR

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:18:51 GMT

Best Dosa In KL

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DOSA IN KL

For those who worship at the hallowed gates of the Masala Dosa Temple, Kuala Lumpur is a proverbial hot-spot. Spanning every kind of Indian cuisine you can imagine, the highest represented is by far various amalgamations of South Indian. Atop the mountain of religiously awakened dishes, is a trusty Dosa. Achingly delicious fermented batter spread glass-thin on a piping hot flat-top sprinkled with oil or ghee, a mound of house made potato masala cocooned in the middle, as the ends are rolled around it to conceal it. Not to be ignored, a cacaphony of sambars, chutneys and other excitements flower the dish like supporting actors that stole the show.

Some people like them ultra thin and crispy, some like them pancake fat and sheer white. I like mine somewhere in the middle, crispy edges and glass-like parchments interrupted by areas of thicker flesh to contrast textures and tastes on one single edible sphere.

Unbelievably enough, there are bad dosa's. Yes, even a seemingly attractive photograph can lie. Collected below in lists of euphoric silliness are our favourites in and around Kuala Lumpur!

Vanakkam!

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

SANGEETHA

This Chennai hotspot has managed to set its feet firmly in KL, grabbing the headlines and managing to steer throngs of locals away from more well established places. Their two locations fluctuate between which is better than the other, depending on the migrations of chefs. However, both are solid as hell and the best masala dosa you'll find in town.

SRI PAANDI

Recommended highly by the owner of Hyderabad Biryani a few blocks away, the dosa here are truly solid. If you're only in town for a few days and want one meal at the dosa throne, then hit Sangeetha, if you've got time to spare and love comparisions, then add this to your list.

PURE SAIVA

Legendary lunch thali's and superb dosa's with flavour-bomb fillings and great sambar and chutneys. It doesn't really get much better than Pure Saiva, a place we hit once a week when we're lurking around KL.

MADRAS CAFE

Don't be fooled, this is the only true Madras Cafe in town, all others are imitations. Come here for super authentic vibes, solid dosa and great sambar and chutneys.

NADIA VEGE CAFE

Should the paper dosa be more your bag, then head to this legendary spot in Brickfields where you'll get a crisp as glass dosa and some very acceptable sambar and sides. They don't have masala dosa here!

MAGIC TIFFIN

More legit than this doesn't exist in KL. Always full of locals, no matter what the hour, their dosa's are superb and their chutneys and sambar are solid too. They also do a great apom if you want dessert.

MR NAAN & MRS IDLY

Don't let the name turn you off, the food here is excellent. Skip the lunch buffet where they tend to deliver slightly less kicking food, but head there for a dosa or their awesome chole bathura.

ADYAR ANANDA BHAVAN

Another transplant from the chaos of Chennai, their branches are always packed and always guarantee a solid masala dosa.

SARAVANA BHAVAN

Of all the branches of this world-wide chain we've visited, the one in Silom Bangkok has kept the highest standards and consistency. All our other experiences with them have varied from excellent (Tooting, London) to downright awful (Muscat, Bahrain). The one in KL does a solid actual dosa, things start falling apart at the sambar and chutneys. The sambar is fine, but the green and red chutney here veers off the cliff in terms of quality shown in other restaurants bearing the same name.

THE ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:41:52 GMT

THE ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SPECIALTY COFFEE IN COPENHAGEN

Newer to the specialty coffee world than their upstairs neighbour Norway, Copenhagen has come leaps and bounds in the past few years. These days the city has a healthier scene than Oslo, based on the variety of high-quality coffee on offer, and the amount of people competing at the highest level.

For those who want to dig their heels in, and hit multiple shops, you'll find the ultimate guide for all your needs below. From the tiny espresso bars to hand-pour counters, too-cool-for-questions hipster holes and places with great sunshine seating, the guide covers all the places you need for your coffee-tinerary around this charming capital.

Our personal opinion is quality can vary wildly, especially at places like Coffee Collective where it really depends whos working. One day you can get a nice clean coffee, the next a muddy, sour, mess.

Though the Danes do tend to brew their espresso more silty than their Northern neighbours, there are some places where you can enjoy sweet, clean, expressive cups.

This guide will show you where. To make your life easier, we'll break it down into neighborhoods.

DOWNTOWN SHOPS

APRIL SHOWROOM

N ewly relocated to a singular coffee shop, they offer an Omakase-style tasting, along with their regular coffee menu. Think clean, washed, high-end coffee served in a formal atmosphere.

SUSTAINABLE PROFILE COFFEE

Next door to the April showroom, and under the same umbrella, SP serves as a more casual interaction with the April experience. Coffees here are not at the same level as next-door, but are delicious and more affordable. They also are less strict about their choices, so there is more here for the everyday enthusiast.

NOMA PROJECTS

Yes, the famous restaurant has also opened a new cafe, and it's proving popular. Clean naturals and washed coffees, extremely friendly service, cool vibes, and not too insane prices.

PROLOG PAPIRØEN

The newest addition to the Prolog family, this trendy minimalist shop is perfect for people walking around the downtown canals.

LA CABRA

Most people come here for the pour-over style coffee and the baristas are knowledgable and accommodating. The seating is limited so be prepared to rub shoulders with the locals. Expect incredibly long lines during summer.

p.s. They just opened a new location at Nordhavn which is not as busy, yet.

DET VIDE HUS

Opposite the Rosenborg Castle, this is a cute specialty coffee shop to sip on a nice light roast pour-over before tackling the sights.

They are super friendly and informative, and have a few extra bags of coffee for pour-over if you ask.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE BERNIKOW

With a large seating area inside a shopping arcade, this is one of the roomier options downtown to relax with a nice cup of coffee.

We suggest getting a light-roast pourover.

CABIN

Opened in Dec 2025, this coffee shop sells and brews coffee by Norwegian overlord Tim Wendelboe. The insides are a mix between a Finnish sauna and Nordic cabin. Wood-works and the coffee is fabulous!

COFFEE COLLECTIVE TORVEHALLERNE

Combine a coffee with some food-hunting at the famous Torvehallerne. Some good people watching spots at the back behind the counter.

DEMOCRATIC

One of the OG's of the scene.

SOCIAL BREW

With two locations, they are both popular with people who love a bite to eat with their coffee.

ROAST

An espresso-forward basement, supplying coffee to Coffice in Amager too. A slightly more medium-roast than light.

NØRREBRO / FREDERIKSBERG

NORANGE

A relative newcomer to the Copenhagen scene, this minimalist shop brews the best clean, washed coffee in Copenhagen. They also roast and sell coffee by the Greek Champion Coffee roaster of 2022.

HIP HOP 2.0

With a soft opening at the end of October, this casual coffee shop moved from the previous location at Fredriksberg Alle Metro, to Nørrebro. Expect the same great coffee (roasted by Sensei), in a much larger locale.

PROLOG FREDERIKSBERG

The downtown shops are more tourist-infested than the Roastery, which lies in a nice residential area and has mellow vibes.

Their batch-brew can be quite tasty, and reasonably affordable. Our pick if you're going to hit a Prolog Cafe.

THE ARTISAN

Situated by the middle lakes between Nørrebro and Østerbro, The Artisan specialise in single origin Peruvian coffee from farmers they personally have visited and formed relationships with.

Try one of their pour-overs.

DARCY'S

Sunspots, decently priced drip coffee and space for conversations, this cafe in Nørrebro is popular and for a reason (they have a new location too near the meatpacking district).

Pro tip: Their espresso tends to lean a bit muddy/murky lacking clarity and sweetness so stick to drip here. This of course can depend on who's working and what their specials are, but the drip is a safe bet.

SAFTIG

Check the opening hours before heading down, but this little basement cafe serves coffee of the funkier persuasions to a loyal crowd of Nørrebro locals. Beans are roasted in the backroom on a Bullet, and tend to lean Natural and intense.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE JÆGERSBORGGADE

Another edition of the Coffee Collective, collective.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE GODTHÅPSVEJ

No talk of coffee in Copenhagen is complete without a tip of the hat to Coffee Collective. Known for the great lengths they go to to ensure transparency throughout the coffee chain, they roast and prepare coffee in multiple locations.

Not all branches are equal, but more times than not you'll at least get a decent cup at one of the many outlets. Bonus being you can always stock up on great light-roast beans at all their stores.

KAFE DEPARTEMENTET

Slightly outside the central areas, but serving good coffee and plenty of seating space. If you fancy something to eat after head opposite to Flere Fugle for their famous pizza.

KONTRA COFFEE

If you happen to be in Østerbro, this is the locals pick for good coffee. They also have a large selection of reasonably priced light-roast beans for sale.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE SANKT HANS TORV

If you're still in the mood for more Coffee Collective, then here is another to hit.

WILD HORSES

Currently not operating, keep an eye out for future updates because this is an important part of the Copenhagen coffee & art culture.

NORDHAVN

SENSEI

A coffee showroom for Sensei's roasted beans. Drop by to pick up a bag and talk with Luke about his philosophy.

LA CABRA NORDHAVN

The newest La Cabra shop in Nordhavn! Come hang out before the crowds find it.

PROLOG RANDERSGADE

The original Prolog branch for all those purists out there.

VESTERBRO / VALBY

LOKAL

Art-store meets coffee. Pop by for a taste of something different from rotating roasters and popular baked goods.

PROLOG KØDBYEN

A great place for coffee in the summer, with outdoor seating and multiple dining options nearby

ENGHAVE KAFFE

Neighborhood coffee shop carrying beans from Norwegian roaster, Fuglen. A nice spot to sit outside and people watch when the weather is mild.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE CARLSBERG BYEN

And yes, another branch of Coffee Collective in the uber-smart new dining and wining area of Carlsberg Town.

PONTES

Valby's first true specialty coffee bar, this cosy spot serves great filter coffee, and espresso-based drinks, that are all roasted in-house.

ORSA

Copenhagens new kid on the block, and it might just be too cool for us. File under that NYC bartender who is rude but people still buy drinks from him because they think one day he'll come around, or they have Stockholm syndrome.

AMAGER

ALICE

Not strictly a coffee shop, but a worthy addition to this guide. Alice, in Amager serves up excellent ice-creams and decent coffee for those with a sweet-tooth that needs tempering with some caffeine. If their milk ice-cream with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt is on offer, then snap it up!

NORDIC ROASTING CO

Another great spot in Copenhagen that roasts their own coffee in-house. Come here for some clean, juicy coffee.

SNEEZING FRUITS

Serving coffee from KOPPI roasters is always a good thing. The bizarre location makes it one thats worth hunting down.

COFFICE

Brewing coffee roasted by ROAST, his old employer, this neighborhood cafe is a great place for people who like specialty coffee in a very relaxed atmosphere.

YELLOW BIRD COFFEE

Roaster and seaside cafe, this is the spot you want to grab a coffee and head over to the beach. If it's raining, there are cosy seats inside.

PAD THAI 5 ROD | CHIANG MAI

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:14:21 GMT

Phad Thai 5 Rod | Chiang Mai

WINNER WINNER CHEEKY DINNER

In the 20 years I've been coming to Thailand, I can honestly count the plates of Pad Thai I've eaten on one hand. I literally never, ever order the dish. However, a friend was visiting and we decided to try this place which has a couple of branches around town. On word of Andy Ricker the best one was to be found near McCormick Hospital, but we didn't have time to head there on our rabid coffee cult movements around town. To be fair, even if the other branch was better this was a case of "It's just Pad Thai anyway" for me.

For all intents and purposes I've had way worse, and had better. An old one gloved man on Sukhumvit Soi something back in the day still holds the title as best one, but this was nothing to sneer at.

Friendly service, good portion, good taste though slightly underseasoned (but that's what the basket of condiments is for), I had my Pad Thai fill for the next ten years and don't have to worry about it again.

If you're hankering for Pad Thai in Chiang Mai then this is definitely your go-to.

Kingrinder K6 | Review

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:32:57 GMT

KINGrinder K6 Review

Best Hand Grinder Under £100? (2026)

BY BENJAMIN SAND

If you want a hand grinder that punches up for pour-over (and can dabble in espresso), the KINGrinder K6 keeps popping up. Big 48 mm burrs, tiny 16 micron steps, external adjustment collar, and a price that often undercuts the usual suspects.

As a traveller, the main pain point I encounter is which handgrinder to take with me on long trips. My main consumption is light-roast coffee, so finding a grinder that can accentute the bright acidity, sweetness and juicy flavours is problematic. The other consideration is, of course, the size and weight.

There are plenty of grinders out there that can do a decent job, but most end up with a rather flat tasting cup. After a lot of research online I reached out to Kin who were kind enough to send me the K6 for testing.

After a month of using it on the road, at home, in the park, I have finally found what I'm looking for. But first, let's rewind.

Who Are Kingrinder?

KINGrinder is a relatively young Taiwanese brand that’s carved out a space in the hand-grinder market over the last few years. Instead of leaning into hype or luxury branding like Comandante or Kinu, they’ve built their reputation on value and practicality.

All of their grinders (K0 through K6) are made in China but designed and marketed out of Taiwan. The naming is straightforward: the higher the number, the more premium the features. The K4 and K6, for example, use larger burrs and external adjustment collars, while the entry-level K0/K1 keep things simple and affordable.

The company found traction through Reddit, coffee forums, and YouTube reviewers rather than glossy ad campaigns. A big selling point has been price-to-performance: you can get near-premium grind consistency for filter brewing without spending Comandante money.

In short, KINGrinder is a no-frills, enthusiast-focused brand. They’re not chasing lifestyle marketing — they’re chasing home brewers who care about microns, clarity, and getting good cups without wrecking their budget.

Testing

If your main game is V60/Kalita/Chemex and you want clarity with good body without overspending, the K6 hits a sweet value/precision combo. It’s not flawless, the handle setup trips people up, and espresso at light roasts is challenging, but for daily filter, it’s a lot of grinder for the cash.

I’d call it a “buy with eyes open,” and keep a white O-ring and small brush handy.

The Positives

Tasty cups for the money. The K6 keeps showing up as a grinder that punches above its price. Brews come out consistent and clean, with enough clarity for filter and even espresso that’s more than passable.

Dial-in is easy. The external collar and 16 µm clicks make it straightforward to tweak recipes without guesswork. You can feel confident adjusting 2–4 clicks at a time.

Solid build. The aluminium body, stainless burrs, and overall heft (~630 g) feel solid in hand. Machining quality is better than you’d expect at this price point.

Plenty of range. Sweet spot for pour-over is around 90–120 clicks, but you’ve still got room on either side for coarser brews or even dialing down to espresso.

Drill-ready. If you’re ever in a rush, the 1/4″ hex lets you hook up a drill and power through beans.

Third-party praise. More than one publication has put it forward as the best budget hand grinder under £100, which matches what everyday users keep saying.

The Negatives

Handle / cap quirks. The handle has a habit of feeling loose, and the cap can pop off until you get the O-ring setup right. First-time users often run into this.

Top-heavy feel. Because of the design, it can feel a little wobbly if you’re not holding it firmly when dosing or grinding. This is especially true after the new handle was launched with the straight arm, as the angled arm had a lower centre of gravity.

Espresso effort. Yes, it can grind fine enough, but pulling light-roast espresso is a serious workout. If you’re making multiple shots daily, you might want a motorized solution.

Instructions. The provided instruction card is extremely confusing, so it's better to try find videos on youtube about cleaning and dismantling the grinder.

Tips

Swap the O-ring. Out of the box it comes set up for drill use with a black O-ring. For manual grinding, swap in the white O-ring on the handle groove. That simple change keeps the handle and cap from falling off.
Baseline settings. For pour-over, start around 90–110 clicks. That’s the range most people land in before fine-tuning. I found a good level was 95 for light-roast chocolate-profile beans, and 105-110 for more acidic, bright coffee.
Tame static. A tiny spritz of water before grinding (RDT) keeps grounds from clinging. Combined with the aluminium catch cup, this keeps mess to a minimum.
Keep it clean. The grinder comes apart with the allen-key provided, but this can be quite a job to get it dismantled and re-assembled. The instructions are very confusing.
Fixing burr rub. If you notice scraping or binding, try adjusting coarser, reseating the burrs, or checking the circlip. A careful reassembly usually sorts it.

Final Thoughts

For someone who travels often and drinks mostly light-roasted coffee, I can see the K6 becoming part of my luggage. The weight is not too bad, the size a little bigger than the Timemore C3 series, but then again you are getting more speed on the grind. The aesthetics are very stylish, and apart from the issue with the O-ring, the grinder works exceptionally well.

I have had some very tasty, rounded, flavoursome cups of coffee. It may not produce the brightness and clarity you'll find on the 1Zpresso K-Ultra, or Comandante, but the price is extremely competitive, so in my opinion this is the better grinder to go for.

If you want to purchase one, you can click here . This is an affiliate link, The Mouth may earn a commission at no expense to you.

FAQ'S

Q: Is the KINGrinder K6 good for espresso? A: Yes, but with caveats. The K6 can grind fine enough for espresso and the 16µm steps give you real precision. However, grinding light-roast espresso is a significant physical effort — if you're pulling multiple shots daily, a motorised grinder will serve you better. For occasional espresso or darker roasts, the K6 handles it well.

Q: What are the best grind settings for the KINGrinder K6? A: For V60 pour-over, start at 90–110 clicks and fine-tune from there. The Mouth found 95 clicks optimal for chocolate-profile light roasts, and 105–110 for brighter, more acidic coffees. For espresso, start around 35–50 clicks. For French press, 130+ clicks is a good starting point.

Q: How do I fix the KINGrinder K6 handle falling off? A: This is the most common issue with the K6. Out of the box it's configured for drill use with a black O-ring. Switch to the white O-ring on the handle groove for manual grinding — this keeps the handle and cap secure. Do not use both O-rings together as the white one will pull off every time you open the lid.

Q: How does the KINGrinder K6 compare to the Timemore C3? A: The K6 is a meaningful step up. It has larger 48mm burrs versus the C3's 38mm, a finer 16µm step size, and an external adjustment collar that is far easier to use. The K6 is heavier and more expensive, but for filter coffee clarity and travel versatility it is the better long-term investment.

Q: Can you use the KINGrinder K6 with a drill? A: Yes — the K6 has a 6.35mm (1/4 inch) hex shaft that accepts a standard drill bit. Remove the handle, attach your drill, and grinding time drops dramatically. It's one of the most practical features at this price point.

Q: Is the KINGrinder K6 good for travel? A: Yes, it's one of the best travel hand grinders available. At 630g it's heavier than a Timemore C3, but the larger burrs mean faster grinding and better cup quality. The aluminium body is robust enough for daily bag life, and the drill-ready shaft is a bonus for nomads grinding large batches.

SUPREME ROASTWORKS

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:10 GMT

SUPREME ROASTWORKS - OSLO

PERFECT POUROVER

I usually tell visitors to Oslo that there are really only 2 spots they need to hit: Tim Wendelboe, and Supreme Roastworks. Yes Oslo has a plethora of other specialty coffee places, but nobody roasts as light, juicy, and perfectly as those two.

Luckily for punters with dodgy legs, the walk between them is under 10 minutes. So the caffeine crawl can commence with surprising ease.

Supreme Roastworks roast on site, in the back room, and multiple award winning pourover champion Odd-Steinar, is almost always behind the counter brewing perfect cups of coffee.

The philosophy here is s imple. Source good coffee, roast it light, prepare it properly. No hipster bullshit.

Our pourover was clean and pleasantly acidic as you'd expect from a Washed Ethiopian coffee, and we managed to sneak a taste of their famous Kenya ice-coffee brewed in a V60 and cooled over ice. It retained all the punch of a blackcurrant-rich Kenya coffee, with superb abilities to take the edge of a rare sunny day.

This is a must-do on your Oslo coffee pilgrimage.

THE 15 BEST SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOPS IN CHIANG MAI

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:03:23 GMT

Best Specialty Coffee in Chiang Mai: 15 Cafés Worth Your Time

AN ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO CHIANG MAI

The best specialty coffee in Chiang Mai can be found at Asama, THREE, and Cotton Tree (amongst others). Chiang Mai is one of Southeast Asia's top coffee cities, with dozens of specialty cafés serving locally grown & international coffee beans via pour-over and espresso. This guide covers 15 of the best, tested by The Mouth across multiple visits.

AN INTRODUCTION

Unbeknownst to many, the northern city of Chiang Mai is a mecca for coffee afficionado's. It only takes a quick google to see how many coffee shops there are scattered around the city (and beyond), but for a first time visitor it can seem daunting to know where to go. Whilst most places offer the usual fare of Colombian/Ethiopian cups, if you really want to try something different may we suggest doing a deep dive on the locally grown beans. The Thai varieties tend to lend themselves to pour-over, due to their fruity flavours, but if you are a fan of darker roasts, they can throw up some quite interesting espresso shots.

It inevitably comes down to personal preference: Are you a fruity/acidic coffee drinker who likes your brew of lighter roasts, or do you enjoy the robust fullness of a dark roast in your hand. Chiang Mai answers all of your coffee complaints with aplomb, navigating the veneer of human fussiness with suprising polish. Though some shops truly cater more to the instagram crowd, spending more money on interiors than (cup) content, we managed to track down multiple spots that showcase glorious Thai coffee in the right environments.

The Mouth sent it's most caffeinated testers to try over 30 of the top rated cafes, and narrow them down to their favourites. Personal preferences intact, below is a list of the places we think are brewing the best cup, offering their consumer something different, or combining a great espresso with a little slice of the good life.

In an effort to appease the majority of people, we will try add locations spread all over the city so you can rest assured you'll find something delicious nearby.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

THREE

Occult coffee conjurings occur at this small concrete slab cafe a few kilometers from the elephant pant tourist congregations. Sublime brewing methods, cool interiors, knowledgable and approachable owner, there is not much more you need in your Chiang Mai coffee sojourns.

ASAMA

For those who want a decent meal and a cup of coffee in one fail swoop, look no further than here. Located a short drive from downtown Chiang Mai, Asama features a great range of locally grown or regionally sourced Thai coffee. The setting couldn't be more picturesque, clinging to a bend in the river, with mountains and thick forest beyond. Whilst many places in Chiang Mai specialise in pour-over, this is the place you dabble in the espresso realm. The match of Thai beans and expertly prepared coffee make for a truly interesting experience.

The excellent restaurant Krua Ya is barely a hop and a skip away, so it's definitely worth taking the trip out here for lunch and a magnificent afternoon coffee.

YOURPROJECT_

A ten minute walk from THREE, yourproject is a delicious coffee brewer located in an old house off the main thoroughfares. A tad tricky to find at first, once you do you'll be rewarded with delicious pour-overs and a nice artistic space housing vinyl collections and weekly DJ's.

COTTON TREE

Shockingly very few of my Thai friends have heard of this place, even tho it's located in the middle of hip-dom Nimman, and a boomerang throw away from the Maya Mall. Come here if you want to try nerding out on some local beans, and ask the barista for tips.

NINE ONE COFFEE

Slightly more conventional looking, and prone to habitation by mac-wielding digital nomads, Nine-One still offers up some excellent versions of your favourites, easily substituting Thai origin coffee for something different.

MALED ROASTERS

Winners of numerous coffee awards, with their roastery and production room in plain sight, Maled is definitely the place we'd recommend you to visit if you want balanced, standard and well prepared coffee. It won't knock your socks off with innovation, but you're guaranteed a solid consistent cup each time.

AKHA AMA

One of the first to market in the regional coffee craze, Akha Ama are the most well-established in Chiang Mai and draw a fervid crowd of regulars. If we recommend any of their branches, the one below is it. Further afield from the tourist throngs, and with a wooden porch to sip on if the weather is kind, this is a place to check out if you have already been to a few of the other ones.

OMNIA

A hidden gem not too far from Cottontree, but rarely visited by anyone of foreign ilk who is not a coffee-holic. Recommended to add the final crema to your espresso voyage!

PONGANES COFFEE ROASTERS

Along with Akha Ama, Ponganes was one of the first places to start championing "third wave" coffee, as well as locally grown and sourced beans. Despite not being our personal favourite, having a bit more of an under-extracted vibe overall, if you are doing some deep nerding then it's a worthy stop on your coffee explorations.

As with everything in life, you gotta pay respect to the OG's.

TOFFEE ROASTERS

Another coffee shop in uber-hip Nimman that is important to visit if you want an overview of what is developing in the Chiang Mai coffee scene.

SCHOOL COFFEE

They say somewhere in the world is a person that will love you, and using that logic there is a coffee shop for every taste. If your tastes are of the influencer / instagram style, then this is the perfect location for extended photo shoots amongst cups of coffee. The good thing about School coffee, is if you detest influencers, you can still pop by for a coffee and sit in a corner away from the iPhone capture field.

SENSATION COFFEE ROASTERS

Panamanian Geisha fanatics can spend a small fortune on a cup of ooh and aah sips. A great place to stop off on the way to Asama or Krua Ya as a small detour.

GALLERY DRIP

Pour-over coffee enthusiasts can find a table inside or embrace the furnace in the lovely courtyard in full attack of the Northern Thai sun. There are not many amazing coffee places within the old town, but this, Ponganes and Akha Ama are a couple options.

THOR-PHAN

Another coffee shop gem in the midst of the hectic old town. Thor-Phan roast coffee on site and have a small cafe at the front seating about 20 ppl. They sell a mix of Thai origin and international blend beans, and have an array of coffees to enjoy either V60 or espresso style.

One to hit on your Chiang Mai coffee trails!

TERROIR.CNX

The new stomping ground of Bangkok based roaster " Brew Boy ", this ultra-hip shop has limited seating but plenty of options if you want higher grade true specialty coffee. Think rare Geisha's, etc.

However if your wallet is more atuned to student budgets, their Ethiopian house blends turn out a very drinkable Americano.

KHAGEE

Perhaps better known for their dedicated pastries and bread, this charming cafe by the river offers a mellow respite from the outside landscapes. Tucked away, it's a tranquil oasis to sip a coffee and enjoy a pastry and stare out the window.

FLO COFFEE ROASTERS

Chiang Mai is becoming overrun with camera wielding TikTok & Instagram vermin, and it's unfortunate that a cafe tries to make the interiors look retro and cool only to succumb to being the backdrop of every tourist and local's REEL story.

Flo Coffee Roasters is a great place for an Aeropress, Espresso or V60 if you can handle the lack of air conditioning and the menace of content creation.

GATEWAY ROASTERS

Brownie points for the ultra-cool interiors worthy of a few minutes repose. Bring a book, grab yourself a corner table and slowly sip some black goodness.

COFFEE SUPPLIES

HILLKOFF

For those Chiang Mai dwellers, or coffee nuts who need to bolster their ever-growing homebrew equipment inventory, head to Hillkoff. A veritable treasure trove of all things coffee. Scales, grinders, machines, V60s of every assortment, aeropress filters, coffee by weight, literally anything and everything your little fruity heart could conceive, they'll have.

MHW3 Bomber X-Press 58 | Review

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:10:42 GMT

MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58 Review:

The Best Portable Espresso Maker in 2025?

REVIEWED MARCH 2026 - BY BENJAMIN SAND

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested multiple coffee devices across 3 years of travel through Southeast Asia and Europe.

Build Quality ★★★★★ 5/5

Shot Quality ★★★★ 5/5

Portability ★★★ 3/5

Value ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★ — 4.5 / 5

Best For Travelling home baristas who won't compromise on espresso quality

Price ~$350

Bottom Line The best portable 58mm espresso maker we've tested. Heavy and pricey, but produces genuinely excellent shots.

If you’ve spent any time scouring the dark corners of Instagram or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen the name: MHW-3BOMBER .

It sounds like a military invention, or a new stealth bomber plane . But behind the aggressive branding -and that bizarre logo- is a company that has quietly started to dominate the mid-tier specialty coffee accessory game.

After years of perfecting gear for uber nerds, they have dropped their piece-de-resistance: the X-Press 58.

I’ve spent the last month living with this beast to see if it’s a gimmick or a genuine game-changer for the traveling coffee obsessive.

Who is MHW3 Bomber?

Born in 2016, MHW-3BOMBER is a Chinese powerhouse specializing in "re-engineering" the espresso ritual. They aren't just white-labeling generic gear; they’re iterating on it. Their philosophy is a mix of high-precision engineering and a slightly chaotic desire to "bomb" the industry with innovation.

While some purists find the name a bit much, there’s no denying the build quality. They first caught the world’s attention when top-tier baristas started using their milk jugs in global championships. Now, they’re moving from the accessories on the bench to the machine itself, challenging the likes of Outin, Ikape, and Wacaco for the portable throne.

What is the X-Press 58

The X-Press 58 is a portable, battery-powered espresso maker that could easily be your daily driver. Unlike its rivals, the Outins and Nanopressos of the world, this machine is built around a standard 58mm portafilter . The other notable difference is the build quality. This thing is SOLID!

The 58mm is the "Holy Grail" for coffee geeks. It means your VST baskets, your puck screens, and your favorite wood-handled tampers all fit. It bridges the gap between "travel coffee" and "home espresso."

The build is dense. It feels less like a travel toy and more like a piece of lab equipment. It’s finished in a matte-black coating that feels premium to the touch, and the kit it comes with, including a calibrated tamper and a magnetic funnel, is better than the accessories that come with most $1,000 home machines. There is a (rather large) carry case, for those who want to throw it in the back of their car when they go camping for the weekend.

MHW really have the quality game nailed down. Everything feels premium.

Watch the video by brewcoffeehome if you want a really well made instructional guide.

What I Like

Having tested four different machines in the "portable espresso" genre, this is BY FAR my favourite. What makes MHW3-Bomber different, is the way in which every element of the product, accessories and packaging all feel so premium. Nothing feels like a compromise, and you know this machine will last for a long time.

The feel of the espresso maker, and all the links in the chain are sturdy and solid. I have no issues at all saying this is my favourite piece of coffee gear right now, and the stand makes it perfect for having in the kitchen between trips.

The case is also great, although a bit on the bulky side. They could have made it smaller, but it's very well made.

The learning curve is steep, and you have to get your grind-size perfect or it either stalls or runs too fast, but this is the same with any machine, and as they say "Practice makes perfect", so grab a bag of your favourite coffee and spend a morning dialing everything in.

It's worth it.

Buy this if: You already own 58mm gear, you care deeply about shot quality, and you travel with a suitcase rather than a backpack.

 Skip this if: You're a backpacker, budget-conscious, or just want a quick caffeine fix on the go.

The Positives

Thermal Consistency : This is where it beats almost every other portable unit. It hits 96°C in the reservoir and stays there. For medium and light roasts, this is the difference between a sour mess and a balanced, sweet nectar.

The 58mm Ecosystem : The ability to interchange between baskets you already own is literally a game-changer.

Massive Battery Life : The 13,500mAh battery is a tank. I was getting 4 to 5 "boil-and-brew" shots from cold water, or dozens if I was using pre-heated water.

The Workflow: The "puck blower" (a weird little accessory that replaces a knock box) is genuinely fun to use. It’s clean, efficient, and surprisingly civilized for life on the road.

The Negatives

The Price Tag: At around $350, it isn’t a budget buy. You’re paying for the heating power and the 58mm compatibility.

Height Clearance: The included stand is quite low, so if you use a scale (which you should), you’ll struggle to fit a standard espresso cup underneath. Positives are the stand is super sturdy and won't bend when you press the lid on to cover the hot water reservoir (unlike Ikape's which bends easily).

Heft: It’s "portable," but it’s bulky. This is for the camper van or the suitcase, not for a light hiking trip.

Overall Thoughts

After a month of testing, the X-Press 58 has earned its spot in my all-time favourites list. It’s not just a "portable" machine; it’s a legitimate espresso maker that happens to be cordless.

If you already have a drawer full of 58mm gear and you’re tired of compromising on shot quality when you’re away from home, this is the gold standard. It’s heavy, it’s expensive, and the branding is still a little aggressive, but the coffee it produces is undeniably good. It isn't just a gadget; it's a tool for the serious home barista who refuses to drink bad coffee on vacation.

Grab your's here, this is not an affiliate link:

https://mhw3bomber.com/products/mhw-3bomber-x-press58-espresso-machine

FAQ Section

Q: Is the MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58 worth it? A: Yes, if you're a serious espresso drinker who travels regularly.

Q: How does the X-Press 58 compare to the Outin Nano? A: The X-Press 58 uses a standard 58mm portafilter and has a larger battery, making it better for precision brewing. The Outin Nano is lighter and more compact but sacrifices espresso quality.

Q: What grinder works best with the MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58? A: A burr grinder capable of fine espresso grind is essential — the Timemore C3 or Comandante are solid travel companions.

Q: Can you use any 58mm basket with the X-Press 58? A: Yes — VST, IMS, and standard 58mm baskets all fit.

We only review what we love. This unit was provided without cost, for field testing, but all opinions remain our own.

Anker Nebula II | Review

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:55:20 GMT

Anker Nebula Capsule II Review

Still The Best Portable Projector for Nomads in 2026?

BENJAMIN SAND - MARCH 2026

Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Portability ★★★★★ 5/5

Picture Quality ★★★ 3/5

Build Quality ★★★★★ 5/5

Battery Life ★★★ 3/5

Value for Money ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT ★★★★ — 4 / 5

Best For Digital nomads, campers, bedroom use in dark rooms

Price ~$299 (often cheaper on sale)

Bottom Line No longer the newest model, but still the best value portable projector you can buy. Buy it on sale and you won't regret it.

Whether you're planning a backyard movie night, a camping trip, or just want a "TV in a can" for your bedroom, the Anker Nebula Capsule II has likely popped up in your search. But in 2026, with newer models like the Capsule 3 Laser and Google TV-integrated projectors hitting the shelves, does this "soda-can" legend still hold up?

I’ve scoured years of user feedback, tech specs, and long-term durability reports to give you the ultimate lowdown. Here is everything you need to know about the Anker Nebula Capsule II .

Why The Anker?

The standout feature of the Capsule II remains its form factor. Roughly the size of a 12oz soda can, it’s built like a tank. The solid aluminum body feels premium, and at just under 1.5 lbs, it slides into a backpack or even a large coat pocket without a second thought.

Pro Tip: It features a standard 1/4-inch tripod mount on the bottom, and Anker sell a new circular stand that screws on so you can angle the projector to the ceiling if you like!

Let’s talk specs. The Capsule II offers 720p native resolution and 200 ANSI Lumens of brightness.

The Reality Check: In broad daylight? Forget it. You’ll see a faint ghost of an image. However, in a dimly lit or pitch-black room, the DLP technology punches above its weight. Colors are surprisingly vibrant, and the 1-second autofocus is a lifesaver—you move the can, and it snaps into focus almost instantly.
Screen Size: While Anker claims it can hit 100 inches, the "sweet spot" for clarity and brightness is actually around 60 to 70 inches.

The Capsule II runs o n Android TV 9.0, whic h gives you native access to YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+. It also has Chromecast built-in , making it easy to cast from your Android phone or laptop.

The Big Catch: Netflix. Due to licensing quirks, you can’t simply download Netflix from the Play Store. You have to use the "Nebula Manager" app to sideload a mobile version of Netflix.
The Fix: Most users skip the headache entirely by plugging a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port. It draws power from the projector's USB- A port, essentially fixing the software limitations in one go.

Battery & Sound

For a device this small, the 8W Scan-Speak driver is remarkably loud. It’s not "home theater" quality, but it easily fills a bedroom or a small tent. If you aren't watching a movie, you can toggle it into Bluetooth Speaker Mode and use it as a dedicated music player for up to 30 hours.

This is where the Capsule II shows its age. On a full charge, you’ll get roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of video playback.

Planning Tip: If you’re watching a long epic you’re going to need a power source. Thankfully, it supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD), so a high-output power bank (like the Anker 737) can keep the movie going in the woods.

Watch 9to5Toy's experience with the Capsule 2.

The Positives

Insane Portability: Truly "pocketable" compared to "portable" box projectors.

Build Quality: It feels like a piece of high-end hardware, not a plastic toy.

Connectivity: HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C make it a versatile hub for consoles (Nintendo Switch is a favorite) and sticks.

Autofocus & Keystone: Very user-friendly for non-techies.

The Negatives

Brightness: Requires a dark environment to shine.

Netflix Workaround: Sideloading apps can be a chore.

Battery: Just barely makes it through a standard feature film.

Glitches: Often misfires when side-loading apps, and will go to a black screen instead of returning to the homescreen when you exit. This means you have to turn the projector on/off again, which takes a good 2-3 minutes to reboot and can be very, very annoying if it keeps happening consistently. Which it does.

Final Thoughts

Buy this if: You want the most portable projector available, you'll be using it in dark rooms or a tent, and you want to save money versus newer models.

Skip this if: You need daylight brightness, native Netflix without workarounds, or 1080p image quality.

The Anker Nebula Capsule II is no longer the "top-of-the-line" model, but it has transitioned into the best value-for-money portable projector. If you find it on sale (often significantly cheaper than the newer Capsule 3 or Laser versions), it is still a fantastic entry point into portable cinema.

It’s perfect for the digital nomad, the casual camper, or the bedroom binger. If you need "daylight" brightness or native 4K, look elsewhere—but if you want a reliable, stylish, and rugged "TV in your pocket," the Capsule II still earns its spot in your bag.

Pick one up here: https://www.seenebula.com/eu

FAQ

Q: Is the Anker Nebula Capsule II still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, especially if you find it on sale. The Capsule II is no longer Anker's flagship model, but it remains the best value portable projector for digital nomads and casual users. The 720p image quality is excellent in dark rooms, the build quality is outstanding, and the soda-can form factor is still unmatched for portability.

Q: Can you watch Netflix on the Anker Nebula Capsule II?

Not directly from the Play Store due to licensing restrictions. The easiest workaround is to plug a Roku Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port — it draws power from the projector's USB-A port and eliminates the software limitation entirely. Alternatively, you can sideload a mobile version of Netflix via the Nebula Manager app.

Q: How long does the Anker Nebula Capsule II battery last?

Around 2 to 2.5 hours of video playback — just enough for most films, but tight for longer ones. For extended use, a high-output USB-C power bank such as the Anker 737 will keep it running indefinitely.

Q: What is the best screen size for the Anker Nebula Capsule II?

Anker claims up to 100 inches, but the sweet spot for brightness and clarity is 60 to 70 inches. Beyond that the 200 ANSI lumens start to struggle unless the room is completely dark.

Q: How does the Anker Nebula Capsule II compare to the Capsule 3?

The Capsule 3 offers 1080p resolution, Android TV 11, and 300 ANSI lumens — a meaningful upgrade in picture quality and brightness. However, it costs significantly more. If you find the Capsule II on sale for under $200, the value difference makes the older model the smarter buy for most nomads and casual users.

We only review what we love. This unit was provided without cost, for field testing, but all opinions remain our own.

SLOWMOV

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:32 GMT

SLOWMOV - BARCELONA

OG'S STILL GRINDING

Each year a few new specialty coffee shops open up, dragging with them a few regulars from other spots on the peripheries. Invariably, they get bored and return to their loyal purveyors, but sometimes it creates turbulence in the air. The need to constantly stick to your principals during trend shifts and hype, is a character trait we all should admire.

Slowmov has bucked the trend and stuck to their guns.

This is everything you want from a neighborhood cafe. Friendly service, coffee roasted around the corner, knowledgable staff, minimalist clean vibes, no noisy music, pastries and plates, a couple of spots outside if the suns kind.

We tasted two batch brews (one kindly provided as a tasting sample), and both were sweet and well balanced in their own right. The scene in Barcelona seems at ends with itself, trying frantically to appear as hip and cool as possible, but trying to keep prices acceptable for the local crowd too.

It's a delicate balance.

Slowmov are more of an old-skool leaning crew. Content with their place in the eco-system, however fragile that can be. To create a coffee shop people want to return to, to have as part of a daily ritual, and to know the consistency is going to shine, you've won half the battle if you nail this.

In our experience those that stick to their guns and ride the wave usually end up ok in the end. There may be some tricky situations to navigate, but time shines kindly on people with purpose and passion.

If you've been around for more than a decade, you're doing something right.

THE ULTIMATE NERD GUIDE TO PIZZA IN NAPLES

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:26:44 GMT

THE ULTIMATE PIZZA GUIDE TO NAPLES

BY BENJAMIN SAND

The best pizza in Naples is at Da Attilio in the Pignasecca market area. After tasting pizza at 31 of Naples' most recommended pizzerias over three months, The Mouth found Da Attilio's Margherita to be the most perfectly balanced — sauce, cheese, crust and heat in complete harmony. Concettina ai Tre Santi (Rione Sanità) is a close second. Avoid Sorbillo despite its fame - An overhyped tourist trap, according to this guide.

AN INTRODUCTION

Simplicity in it's most wonderful form is a freshly cooked Pizza Margherita from a blistering hot oven in Napoli. Presiding over the oven should be a mix of young trainees and an old maestro informing them when to turn, raise and "kiss the top", and eject the cooking pies. Dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, sometimes some oil, sometimes some basil. That's it. You'd be right in thinking there couldn't be much difference between the top 1-100 pizzeria's in Naples, since so many of them abide by the rules of VERACE using only specific flour, cheese and sauce, but you'd be wrong.

The differences are not minute, they are massive.

From oven temperature, to amount of tomato sauce, sweetness, acidity or tartness of the tomatoes, the amount of cheese, the kind of cheese, the size of the pieces, if they were properly drained or dried, the time of day, the experience or impatience of the chef, the general mood in the city if Napoli won a football game, all these things come into play when making the perfect pizza. Having spent three months in the wonderful city, and eaten over 30 pizza's, I feel I have a pretty good grasp of what I at least like, whether you agree or not is not my problem.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

To dive a little deeper into what I look for in a Neopolitan pizza (Yes Americans, this isn't a Dave Portnoy crispy crisp or thinny thin), I fully accept that most pizzas in Naples have a crepe-like base, suitable for knife and fork (or the Napoli-fold), a sauce that is usually just San Marzano tomatoes, salt. Sometimes oil, sometimes basil. Fresh mozarella whether that be buffalo or not, some places use drier cheese (my preference), whilst others break off fresh cheese straight from it's packaging and end up with a pool of watery leakage on top of the pizza. Some cook it until it resembles a paler shade of light brown and toss it on the plate, others wait until its decently leopard spotted underneath, and some still lift the whole pie on the peel and hold it up to the top of the oven for the last few seconds to "Kiss" the pizza with scorching hot love.

A small seemingly insignificant detail I'll add here, is why many pizza-lovers check the bottom of the pizza before eating it, is:

A. To see if there is good leoparding (spots).
B. To see if the pizzaiolo used too much flour whilst shaping and the bottom is black from burnt flour and not from nicely cooked dough. Big difference in the end flavour.

C. Apart from judging by the weight (which is tricky if it's served on a plate), you can lift the slice and see how thin the pizza is, or check the texture of the dough.

My ideal pizza has a thin base that is not soggy but holds its shape, a thin layer of sauce that is not too sweet and not too salty and not too pureed, a smattering of mozzarella that has been drained properly and annoints the pizza without smothering it completely. I like a few fresh basil on top, and am not super fussy about whether they put it on before or after, though if pushed I'd say after. Olive oil is optional, and as you'll see below some places drown the pizza in it which I find unappealing, but a soft splatter here and there is totally ok. And after that caveat to defend my choices, we reach the important part:

Laid out below is a list of all 31 pizzeria's, photographs of the pizza from above and below, and a short explanation as to what I thought. In the true spirit of anticipation, the worst shall be first, and if you want to avoid reading a long diatribe, just scroll to the bottom to find out which one reigned supreme. The journey was hard on my stomach, piling on kilo's even after walking miles per day, but it was worth it. The difference between the best one to the worst was gargantuan. Almost like comparing a canned mushroom to a freshly picked one. However, the differences between the top 5-10 were minor, and it came down to the age-old principal of "Which one would I eat again?".

This was the guiding light behind all of my escapades and the reason the one that won, won.

Regardless of the victor, the top ten are all worthy of immense adoration, and go to great lengths to produce exceptional pizza's. Some of them are made in raggedy humble hole-in-the-walls, some in palatial settings for posh dates, and some still hidden cellars in strange neighborhoods. What all of them have in common was first and foremost, the dough. Secondly the sauce, and third the cheese. A bonus was added if the location or personel were memorable, but let's get one thing straight: The most important thing, always, is the food.

And thus we begin, a tale of thirty pies, laid out in constructed sentences with photographs to match:

P.s. The take-away pizza's were eaten immediately right outside, they did not travel and get soggy. Some of the pizzas were eaten during the pandemic, and therefore we didn't always have the luxurious option of "dine-in".

P.p.s. This article could never have seen the light of day without the expert tips from the Pizza Master himself: TanzenVsPizza and the Youtube Pizza Lord. Vito Iacopelli. Grazie Mille.

CLICK THE ICON BELOW FOR A FULL MAP OF ALL THE LOCATIONS

STARTING WITH THE WORST, FIRST:

PIZZERIA PORT ALBA

Being known as one of the oldest Pizzeria's in Naples means Port Alba enjoys a continuous stream of new clueless tourists to it's doors every year. After sampling the diabolical standard of pizza at this famous shop, we can only assume without the tourists it would have shut a long time ago. The crust is textured like dough that has not been left to ferment at all, it manages to be burnt and undercooked at the same time. The amount of sauce is quite literally a soup-a-thon, and it also feels like it's been thinned out with water. There is nothing redeemable at all about this pizza. Avoid at all costs.

PIZZERIA TRIANON

Yet another pizzeria that fancies itself as a "Must Eat" in Naples, sadly enough it occupies enough webspace in the top tiers of Trip(un)advisor to also welcome new guests to it's sordid doors each day. We succumbed to curiosity and went there towards the end of our Naples Pizza Pilgrimage, and frankly the anticipation dissipated as quickly as a scooter down the alleys of Spagnoli. The pizza was the greasiest thus far (I know, I know, EVOO is not "Grease"). Dripping with olive oil as though it was hiding something occult beneath. Nothing could save this pizza, it felt like a oil change for your insides.

PIZZERIA PISCOPO

A quintessential Napoli shopfront, helmed by disinterested punters, as authentic as you'll get in terms of sneers and indifference, but sadly the pizza was doughy and unspectacular. Maybe they should channel some of the cocky attitute into making better pizza. Just sayin.

PIZZERIA LA CENTENARIA

A few pizzeria's in Naples mix mozzarella with smoked provola. It adds a different taste to the pizza, and it's one that doesn't sit right with me. I much prefer the cleaner taste of Flor di Latte or Buffalo Mozzarella, as I feel the provola overpowers the other flavours. This was such a pizza, and not only did the cheese add offending tones, but the crust was heavy, doughy and blonde.

PRIGGIOBO

This achingly charming haunt will fill your soul with as much good vibes as it can handle. The walls have spied on conversations for decades, and by the looks of things so have the waiters. Not one of them seems under 70. However, on the flip side, the pizza was underdone for my liking and had a raw texture rather than a well proofed and baked chew. The sauce and cheese was also rather bland.

It was not a great pizza by any standards, but the atmosphere is intoxicating.

SORBILLO

I realise there is a certain amount of scandalous entitlement to place such a famous pizzeria so low on the totem pole, but by golly these guys have pulled the wool over all of your eyes. Mediocrity is a compliment. This behemoth of a pizza restaurant heaves from an incessant tide of idiotic tourists standing in line for the most bland, boring pizza in Naples. Ok, it is not quite THAT bad, but there is very little to be excited about. The base is the crepe-like version with zero salt, the sauce is insipid, the cheese too remains rather tasteless, and the whole operation just smells of money making.

Perhaps in the beginning there was a pizza-lover lurking behind all those accolades, but the cataclismic fame has managed to turn attentions elsewhere.

PIZZERIA VESI

Purveyors of extremely salty tomato sauce, and we suspect a mixture of mozzarella and provola, due to the noticeable smokey taste. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it just didn't sit high upon the throne of dough worship and adulation.

PIZZERIA DELL'ANGELO

Round the corner f rom the majestic little temple of Ragu, Tandem, this pizzeria serves tourists from open til close. Whilst nobody eating there is being cheated out of a decent tasting pizza, there is nothing here that makes it worth trying over anything further down in this list.

LOMBARDI

Suffering a similar fate to Dell'Angelo, Lombardi is a crowd favourite in the partition between Rione Sanita and Centro Historico. Since we spent most of our time in Sanita, and availed the immensely good pizzas there regularly, this just felt a little disappointing to be honest. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, and any first-timer to Napoli who ate here would go home a happy camper, but when you dig deep into the trenches, you uncover the highs and the lows and the middle-of-the-roads.

50 KALO

Home to the hordes of sunglass wearing people who like to be seen (and herded), the outdoor seating area at 50 Kalo can feel a bit intimidating. Entering as a solemly dressed man of jeans and t-shirt repute, garners enough disapproving looks to hurry you to your table and hiding behind the menus. The pizza here is similar to Sorbillo in it's crepe-casing, however it outshines its famous competitor because there is far more love and attention spent on balancing the sauce and cheese ratio here. It's the better of the two, but it's far from the top end of the graph.

GIULIANO

Hopes were sky high walking into this popular small pizzeria at a road crossing, the ingredients were all there for a raucous feast: Old men in the kitchen, ancient ovens, lines of punters. Whilst there was nothing intrinsically wrong with this pizza, it was just a bit "Extra". The sauce was a saline beast, the dough was a tad floppy due to the excess ratio of cheese and sauce competing for your affections. If they held back about 30% on all the toppings, then this could be further up the list.

OLIO E POMODOR O

U p in the shifting scenes of Vomero, where the rich waft by on wafers of expensive perfumes, lies this popular pizza joint. Another recipient of a middle road pass, where everything was quite alright, but nothing was exceptional. If you happen to be in those circles, then there are better places to try. If you accidentally end up here, well, life could be worse.

DONNA SOFIA

Strategically positioned on the pedestrian thoroughfare between the dangerous streets of Spagnoli and the marbled decadence of Chaia, Donna Sofia boasts grubby pizzaiolo's, shabby interiors, outdoor seating and marginally better pizza than the places directly above.

DAL PRESIDENTE

There is a school of thought in Naples that pairs D al Presidente against the nearby Di Matteo. For some reason the rivalry always comes up in crowded bars, and no two people can agree which is better. If you haven't guessed already, the fact that Di Matteo hasn't made an entrance means we thought it was better than Dal Presidente. Unfortunately the sauce was too heavily splodged on, and the bottom was cooked unevenly.

A rush job, as some might say.

OLIVA

Oliva and Concettina ai tre Santi are family members who moved apart (not geographically that far apart, mind you), and sling out their idea of a great Neopolitan Pizza. The one at Oliva has great characteristics, an above average crust and fairly good sauce, but they just don't match up to the OG relatives a few blocks away.

DA MICHELE

You can huff-cry-rant all you like but this restaurant was handed a generational lifeline when little old Julia Roberts ate here in the dismal hogwash film of the same name. Hollywood ruinations aside, the pizza is spectacularly average. Solid, decent crust, smattering of sauce, plop of (way too) wet cheese, hurled out at record speed so they can accommodate the thousand other arrivals fresh from Bali after a wellness week, aching for some deep carb action to re-align their chakras after the flight.

400 GRADI

Cult st atus pizzerias are not THAT plentiful in Napoli, since the pretenders get exposed rather quickly and brushed aside. 400 Gradi is definitely considered one of the OG spots to hit on your Flour-Itinerary, but for us its one that could be left out if pressed for time. Sure the pizza is good, it's cooked well, the location is dodgy and on a corner you could get whacked, but there was something missing when we tore it apart. Some special touch or sprinkle of salt. Something was just missing.

BRANDI

No true di scussion can be had about pizza and not mention Brandi. Commonly accepted as the birthplace of Neopolitan Pizza, the temptation to skip it based purely on reputation was strong. However, sometimes places have a reputation for a reason, and Brandi is one of those. Fiercely friendly chefs, a price to please any wallet, and a pizza that hit all the right notes despite a borderline scorched undercarriage.

IMPERATORE 190 6

A simple cul prit of an overly acidic/tart sauce lowers the overall praise for this stallwart of yeast influence.

LA TAVERNA DI TOTO

There is something to be said about an oven that is constantly stoked by hundreds of orders. Regardless of the quality of the ingredients, its going to have that amazing charred kiss of extreme heat. Taverna di Toto, a small unnassuming cellar in Rione Sanita, benefits from the oven being scorchingly hot, and the fact that they actually know how to make pizzas and use quality ingredients. This is a little treasure.

TAVERNA LUCIANA

C linging to the peripheries of Rione Sanita and where it begins to resemble Materdei, this local pasta and pizza restaurant creates an excellent version of Neopolitan Pizza. Their triumph is in the "cornicione" that is both well risen, fluffy and crunchy at the same time. A true sign of pizza mastery.

DI MATTEO

A current feature in our regular interviews with Napoli locals when quizzed on their favourite place, Di Matteo makes a thin, not too flabby, all-round great pizza. The only slight gripe is their sauce, like Imperatore 1906, it just eats a tad sour.

However, we fully understand this is a nostalgia play and most locals would have been coming here since childhood, and we can only say: lucky children.

P IZZERIA PELLONE

A ny old haunt of Bourdain is fine with us, and Pellone is the quintessential pizzeria in town. Nestled a few blocks away from the central station, in streets of shady inhabitants, this grand old pizza parlour reeks of history. Waiters guide you to a table, often shared with strangers due to space issues, the pizzas here are huge, delicious and cheap. If you're on the hunt for the best pizza in Napoli, then you have to pay Pellone a visit, show your respect, and use this pizza as a measuring stick against the rest.

ANTICA BORGO AI VERGINI

Bonafide gem of Sanita. Locals creep in here looking over their shoulders, praying that it doesn't succumb to the same fate as many others in this area, and suddenly get discovered by a Tiktok streamer or guide book.

STARITA

One of the only pizzerias open on Sundays, when most others are shut for family aff airs, this monster of a legend in Materdei is 100% worthy of all the accolades. It might not be in the top 3, but it deserves to be on any itinerary of joy that you may have.

PALAZZO PETRUCCI

Eyebrows may be rai sed that this pizza has made it this high up the list, but despite its modern vibe and date-night location, this pizza is a corker. Perfectly cooked crust, great ratio of cheese-sauce, fresh basil scattered ontop and a serious kiss from the dome of the oven.

A'QUARTRIAN

In the end, all that really matters is the pizza right? Well, yes. But sometimes, the characters behind the creation are almost as important. This is the case for A'Quartrian. The chefs all look like they've spent time behind bars, the restaurant is a tiny corner and a tiny porch amidst the insanity of Spagnoli. The pizza, however, is as honest as you'll find in Naples. Simply made, no frills, no bullshit, no polish. Ingredients thrown together as fast as lightning, into the oven, out when its ready, and you can taste the passion and the danger. This is another place to eat at to be able to balance out your overall impressions.

You need extremes to find your lane.

ANTICA PIZZERIA DEL BORGO OREFICI

The outlyer on the list. Thanks to the amazing advice from Italian pizza maniac TanzenvsPizza, we managed to catch the family fresh from their vacation, tending to the tables with dropped shoulders. What makes this pizza exceptional, is the sauce. The natural sweetness and balance of this sauce was the best we found in Napoli. Period. In terms of the crust, its a little different, more biscuit-textured and a bit crispier (Hello Portnoy!), but altogether, when we think back to our four month pizza odyssey in this magnificent city, we cannot help but pause and smile when thinking of Del Borgo.

AL 22

When lines are too long at our favou rite pizzeria in Naples (No spoilers), we head over here. The dough is thicker, and they do love their oil, but this is a top three pizza in town. Immensely satisfying tomato sauce, salty yes but so flavoursome, great cheese ratio, great cook on the dough. Even with the dough being a tad on the heavy side, the flavours here will keep you satisfied in the face of disappointment at waiting times next door.

CONCETTINA AI TRE SANTI

Be prepared to wait if you go at peak times, but this neighborhood favourite in Rione Sanita is our second favourite pizza in town. Exceptionally perfect crust, great tomato sauce, great cheese, basil, tiny splash of oil, this tastes of love and passion and intense heat. They also serve other dishes than pizza and have a lovely back garden to sit and eat in if the weather is cheery.

After you've stuffed yourself beyond reason, head over the road to Poppella and eat a Fiocco di Neve with a cup of coffee to complete the orgy.

DA ATTILIO

Perfection. Nothing more, nothing less. The perfect amount of sauce. The perfect amount of cheese. The intense intense kiss of the dome. Every element of this pizza is perfection. The ingredients compliment each other perfectly, nothing is amiss. There is really nothing more to say.

We personally would avoid the star-shaped ricotta filled pizzas they offer and head straight for the Margherita, but people will disobey orders and then leave snarky comments; its the game, we get it.

Jokes aside, if you're only staying in Naples for one day, this is the place you want to eat at. This is the pizza you need in your life. This is a miracle of simplicity. There is no opponent, it reigns supreme.

To try and thread together an absorbing amount of content and photographs, all dedicated to the humble pizza, seems redundant. If we could offer only one piece of advice, it would be to choose carefully if you are spending only a day or two in Napoli. If so, the wait times for the best places are worth it. If you have a bit more room to play with, then consider hitting some of the spots in Sanita or Materdei to get a more local feel for the pizza scene. If you're an Anthony Bourdain fanatic, hit Pellone. If you are feeling super adventurous, stay a month and try them all.

For the sake of your cholesterol and waistline, we wouldn't recommend anyone to follow in our footsteps, it was a dip into insanity, but one that felt right at the time. Most importantly, if you are heading to Napoli, just bring a good pair of shoes and walk-walk-walk your way to understand this mystifying and magnificent place.

Buon Appetito!

Buy the worlds best single-dose grinder from Timemore, here!

Muvna Espresso Maker | Review

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

MUVNA PORTABLE ESPRESSO MAKER

BENJAMIN SAND

THE MOUTH'S VERDICT — 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Shot Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5/5

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Best For: Travelling espresso purists with a quality grinder already in their kit

Not For: Beginners, anyone without a proper espresso grinder

Price: ~$280-320 depending on region Bottom Line: The 58mm standard is genuinely the killer feature and it delivers. The stand is a design embarrassment and the cold-start battery life is slightly disappointing.

Most portable espresso machines make the same quiet compromise: a proprietary basket, a smaller puck, a slightly apologetic shot. You accept it because you are in a forest or a hotel room and the alternative is instant coffee.

The Muvna is built on a different premise. It uses a genuine 58mm stainless steel basket - the same standard as your home machine, the same standard as a café - in a device that weighs 705 grams and heats its own water from cold. I have been using it for a month across different locations and different coffees to find out whether that premise holds up in practice.

Who are Muvna?

Founded in 2020, MUVNA is one of the "new wave" Chinese coffee brands that shifted the narrative from cheap clones to genuine innovation. They started with high-end accessories—precision baskets, wooden-handled tampers, and industrial-looking scales, but quickly gained a cult following for their "industrial-mechanical" aesthetic.

They are obsessed with the tactile side of coffee. Everything they make feels like it was designed by a precision engineer who spends too much time in specialty cafes. Their flagship " Mach " lever machine is a $1,700 work of art, but this portable unit is their attempt to bring that same high-extraction DNA to the traveler’s suitcase.

What is the Muvna Portable Espresso Machine?

This is a self-heating, battery-powered espresso machine designed around a true 58mm stainless steel basket . That is the headline. Most "pro" portables are heavy, but MUVNA has managed to keep this at just 705g .

It’s a 9-bar pressure system that heats its own water, meaning you can pull a shot in the middle of a forest without a kettle. It uses a 7,500 mAh battery and a USB-C fast-charging port, putting it squarely in competition with the Outin Nano, but with the added "oomph" of a professional-sized basket.

What I Like

From cold tap water, you’re looking at about 3 minutes to hit that 92°C sweet spot. It’s faster than I expected. If you’re used to waiting 15 minutes for a home machine to warm up, this feels like magic.

Because it uses a 58mm bottomless basket, the "visual shock" (as MUVNA calls it) is real. Watching a syrupy, tiger-striped extraction drop from a portable device is genuinely satisfying. I used it with a 20g dose of a light-roast Ethiopian, and the clarity was impressive, better than many entry-level home machines.

There is definitely a learning curve, with grind-size being the predominant hurdle, but once you get the hang of it you will be pulling some really, really sweet shots.

The Positives

THE 58MM BASKET IS THE WHOLE ARGUMENT

Everything else about the Muvna is in service of this one decision. A genuine 58mm basket means your IMS or VST precision basket drops straight in. Your 58.5mm tamper works. There is no proprietary adapter, no size compromise, no relearning your muscle memory. I pulled shots with a 20g dose of a light-roast Ethiopian and got tiger-striping on a bottomless extraction that I would not have been embarrassed to serve. From a portable device that fits in a day bag. That is the achievement.

THE HEAT-UP TIME IS FASTER THAN IT HAS ANY RIGHT TO BE

From cold tap water to 92°C takes approximately three minutes. If you have been waiting fifteen minutes for a home machine to warm up every morning, three minutes from cold feels like genuinely impressive engineering. The self-heating means you do not need a kettle, a stove, or a power source beyond a USB-C port — which in practice means any power bank works.

THE BUILD QUALITY IS SERIOUS

The stainless steel basket is thick. The threading on every component is smooth and precise. This does not feel like a product that will develop a wobble after six months. It feels like something designed by a precision engineer who also drinks a lot of specialty coffee — which, knowing Muvna's background in high-end accessories, is probably accurate.

The Negatives

THE STAND IS GENUINELY POORLY DESIGNED

This needs saying clearly because it affects daily use. The legs do not screw in — they slot in and sit there while you hope the machine stays balanced on top. For a product at this price point with this level of engineering ambition elsewhere, the stand is an embarrassment. If you use a scale under the cup, and you should, clearance is already tight. A wobbly stand makes it worse. Muvna need to fix this in the next version.

THE COLD-START BATTERY LIFE IS A REAL LIMITATION

2 to 4 shots per charge when heating from cold. That is the honest number. If you use pre-heated water the battery extends dramatically — dozens of shots — but the self-heating is the whole point of the device, so relying on a separate kettle to preserve battery life undermines the premise slightly. For a single daily shot while travelling it is completely fine. For making coffee for two people it will frustrate you.

THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER MACHINE

The 58mm basket is the feature and also the demand. If your grind is wrong it will channel, spray, and produce a terrible shot — exactly as it would on a home machine. The Muvna requires a quality espresso grinder. If you do not already have one, factor that cost into your decision because the machine cannot compensate for a mediocre grind the way some portables try to.

Overall Thoughts

The Muvna sits in a specific and real gap in the portable espresso market. The Outin Nano is smaller but the basket compromise shows in the cup. The Ikape and MHW3 Bomber are capable machines but heavier or more expensive.

The Muvna at 705g with a genuine 58mm basket is the right answer to a question serious travelling coffee people have been asking for a while. The stand needs redesigning. The cold-start battery limitation is real and worth knowing before you buy. But the shot quality, when you have your grind dialled and your dose right, is genuinely impressive for something this portable.

If you travel with a quality hand grinder and you miss proper espresso, this is the machine that solves that problem without requiring you to compromise on the thing that actually matters.

If you want to buy one, you can follow the link here.

https://muvnacoffee.com/collections/muvna-coffee-maker/products/muvna-espresso-portable-coffee-machine

FAQ

Q: Does the Muvna work with any 58mm tamper?

A: Yes. Standard 58mm and 58.5mm tampers both work. This is one of its best features — no proprietary tooling required.

Q: How many shots per charge heating from cold?

A: Honestly, 2-4 shots. If you pre-heat your water separately the battery extends significantly, but cold-to-shot is the limiting factor.

Q: Do I need an espresso grinder to use this?

A: Yes, and a good one. The 58mm basket is unforgiving of a mediocre grind in exactly the same way a home machine is. Do not buy this if your grinder is not up to espresso standard.

Q: How does it compare to the Outin Nano?

A: The Nano is smaller and more beginner-friendly. The Muvna produces a better shot because of the 58mm basket but demands more from your grind and your technique. Serious coffee people should choose the Muvna. People who want simplicity should look at the Nano.

Q: Is the Muvna worth the price?

A: If you travel regularly and miss proper espresso, yes. The 58mm standard alone justifies the premium over cheaper portables. The stand situation is annoying at this price point but it does not undermine the core product.

ISTANBUL FOOD GUIDE

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:31:50 GMT

Food Guide To Istanbul

THE GUIDE TO THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN ISTANBUL

What can really be written about Istanbul that hasn't already been uttered inbetween gasps of amazement. The city that rivals Paris for scenery, Tbilisi for charm, Bangkok for dining options and Mexico City for vibe still manages to fly under most peoples radar. Perhaps it is the endless political cloud, or the fact that it's not really Europe and not really Asia at the same time. Whatever the reason, people need to start peeling back the layers of one of the most rewarding destinations on earth.

The Mouth's editor has spent countless months walking the streets hunting for food and oddities. From winters to summers and springs and autumns, all have been tackled in methodical marchings. Locals, magazines, blogs, books and tv shows ingested for clues on where to eat, then the slow march to try them all and categorise them for future returns or future avoidance.

Below is a list of the subsequent fruit of our labour. Taken over a 10 year span. Most of the restaurants are in Kadikoy, but that just happens to be our area of choice. A few on the European side, but we feel most at home in the Asian hemispheres, despite being seperated by a sliver of water.

Most of the restaurants we enjoy eating at make honest food. There are not many finer-dining style places on here because the one we actually visited some years ago no longer exists, and for us its more enjoyable to sit with regular people than those who care more about appearances than appetites.

In the end, you do you, and if you find something you like from this substantial list then please share it with your friends or foes, because word of mouth is something that cannot be bought.

CIYA SOFRASI

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to Musa Dağdeviren's restaurant in Kadikoy. A temple to disappearing recipes from the region, he religiously recreates forgotten recipes in this ever-expanding temple of pleasures. Our suggestion is to go to the counter where the pots are all on display, ask the chef for some recommendations, grab a few cold mezze from the counter behind and settle in for an unforgettable meal.

He has a Ciya Kebab shop opposite, but if you want kebabs then they are good, but there are better places in town. You come here for Sofrasi. Full stop!

ADANA OCAKBASI

Home of bewildering grilled meats, this tiny shop in Nisantasi is legendary for a reason. Their spicy adana is melt-in-your-mouth tender, whilst keeping all it's delicious juices.

A classic for very good reason.

ENGIN USTA

The battle of the döner is a fierce one. Every local has their one taste that reminds them of their youth, so no two Istanbulers will ever agree. Some claim Karadeniz the best, some Tatar Salim, and others still swear by this small shop near SALT. For our tastes, this has some deep lamb funk mixed in with beef, onions and speckles of tomato. The locals flock here for a reason, the meat is intensely flavoursome and hits the spot.

It might not be to everyones palette, but if you can handle lamby-funk, then hit this up.

CAKMAK KAHVALTI SALONU

Pull up a chair, order the kaymak with wild honey, some small plates of olives and other oddities, and treat yourself to an experience you'll never forget. DO NOT miss the kaymak.

MURAT THE FISHERMAN

The tourists crowd outside Balik Mehmet Usta, but the locals come here for a cheaper (and tastier) fish sandwich. Just beware of the seagulls, sit under the awning. If push comes to shove there is little seperating the two, but The Mouth prefers dining away from influencer tourists and therefore we're hitting Murat any day of the week.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PAK PIDE

Not known for wandering the streets of Eminonu too often, however if you are heading that way then this local gem is incomparable for their delicious Pide. The two owner/chefs are smiling beacons of welcomeness, and the food is sensational. By far the best Pide you'll find anywhere near downtown areas in Istanbul. Worth seeking out.

Thanks to Maksut Askar for the tip!

PETRA TOPAGACI

Turkish coffee you'll find on every square inch of Istanbul, but properly prepared espresso using single origin beans or natural process / washed options can be tricky. This cute little shop in the trendy area of Nisantasi takes care of your needs, and provides a mellow soundtrack to read a book in.

They have another few branches, the one in Bebek is situated in a big old house and is feverishly popular.

BURAK KURUFASULYE

Parked squarely in the suburb of Pendik, this local favourite offers amazing versions of Turkish classics. Their beans are a popular option, but everything including the soups ( Gerdan çorbası) are exceptional.

HALIL LAHMACUN

Our vote for the best lahmacun in town, and we tried a lot. Order, sprinkle with fresh parsley and sumac, squeeze some lemon juice on, roll it like a cigar and eat like a vandal.

NATO LOKANTASI

Local chefs eat at Nato on their day off. If you need any more encouragement than that, you're a lost cause. This wildly popular lokantasi serves delicious food and is so full at lunchtimes you'll be forced to share tables with strangers. Everything is good, but go have a peek at the counter and choose what catches your eye.

BADEM

Not strictly a vegetarian/vegan eatery, this popular neighborhood restaurant does excellent meat-free food if you get sick of chomping on kebabs. They have a tiny dining room upstairs with 2 tables, but predominantly seem to cater to locals popping in for a take-away lunch.

DURUMCU EMMI

Few places in Istanbul do an Adana Kebab plate like Emmi. Succulent meat, bulgar, blistered tomato and herbs & onions. The outdoor seating area provides an airy place to shed some tears.

BALAT TURSUCUSU

This bonafide legend will fill up a cup (or bag) of your favourite pickles, top it up with vinegar, a spicy dressing and a plastic fork for you to enjoy munching around Balat. 100% worth popping in for some excellent, excellent pickled goods.

TARIHI KALKANOGLU PILAVCISI

When the pangs of home cooked food come haunting your soul, pull up a lonesome table and order a plate of pilav rice, beans and stewed beef. The portions are huge, the food is comforting, and the butter will bring the smile back to your face.

STEREOGUN

Indie kids unite at this second floor bar (with rooftop area) that belts out Stereolab, Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine to accompany your beverages.

The best bar in town!

TATAR SALIM

Doner meat of the highest order is offered at this corner restaurant a hairs breadth from Ciya Sofrasi. If you're not prepared to venture all the way to Besiktas to eat at Karadeniz, or Beyoglu for Engin Usta, then this is your next best option.

MUJGAN YELDEGIRMENI

Breakfasts don't come bigger, or better in Istanbul. Grab one of the outside tables, show them this photo, and sit back and unbuckle your pants. Cancel plans for the rest of the day unless you intend to test hammocks and couches.

KOFTECI ALI BABA

A favourite of Vogue Turkey editor Cemre Torun , this corner restaurant in Arnavutkoy, serves old school kofte and salads to a fiercely loyal crowd.

TATBAK

Yet another legendary spot with a crispier than glass lahmacun, Tatbak has been putting smiles on local faces for decades. The prices are incredibly reasonable, the service is top, and the food is smashing. Their red lentil soup is one of the towns best!

BARIS MANCO MUSEUM

The home of the Turkish rock legend has been turned into a museum, and despite some awfully questionable elements, its highly worth an afternoon noseying around.

Moda, where the house is located, is a great area to amble around.

YANYALI

A lokantasi that specialises in Greek-Turkish food, perfect for a lunch before walking over to Moda. Their version of moussaka is excellent, as are most of the dishes on offer.

BUTME EVI

Gozleme rolled in front of you, and apart from the spectacle, they are some of the best in town.

VEGAN DUKKAN LOKANTA

Vegan options are slim if you venture out of Moda, but this 5 table restaurant offers tasty vegan fare, kombucha, homemade sugarless lemonade and mouthwatering desserts just a few blocks from Istiklal.

BASTA! STREET FOOD BAR

If you are curious about the state of elevated street food in Istanbul (though we hate that word), then grab a durum from Basta. The quality of the ingredients make up for the slightly higher price-point, and the flavours are all on point.

CORBA EVI

Despite being on one of the most hellish tourist streets in Istanbul, 99% of tourists seem to walk past this place out of fear of dark spaces. Inside is a treasure trove of delicious soups, and a bunch of outdoor seating to sip your soup and try to avoid eye-contact with the passing throngs.

POPSTEL BALAT

Sitting by one of the tables on the rooftop and viewing the sights is one of lifes simple pleasures. They have a sister cafe about 300 meters away which is cosier if you're into tiles and old couches.

The service can be painstakingly slow, but the views more than buffer the aggravation.

KARGA

Karga would be the next choice after Stereogun of the best bars in Kadikoy.

SAYLA MANTI

Manti are the Turkish equivalent of small ravioli. Sayla is one of the places locals flock to in Kadikoy when presented with cravings that are impossible to shift. This is a walk on the wild side, locally speaking, as the flavours can be a bit challenging for tourists. However, if you really are intent on understanding Turkish food, then you almost have to come here and see what all the fuss is about.

BANKO BURGER

Hipsters love a good burger, and Banko does the best in town. They have a few branches now, one in Moda and one with a large outdoor seating area in Nisantasi.

DURUMCU RAIF USTA

There are a dime a dozen durum spots in Istanbul, but over on the European side this is definitely one of the best in our opinion. Always packed with locals, whilst all the tourists buy crap doner on the streets nearby. Life is for those who hunt a bit harder!

COFFEE DEPARTMENT

A chain offering good cups of coffee if you're in a pinch, this branch is our favourite since it's a bit out of the way, has a quiet interior and a patio to sit on if the sun is bright. Basically there is less chance to sit next to throngs of tourists at this one as opposed to their Balat branch.

VINYL BASEMENT

Downstairs in the basement is a hallway full of vinyl shops to tempt the most rabid collector to part with far too much cash.

KARABATAK

If you happen to be stuck down in Karakoy, avoiding swarms of tourists, pop into this tranquil and hip coffee shop for an ice-coffee in the alleyway seating, or inside if the sun is a tad brash. Friendly service, good prices and vibes conducive to afternoon chill are just what the doctor ordered.

Timemore B75 | Review

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:08:07 GMT

TIMEMORE B75

BENJAMIN SAND

If you read THE MOUTH regularly , you'll know that we usually geek out over sleek, minimalist gear to help you brew on the road. Today, we’re stripping it all back. No batteries, no buttons, just coffee grounds, filter papers, a kettle, and a piece of black plastic. It sounds simple, but it's really more complex than that.

I’ve been using the Timemore B75 (in the matte black, obviously) for the last month, and this innocent looking dripper has changed my morning brewing game.

It has officially relegated my V60 to the back of the cupboard.

Who is Timemore?

Timemore are the architects of the modern aesthetic coffee movement. Since 2012, they’ve been winning Red Dot design awards for making gear that looks as good as it performs. They are the ones who made the Chestnut grinder a household name for anyone who gives a damn about their beans. With the B75, they took a look at the "Flat Bottom" dripper category—usually dominated by the expensive Kalita Wave, and decided to break the rules.

What is the B75?

The B75 is a flat-bottomed dripper, but unlike a Kalita, it doesn’t have a solid floor with three tiny holes. Instead, it features a series of "ribs" or "fins" that support the filter paper, leaving the bottom almost entirely open.

Think of it as a hybrid. It gives you the sweetness and body of a flat-bottom brewer with the flow rate of a high-speed racer. It’s designed to use standard Kalita 155 or 185 papers, but the way it handles water is entirely its own thing.

Day to Day

I’ve brewed probably three cups a day with this since it arrived. Here is why it’s currently the king of my kitchen:

The Speed: The flow rate on the B75 is aggressive. Because the bottom is so open, the water doesn't stall. This allows you to grind finer than you ever thought possible for a pour-over without ending up with a bitter, muddy mess.

The Clarity: I’ve been running some high-altitude Kenyan beans through this, and the flavor separation is surgical. You get the punchy acidity, but because it’s a flat-bottom, you don’t lose that syrupy mouthfeel. It’s the best of both worlds.

The Consistency: It is incredibly hard to screw up a brew with this. With a V60, your pouring technique (the "agitation") can make or break the cup. With the B75, the ribs and the flat bottom do the heavy lifting for you. It’s a "lazy" brewer that yields professional results.

Watch Asser Christensen's experience with the B75.

The Positives

The Price: It’s almost suspiciously cheap. For the price of three fancy lattes, you get a world-class brewer.

Indestructible: In the black PCTG plastic, you could drop this off a balcony and it would probably just bounce. It’s the ultimate travel companion.

Thermal Stability: Plastic is better than ceramic or glass for pour-overs. It doesn't steal the heat from your water, ensuring your extraction stays hot and efficient.

Fast Extraction: You can finish a 300ml brew in under 2:30 easily, even with a fine grind.

The Negatives

The Look: Some people want fancy ceramic. This looks like a piece of high-end Lego. (Personally, I think the black looks stylish).

Paper Dependency: You need those ruffled "wave" filters. If you run out, you can’t just fold a standard grocery store filter and hope for the best.

Final Thoughts

The Timemore B75 is the "cheat code" of the coffee world. It makes high-extraction, specialty coffee accessible to everyone without the steep learning curve of a conical dripper.

If you like your coffee to taste vibrant, sweet, and clear, and you want it done fast, stop reading this and just go buy one here!

The Mouth may receive a small commission from some of the links above, but it will be at no extra cost to the end customer. It also is the only financial gain this website receives since we do not run Google Ads.

Ikape Kapo K2 | Review

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:15:18 GMT

IKAPE KAPO K2

BENJAMIN SAND

In the ever-crowded world of portable espresso, few brands have transitioned from "accessory maker" to "machine innovator" as aggressively as Ikape. Their latest offering, the Ikape Kapo K2 , aims to occupy the sweet spot between the ultra-automated self-heaters and the purely manual levers.

Following in the footsteps of our Outin Nano review , we took the Kapo K2 through a grueling month of travel, camping, and office desk-side brewing to see if this 51mm-focused machine can truly hold its own.

Who is Ikape?

Founded by a group of passionate coffee lovers in 2020, Ikape originally made a name for itself by producing high-end, heavy-duty espresso accessories—think calibrated tampers, precision baskets, and gravity distributors. Their philosophy is "I Keep A Perfect Espresso" (IKAPE), and they have quickly become the go-to brand for baristas looking for professional-grade tools without the "boutique" price markup. The Kapo K2 is their entry into the portable hardware space, bringing their "precision first" mindset to a mobile format.

The K1 is similar, but has a 58mm basket.

What is the Ikape K2

Unlike the Outin Nano, which feels like a gadget for the casual traveler, the Ikape Kapo K2 feels like a tool for the coffee enthusiast. Over four weeks, we pushed it to the limit.

The standout feature here is the true 51mm basket . While the MHW-3Bomber and Muvna offer great portability and the 58mm adaptibility, the K1 allows you to use your existing 51mm home accessories. The extra real estate in the basket (holding up to 18g) allows for a much more "traditional" espresso puck than the narrow, deep baskets found in most portables. Brewing on the Outin one is constantly fumbling to clean, re-tamp and brew multiple doses if you are making coffee for more than yourself.

With the 51mm basket, you can easily make a decent double shot for your morning Americano or milk-drink. That is a game-changer.

Also, if you happen to love SOUP shots, like the man in the instructional video below (All hail Lance!), then just throw your money at Ikape and start making it with this machine. It's fire!

Comparisons

vs. Outin Nano: The Outin is the king of convenience because it heats its own water and it can be used with capsules, however the small basket size means if you don't want to shell out $50 for the larger one, you'll be stuck making 6g shots. Something that will be frustrating if you prefer larger, stronger coffees. The K1 gives a much more consistent extraction pressure and a larger, professional-sized basket that produces a thicker, more textured crema.

vs. MHW-3Bomber & Muvna: The K2 being a 51mm, suits soup extractions better than the 58mm competitors. If you like the rugged design of the Ikape, it will also work better in outdoor conditions, as it has a more camouflaged exterior and won't show dirt as easily as the jet black MHW and Muvna.

The Positives

Pro-Grade Thermal Stability : The heating element is remarkably precise, holding within ±1°C, which is essential for consistent extraction across different roast levels.
Industry-Leading Battery : The 13,500mAh capacity is nearly double its rivals, comfortably pulling 5-7 shots even when heating from room-temperature water.
Bottomless 51mm Portafilter : A true "naked" extraction allows you to use your favorite high-end precision baskets and monitor for channeling in real-time.
Parametric App Control : The ability to customize pre-infusion and extraction time via Bluetooth is a game-changer for "dialing in" specialty beans.
Superior Build & Crema : The pump provides enough pressure headroom to produce thick, syrupy crema that rivals countertop semi-automatic machines.

The Negatives

Substantial Weight : At 780g+, it is significantly heavier than "ultralight" manual options; it feels more like carrying a full thermos than a travel gadget.
No Capsule Support : Strictly for ground coffee. There is no backup plan for Nespresso pods if you run out of fresh beans.
Steep Learning Curve : Because it uses a professional bottomless basket, beginners may find it "unforgiving" and will need a high-quality espresso grinder to get results. I had a lot of issues with choking or leaking, but this was down to grind size and takes some experimenting.
Heating Efficiency Variance : While the battery is large, users note that heating very cold water (fridge temp) can drop the shot count to 3-4, lower than the advertised 8-10.
"Dry Burning" Errors : Upon researching the feedback online, some users have reported software quirks where the machine shows a "dry burn" error at low battery levels (below 30%) even when full of water. We did not experience this, but it's worth noting.

Overall Thoughts

The Ikape Kapo K2 isn't trying to be a jack-of-all-trades; it’s a high-performance extraction engine. The most flattering aspect of the K2 is undoubtedly its physicality and accessory compatibility. It doesn't feel like a toy; it feels like the bottom half of a high-end espresso machine that you can throw in a backpack. You can also throw on your favourite 51mm basket if you want to change it up a bit.

If you already own 51mm gear or if you prioritize the quality of the "puck" and the ability to heat your own water anywhere, the Kapo K2 is the clear winner. It offers more headroom for experimentation than its rivals and feels like a genuine bridge between home semi-automatic performance and outdoor adventure.

Pick up a machine here on Ikape's website:

https://ikapestore.com/collections/ikape-portable-coffee-maker-1

BEST RAMEN IN SAIGON

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:31:17 GMT

BEST RAMEN IN SAIGON

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST RAMEN IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Spread out in multiple lanes around the seedy nightlife area of Le Thanh Ton in District 1, are a cluster of exceptional Ramen restaurants in Saigon mainly catering to the businessmen that frequent this Japan Town area. After an intense and hard fought negotiation with a local client, they tend to work up an appetite and head for one of these authentic noodle shops to quench the insatiable itch.

Lured by the promise of traditional Japanese broth, a new crowd of locals and tourists have begun to descend on these HCMC alleys, not only for pleasures of the flesh, but also pleasures of the fleisch. Unsurprisingly, a few craft beer bars began to pop-up a few years ago, and Le Thanh Ton is slowly turning into a major destination for Saigon night-time activities.

If, like us, you love nothing more than slurping ramen noodles at 2am, then take a Grab motorbike and set your compass to anywhere on the Google Map links below.

Whilst Tonkotsu style ramen seems to be the prevailing favourite in Ho Chi Minh City, there are a couple of Shoyu and Miso restaurants a few blocks outside the main spider web. If you regard Japanese ramen as a weekly human right (daily?), then follow our steps and sip yourself through an odyssey of Saigonese ramen epiphanies.

Hit one, hit them all! Here is our list of the 5 best ramen in Saigon!

TORISOBA MUTAHIRO

You're never finding this place by accident, tucked in the furthest corner down prostitute lane, but if you ever need a deliriously slapping bowl of ramen in Saigon, then this is your jam. Deep umami hits, perfectly tender meat, solid noodles and a divine egg. Heaven in ramen terms doesn't get much better.

MISO CHIKURA RAMEN

Heavier than Electric Wizard played through an oil spill, this ramen is as authentic as you'll find outside of Japan. Whether or not you want to eat it where the average temperature is 32 degrees is another question. We did.

RAMEN DANBO

A chain ramen restaurant that serves up superb bowls of goodness. We have visited their branch in Okinawa and would be pulling teeth to compare them.

ITTOU RAMEN

A thicker, creamier version of Tonkotsu than Danbo offers, and yet somehow slightly less flavoursome. If you're in Japan-town and have eaten at all the others, then this is a fine alternative.

CHOI OI

Twenty meters away from the agreeable 7 Bridges bar, Choi Oi is constantly awash with noodle-hunters. Expect to wait in line if you arrive at peak times.

Ask for the spicy tantanmen. Prepare for fire!

Femobook A2 | Review

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

FEMOBOOK A2 REVIEW

`Best Budget Portable Electric Grinder in 2026?`

Build Quality: ★★★ 3.5/5

Grind Consistency: ★★★★ 4/5

Portability: ★★★★★ 5/5

Value for Money: ★★★★★ 5/5

Battery Life: ★★★★ 4/5

THE VERDICT — 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Best For: Travellers, digital nomads, anyone brewing

pour-over or espresso away from home.

Price: U nder $100.

Bottom Line: Not perfect — the power button placement is annoying and the plastic body feels it — but the grind quality and portability are genuinely exceptional for the price. Buy the black one.

INTRODUCTION

There is a version of travel coffee that involves instant sachets and a hope that the hotel breakfast is better than it looks. And then there is the version where you pull a 650-gram electric grinder out of your backpack, grind fresh, and drink something actually worth waking up for.

The Femobook A2 is built for the second type of person. It is a battery-powered electric burr grinder — 38mm heptagonal conical burrs, 120+ grind settings, replaceable battery, USB-C charging — that costs under $100 and genuinely punches above that number in ways that surprised me.

I have been using it as my daily travel grinder for several weeks across multiple countries.

Here is the honest verdict.

What is the Femobook A2

The Femobook A2 is a battery-powered electric burr grinder featuring a 38mm stainless steel heptagonal conical burr, tool-free magnetic assembly, and over 120 grind settings. It's engineered to deliver consistent particle distribution from espresso to French press while staying lighter and more compact than most portable grinders on the market.

Unlike budget hand grinders that leave your arm tired or entry-level electrics that can't handle espresso, the A2 bridges the gap with replaceable batteries, automatic stop functionality, and surprisingly refined grind uniformity for something this portable.

Watch My Coffee Shelters review of the A2

The Positives

THE GRIND QUALITY IS THE SURPRISE

At under $100, you expect the grind quality to be the compromise. It is not. The 38mm heptagonal burr produces a particle distribution that is genuinely competitive with grinders twice the price. Pour-over is where it really shines — 15–20g ground in about 55 seconds with excellent consistency and the kind of clarity in the cup that tells you the burrs are doing real work. Espresso takes patience (around 110 seconds for a 20g dose) but the result is clean and repeatable, which is what actually matters when you are dialling in.

THE REPLACEABLE BATTERY IS GENIUS

Most portable electric grinders have a sealed battery that degrades over time and eventually makes the whole product disposable. Femobook put in standard 18650 cells that you can swap yourself. One charge gives you roughly 20 espresso doses or 80 pour-over grinds. When it eventually degrades after years of use, you buy new cells for a few dollars rather than a new grinder. This is the kind of decision that separates a product designed to last from one designed to be replaced.

THE PORTABILITY IS GENUINELY LIBERATING

650 grams. Lighter than most water bottles. Disappears into a side pocket. The auto-stop function means you can start grinding, go prep your kettle, and come back to a finished grinder rather than one that has been running for 30 seconds past the point of useful. Small touch, but in a cramped hotel room or a hostel kitchen it matters.

The Negatives

THE POWER BUTTON PLACEMENT IS BAFFLING

It sits in a spot where your hand naturally grips the grinder, which means you will accidentally start it while moving it around. You will do this multiple times before you train yourself out of the habit. It is a small thing that becomes a mildly infuriating thing over weeks of daily use. The other oversight is the fact they did not place the USB-C charging port at the back of the machine. If you want to keep it charged, the cable will point straight out, under the power button. I find this a bit odd too.

THE PLASTIC BODY

The lightweight plastic is a deliberate choice — it is part of why the thing weighs 650g — but next to a Timemore C3 or a Comandante it feels like what it is: a budget material. It does not affect performance but it affects how you feel about the object. If you care about your gear feeling premium in the hand, this will bother you .

BUY THE BLACK ONE

The white version looks beautiful on day one and shows every speck of coffee grounds from day two onwards. The black version is the correct choice. This is not a negative exactly, just a warning.

Performance & Grind Quality

Here's where the A2 genuinely surprised me. For something this small and affordable, the grind uniformity is seriously impressive. The 38mm heptagonal burr produces a balanced particle distribution that translates to clean, sweet cups whether you're pulling espresso or brewing pour-over.

Multiple reviewers have run particle analysis tests on the A2, and the results consistently show it competing with grinders twice its price. You get that clarity and separation of flavors you'd expect from proper conical burrs, with minimal fines and a tight distribution curve.

For espresso, it takes patience - we're talking around 110 seconds for a 20g dose - but the end result is absolutely worth it. The grind is fine enough for light roasts, and you can dial in repeatable shots without issue. Pour-over is where it really shines though, grinding 15-20g in about 55 seconds with excellent consistency.

Build Quality & Design

The A2 isn't going to win any awards for luxurious materials - it's mostly plastic - but the construction is solid and thoughtfully designed. That lightweight plastic body is actually part of what makes it so portable, and after using it for a while, you realize it's a deliberate choice rather than cost-cutting.

The magnetic catch cup is brilliant. It snaps on and off with satisfying precision, and the seal is tight enough that you won't get grounds everywhere when moving it around. The tool-free disassembly is genuinely convenient - twist, separate, brush, done. No fumbling with tiny screws or wondering where you put that special wrench.

The grind adjustment dial is smooth and precise, though when you get it out the box it is not zero'd so you have to remember which number is "0".

Battery Life & Charging

This is where Femobook made a genuinely smart decision. The A2 uses a replaceable 4000mAh battery pack with standard 18650 cells. When the battery eventually degrades after years of use, you don't chuck the whole grinder - you just swap in new cells.

Battery life is solid. One charge gets you roughly 20 espresso doses or 80 pour-over grinds, which translates to weeks of regular use for most people. USB-C charging means you can top it up from a power bank while camping or charge it overnight like your phone.

Travel

This is the A2's killer feature. At 650 grams, it's lighter than most water bottles and genuinely disappears into a backpack or carry-on. I've been using it as my daily travel grinder, and it's transformed hotel room coffee and campsite brews.

The auto-stop function means you can start grinding and then prep your kettle or AeroPress without babysitting the grinder. It just shuts off automatically when it's done. Small touch, massive convenience when you're working in cramped spaces.

One note about the white version: it looks gorgeous out of the box, but coffee grounds are dark and clingy. If you're even slightly messy with your coffee routine (and let's be honest, we all are), those stains will show up fast. The black version is probably the smarter choice for anyone who doesn't want to constantly wipe down their grinder.

Final Thoughts

The Femobook A2 is a grinder that understands its purpose and executes it brilliantly. It doesn't try to be a countertop powerhouse or a luxury showpiece - it's built to deliver genuinely good coffee in genuinely portable form, and it absolutely nails that brief.

The quirks are there - that power button placement, the front-mounted charging port, the white finish that shows every speck of coffee - but none of them fundamentally undermine what makes this grinder special. The grind quality is excellent, the replaceable battery is future-proof genius, and the portability is genuinely liberating.

If you're a traveler, digital nomad, van-lifer, or anyone who values mobility without sacrificing your coffee standards, the Femobook A2 isn't just a good option - it's pretty much the perfect option. I love this machine, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for their first portable electric grinder without hesitation.

For the price, the performance, and the sheer convenience it brings to coffee on the road, the A2 is an absolute winner.

If you want to buy one, please follow the link . The Mouth will receive a tiny commission which helps to keep the page running.

FAQ'S

Q: Is the Femobook A2 good for espresso?

A: Yes, with a caveat. It will grind fine enough for espresso and

the consistency is genuinely good, but it is slow — around 110

seconds for a 20g dose. If you are pulling multiple shots back to

back it will test your patience. For a single morning espresso while

travelling it is completely fine.

Q: How does the Femobook A2 compare to the Millab EO1?

A: The Millab EO1 has a better build quality and a lighter body.

The Femobook A2 has a replaceable battery and costs roughly half

the price. If budget is not a constraint, the Millab is the better

object. If you want exceptional value and can live with plastic,

the A2 wins.

Q: How many grinds does the battery last?

A: Roughly 20 espresso doses or 80 pour-over grinds on a full charge.

For most travellers that is several weeks of daily use before you need

to recharge.

Q: Can I charge it from a power bank?

A: Yes. USB-C charging means any standard power bank works. This is

one of its best travel features.

Q: Is the Femobook A2 worth it?

A: At under $100 it is the best value portable electric grinder

currently available. The grind quality outperforms the price point,

the replaceable battery makes it a long-term buy, and the portability

is genuinely exceptional. If you are a traveller or nomad who wants

proper coffee without spending $200+, buy this.

Mavo Phantox Pro | Review

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 07:37:23 GMT

MAVO PHANTOX PRO

BENJAMIN SAND

THE VERDICT — 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grind Quality (Filter): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Build Quality & Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Travel Friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Espresso Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Best For: Filter coffee lovers, minimalist kitchens, light travellers.

INTRODUCING THE PHANTOX PRO

The Phantox Pro is MAVO’s premium mid-budget manual grinder built around a self-developed 45 mm stainless steel burr and an external numeric adjustment system. It aims to deliver café-level consistency for both light-roast espresso and filter brewing while keeping a solid, machined-aluminium build and a compact travel-friendly form.

The sleek, matte black version feels sturdy and well-built at the same time, with thoughtful flourishes such as the machined MAVO logo, and the indented lid.

Everything feels premium, durable, and well-intentioned.

In terms of style, it's a winner. Side-by-side with a grinder such as the K6, the MAVO feels ultimately far better built, more durable, and more premium. The catch-cup is not magnetic -something that will annoy some people- but it does come on and off without too much fuss, and the capacity is good for single-users.

Who are MAVO?

MAVO (sometimes stylised MAVO Coffee) is a small/experimental coffee gear brand producing hand grinders and accessories. The Phantox Pro is one of their higher-profile hand-grinder releases targeting the specialty-coffee crowd with engineered burr geometry and an attention to machined metal finishes.

Click on the video above if you want to see a review of the grinder by BrewCoffeeHome.

The Positives

Excellent grind uniformity for filter + espresso. The cups for filter coffee are complex and show good flavour clarity, but perhaps a little muted on acidity.
45 mm stainless steel burrs — faster and more consistent than smaller burrs.
Sturdy CNC aluminium build and premium feel.
Wide, repeatable adjustment range (external numeric clicks).
The 45 mm burrs chew through doses faster than many small-burr hand grinders while keeping consistency.

The Negatives

Price variability and regional markup. Prices vary widely across shops — some sellers show prices from around ~$139 (discounted/used) up to $199, depending on retailer and region. That makes “value” subjective vs well-known competitors.
Small fit/finish gripes from owners. The small identations on the grip can be slippery when grinding light-roast beans, and the rubber ring is not optimal.
At 600 g + the Phantox Pro is solid and less “featherweight” than ultra-compact travel grinders; great for home/travel bag but not for ultralight backpacking.

Minimal retention if you spritz your beans.

Final Thoughts

The MAVO Phantox Pro feels like a confident move from a newer brand stepping into serious hand-grinder territory. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it executes familiar ideas with precision — a tight, consistent burr set, well-machined aluminium body, and an external adjustment system that makes dialing in less problematic.

For filter brewing and modern, lighter espresso, the Phantox Pro punches well above its weight. The 45 mm burrs are fast, clean, and produce cups with impressive clarity and sweetness. Build quality sits comfortably in the premium range, with the solidity you expect from CNC-machined gear.

It’s not flawless — the minor thread squeaks and the fact it's slightly heavy for the minimalist traveler. But if you’re after a refined, precision-oriented hand grinder that bridges everyday use and enthusiast performance, the Phantox Pro makes a persuasive case.

A thoughtfully engineered grinder that proves MAVO belongs in the same conversation as Kingrinder and 1Zpresso — not flashy, just quietly excellent.

If you would like to buy the Phantox Pro, you can find it here .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Is the MAVO Phantox Pro suitable for espresso?

A: Absolutely. With 120 "hyperfine" clicks (approx. 16.7 microns per click), you have the granular control needed to dial in high-end espresso shots. The 45mm burrs also make grinding for espresso much faster and easier than smaller-burr manual grinders.

Q: How does it compare to the Comandante C40 or 1Zpresso K-Ultra?

A: The Phantox Pro offers a similar (and some argue, superior) build quality with a more intuitive external adjustment system. Flavor-wise, it sits in a "sweet spot"—offering more clarity than a C40, but with more body and sweetness than a ZP6.

Q: Is it easy to clean?

A: Yes. The grinder comes with a dedicated cleaning brush and is designed for easy maintenance. While the burr removal requires a small tool (included), the internal structure is straightforward and built with high-precision bearings that don't require frequent calibration.

Q: What is the capacity of the catch cup?

A: The Phantox Pro comfortably holds 30–35g of coffee beans, making it perfect for large single-dose pour-overs or double-shot espressos.

Q: Does it come with any accessories?

A: Yes! The package is very generous, usually including a premium carrying bag, a cleaning brush, a silicone grip ring, and a specialized "anti-popcorn" lid that even allows you to use an electric drill for effortless grinding.

BEST PHO IN HANOI

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:55:09 GMT

THE BEST PHO IN HANOI

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT PHO IN HANOI

A common theme for The Mouth is hunting down the best shimmering bowls of Pho in each city we come across. Sure, the best bowls are almost always in Vietnam, but we have been privy to some mighty fine offerings in yonder pastures. From rather spectacular bowls at a market in Odesa-Ukraine, to world class Pho at a sushi restaurant in Oslo.

Now, back to the nitty-gritty. Hanoi is a city swallowed by tourist throngs most of the year, and it can become quite difficult to siphen through all the tacky blogs and influencer pages dedicated to fooling you into mediocre Pho establishments. A part of the infamy of creating such lists, is that we too have to suffer the indignation of terrible bowls in the noble pursuit of making sure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

Yes, places change, chefs get fired or find new hunting grounds, recipes are traded and changed, and a neighbourhood joint that was the talk of the town suddenly becomes a barren wasteland. We cannot control the marching feet of time, but we can try to update you as regularly as possible to keep your options fresh.

Below are the Pho spots that we found most appropriate for seating your derriere and parting your hard-earned dong into the willing hands of a smiling vendor.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PHO GIA TRUYEN BAT DAN

When chefs recommend places, The Mouth listens. This was spoken of in reverential tones by multiple food fiddlers, and they were not wrong. Salty, addictive broth, in a small shopfront packed with locals. Those of weak repose may find the hanging brisket off-putting, but we suggest you pull up your socks and get stuck in.

Did we mention it's salty?

PHO BO 8 HANG DA

Within minutes of opening, this Pho shed will be packed with locals. Be sure you hang around outside for them to start waving people in and get ready for some epic dipping action. This Pho is as authentic as you'll find in Hanoi.

PHO DUONG TAU

Despite its proximity to a popular tourist walking-street, these old ladies serve up a salty and infectious bowl of goodness. To the delicate palate this might seem like diving into a salt mine and choking on crystals, but pho in Hanoi tends to veer red on the saline radar, so if that's not your cup of choice, steer clear.

For us its our quintessential plastic stool & low table spot in Hanoi.

PHO THIN

Different from the other places in Hanoi, in that they actually stir-fry their beef before, Pho Thin is definitely worth a visit if you are crushing a few bowls in town. There is something charming about being packed into a long table and slurping away next to strangers.

PHO GHA NGUYET

Chicken Pho for the soul is sold at this ramshackle storefront. Expect low tables full of noodle splatter, and smiling locals having a feed. They won't win any awards in the hygiene department, but we fawned at their fabulous facade a few times and never got sick. KNOCK ON WOOD!

18 GRAMS

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:10:38 GMT

18 GRAMS - HELSINKI

LISTENING BLOOM

There are a dime-a-dozen listening bars in Japan. It's an intrinsic part of the culture there to display reverence for the ritual of music and an accompanying beverage. Whether that be alcoholic or not, the purpose is to disconnect from life, sip slowly, listen intently, and speak minimally (if at all).

Combining this idea, though not as strict on the silence preference, 18 Grams in Helsinki is a newcomer on the block, straddling that fine line between ultra sleek, yet retaining a very welcoming vibe.

You come here for the coffee. An added bonus is the vinyl shelf, playing old skool classics and odd jazz to accompany your cup. With a very basic (in a good way) menu, the coffee is predominantly from Finnish roasters, and rotates from time to time.

During our visits, we were lucky enough to hit a Populus cupping, followed by a snowy day sat staring out the window with a filter coffee from Tampere-based, Siemasu .

The atmosphere is perfect for bringing a book or a buddy. The music isn't too loud, the staff are super welcoming and passionate, and the coffee is spot on.

Helsinki has a small scene of great specialty coffee shops, but 18grams has managed to slide in without ruffling any feathers, and made themself feel like they've been there the whole time.

THE COFFEE CHRONICLER INTERVIEW

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:48:29 GMT

An Interview With The Coffee Chronicler

ASSER CHRISTENSEN TALKS TO THE MOUTH

Born and raised in Denmark, Christensen's plan was not to become one of the internet’s oracles of caffeine related wisdom. His educational pursuit took him through philosophy and journalism, which helps to explain his deep curiosity for the culture and ritual of coffee. Somewhere between exam papers and reports he fell hard for the allure of the darkened path, and began exploring coffee in all its glory.

The Coffee Chronicler was launched in 2016, a blog that’s become a go-to for coffee nerds and curious sippers. His writing is approachable but instructive, skillfully combining practical tips with nerd-level explanations of different burrs impact on clarity and sweetness. His honest approach leaves the reader comfortable in knowing the products he reviews are not shills for a larger company, but come from the heart and are the process of long laborious tests to find what he truly thinks is the best option, even if that sometimes is the cheaper option.

Assers laid-back style reassures newcomers that coffee isn't perhaps the perplexing spiderweb that it can seem like from the outside, or if it is then he gives you gentle steps to opening your eyes to the bigger picture.

You can dip your toes in just as deep as you want to, in the end it's all personal preference, but there is something to admire and learn from the few who have dedicated their life to deconstructing the humble coffee bean.

For those who might not be familiar with you and your channel, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in coffee?

I am a coffee geek and journalist who initially started a small blog about coffee as a side project, while I was covering startups and business for a Danish magazine as my full-time gig. I never worked in a coffee shop, but just always liked to brew and roast coffee at home. Over time, it took on a life of its own, and now I’m more of a YouTuber and coffee gear reviewer rather than a journalist. Some might even call me an influencer or KOL, though I don’t really create flashy reels or am any good at social media.

These days, my focus is on bridging the gap between the sometimes complex and intimidating world of specialty coffee and making coffee quality accessible and understandable for everyday people.

As a hobbyist rather than career barista, I try to see coffee from a home-brewer's perspective. Specialty coffee can be a bit cult-like, but I respect both groups: those who just want a clean, 83-points washed coffee are just as necessary to the ecosystem as those who seek complex flavor notes from the hippest roasters. Both perspectives deserve space in the conversation, and it’s more fun if it’s the same place.

Many coffee YouTube channels dive deep into the technical aspects, which can feel overwhelming for newcomers, how would you suggest beginners make better coffee at home or while traveling? Are there any simple yet effective tips you’d recommend?

Water makes up 98.5% of your cup, so it's crucial but unfortunately also rather complex. For beginners, I recommend starting with very soft water - if you have a TDS meter, aim for 40-60 ppm. This alone can transform your coffee's taste. Most tap water isn't ideal for coffee, being either too hard or containing minerals that negatively impact extraction. I'm actually developing a course to make water choices simpler, since this topic can get overwhelming quickly. The best place to start is with bottled water brands known for being soft.

It’s a bit boring, because everyone mentions this, but the grinder is so crucial. Luckily, we're in a golden age of coffee equipment - quality grinders are more accessible than ever. Something affordable like the 1Zpresso Q2 or Timemore C2 will give pretty good results. While spending $100-$200 on a grinder might seem like a big investment for beginners, it's truly worth it.

Once you have those basics dialed in, I'd suggest getting a Hario V60 pour over brewer. It's affordable, widely available, and incredibly versatile. This combination - good water, quality grinder, and V60 - will open up a whole new dimension of coffee brewing at home.

Beyond these core elements, you can explore different brewing recipes, water temperatures, and pouring techniques. But getting these fundamentals right - especially water quality and grind consistency - will improve your coffee more than any fancy technique or expensive machine.

In a previous interview, you mentioned that your ideal morning cup would involve beans roasted by Rubens Gardelli. Are there any newer roasters or individuals you’re excited about right now, or anyone pushing the envelope in a way that’s caught your attention?

There are so many great roasters out there that deserve more attention. Honestly, I’m not the best person to ask because I roast at home, so I rely a lot on my own supply and don’t buy beans often enough from the same roasters to talk confidently about their skills. I’m impressed with anyone who can consistently turn out great roasts.

But if I have to mention some, then Pala from Norway, is one that has stood out to me recently. They’re based in a fairly remote part of Norway and don’t seem to generate as much buzz as they deserve.

During a recent trip to Taiwan, I was also impressed with Oasis Coffee Roasters and their attention to detail. Every Half Coffee from Vietnam hooked me up with some extremely interesting Excelsa/Liberica coffee with unique processing recently. Of course, Coffee Collective stands out in many ways. They have a clear vision for their roasting style and long-term relationships with the same farms year after year.

Travel brewing has become so much easier in recent years, thanks to new products like the Picopresso, Aeropress Go, and compact grinders (even electric like the Millab EO1 you recently reviewed).

As a frequent traveler, what’s your current travel setup, and have any recent products truly enhanced your coffee experience on the road?

Yes, the Aeropress Go has been part of my travel line-up pretty much since it was released. Occasionally, I’ve traveled without it, but I always end up regretting it because it’s just so convenient—not necessarily the Aeropress Go itself, but I really love brewing directly into the mug it comes with. The mug has a generous size, enough to brew for two people, and the silicone lid doubles as a bean loader, which is incredibly underrated.

Of course, I also use the Aeropress itself and often pair it with the Aesir coffee filters for a smoother, cleaner flavor. That said, I almost always bring a pour-over device as well. For years, it’s been the Munique Tetra Drip, but I left it at a friend’s place recently, so on my current trip, I brought the one-cup version of the Caféc Flower. It’s made of Tritan and a fun alternative to my usual V60.

I have used the Outin Nano with the Nano Pro Basket Kit on a couple of trips in 2024. I initially thought it might be more of a gimmick, but it’s actually fantastic, especially for road trips in places where gas station coffee is both expensive and subpar. It’s a fun way to brew great coffee while saving money.

I’ll bring it if I have extra space in my suitcase (since I often travel with just carry-on). It might sound crazy, but I also always travel with a TDS meter to make sure I can pick the right water for my coffee. For me, brewing a really good cup of coffee on the road is part of the ritual of travel—it’s something I savor.

As for grinders, I’ll often bring the one I’m currently reviewing or one of my favorites, like the 1Zpresso K-Ultra . Overall, I have to admit that coffee equipment takes up an uncomfortably large amount of space in my suitcase.

You’ve reviewed countless grinders and burrs for both travel and home use. What essential features do you look for in a travel grinder, and how does your setup differ from home? What are some key trade-offs when opting for a smaller, portable grinder?

For a travel grinder, I’ll almost always bring a hand grinder. Honestly, I don’t feel like there are many trade-offs. Unless I’m really, really pressed for space, I’ll just take my current favorite hand grinder or whichever one I’m reviewing at the time.

Whether it’s something bulkier like or a slightly smaller model, I don’t think a few hundred grams really make that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.

That being said, if I’m only going away for one or two days and just carrying a small backpack, I might bring something like the 1Zpresso Q2 or the Kingrinder P2.

I don’t see myself bringing an electric grinder for any shorter trip, because hand grinders are so good nowadays. You’re getting about 90-95% of the quality you’d get from even the best electric flat burr grinders for home use.

It’s interesting to see how far we’ve come. Back in 2015, the market for hand grinders wasn’t as developed as it is today. You had options like the Orphan Espresso Lido 3, which was actually marketed as a travel grinder, but it was gigantic. You had to choose between something like that or a primitive Hario Slim or Porlex. What a dilemma. Glad I don’t have to face that today.

Speaking of travel, what are some of your favorite cities for vibrant, unique coffee scenes? Are there any unexpected cities that surprised you with their coffee culture?

Southeast Asia is probably the most interesting spot for specialty coffee right now. There’s so much passion around it, and many countries in the region are producing coffee too. You have this intersection of farmers and young people becoming baristas and roasters, which creates a fresh, vibrant scene. There’s not a lot of "old baggage" from traditional coffee culture, like you might find in Italy or Scandinavia.. That allows the new coffee culture to take off without being seen as competing with established traditions.

If you’re looking to experience amazing coffee while traveling, Thailand is a great destination. Even in small, out-of-the-way towns, you’ll find specialty coffee shops with a really high level of quality—think Kees van der Westen espresso machines or similar gear. Chiang Mai, for example, is a well-known hub with hundreds of specialty coffee shops, but even provincial towns will surprise you.

Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia have a similar energy, with passionate coffee communities and great local scenes. And then there’s Taiwan, where the equipment industry is booming as well. The coffee tradition there is older and influenced by the Japanese Kissaten as well as high-end tea. You also have many cool equipment brands there, so you really have your hands full. Specialty coffee equipment is everywhere—you can even buy it at random 7-Elevens.

You can read our guide to Chiang Mai's coffee scene by clicking on the image below:

When exploring new destinations, how do you go about finding the best Third Wave coffee spots?

I probably do what most people do when looking for coffee, which is searching Google Maps for some permutation of “specialty coffee” or “coffee roaster.” I might also ask around—whether it’s people I know in the area or baristas at the coffee shops I happen to visit.

But honestly, in most big cities today, you’ll usually find a handful of great specialty coffee shops, so you’re probably covered with just a quick bit of research.

Don't get me wrong - while it's cool to visit minimalist specialty coffee shops with sleek bars, EK43s, and La Marzoccos, many of those shops could be anywhere in the world. Spots where the owner is behind the bar or at least has a strong vision tend to be more fun and interesting, so I try to look for signs of that.

I also love visiting coffee farms when traveling to new countries. That's where you often have the most unexpected and cool experiences. These trips will certainly take you out of your comfort zone as you visit nature and small villages. A self-organized coffee origin trip is almost always a guarantee for everything you'd want from a coffee-focused journey.

Follow Asser on all his social media channels below:

Any affiliate links are at no extra cost to the reader, and help to cover the costs of hosting and publishing this website.

IPOH FOOD GUIDE

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:56:00 GMT

Food Guide To Ipoh

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN IPOH

There are no two ways about it: Ipoh is an inferno. Hotter than a sauna in hell, this small city between KL and Penang is famous for its food. Chicken rice, salted chicken and Ipoh white coffee are among its main attractions, you'll find a thriving Indian food scene along with some scatterings of ramen, dim sum and noodle soups if you look hard.

The city planning is more a squandered spread rather than orderly queue, so you'll spend a lot of time in the back of Grab Taxi's if you want to eat well. The popular downtown area is home to the backpackers and some cheap dinners, but most of the great places to eat are not in the vicinity.

As usual The Mouth took it upon ourselves to sacrifice time and finances in a never ending quest to discover the best places to eat, so you don't have to waste your time.

CLICK ICON ABOVE FOR ALL LOCATIONS

SAM MA

Of all the chicken rice places in Ipoh, this is by far our favourite. If you arrive at peak times you'll be waiting upward of an hour, but it's worth it.

Whilst the locals go for the Kampung Chicken, we prefer the regular since the tough texture isn't for everyone. You do you.

AUD'S CAFE

The OG spot that started serving "Third Wave" coffee in Ipoh, so pay respect where it's due. Achingly hip interiors where you can get a decent breakfast and a solid coffee to start the day. They do espresso style drinks, but their roasts are from Toothless so it's legit.

YEE FATT CURRY NOODLES

Sweet pork, decent noodles, and rich deep curry soup! Whats not to love at this legendary spot thats been banging out bowls for decades.

HOONG THO

If you dine at the table of comfort food and Cantonese style dishes, then pull up a chair and get yourself a plate of steaming hot "hug-in-a-bowl" noodles.

VEGAN LIFE

The plant-based alumni can feast on delectable bowls and plates at this restaurant, a tad away from the main drag, but worth the ride.

WAH LOK

You wouldn't really expect to find solid Thai food in a town like Ipoh, but these Bangkok women bang out some sublime dishes!

ASADA RAMEN YIPIN

This out of the way spot does some fantastic duck noodles with tasty clear broth.

HUNG WANG EATING SHOP

This sort of spot is one of the best places in town for vibes. Porridge, meats and soups in an achingly beautiful old skool canteen. Highlight of Ipoh, these places will be gone in a decade.

ÉTRE PATISSERIE

The carnal souls who miss their home comforts will find refuge and deliverance in the air conditioned bliss of Etre. Ann Lee newly opened their first KL branch, but this is the OG, and the sweets, desserts and pastries are excellent.

P.s. The plain croissant and mushroom quiche are awesome too!

GREENTOWN DIM SUM CAFE

With hankerings for Dim Sum becoming a daily annoyance, thankfully Ipoh had me covered. Expect a line of revellers eyeing your table before you're even done, this place is insanely popular. Not what you'd call exceptional Dim Sum , but completely acceptable.

MAD RAMEN

Solid tonkotsu ramen with well cooked eggs, tender chashu and all the other absolutes. It's amazing how a small town in Malaysia can have 2 world-class Ramen spots and most European cities struggle to have one half-decent one.

JLN THEATRE COFFEE

Specialty coffee shops are few and far between in Ipoh, but if you want one situated in the downtown reach then head to JLN Theater and choose between pour-over options or your regular espresso based drinks made on a La Marzocco.

MAHARAJ

Perhaps the best Indian in town overall, if you consider quality and price. There are other spots that are cheaper but they'll invariably suffer in terms of taste, so hedge your bets on this gaudy palace and you'll be satiated to a satisfactory degree.

FUJIYAMA

Vintage store and vinyl hunting at this little gem in Ipoh. A representation of the flourishing underground scene that is creeping through Malaysia, finally.

COWAN STREET AYAM TAUGE & KOITIAO

Blogged about to within an inch of its life, I still had to track it down and give it a go. On the way there my taxi driver grinned in delight that a tourist was heading to his favourite spot.

To be honest, the chicken and bean sprouts were delicious (if salty). Not as good as Sam Ma, but for being downtown, get yourself a plate, pronto!

DURBAR

A classic joint for your regular dishes like Chicken Chop, etc. Service is friendly and the prices are agreeable.

FUNNY MOUNTAIN SOYA BEANCURD

Not the biggest fan of desserts in Asia, but this is some dank soya bean deliciousness.

Normcore V3 | Review

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:07:17 GMT

NORMCORE v3 HANDGRINDER

BENJAMIN SAND

The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V3 is a compact, stainless-steel hand grinder designed for coffee drinkers who want freshly ground coffee anywhere, without sacrificing grind consistency or build quality.

Positioned between budget hand grinders and premium flagships, the V3 focuses on practicality: solid burrs, repeatable grind adjustment, travel readiness, and a clean industrial design.

This review breaks down how the Normcore V3 performs as a manual coffee grinder for espresso, pour-over, AeroPress, and French press, who it’s best suited for, and how it compares to popular alternatives in the same price category.

What is the NORMCORE V3?

The Normcore V3 is a hand-powered burr coffee grinder featuring stainless-steel conical burrs, a stepped internal adjustment system, and a compact aluminum body. It’s designed to grind coffee beans consistently across a wide range of brew methods — from fine espresso to coarse immersion — while remaining small enough to pack for travel.

Unlike entry-level hand grinders that prioritize price over performance, the V3 aims to deliver reliable grind uniformity, smooth operation, and long-term durability without stepping into ultra-premium pricing.

Click on the video above if you want to see a review of the grinder by Tom's Coffee Corner.

The Positives

Solid aluminum build with premium feel

Consistent grind quality for multiple brew methods

Compact and travel-friendly design

Stepped adjustment allows repeatable settings

Includes protective carrying case and cleaning tools making it perfect for travellers

Strong value in the mid-range manual grinder category

The Negatives

Small capacity (around 25 g)

No numbered grind dial

Espresso grinding requires effort and patience

Not ideal for large-batch or frequent grinding

Brush broke after 1 day, the wooden part just came loose.

Great carry case

Final Thoughts

The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V3 is a well-built, versatile hand grinder that prioritizes function over flash. It doesn’t try to reinvent manual grinding — it simply does the fundamentals well: consistent burrs, stable operation, practical adjustment, and excellent portability.

If you’re looking for a reliable manual coffee grinder for everyday brewing, travel, and occasional espresso, the Normcore V3 is a strong contender that delivers quality without unnecessary complexity.

Subminimal Nanofoamer V2 | Review

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:39:11 GMT

SUBMINIMAL NANOFOAMER V2

BENJAMIN SAND

Anyone who drinks milk-based coffee will know the pain of creating good foam on the go. Without having to bring an entire espresso machine with you, or relying on one of the cheap hand-foamers on Amazon, the process can be quite exhausting. Either you're dragging around far too much weight, or your milk has a ton of large bubbles but no texture.

Is there a solution?

With the launch of the Subminimal Nanofoamer V2, there is. A company that also revolutionised the bean weighing game with their delightful Subscale , have made a portable foamer that actually produces results.

Who Are Subminimal?

Subminimal is a boutique Singaporean brand known for blending minimalistic design with everyday coffee gear. They produce tools like the Subscale and NanoFoamer, prioritizing intuitive, visually striking products that are minimalist in design and do what they say on the tin. Their gear tends to be lightweight, sleek, and crafted for form and function, leaning into that “wow” moment in your daily brew routine.

They have obviously identified some gaps in the market that people refer to regularly, and attempted to bridge the gap. The scale-conundrum, and also the fact that home-brewers find it increasingly difficult to make quality milk foam without an espresso wand/maker.

What is the Nanofoamer V2?

The Subminimal NanoFoamer V2 is a handheld, battery-powered milk foamer designed to create true microfoam — the fine, glossy, paint-like milk texture typically achieved with a commercial steam wand. Unlike standard frothers that whip air into milk and produce stiff foam, the NanoFoamer V2 focuses on emulsifying milk properly, breaking bubbles down to a microscopic level so the milk integrates smoothly with espresso.

At its core, the NanoFoamer V2 uses a high-speed motor paired with interchangeable NanoScreens (fine and superfine mesh discs). These screens control bubble size and density, allowing users to tailor texture depending on the drink — from tight, latte-art-ready milk to slightly more open foam for cappuccinos.

The V2 iteration improves on earlier versions with a more robust stainless-steel motor housing, replaceable parts, and a simplified on/off switch. It doesn’t heat milk on its own — milk must be warmed separately — but that separation is intentional. By removing heating from the equation, Subminimal keeps the tool compact, affordable, and focused purely on texture.

Click on the video below if you want to see a review of the machine by Lifestyle Lab:

The Nanofoamer V2 is perfect for:

Home baristas who want microfoam quality rather than airy froth.

Espresso enthusiasts without a steam wand.

People with limited countertop space or those who travel but still want quality milk texture.

It’s not ideal if you prefer an all-in-one electric frother with heating, or if you need precise control over temperature and foam density without manual technique.

Interchangeable mesh screens

The Positives

Barista-level microfoam: produces very fine, café-quality texture with practice.

Light and portable: no cords, minimal footprint.

Easy to clean: waterproof design rinses quickly after use.

Replaceable parts and upgradeable screens: longer life cycle than throwaway frothers.

The Negatives

Technique required: doesn’t heat milk; you must warm first and then foam. It takes a while to master the technique as it needs a wide-based jug to foam correctly in, so a person using their morning tall-cup is going to experience a messy wake-up call.

Mixed durability anecdotes: some users report wobbling or impeller issues long-term. This is pooled from research we did online on review sites, so take it with a pint of salt.

Not all plant milks behave equally: some barista alternatives still struggle.

Tips

The NanoFoamer V2 Lithium is capable of genuinely excellent microfoam, but like a steam wand, results depend heavily on technique. These tips will help you get the best texture consistently.

The NanoFoamer does not heat milk. For best results, heat milk to roughly 55–65°C before foaming. Below this range, foam forms slowly and inconsistently; above it, milk loses sweetness and structure.

A simple rule: heat until the milk is just too hot to comfortably hold your pitcher for more than a second.

The V2 Lithium comes with multiple NanoScreens — use them intentionally:

Superfine screen: best for latte art and glossy, tight microfoam

Fine screen: slightly more volume, better for cappuccinos or flat whites with more body.

If foam feels too stiff or bubbly, switch to a finer screen or reduce air introduction time.

Think like a barista:

Phase 1 (aeration): keep the foamer just below the surface for 2–3 seconds to introduce air.

Phase 2 (texturing): fully submerge the screen and let the milk roll until smooth.

Rushing the first phase leads to flat milk; overdoing it leads to dry foam.

The Lithium version has more consistent torque than battery AA models — don’t force it. Keep your grip light and let the screen spin freely. Forcing the wand against the pitcher wall reduces efficiency and creates uneven foam.

A small milk pitcher (300–450 ml) gives better control. Too much milk in a large jug makes it harder to maintain a proper vortex and evenly distribute microbubbles.

Barista-style oat and soy work best. Almond and coconut tend to foam lighter and looser.

Use slightly higher temperatures.

Always use the superfine screen for plant milks.

Finish Like a Pro:

After foaming, tap the pitcher gently on the counter. Swirl firmly until the milk looks glossy and uniform. If the milk pours like wet paint, you’re there.

Our first try was a disaster, but after a few trial runs we got a better result.

Final Thoughts

For what it is, a budget-friendly, handheld tool that transforms everyday milk into microfoam, the Subminimal Nanofoamer V2 punches above its weight. It’s not a magic wand, and it doesn’t replace a steam wand, but for aspiring home baristas who want café texture without an espresso machine’s cost or counter space, it’s a tidy little piece of gear that delivers.

If you want the easiest possible experience with more power and flexibility, consider the rechargeable NanoFoamer Lithum. And if you want full electric operation with more control, the NanoFoamer PRO Gen2 is the premium step up.

GOOSE DELI

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:42:53 GMT

GOOSE DELI

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE-LY PASTRIES

Crossing the road over to Goose, I didn't know what to expect. A bakery/deli melding Asian accents with traditional Danish staples? Would it be a Scandinavian-ised Cha chaan teng? A full blown bakery billowing flour? A hip hideout with comforting treats?

Entering the door, perhaps its a mixture of all three. The decor is minimal and clean, but not cold. Large windows cut graphic lines on the tiled walls. The retail shelves look resplendent in sunlight.

Greeted by an extremely friendly host, explained a few details about the coffee and menu, left to our own devices to mull them over, ordered, took some photos, found a beautiful table flooded in November sun. Everything was served almost immediately, and we fumbled to attack.

The coffee was brewed by Mood in Århus, and was an Anaerobic. The pastries were a spandauer with black sesame, and a bun hit with five spice, but not in a way that turned it too fragrant or savoury, but not an insignificant amount either. The pretty much perfect pinch.

They sell a selection of products along the wall, tote bags, coffee (pick up a bag of Sensei if you get the chance), and do a round of sandwiches and more filling morsels should you have a hunger greater than a spandauer will fill.

It's really rare these days to eat flavour combinations that one hasn't had a million times before, but this was one of those days. Having spent most of my life in Asia, the pastry selections there tend to stick super local traditional (read overly sweet 99% of the time), or try to make identical versions of French and other classic sweets.

Taking a few nuances of the East and folding it into something approachable and recognisable, but yet challenging a persons palate at the same time, is a delicious twist. One thing that stood out was the lack of over-reliance on sugar. Sweetness is a lovely thing to notice, but not in excess, and the balance of flavours here were right on the money.

I'll be back for sure, and will dig deeper into their menu, and I suggest those who haven't been, to hop on a bike and head over.

Closed Tue & Wed. Open the rest.

NAPLES FOOD GUIDE

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:51:17 GMT

Food Guide To Naples

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN NAPLES

Concentrating for a second amidst the din of scooter exhaust and gesticulating locals, one finds a strange serenity walking the narrow streets of Naples, meditating on where to extinguish the eternal hunger next. Tucked away in the labyrinth of dark stone buildings are hundreds of restaurants offering up flavours you've never experienced elsewhere. There is something about the volcanic soil. It creates produce of the highest quality. Dizzying sweetness, tartness, richness, acidity. A simple tomato tastes better than anything you've bitten into before. The herbs are boundlessly giving. Seafood fresh as the distance to the ocean.

As is the case in any city in Italy, the locals cannot decide on one thing. Ask ten Neopolitans about where to find the best pizza and you'll get ten distinctly different answers along with wild arguments as to "whoever mentioned that place is a moron". Half the fun of making this guide was interacting with locals at every opportunity, and always asking them for tips. When you stay somewhere for almost half a year, you become accustomed to its rhythms and block out the incessant barrage in a defense mechanism to survive.

The city is not welcoming to the frail of heart. It is a bold and brash city. It is rooted in struggle. The locals here are weather-worn and brow beaten, but extraordinarily true and kind. Staying for a little more than the usual tourist weekend, you will begin to get smiles from repeat encounters, and even be invited to dine with strangers. Napoli gives what it gets, and if you try not to smother them with fake enthusiasm, you'll find a soft centre that is completely missed in the frantic tourist trails of "Eat Pray Love" walks and altogether misguided intentions.

Read through this carefully curated guide, made with a broad spectrum of people in mind, there will undoubtably be something for everyone, and something that everyone hates. It's the nature of the beast, and strong opinions is something Naples is built on, so a reaction of any kind is a deep compliment.

p.s. If you only care about pizza, then check our "Top 10" guide to the city after trying almost 40 different spots here.

PIZZERIA DA ATTILIO

Ignore all the frenetic fools goading you to try Sorbillo or Da Michele, this is the only place you need to visit if you have one pizza in Naples. It is the epitome of perfection.

Read our guide to the 10 best pizza in Naples here .

MUSEO HERMANN NITSCH

Fans of the macabre can get lost in this majestic museum to the late Austrian gore-monger. One of the absolute highlights of Naples if you fancy a walk on the wilder side of things.

Read our homage to the museum here .

SPAZIO NEA

Piazza Bellini may be famous for cheap cocktails, but tucked away in the top right corner is this excellent cafe/bar to sip some strong coffee in the delightful sun.

ANTICA TRATTORIA DA CARMINE

No Reservations and a consistent line tells you all you need to know about this place. Though it may be located on one of the most irritating streets, it has been here long before tourists began marching, so the location is inconsequential. Tourist traps do not serve food like da Carmine.

Try their arancini starters, their melanzane di parmigiana, their spaghetti vongole, their local potato pasta, literally just choose anything from the menu and sit back and taste tradition.

BOP

When a n old pop star starts a dumpling shop in Materdei with flavours like this, you'll ignore the calls for heresy recommending "Asian" food in Naples, and head up here yourself.

Prepare to be amazed.

PIZZERIA PELLONE

If we were to choose one pizzeria in Naples where you get the most bang for your buck, then Pellone it is. The pizza isn't the best in town, but its mighty damn close, and the atmosphere is unquestionably Naples. These pizza are also much larger than the regular ones you get in town, so you'll be duly rewarded for your detour if you head here.

ATTANASIO

Sfogliatelle are native to these parts, and you won't find locals eating them anywhere but here. Ask for the crispy ones with the million layers, and try wait to get outside the shop before tucking in.

LA FESSERIA

For the imbibers of the world, look no further. The best bar in town.

CIBI COTTI

The canteen that seems to peddle food to pensioners. The prices are delicious, the food is honest, the staff are delightful.

File under: If you want a true, true Naples experience.

IL GIARDINO DI BABUK

It doesn't get more "Hidden G em" that Gennaro's garden in Rione Sanita. A temple dedicated to 20+ cats, named after the deceased "Babuk", this insane place is visited only by appointment, and a donation is accepted in exchange for one of his books. Gennaro speaks Italian, French, Spanish and passable English. The main highlight here is the long winding staircase down to the subterannean cave.

TANDEM

Slow cooked thick ragu with your choice of pasta, sure the tourists have discovered this place but it's popular for a reason. If you're in a hurry grab one of their take-away sandwiches which are basically hollowed out bread stuffed with rich meatballs and sauce.

UN SORRISO INTEGRALE AMICO BIO

Fret not vegetarian/vegan friends, this place has you covered.

VINTAGE BY SUN RA

Underground heros unite and spray your dollar bills all over this shop. Vintage heaven!

PRASSANA STAR

Sri Lankan food worthy of the highest praise, and at under 5 euro for a large plate of rice, vegetarian and meat curries, your wallet will be happy.

SANTA FEDE LIBERATA

Naples version of Christiania, this small punky-artsy-commune area hidden within the main tourist district holds demonstrations, concerts, smoking parties, markets and all things free and easy. Worth peeking in if you're in the area.

DE' FIGLIOLE

The Mouth's favourite "Pizza Fritta" in town. There is just something about them vibes in there too.

PALAZZO VENEZIA

Not so much of a secret anymore, but still a beautiful place to have a cup of coffee in the backyard garden when the sun is too hot. Walk up the narrow stairs to the right and head out back to find the huge huge shaded garden.

CONCETTINA AI TRE SANTI

The area of Rione Sanita is as local as it gets, and not surprisingly is home to the best pizzerias per square kilometer. Within a couple of blocks are at least 5 places that will happily exchange your euros for utter bliss. This family favourite is one of our top 3 pizzas in Naples. They have an outdoor area at the back too if the weather is comfortable.

POPPELLA

A rite of passage for anyone in Rione Sanita is to smash a couple "Fiocco di Neve" at Poppella after your pizza at Concettina. It's 100 meters away and those pastries will have you dizzy with love.

LA CANTINA DI VIA SAPIENZA

Grandmothers cooking super simple honest food? This is your spot. Don't expect any bells & whistles, this is excruciatingly simple.

CAPPELLA SANSEVERO

Yes, you just have to.

MEXICO

We like our coffee strong and served by an aging relic. You'll get both at any branch of Mexico.

CICCIOTTO DAL 1942

The wonderful little village of Marechiaro should not be missed if you have extra time. Lunch can be enjoyed at the slightly more expensive Cicciotto that boasts super fresh seafood and views to die for.

MIMI ALLA FERROVIA

True nostalgia-hunters look no further! Walking into Mimi alla Ferrovia is like stepping back into a Fellini film. The dishes are traditional, time-honoured and unfancy, but packed with love and flavour. The waiters are stoic and spotless.

SALUMERIA UPNEA

Modernistic approaches to local dishes, but not forgetting the flavour. Recommended if you have already eaten at a few super traditional old skool places.

GHI RICE

Napoli truly has you covered on all fronts. Just when you were surprised to find they have excellent Sri Lankan restaurants, Ghi Rice pops up and serves up an excellent Masala Dosa to cure the cravings.

VILLA FLORIDIANA

The award for the best view in Naples goes to this park. Head to where the google pin is dropped and walk behind the bushes on the path that stretches to the left. You'll mostly be left alone and the view is jaw-droppingly fantastic.

PESCHERIA AZZURRA

Weave your way through Quartieri Spagnoli holding a wrapper of fresh "Frutti di Mare" from this famous shop. If you're lucky they'll fry them to order so everything is spankingly crispy.

120 GRAMMI

A hole in the wall eternally popular with students tempting them with cheap prices and good portions, all things considered the pasta served here is better than 90% of "Italian" food served in the rest of Europe. Great emergency lunch on the go.

FANTASIA GELATI

Not located in areas tourist generally throng, this was the best gelato we ate in Naples. The old skool interiors only add to the appeal.

P.s. This is the better of the other locations.

MODERNISSIMO

Cinephiles unite! Not many cinemas in Italy show foreign movies in English, this one does.

VITTO PITAGORICO

Another vegan empire in Naples, albeit slightly more "upscale" than the place near Bellini. Expect thoughtful, well prepared vegan dishes where you honestly don't miss the sight of carcass for a second.

HERCULANEUM

Obviously Pompei is highly recommended viewing, but we figured most of you have heard of it. Herculaneum is also worthy of some afternoon musings if you happen to be near this area, and if you are here in the mornings then do not miss the excellent second hand stores along Via Pugliano.

LA CABRA

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

LA CABRA | COPENHAGEN

NEW KID ON THE BLOCKCHAIN

La Cabra is turning into quite the international affair. With branches in Bangkok, New York and Muscat, along with two in Copenhagen, the Nordhavn shop opened barely a week ago, as of writing.

An ultra stylised brick and concrete space, with roastery behind and shelves swollen with retail goods, the vibe is very much instagram afficionados.

Service-wise the staff were friendly and knowledgable. Not a hint of snobbery, refreshingly. My natural Pacamara was juicy and clean, and not at all funky like some naturals can be.

The only complaint I would make was the endlessly repetitive music was quite loud, distractingly so, and caused an odd atmosphere. It was almost like a film soundtrack for a wake, and perhaps not conducive to sipping.

With Sensei and Atelier September nearby (and Juno and Prolog across the traintracks), the area between Norhavn and Østerbro is brimming with promise. Perhaps promise of a slightly Berlin-cool crowd, but nonetheless, it is an area on the up, and worth keeping an eye on.

NOMA COFFEE | COPENHAGEN

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:23:52 GMT

NOMA COFFEE | COPENHAGEN

THE FORAGING ENDS HERE

I'll admit, I was quite expecting to have a coffee served in a seaweed cup that has been through some fermentation and dry-aging on a rock with organic celtic salt, but no, it was served in a regular vessel.

Let's rewind a bit.

NOMA, the worlds most famous restaurant, started roasting coffee in 2024, spearheaded by Carolyne Lane. It began as a subscription model, and has now evolved.

Occupying the greenhouse at the front, they have now opened a permanent coffee shop, in an effort to not only showcase their coffee, but make NOMA a bit more accessible to the everyday person. Not everyone can afford spending hundreds of dollars on food, but most people can cough up $8-12 for a cup of coffee, at least once in a while.

The set-up is minimalist in terms of options. A modbar espresso rack, a grinder, some cups, a pour-over station. At the time of writing there were three options, a Geisha, an Ethiopian and Colombian. All were roasted on the lighter side, and the V60 a recommended method of tasting them.

In true NOMA style, they also sold bars of "chocolate" made of Koji, titled NOT CHOCOLATE. Through the partition is an experimental area where you can try various brews, concoctions, potions and fermentations under the friendly eye of staff who seemed constantly attacked by people handing them CV's.

But we came here for the coffee right? And in a city that has some of the worlds best coffee: Norange, April, Prolog, La Cabra, Poma, Coffee Collective, etc, is there really room for another?

Most importantly: the coffee itself was tasty. Well roasted, sweet, clean, prepared as you'd expect from someone who previously worked at Supreme Roastworks, and served with a smile and short explanation on the background of the bean.

I tried the Carlos Guamanga Caturra, washed, and it drank beautifully clean, with a touch of toastiness appearing as it had totally cooled down. A solidly balanced light-roast coffee. On another visit I tried the Ethiopian Natural processed coffee, and it was clean and sweet, without the funk that so often creeps into naturals.

Despite my (idiotic) reservations, everyone was exceedingly friendly. I have no idea why this shocked me. For some reason I was expecting some snobby chef-like staff who scowled at people, but no, this was the perfect environment to enjoy a cup.

I can see this place being popular, especially in the summer months with the outside seating area. The inside is going to be a bit "sardines in a tin" for the next half year, as the Danish winter punishes anyone with outdoor affections.

If the team keep roasting and rotating their coffee, keep the standards high and consistent, then I don't see why this doesn't become another integral stop on anyones nerd-journey around Copenhagens specialty coffee scene.

For anyone who wants to embark on that holy journey, may we direct you to the ultimate guide for Coffee-Nerds in Copenhagen .

THAI ASIA

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

THAI ASIA | HELSINKI

GHETTO GREEN CURRIES YO!

Welcomed by a friendly but exceedingly shy owner, we were show a small table peering out at trams and hoodlums. Green & Red curry were ordered under the auspicious photographs of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and stomachs began to rumble.

Minutes later as the aching hue of existence began to wane, two plates were summoned to our sightlines and we partook of holy sacraments. Spoonfuls entered our bodies and sins were washed away.

Curries were explored in clockwork formations, sipping the sauce, biting into chicken, then vegetables. My instructions had been to make it spicy, these words remained unheeded. Nevertheless, for being a fast food take-away by the side of the tram tracks, it was not disposable fodder. There were some true flavours hiding there beneath.

Had the chicken all been pre-cooked and had a slight wobbly texture? Sure.

Was the curry just a flash in the pan of coconut milk with standard pastes added in flurries of routine? Sure.

Were some of the vegetables an odd choice? Sure.

However, it still tasted a step above the regular tosh you'd get in many Thai places bearing similar signage. This lady at least knew how to balance flavours and create something you'd happily eat as a local take-out if you lived nearby and were craving some Eastern flair. However, you would need to thoughtfully convince her over time that you can handle your chillies so that she bit-by-bit, amped up the levels to where you truly were comfortable residing.

MANOLO CATECA

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:00:52 GMT

MANOLO CATECA | SEVILLE

CRUST PUNKS

One of the seven deadly sins is gluttony, and by jove Seville has multiple offenders.

Pass any street corner or square at any time of day and you'll see them: gangs of ravagers tearing apart small tapas plates like Hyena's in Harar at dusk. Unashamed locals stacking their stomachs with everything from jamon, croquettas, spinach & chickpeas, to oxtail and gambas. I rarely saw a sad face during my visit, so perhaps they are onto something.

A local friend of mine made a comprehensive list of places I should try during my four day stay, and Manolo Cateca was one of them. My instructions were to try the Carne Mechada and the Pringa. Wishes were communicated to the waiter who was awfully cordial, and he disappeared to relay the instructions to the chef whilst I dove into my sparkling water. The construction beside did little to dampen my enthusiasm.

Out came a plate of 2x2 little sandwiches and a pile of potato chips in the middle. I started with the Mechada and found it tasty but a tad dry. The Spanish (like the Portuguese) are not rabid for condiments, pickles, relishes, sauces or butter. They like their bread plain (splash of oil) with a lump of something sat ontop. Fair play, but in most instances I think their cuisine would be elevated up a huge notch with a tiny bit of something acidic to cut through the heavy meat-factor. However, who am I to comment on a national cuisine.

The Pringa sandwich started off whispering the much feared rumours of offal, but quickly veered left and delivered a rich, funky mix of meat and whatever else they puree in there. It was definitely my favourite of the two.

All in all, a delicious little stop on the way to alternate options, fussed over by a lovely waiter and stomach almost full to wander the streets and become lost in the labyrinth of treasures.

SOMMER CANTEEN

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 09:18:33 GMT

SOMMER CANTEEN

THE BEST BAKERY IN DENMARK?

Jesper Gøtz has been a shifting figure in the Copenhagen food and beverage scene. Having worked in fine dining, he turned his attentions to baked goods opening the (now legendary) Lille Bageri, out by Reffen. In the summer of 2024, his attention moved north to the small seaside town of Taarbæk, almost half way between Copenhagen and the amazing Louisiana Art museum.

The canteen sits in a white pyramid-like building, one block from the water. Out front are some tables for the bright sunny days, which Denmark gets a few of, and inside some more seating and an overflow room that was closed at the time of our visit.

As visualised by the fantastic video made by Frederik Winther Larsen , the canteen plays off the English version of the name, being a jack-of-all-trades. This is not only a bakery, Sommer Canteen serves plates of food, sweets, bread, buns, and coffee from famous roaster Prolog.

This is a house where experiments can be done with seasonal vegetables and produce, changing regularly, and pushing into a more fine-casual vibe when it comes to exciting flavours and combinations. This does not translate into a stuffy or snobby atmosphere, as the vibe here is uber relaxed.

Our coffee was tasty, as you'd expect from Prolog, but the highlight was most definitely the BMO (Brød med ost). The quintessential Danish breakfast, lunch, brunch, snack, bread with cheese is synonymous with almost every aspect of life in Copenhagen.

The bread here has that wonderful texture, that chew, but not a tiresome workout for your jaws, that pleasing resistance of good flour and yeast and methods combining. We also tried their regular bread and whipped butter, and it too had that satisfying texture. Absolutely craveable.

Our next visit will have to be to try some of the plated meals, but as this was only a quick stop on the way to Louisiana, we'll have to return soon.

All I can say is the BMO and regular bread was definitely the best we've ever tried in Denmark. The only other bakery that came close in terms of textures and colour was Batting in Charlottenlund.

BANGKOK FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:05:00 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO BANGKOK

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN BANGKOK

The City of Angels may not appear angelic at first, but beneath the gritty exterior lies one of Asia's most fascinating food destinations. Everything from each region of the country is in full representation here, and you can get versions that even the locals agree taste authentic. Finding the right restaurants or street stalls takes time in Bangkok, and time we have spent. Over the course of 20+ years we have been eating and drinking in every corner of this great sprawling octopus, keen to learn her secrets and note down the best meals.

Tastes are subjective, and like any great food culture not even two locals will agree on anything. Therefore, keeping in mind the fact that people who read this come from different walks of lifes and persuasions, we have attempted to offer atleast something that proves useful to just about anyone.

If you are not afraid of dipping your toes into some dank local treats, look no further. If you just got off a plane and are worried about stomach issues, we got you. Basically all diets and desires can be appeased by reading through the following list of personally tested and tried establishments.

Should you prefer to hand the reigns over and get more bang for your buck, then click on the link to buy a TagThai pass to help you navigate the city with big savings. The Mouth earns a commission on all sales.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

CLICK PIN FOR ALL LOCATIONS

AEY SEAFOOD

Recommended by countless sources, and tested in depth, this place does seafood like no other. Amazingly fresh, flavourful and cheap. Expect lines, it's worth every minute of agony. You definitely want to get the glass noodles with prawns, the scallops in butter garlic, the whole fried seabass in fish sauce, chilli clams, river prawns with butter and garlic, heck just come with a group and order everything.

Call ahead to make sure, cause they are always full: 081-619-1924

POLO FRIED CHICKEN

Probably the place The Mouth writers have eaten at the most in Bangkok. Succulent chicken, great Northern sausages, sticky rice, somtum, the works. Note that due to it being featured in the Michelin Guide , there are more tourists visiting and they are less likely to make things spicy even if you ask.

Our only tip here is try it for lunch rather than dinner, the chicken sits out and dries by nightfall.

BEER HIMA

Translated to "Snow Beer", don't let the name fool you. This gargantuan restaurant in a very unpractical place for most tourists, serves up some of Bangkok's freshest and best seafood. The clams are bigger than most places in town, the curries are fiery and delicious, the prices are a tad on the rich side, but consider it a pilgrimage of holy footsteps and allow yourself the luxury.

Though famous for seafood, the locals know to order the Southern Thai dishes. They will blow your head off, but they are ridiculously good.

SRI TRAT

Walking into the past never tasted better. Above average renditions of all the classics served in a nostalgic, evocative dining room. Get reservations, or you'll have braved the Sukhumvit traffic only to be politely turned away.

SANEH LARB KOI

Northern Isan food at its very best. This wildly popular spot near Chulalongkorn University is generally packed from open-close. All the dishes are solid here, but if you want our tips try the beef done on the grill outside (ask for it cooked to order as they sometimes make tons ahead of time and it sits out cold), the beef and herb soup and the somtum with sticky rice. A cheap and ridiculously good gem.

หอมดีหมี่เกี๊ยว

One of those places you just recommend to every single person you ever meet. A tiny noodle shack in the heart of Chinatown, that does a dish everyone has seen a million times before, but they do it a million times better. Seriously. Rumour has it they cook the noodles in pork fat then top with pork belly, wontons and a few greens. What you want to do here is show them the photo above, then grab a jar of the black home-made sauce and hit it with that, then do the regular chillis-vinegar-sugar to your taste.

This is seriously amazing.

SOMBOON THAI

We all know Wattana Panich gets the plaudits (and crowds) when it comes to beef noodle soup, but this legit spot in Lad Phrao blows it out the water. Deep broth, great beef + meatballs, super friendly service. 100% legit

SOM TUM JAY SO

Far better an option than the more famous Som Tum Convent nearby, this shack serves up authentic Isan food in a sweltering tent.

สุย ลูกชิ้นปลาทำเอง

Fish ball soup with deeply flavoursome pork shoulder broth, just what the doctor ordered. The old lady has been cooking this same soup for over 40 years, so she has nailed her recipes.

GOJIRO RAMEN

Open just shy of a year and quietly getting noticed by Bangkok's ramen sniffers, this tiny neighborhood shop by Tao Poon station serves possibly the best bowl in town. Balanced umami-laden broth, delirously tender pork, perfectly cooked egg and regular ramen noodles all served in a friendly room with a price that fits any budget. Well worth taking the metro out of central Bangkok to try if you are as rabid about ramen as we are.

JHOL

A punk in the local Indian scene, JHOL tear up the rule book. Their food is contemporary, yet steeped in tradition. Every flavour is carefully considered, tempered and prepared. The service is exemplary, the food top notch, a true giant in the Bangkok food scene and a place to avoid if you are looking for a Chicken Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan.

Their lamb shank curry (picture above) is a rich, decadent miracle.

BAAN YAI PHAD THAI

Not famously a consumer of Thailands National Dish, if, however, you are hankering for a plate of it, then this is by far the best in Bangkok that we tried.

SAMADOOL

Good coffee is becoming easier to find these days in Bangkok, but after half a year of explorations, Samadool still reigns supreme. They go to great lengths to roast and prepare exceptional coffee, and they do so consistently.

TSURU UDON

Whether you're in Thong Lor or Patpong, you can hit either of the branches with confidence that you're going to enjoy a great bowl of handmade udon noodles. The broth is a tad on the sweet side (damn you Bangkok), but this is nothing to sniff at.

PAE'S BRASS POT CONGEE

Another recipient of Michelin praise, this straight up family run congee shop really does do the best in town. Try the pork one with a soft egg. Comfort food at its finest.

THAI BASIL BEEF

Kha Prao places are a dime-a-dozen in Bangkok, but can all suffer from one of two curses: Inferior meat, sugar overload. This little place in a backalley by Bang Sue station serves up decadently flavourful plates, albeit on the rich/oily side, but thats the sacrifice for flavour. Order at the outdoor counter, head inside to the room on the right which is Air Conditioned, don't forget to top it with an egg and grab some ice and a drink from the small fridge. Bliss

BAAN SOMTUM

Say what you like about the Michelin Guide's reputation in Asia (Miss with a couple of Hits), but they got this place right. If you're looking for safe food that still packs a punch, flavour-wise, you could do worse than heading here for their wide array of Somtum.

The one order you must obey, is to get the Spicy Fried Chicken (pictured above), which are different to the chicken wings even tho they are also wings. Confusion? Yes. Smoked duck larb, pork shoulder, all tasty!

BAI PLU HOUSE

Forget all the hipster, expensive vegan places in Bangkok. Bai Plu makes the best vegan in town. Order anything off the menu, it's all delicious.

OLD OTHER OFFICE

There is no greater bar on earth if you want a dive bar amidst the chaos of Silom.

ARMA NOODLE

Grab a bowl of the Kuey Teow (thick noodles) with pork or chicken if you can handle sitting outside in a tiny shack in an alley. The old lady has been serving up delicious meals for decades, and the taste is always on point. Slightly sweet, yes, but nothing that a dash of vinegar and chilli won't fix!

THE ATLANTA HOTEL

Hidden away at the end of a long soi behind the insanity of Nana, lies this gloriously kitsch and striking hotel. Moods that harken back to Wong-Kar Wai films, a beautiful swimming pool, a decent restaurant and an oasis for people who dislike loud children, this hotel is one of earths last hidden treasures.

Read our "Ode to the Atlanta" here .

MOO PING HEA SILOM

Relocated from the din of Silom to a hard-to-find backalley in Suan Plu, Moo Hea bangs out the BEST pork skewers in town. DO NOT leave without asking for them to drench them in their tamarind/garlic sauce, it would be criminal.

23 BAR & GALLERY

Having been a mainstay and DJ at this bar in all it's previous 3 locations, Bar23 is the definitive indie bar for a good night out. Expect to hear Blur, Pulp, Happy Mondays and New Order at some point during the night. Mongkol, the owner, is a local legend and an accomplished artist. Ask to see/buy some of his paintings!

PHED PHED CAFE

Multiple locations around town, yet surprisingly consistent, Phet Phet is another gem in the Northern Thai pantheon. If you ask for it spicy here, you'll probably need an ambulance.

KRUA KHUN EIN

Our bet for the best southern thai in town. Located in the middle of nowhere, if you happen to be around Lat Phrao, you have to visit these spicy shores.

SANGUAN SRI

If you like your restaurants filled with character and reminiscent of an old persons canteen, then this is your spot. You could walk past it a hundred times and not realise the entrance, but once inside Sanguan Sri does traditional Thai food simply and deliciously. Their menu rotates depending on the day, but almost everything here is great. The atmosphere is fantastic.

MAE VAREE

You don't come to Bangkok and not hit them up for take-away Mango Sticky Rice. Studio Lam is round the corner, and KhuaKlingPakSod a couple blocks away. Make a night out of it!

HONG TEONG LONG

Craving some southern Chinese comfort food? Look no further. While we don't necessarily recommend the dumplings, everything else we tried on the menu was legit!

CHUA KIM LHEE DIN DAENG GOOSE

Traditional roast goose served in a buzzing dining room full of people sad that their meal is soon ending.

SOEI

Long standing seafood restaurant in Ari, word on the street is that standards have slipped slightly of late, but we visited in February 2023 and it was still great (albeit portion sizes had diminished but the flavours were on point).

KHUAKLINGPAKSOD

There are three branches of this Southern food joint in the city, don't hit the Silom branch. Head to Thong Lo, get reservations through Chope , and order basically anything on their huge menu. They will make it spicy if you ask.

Highly recommended that you order a plate of Bai Leang Pad Kai.

STUDIO LAM

Fans of all-things "Sublime Frequencies", flock to this bar to hear the old and new belted out from vinyl players. Expect anything from old legendary Molan music, jazz, afrobeat and sometimes Dub.

HOM DUAN

If you're pining for Chaing Mai, and missing a delicious bowl of Khao Soi, then this is the closest you'll find in town to fullfilling your needs.

MOON PHASES

This self-professed espresso nerd pulls some of the juiciest shots you've ever tried. Hit it up if you're ever needing a jolt of love.

AGALIN GARDEN ROOM

The perfect date spot, and the food is also pretty solid.

THE STANDARD BURGER

Should the perils of unsatisfaction come riding in on a pale horse, and the deep sanctity of Thai food no longer pleases and abates crushing hunger. Look no further. Standard Burger will satiate you with the fatty pleasures of slain cattle.

LOMOGRAPHY SHOP

Kill three birds with one stone heading to this quirky little shop selling all the usual suspects of the Lomography collection. Opposite the store is Ratt Cafe (2nd best cafe in BKK), to the right is a vinyl shop, and 200 meters walk is Somboon Thai, aka the best beef noodle soup in Bangkok! Make a day out of it.

Normcore Scale V3 | Review

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

NORMCORE SCALE V3

BENJAMIN SAND

The Normcore scale is entering a crowded market of "travel-size", or Espresso tray scales. With last years Bookoo taking all the spotlight, Timemores Black Mirror Nano , Acai's own, plus a host of other competitors, you have to really stand out, or cost less, to be a viable option.

The main reason people buy a smaller scale, apart from espresso baristas, is of course for travel. Nobody wants to drag around a full-size scale when they are paying premiums for baggage weight. In this realm size really does matter, but you also want a scale that can handle your daily workflow.

For instance, the Bookoo is an incredible mini-scale, but it's too small for a pourover. You can JUST get away with using an Aeropress on it, but you'll have some of the base hanging off the edges. This is where the Normcore scale differs in size.

Being slightly larger, it benefits from the fact that you can brew many different methods on it. Even Chemex, which is quite impressive for a small scale.

Who is Normcore?

Normcore makes coffee gear for people who notice the little things. They started out with tampers and slowly built a line of grinders, distribution tools, and other brewing accessories. Their whole vibe is clean, simple, and functional — no gimmicks, just gear that works and looks good doing it. They’ve earned a following among home baristas and travelers alike.

Testing

During testing, the Normcore V3 Mini proved impressively responsive for its size — weight changes registered quickly and the numbers stabilized without the annoying lag you sometimes get in cheaper pocket scales. We ran multiple pours and back-to-back calibrations, and it kept up consistently, showing good repeatability on small doses.

However, one quirk stood out: every time you power the scale off, the audible beep setting resets. It means you have to silence it again every session if you prefer a quiet workflow, which gets old fast. It’s a minor annoyance in an otherwise well-behaved piece of gear.

Size comparison to the Bookoo

Final Thoughts

If you want a cheap, honest, pocketable scale that behaves like a grown-up for manual brew and travel, Normcore V3 Mini kills it for value. If you want the silky instant response, pro flow features and Acaia feel — expect to pay more.

I’d keep one in my travel kit and a larger scale at home.

If you want to buy a Normcore scale click here , we do not earn any commission on the link.

NOODLE MASTER | HELSINKI

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

NOODLE MASTER | HELSINKI

HANDPULLED NOODLES IN HELSINKI

There can be no purer quest than the hunt for the perfect bowl of food. Mountains of imposters, valleys of pretenders all stand in your way, but the faithful seeker shall find his reward, if he prevails.

Newly opened in downtown Kamppi, Noodle Master proclaimed to be the 1st hand-made noodle restaurant in Finland. To be honest, i'm not sure how many others would have even attempted this strategy in a Scandinavian capital, but you have to respect their risk management.

Fate had us dine at Noodle Master due to the fact that Vibami further up the road was closed. I had been hankering for a Pho ever since touching down in the Finnish capital, but life had other plans. As we stood and considered our options on the street corner, it was decided to venture in and give this place a try.

A knot of uncertainty pierced my stomach just based on the name and overall vibe of the spot, but I've been known to be wrong numerous times.

My partner in crime opted for the Dan-Dan Noodles, and I for the Taiwanese Beef Noodle soup. We sat in fervid anticipation struggling to talk and instead turning our attention to the wafts of rich broth scenting the restaurant.

Tasting each others dishes before attacking our own proved a good strategy. The Dan-Dan was pleasantly flavoured and had a slight creamy kick to it. It was labelled as "Very Hot", but I knew before trying it that in Finland that was a 2/10 on the Asian chilli scale.

My soup had tender and juicy chunks of beef, generously portioned. The noodles were tasty and slurp-addictive, still maintaining a chew which you want. My only complaint, and one I relayed to the waiter later was the salt content. This was barkingly salty, like HOLY F*** salty. I am a man known for my tolerance of all things saline, but this was punchingly so.

I can only hope this was either a result of over-reducing or the chef having an accident in the kitchen, because if they tone down that part of the meal then this would be an absolute go-to on my Helsinki food route. This is authentic Chinese food served in a slightly cloying locale with polite, friendly staff. The prices were fair for the portion sizes and location.

Tone down the salt and you'll have a loyal, returning customer.

VIBAMI

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

VIBAMI | HELSINKI

PHO TRIALS IN TRIBULATION TOWN

Despite having been closed the day before -when we accidentally stumbled upon Noodle Master- Vibami was very much open at 11am on a cold, windy morning. I shuffled in with my bag in tow, train to catch in an hour, just enough time for some warming broth and a coffee somewhere near the station.

Climbing the steps I was taken aback by the line that had formed, and curled, down the stairs. It was 11am. What was Finland thinking? The ordering system was done at the entrance where people paid and received a table number to head to. I generally dislike places that charge before you eat your food, as it makes it more difficult to deal with situations should the food be under par.

Nevertheless, I ordered my Beef Pho and asked the waiter to seat me far from the madding crowd. Whilst the early noon revellers frolicked in conversation, I cast my mind back to the years before Covid when I would be seated on a plastic stool in HCMC eating a magnificent bowl for under a dollar. Things had changed, but hopefully not for much longer.

I struggle to find decent Pho in Europe and sadly Vibami wasn't the answer. The broth (most important part) was murky and muddled. It didn't have a clear, pure flavour. It felt like it was dull and uninspired. Apart from that there are not huge variables with Pho since most are rice noodles, protein of some kind and herbs. They didn't offer a plate of fresh herbs which generally angers me. I love nothing more than piling in bean sprouts, chilis, a squeeze of lime, some culantro and basil.

Behind me the room heaved in satisfaction. Finnish tongues emptied their bowls and I could only guess they had never had a real Pho before. This was most definitely a Scandinavian adaptation where all the brightness and flavour had been dulled down. If they manage to survive (or even thrive) based on repeat customers, then more power to them, but this is not a Pho I would introduce to someone curious about the dish.

SAFTIG - COPENHAGEN

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:52:50 GMT

SAFTIG | COPENHAGEN

THEY COME FOR THE FUNK

One block from the famous Assistens Cemetery, Saftig occupies a tiny basement area on the same street as Rondo Bakery . A brightly coloured cafe run by a wildly passionate owner, this micro-roaster is attempting to make his imprint in the crowded Copenhagen scene.

Roasting duties take place in the backroom on a Bullet, much like Pontes and The Artisan. This small roasting machine is ideal for cafes that don't need to roast commercial amounts every month.

In terms of coffee, the profile here is very much funky and intense. Naturals and Anaerobics are favourites, with a small selection of baked goods and a few seats around the perimeters.

The batch-brew is via the Orea dripper, espresso's on the manual machine, and everything is juicy and bright like the name suggests (Saftig literally means juicy in Danish).

It seems the neighborhood have opened their arms to Saftig, and I think it's great to see new roasters living true to their coffee-losophy, branching out in areas they want to corner, and seeing that they find a flock willing to go with them.

The coffee world is so open and endless to variations and interpretations, so it's important that individuals find their lane and go full blast.

p.s. Check their instagram for opening hours.

KORAT TAM TAM

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

KORAT TAM TAM | HELSINKI

HIDDEN THAI GEMS IN SUBURBAN DROLL

Many of my happiest food discoveries have been in random suburbs that are mostly overlooked by the mass tourist droves. Away from the high rent prices and temptation to pander to fools, honest souls can create their authentic dishes and pray that a small loyal clientele discovers them and spreads the word.

Korat Tam Tam is just the ticket. Tucked away down a small vehicle-less lane, away from the sights of downtown Helsinki, I had to rely on the wile of my cousin to drive out here under the promise of "Small place but really decent food".

Never one to deny myself the opportunity of sampling Asian cuisine, we headed out in the van, found parking and managed to get the last available table despite arriving just after the lunch rush. Good sign.

We were welcomed by a flustered lady bouncing between tables with huge pots of soup, cokes and plates of rice. She took our order and we found refuge by the front window. Behind us kids ran around and boxes of soda were stacked in the corner, just like most restaurants in Thailand. We went for the chicken Panang Curry (asked for it Phet Phet) and the Massaman curry.

Our Panang was laid down beside me with skillfull poise. The gravy shimmered in the afternoon peaks. Fresh green beans and bright orange segments created a stark contrast to the speckled tabletop. As they say though, the proof is in the pudding.

A spoonful of spicy-ish curry hit my tongue in moderate revelations. The flavours were all on point, the chicken nicely cooked, the beans still had their crunch, but the overpowering flavour was of sweetness. Palm sugar or the regular kind, had been added a bit too lavishly to truly win over my aging heart.

Similarly, the Massaman curry had good flavour, nicely cooked ingredients, but it too suffered from a heavy hand in the saccharine department.

All in all Korat Tam Tam is a wonderful bet if you're looking for affordable, authentic tasting Thai food in Helsinki, and it is by far the best place I tried. I'm sure the chef would not be offended if next time I simply mentioned "Less Sugar", but these are things you don't know until you've tried them so I'll learn for the future.

It's great to see these places appearing in the suburbs of Helsinki, and I really hope to discover more of them on future visits. For now, this definitely gets my vote for "Best Thai In Finland", as long as they just tone down the sweetness.

YOIKO

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:34 GMT

YOIKO | JAKARTA

THE HINDENBURG OF PORKFAT

Locals are always right? Right? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say "it depends".

Almost every tip I got in Japan from locals about ramen ended up being an exercise in fat-management. Each place that was hotly tipped ended up being swimming in fat globules, or containing enough carbs to see you through a winter in Siberia. Whilst I can understand the fact that if you grow up eating something, your tastes continually push further and further to the point where a newcomer would question your palate if introduced to the deep end of the pool.

When it comes to ramen, I am a middle-man. I like neither the thin, lifeless broths, nor do I like the extremely gravy-like, thick, "heavy taste" soups that are dished out to famished salarymen in every neighbourhood in Japan. I have partaken in their earthly lusts, and I have suffered with bouts of nausea for days afterwards.

Yoiko Ramen was most definitely for those inclined to dine at the greasy trough of experienced digestion.

Let's rewind a little.

The day started as most did in South Jakarta, waking slightly past 11am, having a shower and a coffee and peering out the window to see the sun shining on the pool. I had read a blog about the ramen scene in Jakarta by the hiphop artist Ramengvrl who seemed intoxicated with the promise of divine broths. During my stay there I tried 3 of her recommendations and one was superb, one was mediocre and this particular one was goddamn iffy. I will clearly state, this is personal preference, and I am in the minority when it comes to avoiding the "fat-back" ramen pourings so cherished in South East Asia.

Fast Forward, avoiding unecessary gripes about the Jakarta traffic, entering the place, heading to the 4th floor doubting myself but trusting the signage reassuring a lost soul. Entered the brightly lit rabbits warren with more rooms than P-Diddy's mansion, greeted the exhuberant chefs, sat in the furthest corner affording nice light for photography, and ordered my bowl.

With enough cholesterol to fuel Scotland, I was greeted to the shimmering product of that smiling kitchen. I spotted the gargantuan icebergs of pigfat floating amidst the cloudy wash of future stomach complaints. The egg thankfully hadn't been dunked in the effluence, and therefore protected it's integrity. I fought waves of fear seeing the fat curdle on the sides of the bowl that were slightly cooler. The broth stared at me with a menacing "I dare you motherfucker, I dare you".

I crossed myself out of petrification, picked up the spoon, and dipped it beneath the frothy catastrophe. Sip one coated my entire mouth with the broth of a dead farmyard animal. It's pungent fattiness caused me to gag. The underlying hit of dry fish didn't sit well with me in this context. I poked at the noodles and slurped up a few just to test the cook on them, decent. Next I turned my attention to the egg which I had foolishly plunged into the soup to add colour to the photo. It was sickly sweet, even tho cooked to perfection.

I added some togarashi hoping to cut the fatty taste a little, but it was pointless. The soup tasted good, but it was literally like eating a stick of butter or liter of duck fat. I only managed 1/3 before I had to throw in the towel or face a re-run of Tatsunoya where I had to down miniature bottles of Aquavit just to keep the broth down.

I understand completely why this is super popular with Japanese expats in Jakarta, as this is the comforting taste that they crave being away from their homeland. It would potentially be the same as me offering an Indonesian or Japanese a slice of brown cheese from Norway or a packet of Pickled Onion Monster Munch from Britain. Those tastes to an untrained palate would be like a blowback from a shotgun, and I highly doubt they would find them pleasing.

A couple of days later I tried a spectacular bowl of Ramen in Jakarta, just the way I like it, but that story we'll leave for another time.

BEP ME IN | HO CHI MINH CITY

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:00:12 GMT

BEP ME IN | HO CHI MINH CITY

TOURIST DIVE, BUT DECENT VIBES

I tend to steer clear of anything gimmicky or purposely made for tourists, however even the many locals I spoke to raved about this restaurant in a small alley sprouting off the end of Cau Calmette. My fears were substantially calmed upon entering the restaurant and seeing a sea of local people fighting over morsels at the tables. Sure, there were a few lost looking tourists asking each other what a "Banh Xeo" was, but generally the mood was convivial.

Since the decibel levels indoors were of an offensive measure, I lucked into one of the only outside tables as a Vietnamese couple took their last bite's and paid their bill. I quickly ordered a lime soda to quell the evening fire, a humidity that never abates though the sun is a distant memory.

In quick routines my starter of spring rolls, and my Banh Xeo came out to gasps from the neighboring table. That look over that betrays the fact they ordered the wrong thing. Regardless, I tucked in, mouth beginning to wake with carefully planned flavours.

Overall this was definitely one of the better meals I ate in Saigon when it comes to sit-down restaurants. Sure the street food can be more authentic tasting, but with a flight the next day I try not to tempt fate in the upset stomach department and go for something "safer". If I came with a single critique, it would be a generous pinch of salt in the omelette would have brought it up a notch in satisfaction. Apart from that, it was a delicious meal.

IKROM SHASHLIK

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:26 GMT

IKROM SASHLIK | SAMARKAND

BOND VILLAIN'S GOT THE CHOPS

It's not every day your food is grilled by a man who looks like a bonafide Bond villain. The man in question has been expertly flipping meat over glistening coals for just over 20 years, more than enough time to turn you into a bonafide professional.

At the recommendations of local blogs I made the detour to this odd neighborhood to try what was touted as Samarkands best shashlik. Having honestly gotten tired of mounds of animal carcasses after barely a few days in Uzbekistan, I tried my best to remain optimistic when all I wanted was a nice vegetarian thali or a decent salad.

My cab hurtled through the identically lined suburbs. Small dusty shops lay scattered amongst new constructions and broken sidewalks. It was a far cry from the glamour and history of downtown Samarkand's Registan. However, far from the glare of tourists was where I felt most at home.

Entering this veritable behemoth of dead cattle was daunting. The interiors were large enough to host a twitch convention with spillover rooms branching off into impossible distances. I chose, naturally, the table furthest from other humans and ordered some meat, bread, salad and a cold drink.

After a few moments I noticed everyone was staring at me. I guess most Uzbeks don't wear all-black and choose solitude over celebration. I kept to myself and waited as I imagined Mr Bond's nemesis seasoning the meats and placing them on that giant grill until the juices ran clear and the fat crisped up.

Placed before me, the feast erupted in celebration. Dreams of vegetarian rendezvous were displaced by carnal lust. I tore into the perfectly cooked meat in rapid attack. The bread and salad were almost forgotten in rabid famishment. Moments flew by in ritual chewing, juice dripping down my chin too quickly for me to care.

After a voluminous burst, I collapsed into the back of my chair, exhausted from combustion. The room dimmed and I stilled to a meditative current of digestion and relief. The bill was paid, a nod to the mysterious chef rendered, and back I was in a different cab seeing the same streets home from an opposing angle.

OutIn Nano | Review

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:00:12 GMT

OUTIN NANO | REVIEW

BENJAMIN SAND

If you’re like me, and never want to settle for bad hotel drip coffee, or instant sachets, the OutIn Nano is worth taking a closer look. A compact, battery-powered gadget that promises 'real espresso' on the go — whether you’re brewing in a hotel room, sipping a shot on an airplane, or pulling coffee at a campsite after a long hike.

Unlike most travel coffee makers, the OutIn Nano doesn’t just rely on hand pumping (which lets be honest, can be disastrous or awkward); it heats water and applies consistent pressure automatically, giving travelers an authentic espresso experience without bulky gear. The battery heats water from cold if you are truly in the middle of nowhere, but if you have a kettle nearby, you can top it up with boiling water and make months worth of espresso without needing a charge.

For anyone serious about travel espresso makers or hunting for the best portable coffee machine for camping, flights, and hotel stays, the Nano stands out as one of the most versatile options available.

Who Are Outin?

OutIn is a small consumer coffee tech brand that has focused on building compact, battery-powered espresso devices and accessories aimed at travel and everyday portability. They position the Nano as a premium, lightweight solution that heats cold water and produces pressurized extraction so you can get an espresso-style shot without a separate boiler or pump.

Testing

I used the OutIn Nano for 1 month, trying to brew a shot every day, in different situations. Mostly at home, but I took it on some daytrips, a overnight stay on an island, some walks in the forest, and even brewed a shot on a row boat.

It was a bit of a learning curve, especially with the grind-size for the coffee. I initially thought I should be getting a really fine espresso grind, but personally found it was better grinding a tiny bit coarser (35 on a Kingrinder K6). The shots pulled through in good time, but had some nice body and lingering taste. Grinding too fine ended up choking the machine.

The OutIn feels very solid, and is constructed using quality materials. There is a seperate attachement for those who want to use coffee-capsules, and one for loading regular coffee in. The tamper works fine. The operation is smooth and quick, and the results are definitely better than I was expecting from a portable espresso maker. Having a small basket did hinder me when I wanted to brew a larger drink, or if I was at the park with a friend, and it is a bit time-consuming to clean, and re-brew, however it is possible. I'd personally say use this if you are travelling solo, and then you'll be fine. Alternatively, pay for the upgraded basket with more storage.

I feel I got a solid overview of what a potential customer would experience, if they bought this product. As in life, nothing is perfect, but it was an absolute buzz to be able to brew shots of espresso in a park and hand them to my friends. Below are some of the positive and negative conclusions I came to after thoroughly testing this product.

A massive thank you to OutIn for sending it to me, and they made no attempt to influence my review at all.

The Positives

Truly all-in-one: This can heat water without a kettle. Perfect for situations where it's difficult to boil water, like picnics, hikes, etc.
Pocketable for its class: at ~670 g it’s heavier than the smallest hand-pumped makers but still compact and easy to pack in a carry-on or daypack.
Fast heatup: Approx 200 seconds from cold to brewing temperature in normal conditions — quick enough for morning rituals.
Consistent pressure: Built in pump delivers up to ~20 bar, creating crema and pressure-driven shots without manual pumping.
Simple workflow: Load coffee, add water (or let it heat), press a button — low-fuss when you’re tired or in tight spaces.
Battery life & charging: multi-brews per charge (especially if you add boiling water) and USB charging make it convenient for travel.
Case : The travel case is super handy and fits some capsules and the dosing tamper.

The Negatives

Heavier than pure hand-pump models: At 670 g it’s not ultralight for minimalist hikers.
Battery dependence: If you run out of charge mid-trip, you’ll need access to USB power — no manual backup.
Small water capacity: Limited to single shots, so making multiple drinks for a group takes time.
Heat-up time in cold environments: Around 200 seconds can stretch longer in winter or at high altitudes.
Small basket : It ships with an 8g basket, not really enough to make even one drink, so you're going to be forced to pay for the larger basket which adds a hefty $40+ onto your final bill. This is almost a must-do, or you'll be grinding, brewing, cleaning, grinding, brewing, cleaning just to get one drink in the morning.
Price point: More expensive than basic hand-pump espresso makers, so value depends on how much you’ll use the all-in-one features.

Practical Traveling Tips

Beans & grind: Use medium-dark beans if you want the most consistent results, and make sure to grind fine, but not too fine. If you drink lighter roasts, accept you may get a more acidic shot.
Preheat strategy: A short preheat cycle (run a warm water cycle into the cup) helps stabilize extraction and is worth the battery use when you want a cleaner shot. It sounds excessive, but the results are objectively better. If you are using a kettle, then this is not at the expense of battery use, so it's a good idea to run a blank shot through to heat up the machine.
Use what it’s good at: Short single-person espresso, an americano when you have water, or a quick ristretto while hiking are the Nano’s sweet spots. It is what it is, and we think that's what makes it a great add-on for people on the move.
Buy the Carry Case : The carry-case gives you the option to house the OutIn in a protective bag, but also has room on the side for either capsules, or a handgrinder if you use one of the smaller models (A K6 actually fits perfectly).

Final Thoughts

Buy it if you travel frequently, sleep in hotels often, fly, or camp and want an espresso with minimal kit. It’s a big step up from a novelty pod and is genuinely useful.

Skip it if: you’re an espresso perfectionist with light-roast obsession as the extractions can come off sour or overly acidic, or you absolutely must keep packing weight to a minimum — a manual Nanopresso or a tiny lever pump will be lighter and more tweakable.

Click on the link below if you are interested in purchasing the OutIn Nano. They also recently launched a smaller, more travel-friendly model which we hope to test in the near future.

If you would like to purchase the Outin with a discount, click here:

Link: https://outin.com/MOUTH

Code: MOUTH

LOKAL

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:00:22 GMT

LOKAL | COPENHAGEN

MEMOIRES OF A GEISHA

Barely a year old, this specialty coffee shop combined with a ceramic/art store, sit's on a favourable angle along Sønder Boulevard. The coffee shop is mostly designed as a grab-and-go, but there are seating options along both windows. A collection of coffees line the shelves, which rotate occasionally and at the time of visiting were from the new roaster Poma.

They are worth more of a deep dive into, so if you're interested you can read about them here .

Their house espresso and regular pour-over is from nearby Prolog , a stallwart in the Danish third-wave industry. Their coffees are solid and well suited.

George, who was in charge of preparations, suggested the Geisha from Poma as a decision worth taking on a slightly chilly Saturday, and I whole-heartedly approved. The coffee was prepared in a surprisingly large dose, yielding over 300ml. To keep the coffee crisp, sweet and delicate, George explained they had a length process of dialing in the grind size, until they were happy with the way the Geisha tasted as it cooled through different temperatures.

The cup was bright and heavily accented by stone-fruits. Peach, if I were to be specific. Lots of yellow acidity, tart and fresh, something that turned a tiny bit sour when it cooled. A vibrant and lovely cup of coffee that didn't suffer from a lot of the repercussions of processing.

* Bonus points for delivering the coffee in a server, as it annoys the heck out of me when cafes pour the entire contents into a cup and fling it on your table.

In a crowded market -literally within a radius of 500 meters you have Prolog, Orsa, Enghave Kaffe, Darcy's- Lokal have differentiated themselves by not going for a similar crowd. This seems to be more a place someone would pop by after a visit to a nearby gallery, and spend a bit of time consciously enjoying a well-prepared cup.

Sure you'll always have the customers grabbing a flat white to-go, but every penny counts when you try something different, and as an art shop and cafe, they'll need to navigate how to adapt over time.

Lokal is a promising addition to the Copenhagen specialty coffee market, and if they keep choosing exciting roasters to showcase, they'll encourage return customers to keep investigating.

HALIM GP GULAI PANAS | LANGKAWI

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

HALIM GP GULAI PANAS AIRPORT | LANGKAWI

FLIGHT OF THE SWORDFISH

One hundred meters from the airport departure terminal stands this collossus of carnivorous carnage. A temple of tastes. A behemoth of beauty. A shrine of sardines.

I arrived here with three local friends intent on shattering molars with the amount of seafood we were ordering. Fresh fish, fish heads, squid eggs, vegetables, mushrooms, all ordered and instructions on how to prepare relayed to the kitchen.

And thus we waited and twiddled thumbs, and annointed hands with holy water, and tapped feet to the inaudible hum of Sun Ra. And behold the feast arrived, and we ate, and we wept, and we stretched, and we coughed, and we spluttered and we hugged.

If in Langkawi, come here, or else.

MILK AWAY | SEVILLE

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

MILK AWAY | SEVILLE

PLANT BIASED PERFECTION

Taking a much needed break from the tapas slaughter of Seville, I discovered this vegan-friendly brunch spot was a hop-skip and a jump from my hotel.

Walking in my worst fears were realised: Snowflakes with loud voices discussing honey. I ordered via the QR code and to my relief a table out front became vacant. I closed the door on the rabble-rousers and found tranquility in the shape of a solo spot by a high table.

Perusing the constant inflow of customers ordering take-away I guessed I was in for a treat. The sun was spilling onto the lane infront and the wind was just able to cool but not cause havoc. My cortado came out nestled on a tiny plate. Bitter. Spain just doesn't know how to make coffee do they?

Thankfully the brunch bowl would cast aside all memory of insufficient caffeine seduction. After a brief wait the server came out balancing a bowl of goodness with a tiny jar of granola. I quickly mixed it all together and dove in.

The smoothie mix that acted as a vessel for the fruit and granola was perfectly chilled, adding an extra element to the overall experience. If it had been room temperature this wouldn't have worked the same way.

Hidden under the purple, glistening lid was a collection of banana, pineapple, mango, strawberries, acai berries, grapes and blueberries. A veritable host of health. Everything worked together like a well oiled machine, nothing overpowering the other ingredients, and nothing added frivolously. This was a well thought out bowl of food and it tasted divine.

I scraped clean the bowl and walked back inside to thank the chefs in the kitchen. Not only for preparing a delicious meal, but also for the fact it was the perfect temperature to enjoy on a sunny, spring day in Seville.

I'll be back Milk Away, I'll be back.

Subminimal Subscale | Review

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 07:29:19 GMT

SUBMINIMAL SUBSCALE

BENJAMIN SAND

One of my main pain points in the kitchen has always been scales. If I have a set-up with a scale big enough for a brewing flask underneath, then I have to constantly remove the flask to weigh beans, then place it back, etc. I can't dose directly into a hand-grinder either because I want to usually RTD my beans, and that is not advisable since if the cup of the grinder gets wet, then grinds will stick to it.

If I use a standalone grinder it's the same issue, can't RTD directly into the hopper, so you have to first measure beans in a cup of some kind, and then transfer it, and then replace the flask onto your larger scales.

So what are your options? 2 scales? 1 scale and constantly shifting things back and forth? Or is there a happy medium?

Now thanks to Subminimal, there is.

Who Are Subminimal?

This they have tackled in a different product , but one we will hopefully test in the future.

What is the Subscale?

The Subscale is basically a countertop magic trick: you tap the nearly invisible button, the hidden LED comes alive, and the cup tares itself to zero. You pour in up to 60 grams of beans (or 120 ml of liquid), the scale reads to 0.1 g accuracy, and you pour straight from it into your grinder — no juggling multiple tools. It’s USB-C rechargeable, splash-resistant (IPX-4), and the battery lasts weeks or months on a single charge. The beauty is its elimination of steps in your brew workflow, though at times the single-touch control takes a second to find under low light.

This also solves the problem of RTD for those people (like me) who brew light-roast beans and need a spritz before grinding to eliminate static.

Great if you like to spray some water on your beans before grinding!

The Positives

Elegant all-in-one design: a dosing cup with an integrated scale, uncluttering your counter and simplifying workflow.
Precision you’ll actually use: measures to 0.1 g and handles up to 60 g, plenty for espresso and smaller pours.
Simple & intuitive: just a tap to activate, double-tap to switch units, and the display fades away when idle.
Low-maintenance battery: charges via USB-C, splash-resistant, and often only needs charging twice a year.

The Negatives

Limited capacity: only 60 g makes it unsuitable for large brews like Chemex or French press.
No timer: you’ll need a separate device if you want to time pours.
Touch controls aren’t foolproof: the nearly invisible button can be tricky under low light or when rushed. Sometimes you'll hit it just moving the cup.
Workflow limitations: doesn’t nest easily into drippers or portafilters, so it won’t replace a traditional scale in every setup.

Tips

Use for espresso or small brews: The 60 g capacity is perfect for single dosing into a grinder or weighing espresso shots.
Find the sweet spot for tapping: The touch button is subtle, practice where it sits so you’re not fumbling when rushing in the morning.
Keep it clean and dry: It’s splash-resistant (IPX-4) but not waterproof; wipe down with a damp cloth rather than rinsing.
Pair with a main scale: Use the Subscale as your grinder dosing tool and for espresso shots, while keeping a larger flat scale for pour-over or batch brews.
Recharge smartly: A single USB-C charge can last months; top up occasionally instead of leaving it plugged in, which preserves battery life.
Level your tamp: Since you can dose directly from the Subscale cup, gently swirl or tap beans before grinding to reduce uneven feeding into your grinder. If you use RDT, then this scale is perfect for that as it is water-resistant.

Final Thoughts

The Subminimal Subscale is less about functionality overload and more about elegance and simplicity. If you're brewing espresso and want the most streamlined, gorgeous dosing tool, it’s a lovely match. It can sit on any counter and add a striking focal point, looking just as good on stainless steel as wooden finishes.

It won't replace the need for a second scale, as you cannot brew chemex or pour-over into it, but it will iron out one big issue for most home-brewers. Think of it as a way to minimise stress in the morning, and make your workflow more seemless. Basically, instead of finding a dosing cup, turning your main scale on, dosing, spraying, grinding, then moving the cup off the scale and putting on your V60 or Chemex, and then brewing, you basically keep your V60 on your main scale, and just use the Subminimal to weight, spritz and load your beans into the grinder. It just makes things that ONE bit easier.

Knowing how I feel after first waking up, the last thing I need are extra things to think about.

Click here if you want to buy one.

HERMANN NITSCH MUSEUM | NAPLES

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:36:13 GMT

A Hallucinatory Journey Into The Void

A VISIT TO THE HERMANN NITSCH MUSEUM

Hermann Nitsch was an Austrian contemporary artist and composer/ provocateur. Famous for his banned works, depicting crucifixions and animal cruelty, he lived a life on the edge. He was a leading figure of Viennese Actionism and his output included theater, multimedia, rituals and acted violence.

Giuseppe Morra , a friend of Nitsch since the 1970's was responsible for creating the museum in Naples. Sitting on an outcrop just above Piazza Dante, this incredible house is worthy of anyones time if you are in Napoli for more than a few hours.

Regardless of the opinions of the individual as to what he did being right or wrong, one of the most fundamental truths is to give space to people like him, to showcase his art, and to be provoking. We cannot tame society down to the state of a pacified blanket, unmoving in reaction to anything. We need radicals and revolutionaries to stir the pot and stop us swaying too far one way or another. You might not have to agree with them, but having them pose questions and get a reaction is a step in defining our own boundaries and our own sensibilities.

Instead of an informational overload of things you can find elsewhere on the internet, this article acts as a form of narrational guide to entering the museum through streams of consciousness aimed at capturing some of the themes.

"An imagined apocalyptic dream-sequence written after walking through the Hermann Nitsch museum."

The purgatory of no thought scrapes by like a scorched field left blackened by fire and the emptiness of blind eyes. Cursed gravel, dry wells, cabins retching with the smell of death, long distant clouds creating cataracts over the expanses as thirst stretches the skin into opaque leather- taut and yellowed.

Rolling headaches give way to nausea, the search for nourishment causing hallucinations of movement, disease carefully cocooning the weak in feather thin wraps of black silk. Funeral pyres alight against the murkiness of above, where the howls of mourning are only matched by the final breaths of the living.

We move into the next room

As the room is bathed in weak lights, and the frigid realm of removal breathes over us all, the drones continue, the melodies horde their secrets. Blood. Majesty. Burials. Religious zeal. Faithless prayers all envelop behind occult symbols. The splintered fingers clasp rusted locks, keys folded in time, rubbed loose of their teeth.

The third room.

The wind gathers, spiral webs cocoon the air. From beyond you can hear the screams, but know not their origins. All is tempered in a grey mist. The cogs of the machine have begun. Slowly coming to life.

A thin sliver of light pierces through. "I'm weak, take what's mine".

Alas the long hallways of perdition strike forth in utter blackness, matches struck against the wall simply whimper and stun.

The final rest

In this purgatory there is no ceasing. Darkness and strain have strangled all. The floor swallows its dusty carpet, rings of blood arrayed against temple stones, the long spiny fingers of winter crushing bone, tooth, spine, marching on and on and on. While the howls penetrate the ceiling from the pits beneath, the fire's have long died, but the burns remain.

The crushing weight of infinity, of the beyond, of God, of the macabre, of loss, of abuse, of deceit, all whirls into the void and bleeds through our eyes until we see no more but hell. And the chants of the invisible wail with the taste of fire.

Fever breaks in the early folds of morning. With rumblings the cogs begin their rotations. To and Fro the levers switch, creating the first sparks of light. Sparks turn to light, light to fire, fire to unspeakable forms.

Rivers of penance bleed out and taint the floor in blood red. The colour of chaos.

A thin voice brings the illusion to ground for a bare few seconds.

"Thank you very much".

(A version of this appeared in the publication of Bad Sounds Magazine in 2012 as part of a Swans review, but it was written by the same author.)

HERMANN NITSCH MUSEUM
Vico Lungo Pontecorvo,
29/d, 80135
Napoli NA,
Italy

Their homepage with opening times.

Monday to Friday: 10am-7pm
last entry: 6.30pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
last entry: 1.30pm

NASI ARAB KAKI GUNUNG | LANGKAWI

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:04 GMT

NASI ARAB KAKI GUNUNG CAFE | LANGKAWI

ISLAND GOAT

About 45 minutes drive from my hotel lies the fabled kingdom of Nasi Arab. I drove hurriedly on my scooter, spurred on by hunger but also the need to get out of the direct firing line of the midday sun. This spot had been recommended by mouths that utter truths, so I made it a point of suffering the furnace of fire to appease the gods.

The journey was a fail. Not in the sense that the entire day was ruined, but more in the case of the actual meal. The special mutton chops with rice suffered from the same crippling disease that so much Malay food does: sweetness.

Everything on the plate ate sweet. So sweet infact that my glass of 100 Plus tasted almost tart in comparison. For anyone who has tasted 100 plus, you'll know the dichotomy there. I ate what I could without seeming rude and headed out into the blazing sun to ride off my loss and shelter at a cafe for a nice cold brew.

Selera Kampung | LANGKAWI

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:01:16 GMT

SELERA KAMPUNG | LANGKAWI

MORE TABLES OF SEAFOOD

Choice can be problematic. Endless seas of achingly prepared ingredients can cause quite perilous thoughts to enter the mind as to how and what to tackle. I opted for choosing the trays with the least food in them, thinking that they must then have been the most popular with the locals. The full trays were probably the least liked dishes.

Whatever I chose was a fresh and tasty lunch, costing barely a couple dollars, and two days later no ill effects on the stomach so it was safe enough to recommend. I didn't see any other white people at most places I ate in Langkawi, they tend to stick to the boring safe places by the beach serving overpriced tosh to morons.

It's the same all over the world. Look elsewhere for your food, not in places full of tourists and english menus.

ERODE AMMAN MESS

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:01:16 GMT

ERODE AMMAN MESS | KUALA LUMPUR

SOUTH INDIAN BANANA LEAF KING

There are meals that just con jure all sorts of feelings. Banana leaf is one of them. The ritual. The act of sitting down. Waiting. Being given a tumbler and water. A leaf slides in front of you. Then the wait as the staff buzz around the room in methodical movements to serve each customer at the right time. First the chutneys and pickle. Then the vegetable side-dishes. Then the rice. Then the curries. Then the pappadom. Some ghee and jaggery.

By now you should of course have been to the washroom and got your hands ready. Back to the table, dance of delivery done, attack.

Erode Amman Mess is a popular place. At any given time you're going to have to write your name down and wait outside in the torturous sun before being called in. Once inside the service is quick and professional. The hosts eyes are constantly oogling the staff to make sure they perform correctly. I don't mind it. It's a well-oiled machine.

Being of vegetable fascinations, my knowledge of their meat-dishes is minor. I did have a mouthful of a delicious fish curry that punched above it's weight with deep, umami hits. The vegetarian curries are sublime. Each one with distinct flavours and spice blends. The endless carousel of rice-refils keeps even the largest belt-wearer happy.

Everything is fresh, delicious, and cleanly prepared. You have to think, of all the banana leaf options in Kuala Lumpur, not counting Acha Curry House which is 40 minutes way, but in the downtown umbrella:

Is Erode Amman Mess the best in town? I'd say yes.

KAK YAN NASI CAMPUR | LANGKAWI

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 09:00:13 GMT

KAK YAN NASI CAMPUR | LANGKAWI

BUFFETS FOR THE SWEET-TOOTH

Yet another behemoth of tables and trays, this wildly popular local places is like worker ants entering the hive at lunchtime. The lines are stupendous. I accidentally cut the line thinking I was pouncing on an opportunity to slide in before a package group came, only to realise it was just the line moving ever so slowly and suddenly I was the object of scorn from hungry punters. I shouldered the hate and scooped food on my plate and hid in darkness beyond.

Again, Malay, sweet. Sweet, sweet sweet. They love their sweet food here and it's just not for me. Malaysians always ask why I eat so much Indian food whilst in Malaysia, well.. Cause Indians save the sugar for their desserts or chai, and those things are easily omissable from a meal.

Still, look, if you're going to eat on Langkawi, then head on here instead of the tourist traps and at least you can tell your bored friends back home that you have authentic Malay cuisine, even if it didn't set your world (or tongue) on fire.

MUI KEE

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 10:05:27 GMT

MUI KEE | HONG KONG

COPPER POTS, LEAKY SNOTS

Ever the adventurer, and fascinatingly obsessed with congee, today was my departure day from Hong Kong, but not before dragging my suitcase through countless Mongkok and Prince Edward blocks to end up finally finding this hidden local fave just before giving up.

Google maps failed as usual, and with my complete lack of Cantonese and the locals in that part of town unable to muster more than a couple words of English, I was in trouble. After walking back and forth following the arrow on my phone, I was almost at my wits end before finally realising that the restaurant was not on the ground floor. Up 3 flights of steps I glided, on escalators passing old windows. Up through wet markets with fresh vegetables and soon to be cooked seafood, until the sign on the wall convinced me I was in the right place.

My tea and rice symphony appeared on the newly wiped table. Rumour had it that their selling point, and reason they were a hit with the locals, was their preference to using copper pots. It smelled good. I dug in, pockets of steam escaping through my perforations. I'll be honest, this one wasn't for me.

A long disciple of the church of congee/jok, whatever you fancy, this had a disturbingly metallic taste. I guess I shouldn't have been shocked after the blogs spoke of copper cauldrons where ancient secrets lie.

I have tried far better congee, for my personal taste, in other haunts of Hong Kong. I'll leave this one to the memory bank due to the euphoric nostalgic surroundings, but shall forget the taste of that metallic porridge immediately.

IKKUDO ICHI

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:28:35 GMT

IKKUDO ICHI | JAKARTA

CHAIN GANG RAMEN BLISS

Sometimes the hunt for perfection takes a sudden turn and spurs you headlong into an out-of-body experience, where life flashes before your eyes, memories of loved ones flood your sight-field, and a deep welling erupts from within at the first sip of broth.

Today was one of those days.

A literal hour spent in heavy traffic, driver blasting Ed Sheeran, finally arrive at the ramen spot and my heart sinks, there is a huge line. I hobble to the front and ask the server if I can just sit at the counter, since there are spaces for solo revellers. They go "Oh yes of course". I rush in, enormously relieved to turn my back on the screaming kids behind me, order the special Tonkotsu adding some bean sprouts..

After what felt like an eternity, the steaming bowl is placed before me and I knew instantly that this would be a winner. I took my first sip. BOOOOM! This is exactly what i'm talking about, rich, umami bomb of flavour, but not swimming in grease or fatback. Ironically enough, the place was rammed to the rafters with Japanese ex-pats too so I guess everyone appreciates a break from the gut-pummelling broths of other places here.

Noodles full of texture, chashu pork that filtered into oblivion at the mere touch, egg cooked to perfection and marinated in the exact way I like it, and the broth.. that deep, unctuous, divine broth that never got sickly or overpowering down to the last drop.

MUMS NOT HOME | HONG KONG

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Mum's Not Home | Hong Kong

SECOND HAND STORES ON SECOND FLOORS

Tucked away above the Shanghai Street grind in Yau Ma Tei, MUM’s NOT HOME is part secret tea room, part retro thrift store, all wrapped in bright psychedelic glee. An artistic sanctuary you need to seek out if the chaos of Kowloon has started to seep in.

You ring a bell, climb the narrow stairs, and suddenly find yourself in a leafy, mismatched wonderland filled with nostalgic clothing, quirky knick-knacks, and floral teas—all curated by creative couple Chow Kong-cheun and Makui Ma .

The seats by the windows are perfect for reading a book, the couches tempt to weed out artists, the vibe is very much acceptance and enigma, and the drinks menu is bold and flavoursome.

There are few places on earth that feel like you're entering someones whacky dream, but Mum's Not Home is one of them. Being hidden as it is means you avoid casual window-shoppers who might ruin the nice ambiance. No lager louts and last time we checked, not too many tiktok videos being live-streamed.

Any visit to Hong Kong should include a pop into this charming cafe, as the punishing tempo of Yau Ma Tei can be assuaged slightly, by a nice cup of tea and a friendly smile.

Follow them on Instagram to check opening times:

Khun Ya Cuisine | BANGKOK

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Khun Ya Cuisine | Bangkok

TEMPLE TRAIL LEADS TO CURRY STAINS

If you're on the hunt for real Thai food, then canteen style nosh served in a temple compound is pretty much the holy land. Near the train station in Chinatown, lies a canteen situated next to a Buddhist place of worship.

Follow the scent of sauce to this hidden area, and show (politely) the server which curries you want to sample.

As is highly regular in these kinds of situations, if you don't arrive when the food is freshly prepared, it will be cold. Deal with it, and kick yourself for planning your day so badly or being stuck in traffic.

The curries here are pretty much spot on and not too sweet. It's cheaper than anywhere else around for this quality of food, and the vibes are super authentic.

YOK FA | CHIANG MAI

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:00:01 GMT

Yok Fah | Chiang Mai

TIME ERASES ALL

The first time I went to Yok Fa and ordered Phat See Ew in their homage to the 40's interior, I was quietly impressed. The Wok-Hei to steal a Penang Kuey Teow term, was present and dangerous. I recommended it to many a friend and received varying degrees of positive feedback. My most recent review came in the form of a rather unimpressed report, one that I took seriously.

Andy Ricker kept raving about it in numerous articles he wrote. I had to try it again.

Back in Chiang Mai with a hole in my stomach to fill, I headed down and ordered a plate sitting as far away from other humans as possible. The food came and it looked less kissed by heat and more sat on by warm elephants.

The noodles were a rather greasy affair, and everything ate oily. It had none of the love and fire that I remembered from 2018, and I began to doubt my own memory, and existence.

I chalked it down to the death of another legendary place, shook the dust off my Birkenstocks, and wandered into the old town avoiding elephant pants and motioning parents.

FADE BY SB | KUALA LUMPUR

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Fade by Sb | Kuala Lumpur

ZEN & THE ART OF ESPRESSO MAINTENENCE

With the changing pages of an eternal newspaper, the majority of the stories are tales of destruction, hunger, war, and suffering. Editors seem incapable of including light-hearted tales or the joy of a reunited family. Within this temporal mime that we call life, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a nest. A cocoon. A place where you can bring a book, shut the outside world off for a second, and dwell in a calm environment.

Fade by SB is the coffee shop equivalent of a meditation retreat. Run by the ever-gracious, kind, and welcoming Sam & Bernie, the room exudes their quiet, methodical practice and their ethos.

One of the vagaries of the present day is that even the best-kept secrets are only an Instagram post away from being ruined. While this is a double standard -writing this article myself- I feel they have already been afforded publicity, and I can write guilt-free and honestly.

It is one of my favourite places in the world.

In the days of corporations and greed, buyouts and conglomerates, the odds are stacked against anyone living out their vision. High rents, high costs, pressures from customers to lower prices: everything seems a never-ending spiral intent on destroying things with pure intentions.

Fade by SB has ridden the wave of hype, secrecy, publicity, and serenity in one long wave. Each one brings with it a new set of challenges and benefits, but is there really a happy medium?

Without an income, you starve, without people, you fail, but without the right people, your vision is dimmed. Perhaps there are not enough of the "right" people to keep things above water?. It's a situation many face in various sectors of the service industry: sticking to standards or drifting into the sea of surrender and losing a part of yourselves, too.

What was tipped to me by a barista at OneHalf became an instant favourite the first time I walked through the doors, and it almost felt like I was in a neighborhood bar in Tokyo. The decor was simple and minimalist without the accents of a hipster designer. The coffee was great. The baked items (which I rarely ever eat, but always do at Fade) are dutifully created and delicious.

Most of all, the atmosphere is as serene as it can be in a room filled with humans, but the vision still hangs overhead, and if you don't understand it, then perhaps this is not for you.

I honestly hope this stays around forever, because if I return to KL and the doors have closed, then the city will be the worse for it.

PONTES | COPENHAGEN

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Pontes | Copenhagen

BRINGING THE FUNK TO VALBY

Valby has not been known as a hotspot for Specialty Coffee. There are two branches of Impact Roasters, located at the Valby and Langgade stations, but they focus more on roasting and philanthropic missions, rather than brewing and preparing third-wave coffee. That's not a criticism, but when you have students and volunteers working the machines, they won't always be experts at dialing in espresso.

Pontes opened in the summer of 2025, situated on a small road facing a sliver of greenery, a stone's throw from the train tracks. The shop is thoughtfully minimalist, with splashes of colour contrasting the white walls. Small touches, such as the orange JBL speakers affixed to the roof, show that care and design have been considered. The tiling on the bar is a mix of terracotta and varying shades of orange/yellow.

The backroom hosts a small bullet roaster, which is responsible for all the cafes coffee. Fans of the more funky side of life, they source coffee that excels when processed anaerobically or co-fermented. This leans to a flavour profile that divides opinion, but in life you have to find your lane and hope people follow.

There were two options when we visited, one being a less forward-tasting bean, brewed as a pour-over; it almost tasted Ethiopian, with deep black tea and some delicate florals. Being from Honduras highlighted that coffee variatals and species are ever-evolving, and you can find surprises in the oddest places.

The atmosphere is extremely welcoming; there is absolutely no hint of snobbery or judgment here, which means people can truly treat it like a neighborhood cafe and pop in daily to either buy beans or be lazy and have the coffee made for them.

It's great to see specialty coffee spreading further and further out from the centre, and hopefully the locals are on board, watching Pontes plant its roots deeply into the soil beneath Toftegårds Plads.

MENSO TOKYO | BANGKOK

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Mensho Tokyo | Bangkok

CLINICAL VIBES

Ramen being my religion, I'll take one for the team in most cases. I'll literally try visit every ramen shop in any town I'm in so that I can tell my friends where to go when they have limited time. Doing so I walked the 6 blocks to try this raved about ramen restaurant on Sukhumvit.

The interiors gave me the creeps. Too many posh folk. I chose a seat at the counter so I had less visible humans in line. I ordered their Shio Special which didn't come with an egg, 40 Baht extra on top of an already extremely expensive bowl of soup. I waited.

Look, it wasn't bad. But it just felt antiseptic. Clinical. The kind of food that is perhaps cooked to perfect temperatures but not given any love or attention.

I ate it, I sighed. I paid, I left. I'll never return.

It is what it is. Let the rich eat here, I'll go to Bankara or Wakyu.

CINEMA RIF | TANGIER

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:47:39 GMT

Cinema Rif | Tangier

CHILDREN OF PARADOX

Tangier. Where Africa peeks at Europe. Home to a historical cast of degenerates who left yonder shores to submerge their lusts in the forbidden fruits of distant lands. Where floorboards were crept by legendary writers, and cafes bloomed with intoxicating creativity and prose.

And at the heart of all these hash dreams colliding? Cinema Rif.

Parked above the Grand Socco where pigeons battle for scraps, the famous square has felt history march above its foundations. Built in 1930, Rif has seen its incarnations, from plush velvet seats built for sensitive diplomat bottoms, to smugglers fidgeting out deals, and the occasional aristocrat with bent intentions splayed out in the cheap section.

Cinema Rif has seen it all, and managed to reinvent itself over time, to never lose the essence of what it was, but not revert to nostalgia and sad remembrance.

This isn’t just a movie house. It’s a time machine. A reminder that in Tangier, the past never really leaves, it stains the walls like nicotene, it wafts beyond in perfumed billows, awakening a tristesse so sad its beautiful.

For those allergic to art and culture, there is a cafe built for modern times, serving strong coffee and other concoctions. But true disciples of celluloid will flock for the latest releases, and quiver in wonder at the screenings of old classics. This is a temple to the past, but it happily hums along to modern day Moroccan life.

Follow Cinema Rif here:

SLURP RAMEN | COPENHAGEN

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Slurp Ramen | Copenhagen

HIP, BUT SLURP-ABLE

I felt like someone trapped in a clown costume in 90 degree heat walking the streets of Copenhagen to Slurp. Was it a wise decision to wear all black? Probably not. However the need for colour anonymity trumped the comforts of pale shades, and I marched into the unknown future sticking to the side of the street that was covered.

I arrived at Slurp wondering at first if I had walked into a Berlin nightclub at 2am. The music was ear-achingly loud. Obtrusively so. The kind of volume that makes you wonder if they are trying to tell you to fuck off in a passive aggressive way.

The front of house offered me a menu and I ordered the Shoyu. I sat watching cycles pass by with cheery people off to a park to soak up the rays that winter stole. It was not ideal ramen weather, but since I eat most of mine in Asia, this was not an anomaly.

Within five minutes my bowl arrived, I took the necessary photographic evidence and set about tasting the broth. Good. Clear, deep flavour, not muddled or tarnished, but solid umami waves. Next up was the noodles, made in house, and you could taste it. They were not over-cooked which is always a bonus, and had a nice chew.

For some reason they had plonked some asparagus in the bowl, and much to my annoyance it actually fit. The artichoke puree added a bit of creaminess. What didn't manage to hit heights of euphoria was the pork. It tasted slow-boiled, rather than oven braised where the fat renders down and becomes an angel wing of silk disappearing at the slightest quiver.

Slurps chashu ate more like simmered meat, with a slighty chewiness. It lacked any real seduction or excitement.

Another culprit was the egg. Sure, it was boiled just over six minutes, and had been marinated so the yolk set "jellyish", but again the marinade used for it tasted rather bland and ate sweet. It lacked the right balance.

Despite the negatives, if the bowl of ramen was judged on taste-merits itself, with a couple of slight adjustments it could easily be an 8/10. However, the two missteps with the egg and pork, along with a heightened price, reduced this to a 7.

This is definitely a ramen I would go back to try again in a year to see if they had worked on the egg/pork (or perhaps they just like it that way), but the price would stop it becoming a regular weekly indulgence like I am used to in other countries.

After all, in a recession and with inflation reaching new heights, who can afford to pay 23 Euro for a bowl of what is essentially cheap comfort food in Japan.

SANSAN SLOWBAR | MEDAN

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

SAN SAN SLOWBAR | MEDAN

SPECIALTY COFFEE IN GOTHAM CITY

Medan is not a place to bring those of sensitive hearts. The city is a mire of crime, drug addiction and opportunist bag-snatchers. There is an underlying current of unease that permeates the soul, almost the moment you touch down at the airport. Something is wrong. Something on a deep level. Even the taxi driver warned me:

"This is gotham city man, gotham".

Thankfully, for those who have a strong disposition, there are some highlights, and one of them is Sansan. Located in the Northern part of Medan, opposite Masjid Syuhada, Sansan is in a neigborhood house, hard to find, but worth the effort.

I took a taxi to Sansan Slow Bar tucked away at Jl. Karya Cilincing, holding my breath at every traffic light, expecting a robbery or some form of lunatic screaming at me.

Thankfully after a few wrong turns I arrived, and walked into the sunlit sanctuary, greeted with big smiles by the barista and his friend. I ordered a pour-over and within minutes was listening to some Norwegian metal and sipping along, with a group of new friends.

Over the next hour, locals popped in for a cup, greeted me, headed outside to sit on the porch and smoke their cigarettes. The cafe hummed with a perfect neighborhood vibe. No instagram influencers here, no tiktok videos, no asinine posing. This is a house dedicated to coffee, where passionate people flock to share their hobby.

Travel is all about moments like this. When you research coffee places in a town you're in, find something totally unknown, take a risk, and end up having the best morning ever.

Fuck what people think about Medan, yes it is a dangerous place, but spots like Sansan create a small pocket of smiles that you'll remember forever.

Follow them on Instagram below. And be sure to pop by if you happen to be in Medan.

GASOLINE GRILL | COPENHAGEN

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:00:23 GMT

Gasoline Grill | Copenhagen

FILL GAS, SKIP THE BURGERS

Though the crowds were barking orders in sizzling meat frenzies, the waft that pervaded to the surrounding area was one of mediocrity. Sure you can source the best local produce, treat your cows with milk baths and high class escorts, but the bottom dollar is "Does the burger taste good?". In my honest opinion, it's a half-way decent burger but leaves a lot to be desired.

I'll admit the novelty of it is endearing. Ordering your burger as someone in a Mercedes pulls up to fill up their tank with the look of sheer terror watching the price ticker roll higher. Not too dissimilarly from my own experience: the burger menu is not cheap. For 20 Eur you get a regular cheeseburger, fries and a can of coke.

Despite waiting in line just shy of twenty minutes, the burger was ready in five. My name was whispered through the intercom and I grabbed my bag and headed behind to find a seat. Those tourists that had already found a seat before their food came were faced with the dilemma of securing a place to eat, but perhaps missing their name when it was read out.

Taking the first bite i knew I was in for a slight downturn in mood. The patty had barely any seasoning on it, the sauce was rather bland, the bun squishy and veering on the sweet side, and judgements can't really be made about red onion and yellow cheese since they're both produced and packaged out of shop. My main gripe was with the fries here. Crinkle cut but not fried enough and completely lacking in any salt. Unbelievably flavourless.

I felt the burger would appease most people, but was definitely not memorable. I have had far better cheeseburgers elsewhere in Scandinavia, a region not known for it's beef prowess.

It was fine, but fine isn't what I'm hoping for when paying a premium price for a take-away meal.

KHAO SOI NIMMAN | CHIANG MAI

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Khao Soi Nimman | Chiang Mai

MORE EDWINA CURRIE, THAN A WINNING CURRY

Selling Khao Soi this bad in a city famed for the golden bowl is tantamount to treason. Khao Soi Nimman also charge a premium on their bowl, yet underdeliver catastrophically, despite being mentioned by the Michelin men.

The broth is insipid, thin, tasteless. The noodles boring, and the beef average. Nothing in this plate speaks of love or affection, more of an operation to redeem tourist dollars in exchange for a half-assed taste of something famous.

Of all the dishes we tried the satay at least resembled what satay should taste like. The pickles were mediocre. So was the sauce.

The beef was one of the most diabolical dishes I have been served in my life. In the menu photos it looked achingly tender and kissed with fire, but what appeared was a dead ladies leg boiled in lukewarm water -grey as a day in Hull.

I don't like dissing restaurants since everyone is having a hard time these days, but you cannot be allowed to get away with this.

Premium prices for diabolical food.

No thank you!.

BAD ARTIST | KUALA LUMPUR

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:56:57 GMT

BAD ARTIST | Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPURS COFFEE SCENE KEEPS DELIVERING

SS2 is known by locals in KL as being one of the most popular food destinations. Spread out across a huge open area are numerous stalls and sellers, but behind that lie gigantic halls offering durian when in season, and further still, for countless blocks to come, are some of the cities best restaurants.

Out in one of the surrounding streets, hidden upstairs, is Bad Artist.

The brainchild of Han, this is one of the newer specialty coffee places that keep popping up in KL, cementing the fact that it is one of Asia's premier destinations for bean-addicts.

Han runs his coffee shop very much like a social gathering, with tables tucked away if you want a quiet conversation with a date or friend, but also larger communal spaces near the counter, where you can sit and discuss your cups flavour profiles with one of the talented baristas, or Han if he's not busy roasting.

The vibe is extremely relaxed and non-snobby, so any question you may have will not be sneered at. Everyone here is here for the coffee, and you feel like you're part of a club, a family, a meeting of the minds.

Clean, minimalist vibes, coffee that is roasted a touch above light-roast, and profiles from Central America, Africa, etc keep you well stocked with choices for repeat visits. They carry both single-origin and blends, so whatever your vibe, they'll deliver.

Anyone on a serious coffee-crawl in KL should head to Bad Artist, order a lovely cup of coffee, and get into a deep conversation with Han. If you're lucky there might be an event, cupping or something community-driven happening.

Follow them on Instagram below. And check out our complete guide for coffee shops in KL here .

BAI PLU HOUSE | BANGKOK

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Bai Plu House | Bangkok

KALE SEITAN !

On a walk round my neighborhood I happened upon Bai Plu house by accident. Called some friends, taxi's were taken, met on sidewalks and in we went to sample Bangkoks famous Vegan restaurant.

What none of us could have anticipated was the utter deliciousness of this place. Every dish we sampled was different, seasoned perfectly, textured and completely held it's own against any meat version.

The deep fried morning glory salad was crunchy, rich and addictive.

The fake pork tasted better than many versions of the real thing I've eaten in Asia. A potato yellow curry was a tad on the bland side, stacked up against the rest of the dishes, but perhaps eaten alone it could also justify praise.

If you could eat vegan food like this every day, I'd be hard pressed to see myself missing meat. Ever.

ROTEE PA DAY | CHIANG MAI

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:00:02 GMT

Rotee Pa Day | Chiang Mai

GRANDMA KNOWS BEST

For a man who doesn't have a sweet-tooth I visited Rotee Pa Day too frequently. There is something about these legendary old ladies standing there dutifully, day after day, pumping out delicious rotee to lines of tourists and locals, that warms your heart.

Rock up, write your name and order on a paper, stab it on the nail and stand and wait. They'll get to you when it's your turn and shout your name when it's ready. You can stand a bit off to the side where there are some chairs and munch on it while it's still piping hot, much to the jealousy of the others waiting.

Having tried a few other Roti in Chiang Mai, these were by far superior. Better texture, flavour, toppings.

Definitely worth hunting down and waiting in line to get, but I'd recommend to skip the one's with egg. It just adds a weirdness to a sweet dish that you don't really want.

Timemore 1+1 Tumbler | Review

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:37:49 GMT

TIMEMORE 1+1 TUMBLER

BY TREMOR CHRIST

Timemore have made the perfect travel buddy for me. As a person who is on the road most of the year, I have always struggled to find a brewer that can double up as something else. When space is an issue, and weight, the last thing you want is seperate cup, seperate dripper, seperate thermos etc.

Well, the Tumbler solves all those problems, and keeps your coffee warm. The lid also doubles as a cup if you want to share your brew. It fits perfect with Timemore's own filter papers, but if you can't find them the 155 Kalita is also great.

The ceramic coating makes it super easy to clean up also. It looks super stylish and clean too, and almost everytime I brew with it someone asks where I got it from, and I tell them to check Timemore's website.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

2-in-1 design: A tumbler and pour-over dripper in one sleek unit—perfect for brewing on the go.

Ceramic inner layer: Preserves the original flavor of your coffee and eliminates metallic odors.

Combinability: If you are at home, you can brew into the tumbler from the Crystal Eye or even an AeroPress.

Wide mouth: Makes pouring and cleaning effortless.

Double-wall insulation: Keeps drinks hot or cold for longer—great for travel.

Leak-proof construction: 360° seal ensures it’s safe to carry without drips or spills.

Lightweight & compact: Easy to pack, carry, and use on the move (approx. 290 g, 300 ml capacity).

The Negatives

Pour-over practicality limited: I find the on-the-go brewing concept idealistic but sometimes it's a bit tricky with the paper not fitting correctly due to the small silicon tab that pokes out in the lid.

Leak concerns: Although designed to be leak-proof, I do get a bit paranoid about putting it in a bag with a camera or electronics nearby.

Thoughts

A great travel companion. Perfect for pour-over enthusiasts who want to make great coffee on the go. As you can see in the photo above, you can also use the tumbler part to brew into from a larger V60-style dripper like the Timemore Crystal Eye Dripper. It works perfectly for that.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount click here .

Timemore Black Mirror Mini | Review

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:50:50 GMT

Timemore Black Mirror Mini

BENJAMIN SAND

Timemore are a company that seem to have an answer to every problem. The vast amount of scales on the market can make it quite difficult to decide which one will suit your needs, but this company alone make enough to give you a headache on which one to choose.

The reason we chose the Mini was of course for travelling. The slim design and compact size mean it can fit in any backpack and won't weigh more than a paperback book. Also the look is very stylish, with the matte-black exterior, a solid silicone mat for those dosing directly onto an espresso machine, and USB-C charging.

It feels well built and solid to the touch, not flimsy or cheaply made. The design is very eye-catching with the entire scale blending into a black square in standby mode, and then lighting up when touched. Nice, nice.

Below are some of the pros and cons we have found after 3 months of using this scale.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

Competitors

The Positives

Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel or fitting on espresso machine drip trays. Under 200g

Sleek, the minimalist design looks amazing on any counter.

Intuitive, with modes for espresso (auto-tare and auto-timer), pour-over, and standard manual use . It can JUST fit a flask on, if you don't mind some overlap, but works well for AeroPress and a coffee cup for direct brewing.

High precision, Typically accurate and responsive.

USB-C, lasts over a month with daily use. The USB-C port is protected by a flap for accidents on the espresso tray. A durable silicone mat helps with longevity and stability.

The Negatives

Auto-timer mode, maybe not necessary or useful for all home brewers.

Response , at times the scale will struggle to notice you added an extra bean or two, which can be annoying.

Buttons , can be a bit finicky at times, or not now the difference between a short press and longer press. Not normally an issue, but can be.

Thoughts

Overall, this is a very solid choice for people who live a life on the go, or want an espresso scale, since the build is solid, the silicone mat protects it, and the cover for the USB-C gives you peace of mind from spills.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount click here .

AeroPress Go Plus | Review

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:33:37 GMT

AEROPRESS GO PLUS

BY TREMOR CHRIST

I’ve been a long-time fan of the original AeroPress for its convenience and versatility, especially as someone who spends most of the year on the road. It kills a few birds with one stone, having the cup to drink out of, an AeroPress that fits inside, and lid if you're in a car to avoid spills.

I was curious to try the AeroPress Go Plus , the updated travel version since the GO just lacked that extra volume I was after.

Brewing with the AeroPress Go Plus is much like the original – consistent, simple, and capable of producing a solid cup. But the overall construction feels a little clunky, and the fact that the lid isn’t water-tight makes it less practical as a true travel brewer. I found myself wishing AeroPress had gone the extra mile with better materials – a ceramic-lined chamber would have been a game-changer.

For the price, I expected something more refined and premium. While it’s still a good option for portable brewing, I think AeroPress missed an opportunity to truly elevate the experience.

The Positives

Portable & Compact – The kit packs neatly into its travel mug, making it super easy to take anywhere.

Brews Good Coffee – Like the original, it can make a tasty cup, especially when dialing in grind size and brew method.

Stylish – It looks pretty smart and sleek, with the matte black vibes.

Hidden Storage – I like how you can store about 20-30 filter papers in the bottom of the cup.

The Negatives

Feels Cheap & Plastic – For the price, I expected a more premium feel. A ceramic-lined brew chamber would have elevated this product.

Unstable – Why didn't they put a nice silicone base to it so it sits firmer on a table? It feels quite unstable when brewing, and you are constantly thinking it might topple over and burn you. Many tumblers and brewers for half this price-point have silicone bases which make them feel far more premium.

Odd Lid – The fact that the lid is not leak-proof is a big letdown, since this is marketed as a travel brewer. How they couldn't have made it more like a thermos lid so you can throw it in your bag and go, is, in my mind, a MASSIVE mistake.

Heavy - Weighing more than half a kilo, this makes it a bit difficult for travel.

Overpriced for What It Is – The finishes and material does not feel good. The Timemore dripper is half price and yet manages to use a ceramic lining, so I feel AeroPress are being expensive for the sake of it.

Filter Paper Issues - After having used the original AeroPress for many years, I never had an issue with the paper fitting, but on this version I feel the paper "lifts up" too often and doesn't properly seal the bottom. This is a big issue and I reached out to them and was told to brew "gentler". I'm sorry, not good enough.

Thoughts

Great for travelling on paper, but there are far better options out there. Also, after the company was sold this feels very much like a tech-bro company trying to get as much profit as they can, sacrificing the quality and ethos that Alan Adler stuck to so steadfastly for decades.

It's a real shame the way this company has changed course, and this is where we part ways. Price-points have gone up, and quality and care have sunk.

BAR COLORES Y SABORES | MADRID

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:43:36 GMT

Bar Colores y Sabores | Madrid

IT MAFE BEEN LOVE

Not to be outdone by the plentiful amazing food I had enjoyed in Seville, courtesy of the tips from my friend Irene - she also happened to write a short list for Madrid since I would only stay 3 nights. Top of the list was the rather odd instructions to go to "Colores near Anton Martin market for tasty, cheap, authentic Senegalese food. It's where all the chefs go on their days off".

Never one to turn down a recommendation from someone I whole-heartedly trust, I headed there day 1 for lunch.

A rather odd facade gave way to a small dining room awash with tempting smells wafting in from the small kitchen. A cheery lady greeted me and showed me to a spare table and produced a menu. I must admit I am not an expert on Senegalese food but I do know Mafé, and they had it on the menu.

No brainer!

"You also want spicy sauce?"
"Oh yes I do"

My plate came out bursting with deep yellow love. A spoon nestled beside with a picante home-made sauce to slather on top. I emptied the spoon in ravishing flicks of a knife before asking for a refill. Spoon's armed I dug in with ferocity. A complex, creamy, spicy, comforting hit of deeply flavoured curry with the underlying peanut sauce and overtones of fresh chilli caused me to pause for a second and wonder if I had ever tasted this dish before. I hadn't.

The veal meat was achingly tender, the carrots and potatos adding that element to a curry dish that I personally love. However, to be totally honest here the rice was astounding. I had not had such tender, fluffy, well-cooked rice in a while. It perfectly carried the rich flavours and gave some relief to the heavy taste of the Mafé itself.

I immediately sat there in panic that I only had a couple of days in Madrid and a long list of other places to eat, but I truly, truly wanted to eat this again at the nearest opportunity.

Timemore French Press | Review

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:38:16 GMT

TIMEMORE FRENCH PRESS

BENJAMIN SAND

The Timemore French Press promises to blend sleek aesthetics with clean brewing performance, offering a modern take on the classic immersion method. Known for its signature design language, Timemore delivers a product that looks at home in a minimalist kitchen or a travel kit. But does it truly deliver on taste, build quality, and ease of use? Here’s my take after weeks of brewing.

I’ve always appreciated Timemore for their ability to make functional gear that looks and feels premium. The Timemore French Press is no exception—its sleek glass body, fine mesh filter, and solid weight give it an immediate sense of quality. It’s also versatile enough for brewing coffee or tea, which is a bonus for travelers and minimalists like me.

That said, my experience wasn’t flawless. While the press delivers a smooth and clean cup, it lacks the robustness and tactile satisfaction of higher-end models. The handle can feel slightly small for a solid grip, especially when pouring a full batch, and the plunger mechanism doesn’t feel as refined as it should for its price point, the silicone ring slipped off on many occasions.

Still, it’s a well-designed option for those who value looks and portability as much as function.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

Sleek, modern design with high visual appeal.
Glass body with good heat retention.
Versatile for coffee or tea brewing.
Compact and portable for travel setups.
Having a silicon base makes the experience of setting it down on glass or marble table-tops really satisfying.

The Negatives

With no handle it could be more ergonomic.
Plunger mechanism feels less premium than expected, and the silicone ring came loose a few times.

Final Thoughts

A great travel companion. Stylish enough for home-use also. The only downside is the silicone gasket seems to come undone quite often. Apart from that, I received many comments about how it looks different to typical French Press, and looked less likely to break.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount on your order click here .

JHOL | INTERVIEW

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 09:59:20 GMT

An Interview With JHOL

A TALK WITH ANIRBAN NANDI

Having grown up in Tamil Nadu eating Idli, Masala Dosa, Vadai, dishes most westerners would never have heard of (especially in the late 80's / early 90's), Indian food has been an intrinsic part of my genetic make-up. It is the only cuisine I genuinely get cravings for, so much so that on a weekend visit to Muscat or Tangiers you'll see me frantically searching google for a Saravana Bhavan or Indian restaurant to cure the itch. Growing up in the blue mountains, seafood was not a staple for us. This avenue of riches was introduced on holidays to Kerala, where the catch of the day were proudly displayed on wooden tables at the beach and you'd point to your fish and hope they took the freshest one and cooked it in the kitchen for your dinner. I still remember them rubbing a deep red chilli-garlic-ginger rub on the knife cuts of the flesh to penetrate the inside as it sizzled in the tandoor. A squeeze of lime, red onion and fresh green chilli on the side, and you'd be grinning from ear to ear.

Coastal Indian Cuisine was a largely unnoticed food bounty until Jhol started their restaurant in Sukhumvit four years ago. Sure, everyone has heard of a Chicken Tikka Masala or a Garlic Naan, but not many know how delicious a Goan fish curry can be, with it's delicate spices and coconut milk. Or how deep fried fish in Kerala are the perfect accompaniment to a lunch thali. Or kingfish steaks, or pomfret, or huge prawns in fiery gravy, and North to the even sweeter flavours in the Bay of Bengal where the locals like their food very differently to Chennai.

A big misconception would be to relegate all Indian food to a heavy meal you eat before a visit to the pub to soak up the booze, or someone who eats it regularly but never strays from the "Chicken Madras, Garlic Nan, Kingfisher" order.

I visited Jhol at the beginning of 2023, after patiently waiting two years due to the flight restrictions during Covid 19, watching them post teasing videos on their social media of dishes I wanted to dive headfirst into. It was agony sitting in my living room in Northern Europe knowing that people in Bangkok were being privy to this kind of generosity. Well, the world began to open up, and finally I managed to return to my second home, Bangkok, the city of Angels, and made reservations at Jhol. A couple of friends joined, as I consider it sacrilege to dine alone when the options will be so limited. It's always better to bring a group and sample as many dishes as you can (unless of course you opt for the Tasting Menu).

The meal was a consummate success. It brought back memories of childhood, the curry leaves (something most people in Europe, until recently, would never have seen in their dish before), the aromas, the textures, the flavours, they all granted the deepest satisfaction after so long a wait.

Another thing that struck all of us was the service. It was exemplary. We were welcomed as friends, and the waiter was so adept at knowing when to chime in with a comment and when to stand back and observe. Some restaurants are destroyed by overly fussy waiters constantly battering you with useless facts about how the root of a plant is dried in hibiscus fire before fermenting on a dung beetle. I don't care. If I need that type of education, I'll buy a book. No, Jhol's staff were courteous, non-judgemental, friendly and genuine. That only made the meal taste better.

In the subsequent months I have recommended the restaurant to countless friends who have all sent back glowing reports. Not a single one had a bad experience. That is testament to a well run ship, and a restaurant where the staff feel proud to work and share that camaraderie with those who enter the doors.

Graciously, GM Anirban Nandi took the time to reply to a list of questions I sent to him, with the express purpose of not only digging a little deeper into their philosophy, but giving Jhol the chance to explain things from their side of the hotplate.

Below are the transcripts of the interview in near verbatim.

We can start at the beginning with an introduction and a summary of "What is Jhol?", for a reader who hasn’t visited Bangkok or your restaurant yet.

Jhol opened its doors in 2020, the restaurant concept is by chef Hari Nayak, one of the most well known Indian chefs. He is almost 45 so he is one of the old school Indian (yet very modern in his approach) chefs that left India and made a name for himself along with people like Athul Kochhar & Vineet Bhatia to name a few.

Chef Hari (click here for his chef BIO) has a lot of restaurants worldwide, most of his food is modern Indian but not too modern, in that it doesn't lose its Indian-ness. In JHOL's case, the restaurant is Coastal Indian food, and India's coastline is over 7500 Kilometres long, starting from the West, to the South and East, with nine states. Those include (starting in the west) with Gujarat, then Goa, Maharashtra, and the south with Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh, then moving up you have Odisha and West Bengal.

So the thought is very simple: India's coastline eats very differently as it is such a big continent, and the food is so diverse, but for some reason Indian food outside of India has been wrongly interpreted, with mostly Northern Indian food like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala etc. Tasting menus with chefs interpretations, or most of the restaurants in Bangkok tend to be North Indian.

We do Ala carte as well as tasting menu, but our inspiration is the whole coast. We will always be Ala Carte as well as tasting menu so that the guests have the option. The restaurant atmosphere is "casual elevated". We don't call ourselves fine dining because we don't understand what it means. Most of our guests are actually local Thais. There are a lot of similarities between this part of the world and coastal Indian food based on the ingredients.

Our moto has been to take our inspiration from a lot of lesser-known regional dishes. To promote food that is not typically North Indian. Don't get me wrong, I love my butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, but most Indian restaurants here will serve only these dishes, so we don't have either of those on the menu, and don't even serve naan for example. That's what we do at Jhol.

There is definitely not a lack of Indian restaurants in Bangkok, however speaking as someone who has tried perhaps more than 20-30 of them, very few raise their heads from the general pool of “Ok, not great”, and suffer immensely from inconsistency one day to the next. What sets Jhol apart for us is the attention to detail, the vision of the chef, the quality of ingredients and the exemplary service. When you first decided to start a restaurant in such a crowded space, what were your main thoughts on how to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

As you correctly mentioned there is no lack of Indian restaurants in Bangkok. Ranging from the entry level restaurant and up to the fine dining places serving some really good food. And just to let you know there will be some new places opening in the first quarter of this year (2024). How we set ourselves apart is this: Even Indian people come to our restaurant and say this is something very different and unique, something they have never tried before. India is so vast that Indian people still haven't eaten alot of regional Indian food. So just the thought of having an open mind coming to an Indian restaurant and not going for a Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer or a Dal Makhani on the menu, that sets us apart. We have been very consistent in our food, and also consistent in bringing in new dishes and keeping just a few of the classic signatures. We change our menu very often, so this is what I think the guest perceives, that: "Hey today I can go to Jhol and try the tasting menu and even in a week I can try the Ala carte menu and it will be completely different from what I tasted last week".

Also we focus heavily on our beverage program. There are some absolutely amazing cocktails, mocktails, G N T's on the list along with some great spirits and a well crafted wine program. Seeing so many Indian restaurants it really gives us a lot of happiness to see Indian food coming out in a great way. However, if you google Coastal Indian Restaurants, in the last 4 years I think Jhol has inspired a new category of Indian food. There will be a new restaurant opening soon at a big hotel, which actually says Coastal Indian Food. Instead of thinking someone is copying us, we are rather proud that people are recognising food from the coastline, and also the perspective of Indian food is changing. This is what I think sets Jhol apart, along with an eye for detail and service standards.

To put it in short way, the passion from the team and the vision forward is very very clear. So as much as we are competitive, our competition is not with other restaurants but in pushing ourselves every day to be better, bring out new dishes, take feedback from our guests and keep promoting and doing what we do. I believe this is what sets us apart.

Coastal Indian Cuisine is also a rather broad description considering India has over 7000 km of coastline, so which specific regions or areas are you mostly drawing inspiration from. As a chef are you sticking to mostly places you are familiar with or experiment with other styles and flavours from the subcontinent.

As you said, the coastline is very long so we are sticking with the old and new classics. For example a Duck Mapas, or something as simple as a spicy Goan chorizo pilaf that we have just introduced on the menu.. So it can be a signature dish with our inspiration, or something as simple as an ingredient like a Goan chorizo that inspires our chefs to create new dishes. This present menu is highly influenced with Konkan and the Southern Belt, with emphasis on the state of Odisha.

The fact that you do not cater to the “Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Big Beer” crowd is also refreshing, as I feel it’s such an easy default to revert to without really having to challenge or evolve as a cook. Do you feel you also suffer a backlash for being so focused on your objectives? Do people often come to Jhol expecting regular Indian dishes or do people tend to do their research beforehand.

Just to let you know we never had butter chicken on the menu, but we have done it in the past for guest requests. It's not that difficult to make butter chicken. We also used to have a tandoor oven and made naan and kulchas in the past, but within a year's time we really thought of being very specific and clear on our theme and sticking to it.

If you are very strong about your concept, people will come to eat what you want them to eat rather than coming to eat what they perceive to be Indian food. So when people come to Jhol they are often lost at the menu because the names and food are new to them, so our team is on hand to explain and help them understand the dishes and guide them in what they can order.

In four years I think we have had five to ten instances where people have reserved tables, and when they came they said they were expecting butter chicken and chicken tikka, but when they left we had changed their perspective. What also happens is with our walk-ins they come in and say they were expecting Indian food, and that's our chance to proudly tell them that this IS Indian food but in a different format. Just a dish like a ghee roast dosa with chicken, hailing from the city of Mangalore, should be given as much recognition as a butter chicken. Something like a ghee roast chicken is more Indian than a butter chicken or chicken tikka masala, because these dishes are anglo-indian dishes made only say 80 years ago for the palate of the British people. Of course these are great dishes, but this is not what Indian food used to be before the British came. So it's kind of tricky but as long as the guest understands what we are trying to do then they are willing to experiment and believe in the team and eat the food that we serve. Also we get so many requests from people and try to go above and beyond to serve our guests, but if they ask for a butter chicken we will politely say no and rather suggest something else for them to try.

I feel in many ways Indian cuisine is having its moment; Gaggan has definitely helped put Indian born chefs and cuisine on the world stage, Padma Lakshmi is the face of Top Chef, etc. Though your restaurant is not the same as Gaggan in terms of pushing boundaries on the molecular level etc, do you feel people need to accept that Indian food can be complex and elevated, and start looking at it more with respect and seeking lesser known variants and dishes?

There are many chefs who have inspired a generation of New Indian Chefs & Modern Indian Cuisine. Hari Nayak, Atul Kochhar, Vineet Bhatia, Srijith Gopinathan (Technically the first Indian chef to run a 2-Michelin star restaurant) and many more started the foundation way before Gaggan.

I love this question. First of all we have immense respect for chefs like Gaggan Anand , who was a pioneer of putting India on the map doing very modern stuff. Not only Gaggan but there are young chefs like Garima Arora , Deepanker Khosla of Haoma , Himanshu Saini of 2 Michelin Star restaurant Tresind Studio , etc also doing some great stuff. Also the new restaurant Inddee led by chef Sachin Poojary, they are doing some really good stuff, but they are very different concepts and very modern in their approach.

The last part of the question says "People need to accept that Indian food CAN be complex and elevated", I need to tell you this, Indian food IS complex and elevated. It's our fault as a culture that we didn't take enough pride to tell the world how elevated our food is and do better plating and use better ingredients. And to document the same, like the French did, that's it. For example, London has the most Michelin star restaurants in the world, since India doesn't have Michelin yet, however most of these restaurants are diluting their food to the palette of the locals. This is something we believe needs to stop. Take the Italians for example. If the pasta is al dente and a guest tells the chef the pasta is undercooked, the chef will tell them to their face that this is how it is supposed to be cooked.

I think the new generation of chefs understand that. Indian food is one of the most complex and elevated food anywhere in the world, and we learnt that from our mothers. We always eat great at our homes. Our mums wake up in the morning, and starting from breakfast, lunch and dinner it's always a menu she has been working on from the previous night. We don't eat toast and butter for breakfast. Even a simple thing like breakfast is so elevated in our culture. It has a lot of emphasis and importance. Indian food is one of the most technically advanced and complex foods in the world, and it's something we should all be proud of and make it approachable, use better ingredients, and use storytelling.

As you said, the lesser known dishes should now gain as much importance, that's how it should be. For example, our research and development for just breads from coastal India, has over 20-30 different versions we are working on, and our current menu has over 10-12 of them. Something as simple as an Appam or Idli, this is something that we eat at home, yet it's as complex as making the fermentation and using the perfect temperature to get the dough ready so it can ferment properly to produce these breads. Indian food is actually very complex, it's just that it needs more storytelling for the guest to understand. Sometimes Indian food can be over-spiced and complicated in a way that a European may find too heavy, however if it is well balanced -for example you come for a tasting menu- you'll leave without feeling extremely heavy or having acid reflux. We want to provide a well balanced and well executed product as would be expected from a restaurant like Jhol.

If you were to choose one area of India where you feel the cuisine is tragically overlooked or under-rated what would it be and why?

If you see North Indian food on its own, I wouldn't say it is overrated but it is the only version of Indian food that has been put out to the world. Mind you, even if you see the influence of the French in the south and the Portuguese in Goa, there are so many dishes that have been inspired from these countries combined with the local food.

In terms of underrated I would say the East part of India. I hail from Calcutta, West Bengal, and our head chef is from Odisha. East Indian food is highly underrated and is so regional that many Indian people haven't eaten most food from there. I'm just talking about two states on the coastline, but East India is very big. There are seven states in the extreme East that are not part of the coast like Meghalaya, Nagaland, this food is not reached by most Indian people. The food has almost Chinese influences but it's still a part of India. I would say it's the most underrated part. We are still trying to get our dishes from the Eastern coastline, West Bengal and Orissa, but I would say the North East part of India is so underrated and the food is so so different from the rest of the country.

If you have a night off in Bangkok, where are you eating? Give the readers a little insight into a favorite local Thai spot, a great Phad Kra Prow, or something totally random that is a go-to for you?

We do eat out a lot, but there are a lot of guests or friends coming from other countries so we always recommend places. Bangkok you are very spoiled with options, in every segment. But for example if you want to eat Thai, there are so many categories, but say a Phad Kha Prow, the best always comes from the street vendors. You can pretty much eat anywhere and you won't be disappointed.

However if you are asking for a restaurant in a casual setting then we always recommend Sri Trat . Also Charmgang , and their recently opened Charmgang Curry shop, do some amazing curries. These two would be on the top of the list.

For something more fancy, Sorn , Potong , Baan Thepa and Samrub Samrub Thai .

What are some chefs / restaurants in Bangkok that you feel deserve a shout-out? Places that are doing something really well but seemingly not getting enough credit for it. Alternatively, is there a specific chef you have your eye on to see what they will do next?

I think Bangkok itself has a lot of talented chefs and restaurateurs doing a phenomenal job in different areas of cuisines. I think one of these is Mia , run by chef and his to-be wife, they got their due recognition with a Michelin star. Mia is a modern European restaurant that we highly recommend to people. Clara is also another.

I would like to do a shoutout to the whole food and beverage scene in Bangkok. I have worked in F&B in many different countries in Europe and UAE, but the scene in Bangkok is different because it's very well knit and everyone is helping each other and celebrating with each other, and in that way there is a great connection between us that is very important for growth. We share the same guests and therefore we all have common feedback and common queries, and can help and support each other in that way.

I believe that recognition comes these days in being listed on the 50 best, or getting a Michelin star, and I have noticed that most restaurants getting into the guide are Tasting Menu restaurants. Very few in the Michelin guide have an Ala Carte menu. This needs to change because there are so many gems that are not doing tasting menus but are not getting the recognition that they deserve based on just this detail.

Do you have an overall long term vision for Jhol’s evolution, or do you find yourself and your menu being influenced by things you are currently experimenting with or directions that your test kitchen is playing with?

The long term vision of Jhol is very simple. The first criteria we learnt from the pandemic is that you can have a great concept and a great story, but is your restaurant sustainable and are your employees being taken care of? The first common objective for Jhol is that anyone working for Jhol is getting the perks and benefits of it, the second is that the restaurant is sustainable and earning enough profit to survive and expand.

We want to grow as a brand and we want the world to know we are a restaurant which carved out another segment of Indian food called Coastal Indian Food. We are already seeing that happening with so many new Coastal Indian restaurants opening worldwide now.

As for expansion, we are looking at two new cities. At the moment we have started to work on Jhol in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. We want to see how the Malaysian market takes to it because a lot of Malaysian food is influenced by south Indian, specially from the Chola dynasty who traveled over and settled over 1000 years ago, in both Malaysia and Indonesia. So you'll see a lot of South Indian influence there.

In terms of experimentation, the kitchen is continually in the process of testing ideas and pushing the envelope so that our guests can rest assured that they can try something new or different every time they come to Jhol.

In closing, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients are a very important part of the current culinary conversation. What are some ways in which Jhol pushes to leave a better footprint behind, or avail local farmers/fishermen etc.

To start with: our understanding of the word 'sustainability' and the use of local and seasonal produce. First of all we were born and brought up in households where our mothers and grandmothers were probably the biggest chefs that we realized. We were eating locally sourced food, as most Indians do. Our mothers would always be making seasonal dishes with seasonal vegetables and produce, Fermentation, sustainable, zero-waste kitchens have been pioneered by Asian grandmothers long before these words became commercialized.

For us sustainability and seasonality are not just words, but are things we practice and don't talk about too much. We don't believe in zero-waste but we would try to reduce our waste. We don't have a walk-in freezer which means our chefs cannot order in bulk. Therefore orders are done almost daily depending on how many reservations we have, the time of year, if its busy or not etc. I feel this defines sustainability, since we use so many local ingredients that can be substituted for their counterparts in India due to their similarity.

For us this Ethos should not be told as a story, but just followed quietly. Our inspirations are our mothers and grandmothers, who we look up to. How they even took Jackfruit seeds and made food out of it.

"THE DEATH OF THE MAITRE'D"

I just wanted to end with something. I feel these days that the eagerness to become an elevated restaurant or a star restaurant has become too focused on "Chef-Forward" restaurants. Some years ago restaurants were known by their Maitre D'.

I want someone to write a documentary about this: "The death of the maitre'd". I feel like now when the chef is the face of the restaurant, a lot of things have been undermined. Just the PR essence, people come and spend money at the restaurant but something is missing. Some places are very adamant about putting themselves and their story at the forefront rather than the guest. I feel people should re-evaluate this. If I'm a guest and I go to a restaurant and someone tells me not to laugh, or to shut up and eat, it's not good. I see this happening that many places are getting too egoistic, and I want to return to the old days when charm and hospitality was as important as the food and service.

In traveling and working around the world in the best hotels and restaurants for 18 years you can get good food in a lot of places, but what you remember is how you were made to feel there. I remember restaurants based on the dishes I was served of course, and I can remember a good dish for a year or two, but if I go back five years later I will definitely remember how I was made to feel in that place. I feel many restaurants now are neglecting this aspect.

If you come to Jhol and order just one dish and leave, or stay for an entire tasting menu and buy the most expensive wine, we want the guests to remember the experience. We believe the guest comes first and we want everyone to have a good experience there.

In India we have a saying that "The Guest is God", and I dislike when people are referred to as customers.

At Jhol we have guests, not customers.

Interview between The Mouth and Anirban Nandi published with permission, January 2024.
All food photographs were taken at Jhol in March 2023 by The Mouth. Menu items may vary.

MAU AUHB | ODESA

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:24:23 GMT

MAU AUHB | ODESA

FINDING LEGIT PHO IN A CAR-PARTS MARKET

As chance likes to play its flute from time to time, I was sitting at the local watering hole complaining about my dire need for a healing bowl of Phô, when suddenly Christina (a local art student) piped up and mentioned that she knew where to find the best pho in Odesa , it was just a long way out of town.

Distance has never put me off racing for a bowl of soup, so I hailed an Uber and set off to the market where the stall was. After getting lost twice, I finally found the tiny alleyway and managed to order my food with the help of Google Translate, which translated from English to Vietnamese. The cooks were (apparently) both from Vietnam, which is always preferable, and the owner (a rather portly Vietnamese man) was shocked that I had visited Vietnam so many times.

The food was bang on what you could expect, and more. The broth was rich and deep, the beef was so-so, the noodles and garnishes were on point, and I literally slurped my way through it way too fast and ended up bloated and dejected by the side of the road (ok, I exaggerated a tad). For those who love Pho and have a bit of time to spare in Odesa, head out here and try it!

I don't know the name properly, or the address, but the instructions were to head to Uzbek Kitchen, and it's next door. Get googling!

SRI LANKAN FOOD GUIDE TO NAPLES

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:19:16 GMT

THE SRI LANKAN FOOD SCENE IN NAPLES

FINDING THE BEST SRI LANKAN FOOD IN NAPOLI

Checking into my Airbnb in Rione Sanita, I was genuinely shocked to see a Sri Lankan restaurant on the corner near Piazza Cavour. Having not done any research about the area, I passed it off as an oddity and continued walking. Another one. Strange.... A Sri Lankan grocery store, two, three. Patterns were forming. Curiosity got the better of me and I ended up grabbing a take-away box from Grand Ceylon since it was late and I had already eaten a years worth of pasta in the space of a month.

I hurried home excited to see what host of flavours would greet me. Having travelled extensively in Sri Lanka on a couple of occasions I was relatively confident that it would at least be edible. In the battle of the sub-continent I tend to favour Indian, but a good Sri Lankan meal can evoke memories of times passed with severe conviction.

Aromas that I had forgotten for almost a decade hit me, sending my mind spiralling back to the Kottu Rotis in Kandy, that amazing chicken curry in Nuwara Eliya, and the home-cooked food served to my bungalow in Nilaveli. I tucked into a spicy, flavourful chicken curry, dal, vegetable side dishes and a wonderful dried smoked chilli for kicks.

Fast forward a few weeks after I had eaten at 6 or 7 spots around town, as I was waiting for my food at Ayubowan, a contagiously agreeable man hit me up with the usual quick-fire questions: "Where are you from?", "You on holiday?", "You like spicy food?". I took the opportunity of turning the tide of questions to him and told him I was curious as to why so many Sri Lankans had ended up in Napoli.

With the wit of Tagore, he simply replied:

"It is a big city, so there are many".

On one Sunday afternoon, I got invited to drink tea and chat with a group of severely inebriated Sinhalese outside a small takeaway spot. One of them was so drunk he couldn't sit still, so he stood up and swayed from side to side, asking me a hundred times if I spoke Italian or not. His friend who was ten drinks shy, was slightly more responsive, so I plied him with questions, to which he gave no fixed answers except vague signals with his hand. The most constructive information I squeezed out of him was that there were mostly Sinhalese in Italy (approx 90%, only 10% Tamil), the Tamils arrived 30 years ago, most of the Sinhalese 10 years later, the restaurants all tasted the same, but if pressed, he would say Prasanna Star was his favourite. He also mentioned that Italy was a good country to call home, and they enjoyed a relatively comfortable life here. He then told me to ignore the drunk friend who was making pornographic gestures with his fingers and giggling like a schoolkid.

When a whiskey bottle was pulled out of a small backpack, I took that as fate telling me to leave, and thanked them for the tea and headed home to try and put together a list of the places I had tried.

Below are the results of my dedicated quest, having definitively found that most of them taste basically the same, but one or two have that magic touch of a knowledgeable, passionate grandma in the kitchen pulling the strings (hoppers).

If you happen to be in Napoli, I urge you to sacrifice one pizza night in favour of sampling this rich, colourful addition to the culinary scene. Sit down at one of the restaurants, eat a meal with your hands, and chat with the neighbouring table. Food connects people of different cultures and identities, and in eating together, you get a glimpse into the daily goings-on of an ex-pat community that otherwise flies under the radar.

Ask for it spicy and you'll inherit a new family by default.

Prasanna Star

A stonesthrow from the funicular up to Vomero, this became my go-to during my stay in Naples. The food is fragrant, flavourful and cooked with love. A constant flow of dine-ins and take-aways ensures everything is fresh and the food isn't sitting too long developing that crust we all hate.

The glorious thing here is they cater to vegetarians and vegans, so don't be shy about bringing your non-meat-eater friend, they'll be well fed. Everything is excellent, and if you're in a hurry, grab one of the snacks in the glass display case.

Tip: ask for the dry chilli paste, it's a knockout!

Uncle Shop ( Mahawewa Bojunhala)

When asking the name, the reply was "Uncle Shop". Since it's not on google maps either, the name will forever be a mystery but the food is top notch and there is a small bench where you can scoff your face full of delights out of sight.

Grand Ceylon

Proximity to my Airbnb did play a part in my repeat visits, but this was also slightly above the average when it came to care and flavours.

After a brief period of perplexion the first time I walked in, the cooks and servers quickly changed their tune and welcomed me with beaming smiles on subsequent visits. All around solid choice if you're too far away from Prassana Star.

Serendib

Right around the corner from my Airbnb, and exceptionally friendly, I ended up going here twice based more on the cheery disposition than the food.

Their curries are nothing to sneer at, but they lack that added oomph that Prasanna has in spades. However, if you are living up the road near Starita, then this is the nearest Sri Lankan to you, and definitely worth splurging 4 euros on.

Darshana Food

Fifty meters from Dante Metro, one of the only Sri Lankan restaurants with outdoor seating attracts a larger degree of Italians and curious tourists, but isn't the same standard as the harder to find one's nearby.

However, once again, if you happen to be in that area and don't fancy walking 5 blocks to Prassana Star, then this will tide you over until you grow a pair and f******* walk to the best one. Jeeeez.

Tetra Drip | Review

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:43:23 GMT

TETRA DRIP BREWER

BY BENJAMIN SAND

The Tetra Drip Foldable Coffee Brewer is one of the most compact pour-over solutions for coffee lovers who travel light. I’ve been using it on the road for over a year, and love its minimalist, origami-inspired design. It fits in a wallet-sized case (available for extra cost), looks great on any cup, and brews a surprisingly clean cup for something so portable. But it’s not without quirks.

The Tetra Drip’s biggest strength is its packability and build. It folds flat, takes seconds to assemble, and is made from stainless steel or resin depending on the model. Despite its simplicity, it delivers a solid, balanced brew that rivals larger home brewers.

The design is sleek and stylish—arguably one of the sexiest minimalist brewers around. It feels like a statement piece for travelers who care about both form and function.

Who is Munieq?

Munieq is a Japanese company celebrated for its minimalist, precision-crafted coffee equipment. Their designs, such as the iconic Tetra Drip, embody the Japanese philosophy of combining practicality with elegance. Munieq products are lightweight, foldable, and travel-ready, yet they never compromise on brewing quality. With their devotion to refined simplicity, Munieq has earned admiration from design enthusiasts and coffee professionals alike.

The Positives

Ultra-compact – folds flat to fit in pockets or slim cases.

Minimalist design – stylish and modern with an origami feel.

Decent brew quality – d elivers a clean, balanced pour-over.

Durable options – stainless steel version feels premium and long-lasting.

Easy setup – unfolds and assembles in seconds.

Leather Pouch - This costs extra, but is a stylish and well made pouch for keeping your tetra drip safe.

The Negatives

Coffee retention in corners – too much coffee gets trapped, making cleanup harder and slightly affecting extraction.

Not ideal for larger brews – best for single cups.

Sharp edges (on metal version) – not a problem in use, but worth noting if you have young children.

Thoughts

The Tetra Drip is a brilliant travel brewer for those who value portability and style. It’s sleek, durable, and makes good coffee—just be prepared for a bit of coffee build-up in the corners.

Still, for lightweight travel and minimalist setups, it’s hard to beat.

You can buy the Tetra Drip here . This is not an affiliate link!

IL GIARDINO DI BABUK | NAPLES

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:06:41 GMT

Il Giardino di Babuk | Naples

THE SECRET CAT-GARDEN IN RIONE SANITA, NAPOLI

People who have lived in Rione Sanita their whole lives have often not heard of this hidden gem. Through a hefty wooden door, a courtyard, and down some stairs lies the Garden of Babuk.

A temple of feline mystery. An homage to four-legged friends. An enclosure where cats can run freely, and the legendary Babuks' ashes are stored for a solemn moment.

Flushed with mandarin, lemon, even banana plants, fountains, a stage for outdoor theater and music performances, and a litter of over 20 cats, this quiet idyll is operated and cared for by the caretaker Gennaro Oliveiro.

An impeccably dressed man in the approaching dusk of his life, eager to communicate despite the canyon of language differences, he guides you around with pride and intense satisfaction.

Through the generous gardens, stopping to showcase the cat Babuk's ashes and various plaques that date back 500 years.

Most importantly, guests can visit the hypogeum.

Descending six flights of dark stairs, visitors are transported far beneath the city lights and into the dark, damp caverns beneath. Water drips from above, small Roman statues line the corridors, and at the bottom, a rope warns of further movement, allowing visitors to stand for a moment and take in the large underground room.

For 10 euros, visitors can also view the conservatory, which features walls adorned with cat memorabilia. All that's left to do is take some photographs and bid Gennaro Oliveiro farewell.

To book an appointment you need to call Gennaro directly, his number is: +39-338-625-5810.

He speaks limited English, fluent Italian of course, and decent French and Spanish.

Parts of this originally appeared in the https://www.atlasobscura.com article, by the same author.

SHUANG XI | KUALA LUMPUR

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:10:57 GMT

Shuang Xi | Kuala Lumpur

WONG KAR WAI VIBES IN THIS HIDDEN SPEAKEASY

In The Mood For Love has been referenced to within an inch of its life, but the truth remains: It was ground-breaking. The way in wh ich Wong Kar Wai balanced seduction, beauty, timelessness and memory without resorting to saccharine sentimentality or obvious story arcs.

From within this temple of the mind, comes Shuang Xi. A speakeasy of sorts, located up a narrow staircase in Chinatown, KL.

Home to punks, poets and wanderers, this hidden gem perfumes the neighborhood with vibes of other realms. The seating is mostly on the floor, shoes are left at the top of the staircase, the walls adorned with posters of legendary films like Made In Hong Kong, Happy Together, and (oddly enough) Independence Day. We assume this is some sort of inside joke.

The drink men u has options for the sober crowd, beer, and also creative blends like Sweet Dream, Linger Ginger, Familiar Stranger, and the Hong Kong cinema–inspired Happy Together (chrysanthemum gin with dates, longan, lemon) and He Mu Zi (pandan gin cocktail).

In a city known for soulless glossy rooftops and ex-pat sports bars, Shuang Xi positions itself as raw, creative, and unpretentious — a place where storytelling, grassroots culture, and drinks meet in imperfect harmony.

Entrance is up a staircase behind a door, you'll find it!

Follow them on social media, and text them for reservations!

Timemore Whirly | Review

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:58:55 GMT

TIMEMORE WHIRLY 01S

BENJAMIN SAND

Timemore launched the Millab a couple of years ago, changing the game with its amazing portability and grind quality. Now they are back with a lighter, cheaper model that will appeal to a new crowd.

The Whirly is a bargain at under $200 for a rechargable, electric grinder, and thankfully it does not come with ceramic burrs (buy one here ). The design is very striking, modern and sleek, and the fact that there is no lid makes it one less thing to lose on a trip. The twist-up top is fantastic, allowing you to dose your beans, twist it back down again, and that prevents pop-corning. Win-win.

I have used the Whirly for 2 months, travelling, and at home. Here are the things I enjoyed about it, and the negatives.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

Versatile Grind Settings: Offers precise adjustments (0.025mm increments) suitable for various brewing methods, including espresso and pour-over.

Compact & Lightweight: Weighs just 760g, making it highly portable for travel or outdoor use.

Efficient Performance: The 60W motor grinds 20g of coffee for espresso in approximately 90 seconds and 15g for pour-over in about 30 seconds.

Battery Life: The 7.4Wh battery charges in 3 hours and supports up to 20 espresso shots or 35 pour-over servings per charge.

User-Friendly Design: Features an innovative swivel hopper that clicks into place, reducing mess and ensuring proper bean alignment.

The Negatives

Grind Size Calibration: T he factory-recommended grind settings can be a bit off, requiring manual adjustments.

Limited Capacity: The hopper may require multiple batches for larger brewing sessions.

Price Point: It's more expensive than a manual grinder, something to consider.

Battery : Even tho the battery life is acceptable, the Millab is far better.

Grind Size: Better for espresso, not so suited for pour-over. If you do not use RDT, then the burrs and catch-cup get covered in static and fines.

Catch-Cup: This can at times be tricky to allign.

Thoughts

A good cheaper alternative to the Millab, but we feel if you're going to spend the money on a portable grinder, get the Millab for a better battery life and build quality.

For people who care about weight, then this is slightly lighter than the EO1, so it's definitely worth considering. The one main thing I encountered with using it regularly, was that if I brew 2-3 cups of filter coffee per day, I had to charge it quite often. The Millab would go for almost a month between charges, which is exceptional.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount click here .

THE OLOFSSON HOTEL | PORT-AU-PRINCE

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:55:12 GMT

An Ode To The Oloffson

INSIDE THE WALLED CITY

Dizzing lore has conditioned us to fear Haiti. From images of riots, savage earthquakes, gang violence and of course the occult flash of voodoo, people tend to skip this country as a tourist destination, for the most part. Now, considering the current insanity, we wouldn't advise anyone to pitch a tent on it's proximities, but these voyages were done under calmer moons when the danger was still present but hidden behind cloaks of curiosity.

The Hotel Oloffson stands as a lone magnificent gingerbread house tucked behind trees and propped up by a marvellously refreshing pool below. Around the entire ground level is a balcony that serves as a restaurant spill-over for those days when the climate is conducive to al-fresco dining. Inside is a small welcoming bar, behind an art gallery of sorts promoting local paintings, and above are the rooms arranged in tidy comparments with names on the door of the most famous inhabitants to have graced these shores.

Nostalgia hunters flock here in droves. Setting aside a few precious days to bathe in the sweet tristesse emanating from the walls. Surrounding the entire compound is a wall most armies would struggle to breach, so the sense of security is fairly well established. Outside lies a chaotic mix of motorbike taxi's, beggars, street children and small shops. If you're death-wish loving, then please ask the guard to open the gate but send your loved ones a goodbye message before you do.

These houses are poems in wooden form. They hold memories close to their spintered white painted core. Ghosts and ephemeral shapes have long walked these hallways, trying to recreate a moment in time that comforted them. Celebrities and politicians the world over have hidden behind the canopy of privacy, far from a telephoto lens, free to roam and do as they please without the constant barrage of intrusion. I fear those days have long gone, with even the apparent safety of the hotel not trumping the dire situation outside.

There is a certain form of magic waking up at the Oloffson, peeking out at the trees with sunlight filtering through in shimmering pockets, to walk on the creaking floor down to the restaurant and order a strong coffee as the world awakes. To hear the birdsong and gaze haphazardly at the neighboring table to peek at your comrades. Launch into random conversations with Red Cross workers, backup singers to Tony Bennett, missionaries on a mission, yes they all stay at the Olofsson. It is like the United Nations of international escapees. Everyone is a stranger, and in that knowledge we all feel familiar bonds.

The rooms are simple and welcoming, your shoulders feel a sudden reduction in stress upon entering. The noises from outside are far gone in this miraculous cocoon. A book, a cold drink, a rocking chair, and you have your afternoon planned.

A dip in the pool, a ceremonious sundowner at the beautiful bar talking to a host of interesting anomalies, the friendly service crew dressed in starch white and beaming smiles, the guard saluting as you request the gates to be opened and the potential catastrophe of the outside world to penetrate your skin with a remembrance of things past, a knowledge of the absolute fear of mortality, the taste of blood, before tailgating it to Petionville in bullet proof cars (or in our case on the back of motorbike taxi's), to attempt a local meal at a fancy restaurant where ex-pats and Aid workers drum the table with slight boredom but continue on in this world of contrasts due to the high salaries and emergency bonuses that they may never have the chance to use should things turn even more sour.

The Oloffson is a temple to the art of rumination. A hotel for writers and poets. A hotel for the sensitive souls to forget the influencer world exists. A hotel to escape from escaping. A hotel where the small walls have created a bizarre eden where time stands still and washes us of all sins.

Update: Tragically, the Hotel was burnt to the ground by criminal gangs in Port-Au-Prince in 2025. RIP

FOLLOW THE HOTEL OLOFFSON

Hario V60 | Review

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:15:22 GMT

HARIO V60 PLASTIC

BENJAMIN SAND

The Hario V60 plastic is often the first dripper people pick up when getting into pour-over coffee. It’s cheap, light, and almost indestructible, which makes it perfect for travel or everyday use. While it may not have the same prestige as ceramic or glass versions, the plastic V60 has a charm of its own — it brews clean, controlled cups and doesn’t weigh you down. Think of it as the gateway dripper that can grow with you as your skills improve.

Who Are Hario?

Hario is a Japanese company with deep roots. Founded in 1921, they started out making heatproof glassware for labs before branching into home products. Today, they’re one of the most recognizable names in the specialty coffee world. From kettles and grinders to their famous V60, Hario has a reputation for making tools that balance function, design, and affordability. Their gear shows up everywhere — from small cafés to world coffee championships.

What is the V60?

The V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with spiral ribs along the inner walls and one large hole at the bottom. The design allows for maximum control over flow rate and extraction. The plastic version is the most affordable in the lineup, and while it lacks the heat retention of ceramic or glass, it’s far lighter and more durable. It uses V60 filters, which are widely available. What makes the V60 special is how much it reflects the skill of the brewer — your pour speed, water temperature, and grind size all directly shape the taste in the cup.

Cultural Importance

The V60 isn’t just another dripper — it’s a cultural symbol in coffee. When third-wave coffee started booming in the 2000s, the V60 was front and center. Baristas began using it in competitions to showcase how precise brewing could highlight origin flavors. Suddenly, people at home also wanted to learn pour-over, and the V60 became the go-to tool. It’s a bridge between café culture and home brewing, and for many coffee drinkers worldwide, it’s the piece of gear that introduced them to the ritual of slow, mindful coffee.

The Positives

Travel friendly: The plastic V60 weighs almost nothing, so it’s perfect for backpacks and suitcases.
Affordable: It’s usually the cheapest version, making it accessible to beginners.
Durable: Drop it, throw it in a bag, use it daily — it won’t break.
Clean cup quality: When brewed well, it delivers clarity and brightness.
Easy maintenance: A quick rinse or wash is enough, no delicate handling needed.
Widely available: Filters and replacements are sold everywhere.

The Negatives

Heat retention is low: Water cools faster than in ceramic or metal, which can impact flavor.
Learning curve: The single large hole makes it sensitive to how you pour. Beginners may struggle at first.
Plastic feel: Some people dislike brewing in plastic, especially compared to ceramic elegance.
Aesthetic: It looks simple and functional but lacks the design appeal of premium drippers.
Potential smell: Some new units can carry a faint plastic odor until used and washed a few times.

Final Thoughts

The plastic V60 isn’t glamorous, but that’s its strength. It strips brewing down to technique, giving you a straightforward tool that can produce great coffee if you learn how to use it. For travelers, it’s a no-brainer: light, tough, and cheap enough that you won’t cry if you lose it. For beginners, it’s a solid entry point into pour-over, though you’ll need to practice your pouring skills to get consistent results. For seasoned brewers, it remains a reliable backup or travel dripper. It may not be the most beautiful version of the V60, but it’s probably the most practical.

PENANG VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:15:52 GMT

Vegetarian & Vegan Guide To Penang

A GUIDE TO EATING VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD IN GEORGETOWN

World famous for its street-food, not many people realise that Georgetown has a thriving plant-based and vegetarian scene. Obviously with a huge amount of Indian restaurants, you can guarantee some delicious dinners, but there are also a new crop of places creating inventive plates of meat-free food.

From the super health-conscious places with calories counts, neighborhood spots with sharing plates, hidden gems serving vegan Japanese food, and amazing bowls of vegan Laksa, this guide will more than satisfy a tourist visiting Penang.

So stop asking yourself where you can find the best vegan curry mee in Penang, or the best plant based food in Georgetown, and read this article. We've got you covered.

CLICK ICON FOR ALL LOCATIONS

UNCLE LOKE VEGAN LAKSA

One of the best vegan laksa on earth, this Tanjung Tokong foodstall is wildly popular so don't come too late or they'll be sold out. Super flavoursome and addictively sippy.

IDEALITE

With three branches around Penang, this health-conscious restaurant serves amazing renditions of local and Japanese dishes. They sell health products also, along with nuts and granola and the service is friendly.

PURE SAIVA

Recently opened, and with two popular branches in KL, this Indian vegetarian restaurant serves a great lunch. Healthy, clean, not too oily, lots of choices, and dosa and idly for breakfast and dinner, this is an MUST DO in Penang.

SINCERE CO.

Clinically clean and minimalist interiors, but bright and flavourful bowls. Most dishes can be made vegan, and there are multiple options if you want to omit onions & garlic too. A great place to eat tasty vegetarian and vegan food with a twist.

SUSU VEGAN MYLK BAR

Sharing the same floorspace at the excellent Orcabrew at the back, this tiny retro-themed bar serves delicious beetroot based vegan burgers and fries. The service is casual and friendly and the food is tasty!

BOCK GARDEN MEATLESS CAFE

Vegetarian Asam Pedas? Why yes! This oddly located, bizarrely decorated Chinese restaurant serves sensationally tasty meatless food. The Asam Fish dish is one of their signature moves, and though the actual "fish" can take a bit of getting used to, the gravy is sublime. Definitely worth going to with a group so you can share dishes.

COO SWEET BUN VEGAN

Despite the name, no sweet buns are served here. This tiny vegan eatery offers daily specials, fixed menu items and a few starters. The kitchen spills out from the dining room, outside into the street, so be prepared for live-action eating. Everything is delicious and freshly made.

FADHILAH MAJU FOOD CORNER

If you want true dosa done in the crispy/glass texture, then head to this legendary spot and be prepared to move your chairs and tables when the cars want to turn into the lane. It's part of the fun of eating here.

p.s. After your dosa (and very decent roti canai), walk a few blocks to get the epic desserts mentioned below at Sai Ram). Thanks to Peter Yeoh for the tips!

SAI RAM FAMOUS APOM

Let the debates rage about whether this apom or the one round the corner which earnt a Michelin mention is best, spoiler: They're both great.

Not vegan, but a vegetarian delight.

LILY'S VEGETARIAN

Showcasing vegetarian versions of all your favourite Malaysian specialties, this spacious eatery is super friendly, and everything is delicious.

THE GARDEN BANANA LEAF

This Keralan vegetarian banana leaf restaurant set in a garden is a gem and a half. Beware of it on hot days as there is no AC, but the food here is worthy of the sweats.

ZEN XIN

Chinese vegetarian food near New World Centre, the star of the menu here is their aubergine kung pao. It's deliciously crispy, melty inside and packs a good amount of heat. With the added crunch of green peppers you're running the entire texture gamut from front to back.

NEKO VEGAN HOUSE

This cute vegan restaurant is run in a house tucked down a backalley near Chulia Street. Sushi and Japanese vegan style dishes are on the menu here, and they're all delicious.

ANNALAKSHMI TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS

Behind the main building is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant set in a garden. The food is slightly more expensive than most banana leaf places, but the attention to detail and taste is a cut above also.

HALAB

With branches in KL that are rabidly popular, this Middle Eastern gem is a bit hard on the wallet, but the food is excellent and authentic.

KAFE THE LEAF

The clue is in the name here. A small cafe specialising in all things health-food. Quiet vibes and solid food, makes it a good option for non-Indian food on the most popular Indian streetfood road in town.

CHETTIARS

One of the best masala dosa in town. Their ala carte menu is also solid, but the dosa is what you come here for.

SUPE VEGAN

Sushi, noodles, ramen and salads, this Georgetown favourite is a vegan dream.

HEIRLOOM & CO

The draft kombucha here is dynamite, and the first of its kind in Penang. Well worth a trip.

EE BENG

More of an "economy rice" style place with multiple trays of food, self-service and pay at the counter, the food is cheap and cheerful and you can eat a whole plate for 5RM.

WOODLANDS

The one area Woodlands excel in is their Chole Bhature. Their dosa are also quite good, but for banana leaf we recommend the places mentioned previously in this guide.

BEST FISH HEAD CURRY IN KL

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:35:17 GMT

BEST FISH HEAD CURRY IN KL

AVOID EYE CONTACT

Perhaps not everyone is as hellbent on trying weird food, but the writers at The Mouth have been fastidiously brought up with the moto "Try everything twice", and so we did. The prevailing notion is that fish head curry is a meager poor-mans dish scrambled together from off-cuts left for cats to peruse. The truth couldn't be further. When served a delicious fish head smothered in layered deep curry sauce, your fingers begin to find flesh hidden in the strangest places. It becomes almost a game, trying to pry out chunks of succulent meat covered in rich gravy.

There are a few places in KL famous for the dish, but these two were our favourites based not only on price and location, but flavour flavour flavour. Fish Head curry is not something you should tackle alone, it's much more fun being a group of people and opting for the larger (more expensive) heads. They come with more flesh and are easier to attack rather than fiddling around with the smaller ones with surgical precision to extract a cheek. The real winner is of course the curry gravy ladled on top, riddled with tofu puffs, okra and perhaps some other seasonal vegetable. A plate of white rice and some vegetable sides are all that's needed before planning your entry and attacking it head on. Sorry, bad pun.

TUGU VIEW CAFE

Hidden down a jungle road this monument to lunch stands sheltered from the midday sun by parasols and trees. Local Government workers seep in on their break to munch on fantastic bites, and the star of the show here is the fish head curry. Each head is steamed beforehand, then laid out in a tray according to size. As soon as you've chosen yours the chef masterfully bathes it in rich, desirous curry sauce and sprinkles some fresh greens on top. You then take your plate, fill up rice and get stuck in.

The actual fish heads are far meatier than expected, and the gravy just coats everything in tempered spiced heaven. Tofu puffs also soak up excess gravy, and in this instance rice is just a method of getting more sauce into your stomach. This is pure gluttonous feasting.

Tip: Get there early because the lunch-rush is frantic and you might miss out on the fishheads.

RESTORAN ZK

A few blocks from Chinatown, near the amazing Tandang Recordstore lies ZK Restoran (not to be confused with another ZK Restoran that belts out corking Chinese fare). A basic muslim restaurant serving curries, rice and their famous fishheads. The gravy here is less intoxicating than at Tugu, but the flavours are still better than other spots in town.

One thing they do really well at ZK is their fried chicken, so be sure to order a plate of that to go along with your curry. All in all the prices here are cheaper than Tugu, but if you only have time for one spot then hit Tugu.

Tip: Definitely order some fried chicken!

TDSC | KUALA LUMPUR

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:24:36 GMT

TDSC | Kuala Lumpur

HIDDEN CINEMA CLUB IN TAMAN DESA

The sky was bru ised beyond repair, fat droplets of water began falling, splattering the ground in Brickfields. It was time.

A Grab taxi arrived, and the road was navigated, 20 minutes, past blurred buildings through windows streaming with rain. Taman Desa. An odd little corner of KL. Some great food, not much else. Except TDSC, but most people don't know that.

Up the steps and open the front gate, stand and wait. When the owner upstairs spots you on the security camera, you'll be buzzed in and climb up two floors. Inside the universe awaits. Depending on what film, you can be transported back or forward in time, lost for a few hours.

Grab a couch, walk to the back and pay your donation, buy a drink, tea, beer, whatever picks your fancy, and allow yourself to enter the world of cinema.

When the time is up, have a chat, tip your hat, and head back out into the cold, dark truth of reality.

Check their Instagram profile for the cinema program.

Timemore Black Mirror Duo & Fish Kettle | Review

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:20:57 GMT

TIMEMORE BLACK MIRROR DUO & KETTLE

BY TREMOR CHRIST

Timemore really are amazing for people who like minimalist, clean looks on their kitchen counter. What could be more on-trend than matte black gear that looks elegant, modern and clean. The footprint is also quite small considering all you need is to have your grinder (we recommend the Millab E01), and you're good to go.

These two items were tested thoroughly for 3 months, and we absolutely loved them. The positives and negatives can all be found below, but regardless of the process of having to be neutral, we can only say they are amazing products for the everyday home-brewer, and well priced.

What Timemore do so well is not compromise on quality, but keep the cost affordable for most people. They don't cut corners with materials either, so things tend to feel sturdy, durable and nice to the touch.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives - Scale

Fast and precise: Offers 0.1 g accuracy up to 2 kg with near-instant response—great for pour-over precision.

Auto-timer: Starts timing immediately upon pouring, no fumbling mid-flow.

USB-C charging & solid battery life: Rechargeable and thoughtfully designed.

Splash/water-resistant surface: Handles spills and stray drips well.

Adjustable dripper stand: Height-adjustable, rotatable stand locks in place—converts into a compact travel station.

Dual-scale technology: Separately measures water input and brew output, allowing real-time flow rate display and extraction tracking.

Recommended for extraction geeks: Great input/output measurements for people who want to nail their extraction.

The Negatives - Scale

No app connectivity: Read on-screen manually only —no digital logging or graphing.

Less intuitive for non-geeks: Can feel excessive for casual users.

Positives - Kettle

Precise pour control : Patented gooseneck spout with stable filtration delivers consistent flow, excellent for pour-over brewing.

Rapid heating : Heats quickly. 600 ml to ~88 °C in ~220 seconds.

High-quality build : Crafted from 304 food-grade stainless steel with boil-dry protection.

Stylish design : Minimalist aesthetic—sleek, compact, and visually appealing.

Strong performance at value : Competes with more expensive models (e.g., Fellow Stagg EKG) at a lower price.

After six months of use.

Negatives - Kettle

Limited capacity : Only 600 ml—may require refills for multiple cups.

Touch slider interface quirks : James Hoffmann is not a fan of the touch control or slider, haha, but we didn't find it that bad.

Occasional precision issues : A few difficulties maintaining exact target temperatures or inconsistencies after heating.

Handle build : Slight flex or plastic feel; not as robust as higher-end competitors. However, the price dictates that of course. The main issue is the spout design means that you can quite easily hit the side of your dripper if you are pouring from a low height. This needs some adjustment from your pouring-technique.

Thoughts

A great duo for your kitchen counter. Perfect for pour-over enthusiasts who want to up their game and start making coffee as well as the local cafe.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want a discount click here .

Timemore Crystal Eye Dripper | Review

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:58:54 GMT

TIMEMORE CRYSTAL EYE DRIPPER

BY TREMOR CHRIST

I’ve always appreciated Timemore’s approach to brewing gear – sleek, modern, and built to enhance coffee flavor. The Crystal Eye Dripper caught my attention for its design and brewing consistency, and after several pours, I can say it delivers a pleasantly sweet cup, typical of Timemore’s style.

Using the Timemore Crystal Eye Dripper is a good experience – it brews clean, smooth coffee with a sweet profile that’s characteristic of Timemore gear. But while it nails sweetness, the cup feels a tad flat, missing the lively acidity and brightness I love in a great pour-over.

The design is eye-catching, and the design fits great on a minimalist coffee-counter, but the functionality has room for improvement. The paper doesn’t fit exactly right, which affects consistency, and the grip handle becomes slippery and hard to manage once steam condenses. At this price point, I would love better ergonomics and a slightly more dynamic cup.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

Sweet, Balanced Brews – Produces a smooth and sweet cup that’s easy to enjoy.

Modern Design – Looks amazing and feels premium on the counter.

Durable Build – Sturdy construction for a lightweight brewer.

The Negatives

Awkward Paper Fit – Standard filters don’t sit quite right, which can cause uneven extractions.

Slippery Grip Handle – When steam condenses, the small handle becomes hard to hold safely.

Lacks Acidity and Brightness – Sweetness dominates, but complexity and vibrancy are missing.

Final Thoughts

Overall a great entry-point dripper, and looks sensational on your counter.

Priced very competitively for what you get. If you want at discount click here .

CHIANG RAI VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:34:09 GMT

Vegetarian & Vegan Guide To Chiang Rai

THE BEST VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD IN CHIANG RAI

Coffee is the name of the game in Chiang Rai, but should you be hanging around for longer than it takes to book the slow boat to Luang Prabang, here are some excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants to idle away the time.

From plant-based burgers to lunch buffet restaurants, boutique hotels with excellent restaurants and deep fried taro and tofu, this guide is all you need to make sure your stay in Chiang Rai is tasty and conscientious.

Grab that tuktuk and know you saved a cow today!

CLICK ICON FOR ALL LOCATIONS

SHANN CAFE

Despite it technically being an eco-resort , outsiders are welcome to eat in the excellent cafe out front. Their tom yum is one of the best we have tried HANDS DOWN, and the atmosphere is chill and serene.

BOONSITA VEGETARIAN CAFE

Not your typical rice & curry spot, 100% meat-free, and absolutely delicious. Meals are outrageously cheap, freshly cooked and packed with flavour.

KUNDA VEGAN

Perhaps Chiang Rai's most famous vegan establishment, and no wonder because these burgers kick ass. Their trio of homemade hot sauces are less successful, but still add a bit of a bite to your burger if you want some.

TAMACHAT VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

A dark aircraft hangar looking food court, with the kindest old ladies on earth serving up delicious plant-based meals. The Khao Soi is a bit different to many versions we tried in Thailand, but equally delicious.

OASIS VEGETARIAN

Thankfully they don't play Wonderwall at this fine vegetarian establishment. Tons of options for lunch buffet, fridges full of healthy drinks and a store selling essentials. Great place right by the bus station.

TOFU STALL

Find the tofu stall at the Sirikorn Fruit Market! They are delicious when piping hot, but you'll have to either be early or time it right.

PORWA ORGANIC FARM

This health-food restaurant is not strictly vegan/vegetarian, but has healthy options and a relaxing koi pond to eat by. Worth it even for a cold drink.

AING PATISSERIE

Surprisingly decadent French pastries made with high quality butter, not a stop for vegans, but vegetarians who fancy a flaky munch should flock here!

TAM RAP LAO | CHIANG MAI

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:47:01 GMT

TAM RAP LAO | CHIANG MAI

TOURIST TRAP?

Sipping excellent coffee at Asama, the barista mentioned that we should go to this restaurant in the old town to eat Larb. I made a note of it on google maps, double-checking with her that it was correct. A couple of days passed and we happened to be in the area, following the prompts until we stood outside, slightly puzzled.

The woman at Asama was a rockstar. She was amazing. She made the best coffee and really seemed to know what was up. She sent us here? I went through every possible combination of if she thought tourists couldn't handle real food, if despite the throngs of tourists inside they actually made decent food, if she had written it down wrong?

The sun was beating down and hunger was a reality worth succumbing to. We ordered and sat there feeling quite awkward.

The food came after a very long wait, whilst tourists at neighbouring tables ordered their Pad Thai and basic Thai favourites. We perked up a bit when the plates were set down, noticing the rather nice tint of the raw beef. Food was attacked in diametric reasonings. Left to Right. Pounding the plates with handfulls of sticky rice. OK, this wasn't bad. It wasn't amazing, but it was far from some tourist trap.

Maybe she had mean't to send us here and thought we'd appreciate it since it was a safe version of Larb. This was nothing like the dishes served up at Ton Yang where throngs of Thai's worship at the feet of salad and drinks. No, the raw beef one had a good texture and flavour, very bright and acidic. The two cooked versions were quite standard to be honest.

A friendly smile, payments settled and out into the bastard sun. I still wonder if she really meant to send us there or we were part of some cosmic joke. I guess we'll never know.

SAIGON FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:25:40 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO SAIGON

WHERE TO EAT LIKE A LOCAL IN HO CHI MINH

Navigating the full-frontal assault that is Saigon takes patience and a stiff backbone. To a newbie it can be a frightening experience, like being thrown into a pit of hissing vipers. However, after a day or two of adjustments, the city begins to show it's riches. Hidden behind the barrage of motorbikes steering to infinity, are thousands of small alleyways that cook wonderful broths and crispy sandwiches, visited by a loyal local clientele.

For a city with almost 9 million inhabitants, you can bet your bottom Dong that nobody has done enough research in finding all the hidden gems. The Mouth, however, has been visiting the mighty serpent for over 15 years, and spent countless hours eating mediocre banh mi or bowls of Pho to cut through the rubbish and present you with what we consider the best.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

PHO PHO VUONG

Tho they have two branches in Saigon, the one linked on our map is the furthest from District 1, and definitely the better of the two. If you only have time to visit the more central one, you'll still get a killer bowl of Pho, but the 20 minute taxi ride will amp up the rewards a tad more.

BANH MI 37

The pork Banh Mi served here are legendary. Crowds line up from 4pm onwards waiting for the grill to start sizzling and the fat pork patties to be embraced in crispy rolls stuffed with cucumber, herbs and chilli.

THE LUNCH LADY

Propelled into the spotlight by the sadly deceased ambassador of booze and banquets, Anthony Bourdain, this small outdoor shack is an interesting detour from the bowels of Saigon. With only one dish cooked per day, you are at the mercy of the chef, but her recipes are well regarded and chances are you'll leave satisfied.

PHO QUYNH

Despite its proximity to the battering-ram hell of Bui Vien, this family run Pho-behemoth has been selling spectacular bowls of soup for decades. Our only gripe is that since it's a 24 hour operation, you might catch the broth at a change-over when it's slightly more watery. Give it a go and see!

CAFE APARTMENTS

Take the elevator to the top floor and spend the afternoon walking each level until you reach the street again. Tucked in corners and hallways are a wide array of cafes, stores and artistic spots to waste your time.

96B

If you're serious about your coffee in Saigon, then this is the place to come. Round the corner is a pretty decent Banh Mi at Bay Ho, so you can kill two birds with one scooter.

COM TAM NGUYEN VAN CU

Locals argue over which place does the best pork chop, but for the sheer size of this monstrosity, it has to be in the debate. As with many Vietnamese dishes, it eats on the sweet side, but the flavours are legit.

7 BRIDGES

Perhaps the best people-watching bar in Ho Chi Minh, if you grab a stool in the backroom you have free reign over the comings and goings of this particularly cheeky neighborhood.

DEN LONG

Sometimes you want something safe and satisfying that doesn't run the risk of food poisoning or mystery meat, then Den Long is your best bet. The food here is hygienic, flavourful and kind on your wallet.

Tip: The Mackrel Salad with Mango is a standout!

3BICH

Vintage clothing horders of the world unite!

TORISOBA MUTAHIRO

Situated at the end of a tiny alley in the slightly perverse "Japan-Town", this noodle shop sells blisteringly good Shoyu Ramen with solid noodles and addictive broth.

CAFE MARCEL

Cafe Marcel serves up Saigon's tastiest burger. It ain't cheap, but it's bloody delicious. Oh, and their fries are fire too...

KEN COFFEE

The best coffee in Le Thanh Ton area.

DALCHEENI

It is rare to find Indian food of this caliber outside of the motherland, but they really know what they're doing here. By far the best Indian food in Saigon.

PHUC HAI

You have to risk your life to stand waiting for your Banh Mi from this roadside stall, but the pork belly is crispy and luxurious and the chilli sauce is downright delicious.

PHO HAI

If Hanoi is not in your plans and you sit at home shivering at the thought of missing out on streetside Pho, then here is your chance. The Pho is not amazing, but it's good enough, and plonking your tired frame down on a miniscule plastic stool and seeing the smiling owner is enough to make the trip.

PIZZA 4P'S

Pizza is pizza, but 4P's do a damn fine Neopolitan style. Lucky for us they have branches all over town, and even up in Hanoi.

MISO RAMEN CHIKURA

The quality of ramen in Saigon is so high we could easily have included 3 other spots in this list, but we made a "Best Ramen" post for a reason. Chikura serves heavy, decadent, delicious ramen but be prepared to cancel any plans for the afternoon and head back for a ten hour nap.

COMMUNE SAIGON

When a bar is tricky to find, you tend to not get gatecrashed by tossers on a pissup. We like our bars on rooftops and hard to get to.

POKE SAIGON

Deftly prepared bowls of fresh Poke give you a needed alternative to the daily grind of lemongrass and fish sauce. Choose the branch at the Cafe Apartments so you can spend the afternoon exploring the upper floors.

AL SHAM

Though Syrian food is perhaps not something you're expecting in Saigon, Al Sham do a very good job. Slightly pricy, but ever-so fresh and flavoursome.

BEP ME IN

For those who dare not leave District 1, then plonk your tired feet down in this popular tourist restaurant where at least the flavours are great and the hygiene is above average!

BEST PHO IN SAIGON

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:01:04 GMT

BEST PHO IN SAIGON

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT PHO

The Mouth sent it's team of broth-bellied missionaries to Ho Chi Minh City over the course of a decade, to sample, dissect, critique and slurp as many bowls as they could without bursting. Having read countless blogs, newspaper articles, in-flight magazines, youtube comment sections and interviews with chef's we trust, the following list are a product of having tried the top 25 places in town.

Inconsistencies aside, one of our writers tested each of the 25, ignored rabid arguments and protestations, and decided what style and format was our personal favourite. Whilst everyone has their own interpretations of what makes the perfect bowl of Pho, for us it's simple:

Great broth, not too sweet, not too perfumed. Good quality meat. Fresh herbs and toppings. Home-made chilli sauce if possible. Personally we do not go for the ultra fatty or super clean bowls, liking a balance between flavour and clarity. Sometimes you find a place where the broth is dynamite but the beef is like eating string, so those places end up falling out of favour because the overall purpose is a good all-round eating experience.

Service and price are not the deciding factors, since Pho is more of a streetfood dish eaten fast and not waited on by attentive staff to refill glasses of expensive plonk. No, our favourite Pho places are either street stalls, or halls with stainless steel tables, piles of fresh herbs, chilli sauce to make your tongue peel and the heady smell of stewing soup.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PHO PHU VUONG

Choose the location furthest away from Bui Vien, because they truly outshine the downtown version. Simply faultless Pho, friendly service, amazing chilli sauce and good quality meat. It really doesn't get any better than this.

PHO QUYNH

It took 3 visits to Saigon before we dared enter this daunting temple of animal bones. Partly because of it's proximity to hell-on-earth, Bui Vien, but also the sheer amount of people eating here caused anxiety to creep in. It was worth the risk. Some of the best broth you will taste in Saigon, and open late.

Watch serial eater Mike Chen hit both Quynh and Vuong in one swoop here.

PHO HUNG

Despite many fake "Hung" branches around town, this OG spot is consistently great. Not the very best we found in Saigon, but damn well worth a visit.

PHO HAI

Plastic stools on a streetcorner, you close your eyes and you're in Hanoi. Not the most amazing broth we ever ate, but the overall experience is great.

PHO HA

In fifth place, for those who prefer the chicken version, then this is your spot in Saigon. Close to the Cafe Apartments, pop yourself down at a plastic table and enjoy the best bowl of Chicken Pho this side of town.

Wacaco Exagram Pro | Review

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 13:34:54 GMT

WACACO EXAGRAM PRO

BY TREMOR CHRIST

After upgrading from my $2 scale bought in Chiang Mai, I ordered this along with my Timemore C3 ESP PRO grinder. I’ve always liked Wacaco for their innovative portable coffee gear , so when I saw the Exagram Pro scale, I was excited to try it out. It’s designed to pair perfectly with their espresso makers and promises precision for both espresso and pour-over brewing. After using it for a while, I have mixed feelings about whether it lives up to that promise.

It arrived after 10 days, and I used it for 3 months before testing the Bookoo and Timemore scales.

Who is Wacaco?

Wacaco is a Hong Kong–based company that has become synonymous with portable espresso innovation. With products like the Minipresso and Nanopresso, Wacaco has set new standards for coffee gear that is compact, durable, and capable of delivering café-quality espresso anywhere. What sets them apart is their dedication to constant improvement and beautiful industrial design, giving coffee enthusiasts around the world the freedom to enjoy espresso wherever life takes them.

Who are the competitors?

The Positives

Compact Design – I liked how small and portable it is, making it easy to fit on my brew station or take on trips.

Built-in Programs – It has pre-set modes for espresso and pour-over, which is a nice idea for beginners.

Simple Interface – The touch controls are straightforward, and I didn’t need to read a big manual to figure it out.

The Negatives

Inconsistent Accuracy – I found the scale to be a little unreliable compared to others I’ve used. Small weight changes didn’t always register immediately.

Lag in Readings – There’s a noticeable delay when pouring, which makes it frustrating when timing is crucial.

Silicone Mat – The mat doesn't sit right, so it keeps sliding off which is a bit annoying.

Battery Life Could Be Better – I had to recharge it more often than expected, especially with regular use.

Thoughts

For budget conscious people you may enjoy using this, but for the serious coffee customer, I think for a few dollars more you can get a better option.

LAKE TOBA FOOD GUIDE

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:40:34 GMT

Food Guide To Lake Toba

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FOOD IN TUKTUK

The emerald gem of Sumatra, Lake Toba is the perfect place to kick back and read books for a week. If you manage to avoid the loud watersports enthusiasts, it can be a blissful retreat.

The food scene, however, is not amazing. After doing some deep reseach, The Mouth figured out your best bets for eating something tasty and reasonable in the middle of an ancient volcano lake.

Where To Start Your Day With Coffee

GUBUK COFFEE

Indonesians are crazy about coffee, and this hidden gem serves specialty coffee for the discerning mouth. The best in the area by far.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

GINGER

Without a doubt the best food in Toba. Our favourite is the fish rendang. Absolutely delicious!

PIZZA EBIKEL

Not many places in Sumatra have a solid woodfire oven, and know how to use it, but Ebikel does. Ignore all the restaurants along the road advertising pizza, this place is the real deal.

ROSALIE'S

Situated on the back balcony of a house, this charming restaurant serves local food, simply cooked, with love.

HUB TATA

For your health fix with the best views in town, head here. Wait times can be longer than usual, but the view makes up for it.

ROMLAN

Wait times can be excruciating, but the breakfasts here are solid.

Timemore C3 ESP PRO | Review

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:39:54 GMT

TIMEMORE C3 ESP PRO

BY BENJAMIN SAND

Grind Quality (Filter): ★★★★★ 5/5

Grind Quality (Espresso): ★★★★ 4/5

Build Quality & Design: ★★★★★ 5/5

Travel Friendliness: ★★★★ 4/5

Value for Money: ★★★★★ 5/5

THE VERDICT — ★★★★ 4/5

Best For : Filter coffee lovers, light travellers.

Price : ~€80–€120

Bottom Line: An extremely stylish and well-built handgrinder, that is affordable for any entry level enthusiast.

T imemore have managed what few coffee companies have in the past, to combine entry-level coffee equipment for beginners with high-end quality products that barista champions around the world are proud to endorse. Their company makes stylish products that feel solid and quality-driven with packaging that evokes a minimalist Japanese or German aesthetic, and yet manage to keep the price within a range where anyone can find something that works for them.

My first hand grinder was the Time More C3 ESP Pro , something I bought on my birthday to begin an exploration of making coffee at home rather than spending all my money in expensive coffee shops. The journey was a steep learning curve of understanding grind size, how it affected the cups I brewed, and what method I used, whether that was AeroPress or filter, etc, etc. The journey was a sweet one, and I found over time that I managed to discover a sweet spot where the grind size was kept pretty consistent, and I changed other variables like water temperature or pouring technique. For a traveler, the size of the C3 was great, it felt very sturdy, and it fit into my backpack.

Who is Timemore?

It is rare to see a brand that so naturally combines innovation with accessibility, and Timemore has managed to create that balance in a way that continues to impress coffee lovers around the globe.

The Positives

High-quality S2C burrs (Spike-to-Cut) deliver a consistent grind with minimal fines.

All-metal aluminum body , durable and premium-feeling (no plastic except minor parts), built to last.

Foldable handle & compact form , excellent for travel and easy storage.

Fast and smooth grinding , 18 g of espresso takes about 1 minute; easy to grip and operate.

Great value for the price, competes well with more expensive hand grinders I have tried.

Quiet operation and user-friendly design , suitable for beginners and daily use. The size and weight is perfect for travel.

The Negatives

Adjustment dial being inside means you have to unscrew it everytime you want to change grind-size.

Small bean/grind capacity (20–25 g), not the best when grinding large quantities at once.

Alignment issues post-cleaning, it can be a bit tricky to align the dial perfectly when you need to clean the grinder.

Less ergonomic, The fold-down handle makes grinding a bit trickier due to the angle you have to rotate at. Handles with a dropped angle are far easier, especially for espresso from light-roast beans.

Thoughts

Despite the minor issues, we would highly recommend this as a good entry level hand-grinder for people who are on the go. Great for bringing to your cabin in the summer, or for a long weekend. Even better if you are heading off on a long backpacking trip.

The fact that it looks so stylish means it can sit on a shelf in the coolest, most minimal kitchen also.

If you're interested in checking one out, have a look here .

PENNAPRA PRIVATE DINING | PENANG

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:47:00 GMT

Pennapra Private Dining & Supper Club

A HIDDEN SUPPER CLUB IN HISTORIC GEORGETOWN, PENANG

It's universally accepted that Malaysia is rather inept at Thai food. Despite sharing a land border, the secret balance of flavours seems to get confiscated at immigration along with other suspicious packages. Though Tom Yum can be found on every street, the way in which the locals cook it would be seen as sheer blasphemy to a Thai. Overly sweet, overly creamy, pungent in all the wrong ways, and relying heavily on frozen seafood, the best thing to do in Malaysia, is eat Malay, Chinese or Indian food.

Until now.

Hailing from Kamphaeng Phet -a town 5 hour drive north of Bangkok- Chef Pennapra Yathai aka Mei, runs the kitchen, husband Ben Lo covers front of house.

Promoted as a casual high-end supperclub, this ' reservation only ' restaurant seats anywhere from a handful to 12-14 guests along facing tables to encourage mingling. The atmosphere is chill, with carefully curated Thai music acting as a backdrop.

The kitchen is located behind, and one wouldn't even notice it until the waft of heavenly scents come seeping into the dining room.

Now, onto the experience.

* Menu photo is from Sep 2024, items may have changed.

A menu is placed before each guest, as Ben introduces the ethos of the restaurant, maintaining that they value consistency, freshness and quality over all. Their seafood is sourced from the best suppliers in Georgetown, their vegetables and herbs are bright and crisp, the beef is of the highest quality and the drink pairings are the result of years of relationships with the industries best importers.

Bottom line, you are not going to get cookie-cutter ingredients at Pennapra.

After a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served, the amuse-bouche comes out, fiery, flavoursome and addictive. Mei's version of edamame kissed with a Thai "Phad Kha Prow" flavour hits addictively well. They are not messing around with the spices on this one, but it's not overpoweringly hot. The balance of the herbs, chillies and edamame sets your mouth to salivating-mode, ready for the fish course.

Next up is the "Sushi-not-sushi" which exemplifies simplicity. The Japanese Halibut fin (Engawa) is meltingly fatty and tender -a rare part of the muscle strip that is highly prized- and the plate is an artwork in itself, with the accompanying elements harmonious and not fighting for attention. As Ben explains, the meal should eat like a good DJ set, where you're not constantly hit with high intensity breaks, blowing out your eardrums over the course of the night, but instead taken on undulating waves of a curated journey where the tongue can find joy in subtle flavours along with acidic or spicy contrasts.

A dish that Pennapra have been furiously perfecting in their test kitchen finally made an appearance on our second visit. The world may know the famous Jay Fai in Bangkok, and her $45 crab omelette, but not many people have tried to reinvent the humble dish in a format that might surprise.

Pennapra serve their version more as a souffle than a traditional omelette, packed full of fresh, delicate crab meat, and christened with edible flowers and crispy bits. They don't hold back on the seasoning here (Jay Fai is routinely criticised for under-seasoning hers), but it doesn't eat salty. It eats delicious.

During any tasting menu, there will be dishes that are more noteworthy than others, and somewhere within the parade, one that makes the room go silent.

The Tom Yum bouillabaisse is that dish.

Deceptively unctuous, this is nothing like the intense and unruly Tom Yum soups slung out in their hundreds by stalls all over Malaysia. This is a dream of complexity and restraint. The soup-base is deeply fragranced and opulent without the cheat-code of dumping liters of coconut cream to add richness. The seafood is all prepared meticulously and the mushrooms add an earthy sweetness to the soup. You can taste the freshness on the shrimp as it bounces perfectly on the tooth and doesn't eat rubbery or pasty. This soup is a triumph. A showstopper that has the whole room Ooh-ing and Ahh-ing as if on command.

The baby squid course is a game-changer. For all those who dismiss squid as being "chewy like rubber", you haven't tried the one at Pennapra. Barely hissed on the grill, fresh as the day, and delicately plated with accompaniments that don't take away from the subtle flavours, this dish is one to look forward to as the night progresses.

Every meal is better if there is a personal connection involved. Whether that is a recipe handed down from a family member, a childhood memory that triggers the chef to create, or something else. In this case, the main course is served, followed by Ben walking around with a fifty-year-old china teapot that belonged to his mother and pours the green curry sauce tableside. He mentions that any green curry served in restaurants that is thick and consists mostly of coconut cream, is basically made for tourists. Real Thai green curry is thinner.

There is a choice between high quality beef (A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Australian Wagyu or Angus Ribeye depending on supply), organic chicken breast or halibut (mentioned beforehand at the time of booking), and each one pairs well with the sauce. My fish was perfectly cooked, flaky and yet with a crispy skin. Some blistered vegetables complete what was a tasty plate of food.

A nutmeg sorbet acts as a palate cleanser before the dessert. A nice touch of fresh mint and lime accentuate the flavours.

The final savoury course announces itself in the form of wafts of heavenly scents from the kitchen. A Thai river prawn cooked on the grill, with a freshly made "nam jim" dipping sauce. Nut-crackers are provided for those who want to explore the fleshy arms of the crustacean, and the head-butter is another option for dipping the perfectly cooked meat in. For the brave, a pair of fiery red chillies tempt you to take a bite, and after the cooling palate cleanser, we did just that.

The Nam Jim Seafood sauce is craveable, with a deep heat melting into intoxicating freshness from balancing chillies, lime, coriander, fish sauce and garlic.

Seriously, you could drink this by the glass.

As the vinyl needle figuratively moves to the final track, dessert is served.

For those familiar with Thai cuisine, Mango Sticky Rice is the universal go-to. You cannot visit a restaurant in Thailand without seeing it on the menu, and it's almost always a winner. Chef Mei reinvents this humble dish by serving fresh Goldenlily mango with puffed rice, a coconut ice-cream and mango caviar. The dessert is not overly sweet, and plays well to cool down the palate after the Nam Jim (and red chillies) of the previous course.

Being one of only two restaurants in Malaysia (and the youngest restaurant in history to win it) bestowed with the official THAI SELECT SIGNATURE honour in 2024, Pennapra Dining Room is balancing modernity and tradition with aplomb. Drawing on the vast heritage of Thai cuisine, but bringing some of the more standard dishes into a new light, by changing ingredients or cooking methods, it offers an insight into the mind of a chef who is not afraid to take new directions, but always remembers the path back to where she came from.

If you happen to be in Georgetown, or planning a visit to Malaysia, then we highly recommend reserving a table at Pennapra.

You can do so by messaging them on Instagram or Facebook .

The Mouth visited Pennapra Dining Room twice, 4 months apart, to experience if the restaurant was consistent. No money exchanged hands and the management had no say in the direction or outcome of the article.

A GUIDE TO MUMBAI'S PARSI RESTAURANTS

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:55:33 GMT

Guide To Mumbai's Parsi Restaurants

UNCOVERING THE AUTHENTIC PARSI SCENE IN MUMBAI

Escaping religious persecution in the 8th-9th century, a group of Parsi's settled in the coastal city of Mumbai (via Gujarat). A melting pot of cultures already from around the sub-continent, they found a home in the busy streets of Bombay, and over time began to leave their own fingerprint on the cities cultural and culinary fabric.

The first Parsi restaurants started appearing in the 18th-19th century, quickly becoming a meeting place for the community to congregate and connect over traditional recipes. Word spread, and soon thousands of local Bombayites began to discover the new and wonderful cuisine being served on their doorstep. Over the next decades the restaurants would become an intrinsic part of the culinary landscape of Mumbai, acting almost as a natural part of the cities template.

Below are a few of the most famous and traditional Parsi restaurants still going, and a guide to what to eat there. The decaying facades and peeling paint create a magical aura of times gone by, where you can smell the history whilst tucking in to your rich, fragrant meals surrounded by the constant murmur of satisfied conversation. Whilst the world around us changes at astonishing speed, and relics of ancient times are generally swept under the carpet, it is comforting to know that places like these exist for the time being, and hopefully keep their foothold for a few more generations to come.

Whether or not modernity manages to kick them out further to the cheaper suburbs remains to be seen, but for now enjoy them while you can. They are magical.

BRITANNIA & COMPANY

Perhaps the most loved and well known of all Mumbai's Parsi cafes, entering Britannia & Co is like stepping back a hundred years. The owner sits defiantly on his chair wafting the thick air around to cool off, his dog lies on the counter with a sign that warns people from petting, the waiters are dressed in black trousers and white pressed shirts, the menus speak of miracles from Iran, the tables are closely packed so the conversation becomes a consistent drone, the fan attempts to cut the humidity, the walls look about to collapse, the paint flickers off in tiny specks and dances in rotations on the way to the floor.

To come here is to crave nostalgia. To belong.

As far as food goes, non-vegetarians have to order the sali boti mutton, either with chapatis or their berry pulao (they still import the barberries from Iran). For vegetarians the dansak is the go-to dish here, and if -like any respectable diner- you are sharing, then get a vegetarian berry pulao so you can both attack the meal with equal conscience.

For the sweet of tooth, their caramel custards are legendary, so a saccharine end to a triumphant meal is the only fitting curtain call for a memorable trip in time.

KYANI & CO.

Breakfast is a meal best enjoyed in private surroundings when the newspaper is the only voice that disturbs your waking spirit. However, in Mumbai peace and quiet are in meagre supply, so we suggest braving the traffic and heading to Kyani & Co to find a corner surrounded by mirrors and gaze into the ether from the past.

The dish to get here is their famous Parsi Akoori eggs (scrambled eggs with onion, tomatoes and chilli), with buttered bread rolls, their elaichi chai and a few deep breaths to take it all in. Outside the traffic peels by in perplexing zig-zags, but the interiors of Kyani bestow a certain air of reassurance. Everything is going to be alright.

SASSANIAN

Perhaps the darkest and most derelict of the three, Sassanian is more of a bakery than a restaurant but through the doorway they have a small eating room where the decor has been frozen in time since 1913. Ordering a tea and something naughty, and leaning back in your chair to take in the glory of times gentle march, invigorates those guilty of reminiscing, and washes the present smartphone distraction completely out of your bones (unless, heaven forbid, the influencers have found it).

The bakery counter looks about to topple in dust, the signs are faded from incessant sun, the glass jars have turned that wonderful shade of opaque, and the curtains hang in solemn defiance.

Though the future is here in ravishing acceleration, these restaurants offer solace and refuge from a world that has forgotten about the glory of old teak, canvasses painted by hand, posters printed & framed in distant backalleys, carpets handwoven, furniture built by callous fingered apprentices, books turned by the sun, reflections of history spoken by the stare of shopkeepers who have known the weight of history behind their ancestors movements, and the glory of being welcomed to a foreign land and been able to create a small pocket of Persia in the mayhem of Mumbai.

Read our extensive Guide to Mumbai here .

THE ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO ISTANBUL

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:57:37 GMT

THE ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO ISTANBUL

BY TREMOR CHRIST

Most of us have endured the token appreciation cup of coffee after haggling over a rug for an hour before realising "Do I really need a rug?", that dark sludge poisoning your teeth with grit that will stay there until new years. Smiling salesman ploughing you with caffeine until you quite literally lose all reason and surrender to the Visa machine.

Though Istanbul has more sights than you can shake Elvis' hips at, it also has a well defined Third-Wave coffee scene. Gone are the days of being limited to only a tiny vessel of thick murky intentions, the joy of a V60, slow-brew, cold brew, espresso based drink or aeropress are here to stay. Not only has the quality of coffee leapfrogged over the past decade, but the locations chosen to extract their drug of choice have also been contemplated with deep sincerity.

There are many coffee haunts below, some will be aimed solely at purists, some for the casual coffee flight artist, some still for those prepared to board public transport and suffer the indignity of human contact to venture out to distant neighborhoods for relief.

Istanbul, the mighty diamond, is now finally home to some black brilliance!

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PETRA ROASTING CO.

One of the first slingers of Third-wave coffee in Turkey, now with multiple locations, Petra is a great place to get a consistently tasty cup of coffee. From a minimalist house/garden in Bebek, to the sprawling behemoth in Gayrettepe, our favourite happens to be the small cosy cafe in Nisantasi where a book and an Ethiopian coffee hit the spot every time.

COFFEE DEPARTMENT

Another "chain" of coffee shops in Istanbul, bringing you great coffee time and time again. Our favourite locations are the tiny hidden one in Nisantasi, and the Balat location despite the tourist swarms a couple of blocks away.

COFFEE MANIFESTO

Another company with a few branches scattered around town, you can safely guarantee you'll get a better brew here than most places.

KARABATAK

Amidst the tourist melee of Karakoy (home to the epic lunchspot Nato), lies Karabatak in a quiet alley. Just far enough from the crowds, but easy enough to get to, this cafe has the perfect vibes for an afternoon work session or sunbathing while fawning over cats in the side-alley.

SPADA

This tiny cafe in Nistantasi with a few tables outside to soak up the rays, does excellent coffee. It also happens to be round the corner from Peleki, so you can go grab some bakery goods there or stretch your legs and grab a kebab at Adana Ocakbasi a 15 minute walk away.

CEKIRDEK

One of the OG spots for coffee of a different kind in Istanbul, this Kadikoy favourite offers exceptionally friendly service, nice pour-over, and a tiny sidewalk area to peer at strangers.

POSA ROASTERS

If you're out walking the tourist sights in Sultanahmet, and decide to head to Balat for some pondering, then drop by here for a cup of coffee. The space itself is a mix between an art students basement and a factory, but there are 2 tables outside if the sun is kind.

KRONOTROP

Though the signage doesn't inspire confidence, the coffee here is great. If you want to see how Turkish style coffee can be applied to different beans, then ask for the Ethiopian blend served in the local style. It's actually quite delicious.

FAHRIYE

Wrap your day in sad light and nostalgic furniture? Head to Fahriye and feed your solitude in a quiet corner.

MONTAG

Berlin vibes in Turkish surrounds, and solid coffee. They have a branch closer to the water with a terrace if people are such inclined.

BOHEMS

The coffee is perhaps not the highlight at this charming little cafe on the fringes of Nisantasi, but the tiny hidden location makes for a great place to read a book.

FU SHOU NOODLE CLUB | INTERVIEW

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:31:25 GMT

An Interview With Fu Shou Noodle Club

PORK SALVATION IN UBUD

Food is in abundance on the balmy island of Bali. Everywhere you look is a new bakery or organic restaurant vying for your manifested dollars. People flood in from far and wide for a taste of the healthy life, whilst waking up early for yoga or doing breath-work as the sun sinks behind bliss.

However, sometimes in life you need a break from the routine, and hidden in the plethora of options in Ubud (and now a new branch in Kuta), is the humble noodle shop FU SHOU NOODLE CLUB. Let's rewind a few years, pre-pandemic. Having positioned a tired posterior at the bar My Neighbor, the bartender had a few moments free to reply to the most pressing concerns: "Where should I eat in Ubud". Without a seconds hesitation, the answer was "Fu Shou Noodle Club".

Notes were taken, google map pins dropped and early the next midday the roaring scooter headed out for noodle salvation. After driving past the location twice (in the old spot), it was finally found and a cheery owner welcomed the hungry in with care and warmth, offering tips on what to order before disappearing into the kitchen to fascilitate our dreams.

Barely a few minutes later, the feast arrived. Simple, homecooked noodles, the perfect texture, soups to satisfy the craving for comfort, and a price to put a smile on the thriftiest bastard. Fu Shou was visited by all and sundry on multiple visits, preached like fiery gospel to friends who sent back glowing reports, and during the first baby steps of The Mouth, a few questions were sent to the owner to gain a bit more insight into his restaurant, and perhaps help promote this wonderful place a bit more.

Here below are ten short questions and answers sent from Bali via Instagram chat!

Enjoy, and please head there if you are ever in Indonesia. Here is a direct link to the Ubud branch, and the new Kuta branch!

Kuta Fu Shou is open daily from 11am-10pm
Ubud Fu Shou is open daily from 11am-9pm

Follow their socials here:

Can you tell us about the history and inspiration behind the creation of Fu Shu Noodle Club?

The inspiration of Fu Shou comes from all of my childhood memories. From the noodles, the foods, drinks, art, music, the poster on the wall, color and vibe. Recall from all of what ive seen when i was kid is not that difficult because its never forgotten.

And why i choose noodles, its simply i missing that food. it’s quite difficult to find it here in Bali especially Ubud.

What makes the noodles at Fu Shu Noodle Club unique and different from other noodle places in Ubud? Do you have some secret family recipe or techniques that you use?

We are the first who sell Chewy Noodle (Bakmi Karet) in Bali. Yes we use our mom recipe for most of all the food. The secret is no secret, we cook from our heart to served the best as we can ��

Are there any traditional or regional influences in the noodle recipes?

There are no specific regional influences, as a Chinese Indonesian we influenced by a lot of culture and tradition.

Where do you source your ingredients from? Do you try to use locally produced products?

Yes we use locally meat, vegetables except some of the particular sauces.

For a new customer, what would you recommend them to order to get a good overview of your food.

Of course they should try our Bakmi Karet Komplit (our signature and best seller - Homemade chewy noodles with free-range chicken, pork belly, charsiu pork, fried lard and fried meatballs. Yes that’s a lot of meat on your bowl ☺️

What are some of your personal culinary heros? Chefs that you admire or are inspired by?

Hmm i lot of seeing my mom cooking as she always cook for us all the time. She is like can make everything and taste amazing (at least for her family)

Apart from Fu Shou Noodle club, are there any other little places in Ubud that you think make great food and deserve some more attention ?

My favorite Tom Yum Prawn at Bird’s Nest and Chicken Salted Egg at Chef Hengki Restaurant

Do you have any plans for the future?

Recently busy with my new restaurant called Double Dragon Temple (a little dumpling place) and Uncle Peach (the Asian food canteen)

BEST LAKSA IN KL

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:04:07 GMT

THE BEST LAKSA IN KUALA LUMPUR

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST LAKSA IN KL

Laksa is like a love-affair in a bowl. So many competing elements, everything gets tangled, spicy and silky. If done right it can be right up there with the best bowl of Ramen, Pho or Thukpa. However, personal taste prevails and the fishier Asam Laksa are not included in this article.

No, this is an homage to the mighty Curry Mee / Nyonya Laksa, the jam packed bowl of deliciousness that transports your mind to calmer pastures. From a couple of chain restaurants churning out suprisingly tasty bowls, to the rat infested heatmaps of Madras Lane, we scoured high and low to find bowls that would satisfy even the most demanding Laksa-phile.

Here below are our favourite authentic Laksa in Kuala Lumpur, in no particular order, with two vegan/vegetarian options at the bottom:

LIMAPULO

Great for risk averse people who don't want to risk getting sick, this local favourite near Chowkit has been a pillar in the community for consistency and excellence.

OLD CHINA CAFE

Despite having the most achingly beautiful interiors, The Old China Cafe knocks out one heck of a Nyonya Laksa. Seek refuge in here from the Instagram hordes a few alleys down, and pray it doesn't become a Tik Tok hot-spot.

MADRAS LANE CURRY LAKSA

Hotter than a barbeque at satans 666th birthday, this alleyway in Chinatown is home to what Lonely Planet named one of the top eating experiences on earth. On that point we can't really argue because this curry mee is dynamite.

Tip: Go to the stall with the GREEN bowls, don't get swindled into eating at the wrong one.

LUM KEE LAKSA

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

Walking into the food court at Seksyen 14 is like literally entering a time-capsule to the 1950's. The stalls are achingly ornate in that retro kitsch vibe without even knowing what it means. Preservation has stood the test of time, and the uncles cooking Laksa at this stall have been doing so for 45 years. The curry laksa here is thinner, less creamy but still has a good amount of coconut milk in it. The vibes are sensational and everyone should just order a bowl and have a private moment on their own in this majestic old skool cathedral to food.

VEGAN / VEGETARIAN LAKSA

The Local Kopi

Undoubtably the best vegetarian/vegan laksa in KL. Absolutely divine broth, superb flavours and friendly service. 100% recommended.

SIMPLE LIFE

The vegan laksa here is possibly the best in town, with a deeply flavourful broth and tons of vegetables to get your vitamins in. It's a huge bowl so don't plan on running a marathon afterwards.

BMS ORGANICS

Vegetarian laksa with creamy soy milk broth is the go-to dish at this organic foodstore/restaurant. It's definitely not as flavoursome as Simple Life, but ask for a huge dollop of sambal to add to it and you'll be laughing.

DESTIN VEGETARIAN

Don't get greedy and order the large bowl, the small is big enough to feed an army. Delicious vegetarian food at this all-time local favourite for many years.

AeroPress Go | Review

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:11:24 GMT

AEROPRESS GO

BY TREMOR CHRIST

I think the AeroPress Go is one of the most convenient travel brewers out there. It’s compact, packs into its own cup, and is nearly indestructible—perfect for tossing in a bag and brewing good coffee anywhere. I really like how quick it is to clean and how forgiving it is with different grind sizes and recipes.

But for me, it’s just a little too small. The capacity is great for a single cup, but I often want a bigger brew, especially when I’m at home. I find myself brewing twice to get the volume I want, which takes away from the convenience.

If you’re looking for a true travel brewer that can go everywhere and make a clean, tasty cup, this is hard to beat.

The Positives

Perfect for Travel – I love how compact it is. It fits neatly into a bag and I can brew almost anywhere without worrying about damage.

Quick & Easy to Clean – Cleaning takes seconds, which makes it really convenient for on-the-go use.

Versatile Brewing – I appreciate that it works well with a range of grind sizes and recipes. Even on the road, I can get a satisfying cup.

The Negatives

Too Small for Me – I often want a bigger brew, so I end up making two rounds, which defeats the convenience a bit.

Limited Volume – It’s ideal for a single cup, but if I’m sharing or want more coffee, it feels restrictive.

Thoughts

Great for travelling if you don't mind having a small portion of coffee. If you're brewing for a partner, you'll have to make two rounds.

BEST BOWLS IN ULUWATU

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Best Bowls In Uluwatu

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BOWLS IN ULUWATU

There’s something about Bali that seems to bring out everyone’s healthiest instincts. The moment travelers step off the plane into the balmy air of Denpasar, cravings shift toward fresh fruit, vibrant vegetables, and clean, nourishing meals. It’s a pattern that repeats itself time and time again.

On a recent visit, the mission was clear: try as many Bali Bowl breakfast spots as possible and see how they really stack up.

The verdict? Not all bowls are created equal.

Some places delivered beautifully balanced, thoughtfully prepared bowls. Others leaned heavily on looks—more style than substance. And a few missed the mark entirely, with sticky textures and muddled flavors.

Rather than dwell on the disappointments, this guide celebrates the standouts—starting with a tried-and-true favorite (because let’s face it, no one reads to the bottom anymore).

Where To Start Your Day In Uluwatu

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

SMOOTHIE SHOP

With a name like that you better deliver, and deliver they do. This fiercely guarded spot almost feels like you're intruding on a secret society of food addicts. Every time we went there it was packed to the brim. Of all the smoothie bowls we enjoyed in Bali, the Mango Tango at this place was the best ever.

Super fresh, crunchy, not too sweet, not too gluey, just perfect to start the day with.

KELLY'S WARUNG

With the best view in Bali, you can't really do much better than enjoying a bowl on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Half the fun is parking your scooter up top and snaking your way down through the tiny paths leading to the Warung.

OURS

One of the better places overall in Uluwatu for breakfast, OURS also do a good version of a Bali Bowl. Fresh fruit, good texture on the smoothie mix and lots of crunch makes this a surefire way to start your engine.

DISTRICT 6

A little hidden gem that serves solid breakfast bowls by the side of the road.

NOURISH

The ever popular Nourish does everything reasonably well, their bowls were not our favourite but were good enough to be included on the list.

BEST FOCACCIA IN BARI

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:09:34 GMT

Best Focaccia In Bari

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT FOCACCIA

Napoli has her pizza, Rome her crumbling ruins, Milan the snooty catwalkers and Venice the running water gardens, but Bari, Bari is famous for focaccia. Generally speaking we are not talking about the bloated, fluffy kind you get at your friend who's into foods house, no, the style predominantly slung in shops around town is thinner and more crispy.

Think dough cooked with liters of olive oil in the time-worn pans. Think simple tomato sauce splashed on top, an olive or two, some herbs, seasalt, more olive oil.

The ideal focaccia should be portable in a small paper wrapper, perfectly attackable whilst walking, and oozing with punchy flavours and tangy-salty conflicts. The bread-part can be thin or slightly more fluffy, but should have a delicious crunch at the bottom that holds its shape when diagonal.

Below are The Mouths three favourite places to grab a focaccia in Bari, and yes we did try quite a lot more but they just didn't touch the hem of these.

Where To Find The Best Focaccia In Bari

PANIFICIO S. RITA

A hole in the wall if ever you're looking for one, the locals know to queue up here long before they open, and grab some fresh out of the oven as soon as the doors unlatch.

The quintessential Bari focaccia, but a tad on the intense/heavy side if you fancy eating an entire slab. But a must-do for sure.

MAGDA

Branding-wise a tad more like a fancy wine store than anything else, Magda makes a fluffier version of the classic Bari focaccia, but the flavours are endlessly puzzling in the most wonderful way. This is really a slice of heaven.

The simplicity and the punchiness of the tomato really hits home at Magda.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PANIFICIO DIRELLO

Definitely our pick if you only have time to hit one place in Bari. Though Rita is far more authentic in terms of vibe, this place makes our absolute favourite slice. The focaccia is beautifully crisp, thin, and seasoned to the limits of sanity.

Their white onion focaccia, if available, is a thing of miracles.

TANGIER FOOD GUIDE

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:42:06 GMT

Food Guide To Tangier

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN TANGIER

Home to the fabled table of questionable writers who roamed the streets looking for delights other than culinary ones, The Mouth shall strictly base our case studies on delicious plates of food and coffee shops. Confessing straight out the gate that Moroccan food is not at the top of our culinary totempole, we did find some delicious dreams in a city of many nightmares.

Apart from the stomach fixations, there are a myriad of alleys to get lost in, souks to sell your soul, coffee shops to read a library in with the constant plumes of smoke wafting by, hilltops to lie supine beneath a host of angels, and the long paths to dereliction succumbed to at the hands of nostalgic ritual.

Tangier is the perfect city for a present-phobe. Someone who clings to the past like a rising balloon, realising the time to safely land has far gone. It is a city that judges not your habits, but embraces the genuine and weather-worn. A city where one instance you are deep in conversation with someone who ran behind William Burroughs shadows, another who claimed to know Keith Richards, yet still groups of men huddled over steaming tea reminiscing about the time Paul Bowles showed them a kind gesture. None of it may be true, but in Tangier even the lies are beautiful.

It is a city where thieves and romantics can sit side by side knowing full well of the others intentions. It is a place where the air carries that scent of promise and comfort. It stills your heart and awakens your creativity.

Far from the touts and sellers of the Medina, there are ample places to sit and ponder, and allow the sun to lift the sadness and replace it with calm.

CAFE BAB AL FAHS

Rubbing shoulde rs with friends of the 1960's royalty, you'll sit here overhearing stories of Mick Jagger, Burroughs, Jean Genet etc. Located within part of the wall, this tiny local cafe is easily missed, so if you reach Cafe Dahab you've gone too far.

ABOU TAYSSIR

Whilst it may be considered bad form to recommend a Syrian restaurant first in a guide to Tangier, well, my reply is that you haven't been to this Syrian Restaurant. And if you have, you'd fully understand.

CAFE METROPOLE

A heaving stallwart in the Tangier writer folklore of past, the men still gather here barely visible through the thick cigarette smoke that perfumes the tablecloth in tar and neglect. It may not be the most pleasant place to sit for asthmatics, but no visit to Tangier is complete without showing it the respect it deserves.

AHLEN

Popular to tourists based on the location, and incessant word-of-mouth batterings from receptionists and passing backpackers, Ahlen do make a substantially delicious Tagine for when you must scratch that indecipherable itch.

CINEMA RIF

Tangier is a city of art and music and coffee and conversation. Cinema Rif is one of the last remaining legends of the past, and the tres chic coffee shop welcomes those seeking hassle-free ruminations.

CAFE TINJIS

Many a great writer has sat outside nursing a cafe au lait and watching the everyday battle for survival play out in the Petit Socco.

COMEDIA

Further away from the beehive of activity between Grand and Petit Socco, lies the ex-pat favourite Comedia. Kofte tagines served in a glasshouse (if the old restaurant around the corner is still closed), are agreeable and the location means you avoid the tourist throngs.

CAFE HAFA

On a clear day you can see across the sea to Spain. Regardless of the weather conditions, the Hafa Cafe has terraces with beautifully tiled tables waiting for your patronage.

THE JEWISH CEMETERY

If you like your holidays a bit more " Atlas Obscura ", then this is a place to wander around in the afternoon.

BAR PILO

The windows alone are reason to come for a refreshment. Though the map doesn't link directly to Pilo, it is either side of the location on google.

BAB AL MADINA

Go toe to toe with the locals here to grab your Pastilla or other delicious pastries.

CHEZ HASSAN BAB

Catering mostly to the tourist crowd walking between Grand Socco and the Kasbah, this streetside restaurant ser ves better food than most in the immediate area. The menu can be a bit hit and miss so go with a group and order a few things and pray for a winner.

GRAN CAFE DE PARIS

If you've read Junky and Naked Lunch, you're probably hell bent on visiting this place. If you haven't, then there are more interesting cafes in Tangier to spend your day.

THEATRE DARNA

Tangiers answer to a theater / improv room where you can come and watch the locals doing what they do. It's like a little secret society and we love it.

THE TANGERINN

William Burroughs used to stay and write at the hotel next door, and this was his little creep-in bar when he felt the urge. Beat fantastics may want to add this to their "Walking In The Footsteps" tour.

CAFE BABA

Sit in the same seats that the Rolling Stones did all those years ago, and sip your tea looking out the window at the Kasbah. You may have to wait an hour for your tea because everyone is engaged in smoke discoveries.

SARAYAH FOOD

Quite passable Indian food in a city that can tire the palette quickly. The owners are from the UAE but the chefs are native Indians and they'll spice it up if you ask them.

CASABARATA MARKET

Shoppers on the hunt for anything from old televisions, fruit, to piles of used motorcycle parts will get a kick out of visiting one of Tangiers biggest markets.

SAN BERNARDINO ALLE OSSA | MILAN

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 06:07:05 GMT

San Bernardino Alle Ossa

SECRET SKULLS IN MILAN

Invariably when one thinks of a bone church, the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic springs to mind. Countless metal band photos have been taken in odd poses, generally with long black hair obscuring their faces and hands held in gripping grimace of unknown torments. What very few people realise is that Milan has a worthy representative in the bone-church academy. Tucked in a non-descript building beside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore , the 13th century San Bernardino Alle Ossa, is the perfect place to let some darkness in on a day of sight-seeing, after witnessing the selfie-spectacle of the Duomo square and feeling mild contempt for humanity.

Whittle your way down Piazza Fontana, cross the road, and enter the realm of the dead. The church tends to be vacant at most times, only a few curious (morbid?) souls find it and sit for a moment to take in the awe.

As you gaze up at the ceiling you'll immediately notice the incredible artwork. The vault was frescoed in 1695 by Sebastiano Ricci, and adds a regal umbrella to the grotesque memory of human frailty below.

This is one of Milans best kept secret, and after years of asking locals far and wide, almost no Italian I met has ever heard of this place (including an old beatnik in Tangier who claimed to have lived 10 minute walk from it and never knew of its existence). Perhaps Italians like to keep death at an arms length, perhaps the Churches marketing team are as lifeless as the wall decor, or perhaps this really did manage to slip through the cracks. Whatever the reason, The Mouth loves a place that is not filled with screaming children or tiktok clowns, so we hope it stays quiet for a few decades to come.

May we suggest after having emptied your soul of emotion and empathy, you hop on the old tram number 24 at Piazza Fontana (buy a ticket at Tabaccheria Valori Bollati ), and head to the Prada building to sip a coffee at Wes Andersons Bar Luce which he designed. Having seen his last few movies, the bar may be the best thing he has done recently.

Their homepage with opening times:

Monday - Friday / 10am - 1 pm and 2pm to 6pm.

FOLLOW BAR LUCE

BEST BANH MI IN SAIGON

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:21:08 GMT

Best Banh Mi In Saigon

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BANH MI IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Scant experiences rival biting into a perfectly crispy, fluffy Banh Mi in Vietnam, loaded to the nines with great, fresh toppings, a smattering of homemade chilli paste and a stack of coriander. Though the roof of your mouth has suffered those crisp shards, the overall satisfaction of that magical mix of meat, pate, herbs, pickled vegetables and sauce does something to a persons soul.

Ho Chi Minh City has a million Banh Mi stalls on every conceivable corner, supplying the local inhabitants with a quick bite on the go. Rock up on a scooter, shout your order, pay, and within 2 minutes you'll be back on the road balancing a baguette between the brakes and side-mirror.

In our honest estimation, the general standard of sandwiches in the city are high. However, as with everything in life, a bit of digging ends up getting you some gold. In this case, a few Banh Mi that stand out from the middle. Authentic local sandwiches that are worth risking your life on a Grab bike to experience. Below are our five favourites in Saigon to sink your teeth into.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

BANH MI 37

The queen of Banh Mi in downtown Saigon. Head here around 4pm when the lady has started grilling her pork patties over hot coals, and wait in line whilst being perpetually wafted with smells of other realms, grab your sandwich and sit down on the sidewalk and partake while its still hot. This place is our go-to in HCMC.

PHUC HAI QUAN

After risking your life in the traffic, order the pork belly Banh Mi with crackling, ask them to smooch on some chilli paste, and have yourself a delectable little lunch on the go.

HONG HOA

Not to be confused with the (in)famous Huynh Hoa around the corner (too much mystery meat and mayo for our liking), this humble stall rocks out solid sammies to a loyal cult.

BANH MI BAY HO

Unfortunately (or fortunately), this great Banh Mi stall was subjected to Netflix's hype, and therefore seemed to have enjoyed a rise in popularity. Not that that's a bad thing for them, but for a seasoned traveller who doesn't like waiting in lines, it presents new issues.

Still, a veritable box on the Saigon Banh Mi list that you need to tick off.

HONG KONG FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:21:23 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO HONG KONG

THE WONG KAR WAI DIARIES

A city that occupies so many folders in the collective mind. Never far from attention, never far from controversy, the sprawling gem hides more secrets than anyone could hope to uncover in their lifetime. From the highrises of Mid-Levels, bar and food streets of Central, quiet beaches of Shek-O, the sea between HK Island and Kowloon constantly trawled by Star Ferries and other floating devices, the chaos and claustrophobia of Tsim Tsa Tsui, the calmer pastures of the New Territories, market yelps in Mongkok and Sham Shui Po, temples and peaks in Sha Tin and Tai Wai, kind waters and trekking over in Sai Kung, it truly is one of the most magical places to explore on earth.

Whether you come here for a weekend of shopping or stay for an extended period of time, the first thing on your list has to be food. There are scant many places on earth that offer the diversity and deliciousness of eating out in Hong Kong. Dim Sum aside, the choices are endless with a whole passport full of nations who call it home. From authentic Pakistani food in Kowloon City, Indian food in the gigantic blister of Chungking Mansions (we love it really), Malay, Taiwanese, Ramen, Burgers, French fine dining, you'll find everything under the sun right here, under the sun.

The Mouth's editor lived in Hong Kong for a period, hunting illegal Wong Kar Wai DVD's at triad owned pop-up shops in Mongkok, eating far too much Pakistani food at Butt's Fast Food, and exploring the city with a camera at the ready. From those experiences, along with multiple successive trips, plus incredible local tips from the likes of Alex Mei , Ben Tse and Suki , the following tips are a combination of our own research and implicit trust in our sources that have been personally vouched for. If you want to read a more in-depth guide about sights, places to stay and things to do in Hong Kong then click on the link and read the great guide by Steve Rohan here

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

ONE DIM SUM

The Mouth could write a bible on Dim Sum in Hong Kong, and anyone staying longer than a few days should visit Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po branch) and Din Tai Fung (Silverchord branch), but for the sake of not exhausting our readers we'll include three of our favourites here.

One Dim Sum is a classic spot that every trip to Hong Kong should start, and end at. Their Har Gao are especially delicious, as are the rice paper rolls with shrimp. At an average cost of under $3 a plate, go nuts.

VINYL HERO

Not all hero's wear capes, but this one wears a cap. Introducing the most insane record store you've never heard of, housed in an apartment in Sham Shui Po. The guard at the entrance will know what you're after and point you to the elevator, head up, knock on the door and try squeeze yourself in past the piles and piles and piles of records. A true hidden miracle of a place.

Read Time Out's mention about him in the local press.

YAT LOK

The battle forever rages on which goose leg comes up flying, but for our money it's Yat Lok (sorry Kam's!). Taking your first bite of this bird will literally bring you to tears. Once you've made the effort to go here, spend the extra bucks and get the drumstick as it's considered the most flavoursome part.

NYONYA COMING

Everyone loves a secret Malay restaurant hidden in a distant suburb of Shueng Wan. Well, this is your spot. The food is 100% authentic, so it's more than worth tracking down.

Their oxtail rendang is fire, their laksa's super tasty.

MUM'S NOT HOME

This delightful cafe /hangoutspace /clothing store is situated up a staircase that looks about to collapse, but fear not. Continue up, ring the bell and wait for the skipping owner to greet you. Inside is an oasis that makes you completely forget that busy Yau Ma Tei is meters below.

DIM DIM SUM

Another stone cold classic of the local Dim Sum game.

ISLAM FOOD

The meat patty that shook the earth. Head out by minibus to Kowloon City and park a few of these in your gob. Utterly addictive.

BOUND KOWLOON

If you miss the Brooklyn or Berlin vibes, then head over to this slick neighborhood bar where you'll bump into those on the fringes of local life.

WOODLANDS

Hong Kong offers fans of Indian food a huge amount of choices, but Woodlands smashes it's competition when it comes to authentic, delicious vegetarian food. You cannot beat their thali's. A circular spinning wheel of bliss.

MIDO CAFE

Perhaps the worlds most beautiful cafe sits along the busy stretch of Jordan / Yau Ma Tei, but manages to block out the world in green shutters. Park your tired soul here for a cup of tea and dream of meeting Maggie Cheung or Tony Leung for a midday tryst.

Once you slip back into reality, head to Kubricks and pick up some movies.

MAK MAN KEE

A right of passage in Hong Kong is to crawl into a small booth and order a plate of wonton noodle soup. It's the perfect springy texture noodles, clear comforting broth and plump shrimp dumplings. Your spot if the rain hits.

WHITE NOISE RECORDS

Go meet the worlds coolest cat at this vinyl store, oh and pick up some records too.

HONBO BURGER

Hands down the best burger we tried in Hong Kong. If you're sick of noodles, dumplings and soups then head to this curious little area and get stuck in.

BUTT FAST FOOD

This one comes with a caveat. If you wish to inspect a certain underground life of Hong Kong that most visitors miss, then spend an afternoon walking around the different levels of Chungking Mansions. Not only a popular place for cheap (shitty) hostels, but on the ground floor towards the back and to the right is a long lane of Indian/Pakistani stalls serving up amazing, authentic versions of their home delights. This is not a place to go unless you can handle sitting on a stool in an alley whilst life passes by. The food is oily and heated up in a microwave, but if you want your Pakistani food the way local people eat it, this is your jam.

The chicken karahi is excellent here.

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Food Guide To Prachuap Khiri Khan

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

Prachuap Khiri Khan is a strange place that time forgot. People drive their scooters far slower than necessary, the wind blows constantly keeping the climate perfect for European skin, the beaches are slightly outside the city centre which means you avoid seeing obese pink germans in speedo’s whilst sipping your morning brew, the food scene is plump with options, the nightlife includes a narrow strip of shops by the concrete seaface wall that sell tall brown bottles of Leo for under 100 baht, where people can either sit under the tin roof and stare at the abyss, or cross the road and sit on the wall listening to the waves crashing.

A ten minute ride south, after signing into the book for the military to know your whereabouts is the wonderful Ao Manao beach, where seclusion can be yours under one of the many trees. A ten minute drive north and you’ll discover cafes tucked beside lagoons, bowls of tremendously fresh crab meat piled on noodles and village life.

It is a town where nothing happens, the train station itself is a monument to time gone by, and the atmosphere is conducive to those that think mass tourism is a bad word and prefer a slow paced kind of ennui.

Highly unlikely to ever be the new "It" spot, and therefore even more likely to remain one of our favourites, this small seaside town south of Hua Hin has everything a jaded pilgrim requires. If you're looking for hedonism and piss-ups, then you might want to avoid Prachuap as the locals and ex-pats who have made it their home don't want you either. Come for a relaxing few days spent walking the windy streets, looking at street-art, eating good food and riding your bicycle or scooter to Ao Manao beach during the afternoon.

There is a lot to love in the town that time forgot, especially if hanging around in coffee shops (of which there are many good ones) and reading a book are some of lifes pleasures in your rolodex.

ป้าเอื้อม ก๋วยเตี๋ยวปู อ่าวน้อย

Locals descend on this shabby looking stall for their famous dry noodle with mantis shrimp and crab. Prices are incredibly cheap, the menu is in thai and the staff don't speak any english, but show them the photo below to order this dish. Give it a good mix, ask for them to hold the sugar, add some lime, chilli, vinegar and you're set for a taste sensation!

KRUA HUA BAN

Come for the tom yum (locals order the tuna version), splash out on a thai omelette on the side. Happy days.

MA-PROW

Harder on the wallet, but punching high with flavour, this is a great restaurant dealing in both western and thai dishes, but the thai ones are the star.

TALAY RAP LOM

You won't find fresher or more delicious seafood than here. Come a bit before 7pm in the evening if you want to guarantee a table, it gets rowdy.

ซิดนีย์ก๋วยเตี๋ยวต้มยำโบราณ อาหารตามสั่ง

Where all the locals go for lunch, so be prepared to wait for a while. Special mentions to the Phad See Ew and Phad Kha Prow.

ผัดไทย หัวบ้าน

Prachuaps most famous Phad Thai stall, cooking up great piles on a sizzling flat-top. Portions are gigantic and the seasoning is bang on!

FUJISAN

Bonafide Japanese food set in a small room where if you closed your eyes you could be in Osaka. Ask for the daily specials, and trust the chef to put a smile on your face.

RMA BEACH CAFE

Not the most lavishly furnished cafe on earth, but with views like this who cares. The proprieter from Bangkok is a coffee freak and serves the best cup in town.

COME HOME

Take a long look at all the vintage cameras on the wall, then order from their bible of a menu, and enjoy some tourist-friendly Thai fare.

REST & ROLL

Our vote for the second tastiest cup of coffee in town, although they face some stiff competition.

AO MANAO BEACH

A short scooter ride, or a long walk, from downtown, this beautiful beach provides anyone with an opportunity to find their own private spot. Lined with trees offering shade, and almost empty during the weekdays, this is where you bring a book and just relax for the whole day. Behind, by the road are some stores to buy water and snacks.

Before entering you have to pass through the military base, and sign in your name in the book to be allowed in.

SUDA

The downstairs is perfect for people watching, upstairs has a quiet room if you bring a laptop, the coffee is decent and the service is friendly.

ร้านตุ๊ก ไก่ย่างชะอำ อาหารอีสาน / ตามสั่ง

The best Gai Yang in town (grilled chicken) is served at this stall with some tables around the side. Their somtum is a bit too sweet for us so next time we'll ask them to cut the sugar by 99%.

VINTAGE STORE

Find some forgotten diamonds in this ramshackle store run by the friendliest owner on earth.

p.s. The map link may be incorrect but its very close to it at least.

SUBJECT

Not so much for the coffee, but come for a seat in the shade looking out at the ocean.

KOLKATA FOOD GUIDE

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:41:57 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO KOLKATA

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN KOLKATA

The home of Satyajit Ray, Tagore and traffic. Kolkata never seems to get its shit together despite earnest efforts. Whilst being one of the most interesting cities to explore on the Indian subcontinent, it requires an immense amount of patience and forgiving. Every corner is a cacaphonic threat, horns piercing your very core, sirens and construction and screeching trams create the perfect environment for death if you suffer from any ear impairment.

Having said all of that, it is also the city of art. A city blessed with curious inhabitants, poets, writers, filmmakers. The streets exhude a certain enamouring air. You can get lost in thought at a traffic light, until the horn of a Tata bus hastens you back to your senses. Long weeks can be spent exploring the backalleys, markets and outer suburbs, and in all these destinations are the most excellent culinary treasures.

If we can recommend one thing on your trip to Kolkata, it would be to not confine yourself purely to the area around Park Street. Take a bus, taxi, metro and head out to some of the restaurants and bars/cafes mentioned below, and gain a true understanding of the mechanisms that slowly (and loudly) grind to keep this old machine moving, albeit at a snails pace.

Kudos to Puloma & Debjeet for some of the amazing tips in this Guide!

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE

Noahs Ark could fit in here tidily with room to space, but this institution has to be seen to be believed. Climb the concrete steps, choose the main floor or the huge balcony, and flag down a waiter, order a coffee special and sit and soak in the incoherent chatter of mediating minds.

KUSUM ROLLS

No visit to Kolkata is complete without a chicken kathi roll at Kusums. Ask for your with NO KETCHUP and add egg. Devour it in a split second and go back and order another.

AZAD HIND DHABA

GLorious home-style chicken curries and chapatis are served here to a fiercely loyal clientele. One of our most ordered spots in Kolkata.

RUSSEL PUNJABI DHABA

At first you might convince yourself food poisoning is a free dessert, but rest assured the kitchen is clean and their Aloo Paratha is the best in town!

OUDH 1590

You come to Oudh for Biryani. The end

THE BLUE POPPY THAKALI

Momo's, Thukpa and all things Tibetan are served in this dynamite gem of a restaurant. Slip out of your shoes, plonk yourself down at a table and get ready to eat.

TAMARIND

South Indian food has never tasted better up North. Their lemon rice, their chicken curries, their prawn dishes are all to die for.

BHOJOHORI MANNA

Your spot for authentic West Bengali food, but for our tastes a tad on the sweet side. Worth eating at if you want to truly understand the local palate.

HAMRO MOMO

Get the fried Momo's here, steer clear of the Thukpa.

BALARAM MULLICK & RADHARAMAN MULLICK

Bengali sweet & savoury snack mecca. You can't really come to Kolkata and not hit this place.

ROASTERY

The perfect place to enjoy a drink and some conversation. The outdoor area is shady and pleasant, the coffee is acceptable.

TUNG FONG

Our downtown choice for "Chindian" food. BBQ round the corner is good too, but this one wins in terms of flavour.

ARSALAN

Sticking with the Park Street neighborhood, Arsalan is a staple in the Kolkata food scene for sumptuous biryani. Their chicken mixed grill plate is nothing to sneer at either.

OLYPUB

A titan in the Kolkata drinking scene, this old bar is more famous for its past than its present. However, it deserves a patronage for a quick lime soda or alcoholic beverage of your choosing.

BIG BOSS

By "Big", they mean GIGANTIC. A Chinese-Indian restaurant that serves up delectable dishes in Tangra area of Kolkata. You must, must, must try the Drums of Heaven.

EARTHCARE BOOKSTORE

A delightful, dark, dusty little bookstore to avert your attention from your smartphone and onto something tangible and real.

HUGO & FINN

Kolkata's most expensive, and decent, cup of coffee. Wes Anderson beware!

KUMARTULI

Head to this part of town if you want to explore lane after lane of religious effigies being built and painted. A fascinating way to spend an afternoon.

CHIANG MAI FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:35:42 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO CHIANG MAI

WHERE TO EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN CHIANG MAI

Apart from the overflow of tourists, Chiang Mai acts as a soothing balm after the gridlocked traffic of Bangkok. Surrounded by hills and temples, the old city still retains it's charm, whilst the suburbs grow ever outwards like a spider on steroids. Tucked amongst the shopping malls and souvenier shops lie some of Thailand's best street stalls and restaurants, largely overlooked by the rabid crowds heading to restaurants on tourist-mile where English menu's take away the awkwardness, but also the authenticity.

The following list is of places we visited over the years that set themselves a part from the bland faceless institutes rammed full of holidaymakers who are petrified of a chilli. Sure, some of these are featured in the Michelin Guide, and a lot of them have been mentioned in reverential tones by Chiang Mai-phile Andy Ricker , but we take our tips from people we trust, and give them kudos when warranted.

There are absolutely no excuses to visit Chiang Mai and not dine at a few of these spots. According to us, these are the best restaurants in Chiang Mai. If you are a coffee-holic, then take a look at our comprehensive guide to the Northern Thai coffee scene in and around the city here .

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

KHAO SOI PRINCE

There has never been a better time to order a taxi and drive 20 minutes outside of Chiang Mai to taste this Khao Soi. Housed in a small shack near Maeju University, they serve up the perfect balance of thin/thick, creamy/soupy Khao Soi to be found.

Tip: Call ahead since a couple of occasions they were closed and its a bitch to drive there and not get fed.

MAADAE SLOW FISH KITCHEN

The old proverb of never ordering fish far from the ocean couldn't be more untrue in this instance. Crowded with customers licking their fingers voraciously, this gem of a restaurant is one you cannot miss on a visit North.

Tip: Reserve a table on weekends, opt for the meatier fish that can withstand the coal. The spicy barracuda fish soup is amazing.

NENG EARTHERN JAR ROAST PORK

Despite the intense fanfare created by a Korean instagram influencer, this roadside megalopolis of porcine flattery is worth an hour of your time. Order the crispy roast pork, some sticky rice and a plate of tart and refreshing somtum. They don't overload the somtum with sugar here which is always a plus.

THREE

There is an entire article dedicated to the glory of coffee in Chiang Mai located here , but if you just want a quick fix of something exceptional, then Three is the place for you. Not to mention that the phenomenal duck noodle soup spot (see directly below) is 100m down the same road.

MAE CHAN MHEE KHAO

You come here for the duck noodles in soup, spattered with a few greens, some juicy dumplings and springy noodles. The place itself is a torture chamber on hot days, but you might aswell punish yourself even further by ingesting hot soup and succulent duck and pass out in glee.

p.s. Thanks to the owner of Yourproject_ for recommending this spot!

LARB TON YANG

A female run and fronted operation in a humungous shed 15 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, this is the kind of place you come for delicious local food and an authentic experience. Bring a phone so you can translate the menu since it's all in Thai and spoken English is minimal.

Tip: The pork larb was fire, as was the beef soup and fermented pork.

PUN PUN VEGETARIAN SLOW KITCHEN

The vegetarian/vegan food scene in Chiang Mai is bountiful in it's choices. Pun Pun, located just within the temple walls of Wat Suan Dok, makes delicious, clean and cheap vegetarian dishes to those who know where to find it.

MAMA FAH THANI

If you happen to be of a caucasian persuasion, then chances are you'll be the only one here. The stares are more out of curiosity than malice, but these bowls of Tom Yum Mama noodle soup are dank and divine. Packed with every type of meat and seafood under the sun, and paired with an egg, these bowls are what dreams are made of.

JAY MAI JUMJAY

Vegans don't get a lot of love in Chiang Mai, but this Shan vegan-vegetarian shack in a delightful part of town serves up some stunningly delicious food. You cannot tell me whilst sipping on the broth of their amazing Nam Ngiao that you're missing any form of animal product, no, I don't believe you.

SP CHICKEN

The best kind of advertising is the sight of juicy chickens rotating on a rotisserie right out front. Step in here for some succulent signature chicken, solid somtum and a few ribs if the hunger pangs are real. You can't go wrong eating here, we do regularly.

HUEN MUEN JAI

For Northern Thai, you won't find many better places. Everything on the menu is worth ordering, so come with a crowd of gluttons.

ACCHA

Numerous are the Indian restaurants in Chiang Mai, few are the tasty and consistent ones. Accha is both. We have been eating here for years and the fluctuations are minimal, and the overall flavours delightful.

NONG BEE BURMESE FOOD

Housed in a non-descript room behind an outdoor kitchen area, you come here for the fresh and flavourful Burmese salads. Portions are small so order a bunch and share.

Tip: The tea leaf and young tamarind salads are recommended.

KHANOMJEEN PA POM

Khao Soi Prince is the best, but if you're not keen on spending an hour back and forth in a cab, then this place will definitely satisfy your Khao Soi cravings. The khanomjeen here is also solid, and the location is just confusing enough to deter the twat kind of influ-losers.

ROAST CHICKEN WICHIENBURY

Arrive just before peak-hours to guarantee a piece of this bird. It's definitely worth the non-AC torture, even on a summer day. Their somtum is great, but that chicken is life-changing. Smokey and perfectly juicy!

KRUA YA

Daytripping to a river-side idyll shaded by trees, serving up clean and solid versions of Thai favourites? This is your spot! After your food walk across and try the amazing coffee at Asama.

Tip: The spicy pork salad and beef curry with roti is great.

TUECACO CHANG MOI

The Gods of google map pins brought us here, and we have no recollection of why. Having said that, the fried taro cakes here are divine, and the dipping sauce just brings it up to the next level.

Addictive to say the least.

SOMTUM UDON

You have to fight these people to make your Somtum spicy, but if you prevail then you'll eat a delicious version here. Their chicken is nothing to sneer at either.

RAMEN SANMAI

The Mouth's favourite ramen in Thailand. Nuff said!

MIT MAI

Andy Ricker always raves about this place, and we've been a few times over the years. Always empty, but the food they put out is consistently delicious.

JOK SOMPHET

If you could market a hug in a bowl, then Jok is your product. This classic local joint near the North Gate serves up silky, addictive bowls to loyal punters.

Tip: Order with a soft egg and watch in dizzying love as the yolk splits and mixes in with the porridge.

KHANOMJEEN SANPAKOI

There may come a day when your Chiang Mai culinary adventures take a turn into the more local environments. This is your spot. Their legendary soup contained pig blood cut like creme brulee cubes, but it tastes a lot better than it looks. We found their curries too sweet, personally.

ROTEE PA DAY

Rotee stalls are a dime a dozen in Chiang Mai. However, once you've tried Pa Day, you won't go back to the previous ones you loved. It really is THAT much better.

Tip: The roti is amazing, the one's with egg.... not so much.

HOW I BREW ON THE ROAD

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:21:48 GMT

The Ultimate Coffee Travel Set-up

BY TREMOR CHRIST

As a person who spends more than 10 months a year on the road, many people ask me how I manage my deep coffee addiction whilst changing hotel rooms every few days. In simple, the answer is through a lot of testing and changing and figuring out what does and doesn't work.

At first I began with an Aeropress Go and would go to local coffee shops, buy beans and ask the barista if they could grind them for me. This worked to a certain extent, although beans lose their magic quite quickly after being ground, and I found myself missing the taste of freshly ground beans.

The next step in my coffee journey was to purchase the Timemore C3 EXP PRO for my Birthday. I waited patiently as the package transfered from China to my apartment in Chiang Mai, and in the meantime headed to the local coffee supply store and bought a cheap scale for 150 Baht ($4). My grinder arrived and I dove headfirst into videos on how to dial in the grind size for Aeropress, figuring out the perfect number and then rushing off to buy beans from local roasters I love.

Grinding fresh beans was a game-changer and my Aeropress game got better and better. I loved the size of the Timemore hand-grinder but I suffer from a form of arthritis and found it problematic doing light-roast beans three to four times a day.

Luckily for me I managed to get in touch with them due to my coffee content, and they were amazing enough to send me their Millab E01 electric grinder. This was something I had been eyeing up for a long time after watching reviews by Patrick from APRIL and Asser Christensen .

I would say my perfect coffee set up started the day I received the Millab, and below is my current set up:

GRINDER: MILLAB 01

This grinder has changed the way I brew coffee on the go. To be able to charge it by USB-C and have consistently great coffee every morning, and yet it fits in my small daypack, has made my life substantially better. It also grinds more than 100 portions of 15g coffee without needing a charge. I literally use it three times a day and have brewed with it on beach bungalow balconies, deep in the forest and even overlooking volcano lakes in Indonesia.

What is love is the style and the size, but also it's relatively quiet so I don't disturb my neighbours in hotels. The battery lasts forever, I only need to charge it maybe once per month.

Another highlight of having a small grinder like the Millab is that when I'm travelling I tend to want to try many different roasters and beans, and this way you can individually dose the machine every day so you can grind one portion, dust it off and change beans if you want.

SCALES: BOOKOO

I purchased some scales from a well known brand and started my coffee journey with them, but after a while I began to run into issues with responsivity and also with the build quality. I watched a video by Lance Hedrick about a new brand named BOOKOO , and was intrigued by the amazing looking scales. I reached out to them if they were interested in collaboration, and they kindly said yes!

I received the scales in the beginning of January 2025 and have not been let down. They are super responsive, stylish and feel ultra solid. Quite possibly the perfect scales for travel although I have not had a chance to try Timemore's mini scale which I hear from a friend are really great also.

The app also helps people if they want to use the Bookoo for espresso, and if you want to turn off the beeping sound. An absolutely magic little scale! Highly recommended.

POUR-OVER: TETRA DRIP

Having an Aeropress is great for many situations, but as a person who loves a large cup of coffee to start the day, and prefers light-roast filter coffee, I read an article about the Munieq Tetra Drip . A V60 style brewer that literally breaks down to fit in a tiny leather sleeve (pictured above). With my birthday coming up I splashed some cash and ordered it from Kurasu in Kyoto.

A few days later it arrived, and I have basically been using it every day for 5 months. The design is amazing, its so portable and light, the only issue is it does take a bit of time to learn how to pour consistently due to the triangular shape, but once you get the hang of it you can get a pretty flat bed on your pour-over. I would say it's the best travel companion for filter coffee enthusiasts who value space and weight.

It works with any Hario V60 02 style paper, which almost any supermarket carry.

BREWER: AEROPRESS GO +

The quintessential coffee brewer in terms of weight, space and quality of brew. An easy option to throw in your bag and make a dynamite cup of coffee anywhere you have access to hot water. I also use the main cup to brew into from my Tetra Drip.

An all-round must have gadget.

ACCESSORIES: HUSKEE CUP

This cup made from coffee husks is great for travel. It's small enough to stow away in a side-pocket, and the heat retention is good. Also the ridges mean you can drink coffee without burning your fingers and I love the whole impact on the environment by using materials that are normally thrown away!

Kudos to Huskee for doing that.

Using the Millab with the Bookoo travel scales, my Aeropress Go and also a Tetra Drip V60 style dripper I bought from Kurasu in Kyoto, has made me basically a travelling barista. I cannot believe how convenient the Millab grinder is, and after trying two different scales, the Bookoo is absolutely the best so far.

The only issue I'm left with now is what coffee beans to buy so that I can experiment with grind-size and water temperatures to find the perfect brew.

Happy adventures to all coffee nerds!

THE 10 BEST PIZZA IN NAPLES

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Fri, 23 May 2025 09:29:52 GMT

THE 10 BEST PIZZA IN NAPLES, ITALY

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST NEOPOLITAN PIZZA IN NAPLES

Almost everyone has fantasized over stuffing their face with a fresh Neopolitan pizza hot out of a woodfire oven. The mecca of mozzarella and tomato sauce is of course the third largest city in Italy, Naples. A congregation of small lanes packed with eateries, cafes and shops, this city can be a little daunting for a first time visitor, but given a chance, it starts to open it's arms to you. The secret to finding good pizza is of course to trust the locals, but not just any locals, locals with good taste.

The Mouth's editor spent three full months in the city, trying new pizzerias constantly, asking bartenders, waiters, Airbnb hosts, random people on the street, until a comprehensive list had been drawn up and a plan of attack put in place. What transpired over the course of the next twelve weeks was a carb feast of biblical proportions, culminating in many a good pizza, but some suprisingly bad ones. If you thought that dough, sauce and cheese couldn't possibly taste mediocre, then you haven't eaten at Sorbillo's.

No, for us the secret to a good pizza is to avoid the insane crowds lining up outside Via dei Tribunali 38 each night, and discover the gems that the true locals eat at weekly. These are the pizzerias that do the little things right and keep you coming back.

Laid out beneath is a list of our favourite spots, crossing various factors and thinking of the most possible variations. Some are dirty street shacks, some are sit-down spots for serious conversations. Within this list, you will no doubt find a pizzeria that suits your tastes and perhaps even give them all a try.

In typical "THE MOUTH" fashion, we kept the best place for last. If you get impatient, just scroll down.

For a full link of all the places click the icon:

10. PALAZZO PETRUCCI

The "nicest" pizzeria you'll find on our list, but still belting out a corker of a pie. Thin crust, well baked, good sauce and cheese ration. Tho the interiors seem stuffy, the pizza has some balls. Date spot.

Read what Michelin have to say about them here .

9. LA TAVERNA DI TOTO

Sadly overlooked by many of the pizza wanderers of Naples, this basement pizzeria in Rione Sanita does everything well. Thin crust, blistered from intense heat, great sauce and cheese and a steal at under 4 Euro. A hidden gem if you want unfancy take-away pizza.

8. BORGO AI VERGINI

Another gem of Sanita, this was the first place we visited and set the standard for the trip. Whilst not many were better than Borgo , a lot were worse.

7. A' QUARTRIAN

It might not be shaped or topped perfectly, but what it lacks in grace it makes up for in character. The pizzaiolo here is a bonafide soccer hooligan, missing teeth and beaming smile. His personality makes the pizza taste just that much better.

6. STARITA

The King of Materdei, and one of the only pizzeria's open on Sunday, Starita walks that fine line between being popular but still kicking out excellent pizzas.

5. ANTICA DEL BORGO OREFICI

Recommended by the local pizza wizard himself: TanzenvPizza , this was a slightly different take on the traditional Neopolitan. The crust is more sturdy, the location is authentic as hell, and the tomato sauce is probably the best we tried in Napoli.

4. PIZZERIA PELLONE

It doesn't get much more "Naples" than Pellone. An old stallwart that has seen it's fair share of passing time, old school waiters, gigantic pizzas that pretty much sum up the quintessential "Pizza Margherita". You'll get similar vibes at Brandi, but Pellone has it beat on atmosphere.

Watch the renegade lord of gluttony himself eating at Pellone:

3. AL 22

Three doors down from Da Attilio stands Al 22. Perpetually rammed with hungry locals, this pizzeria doesn't win on crust as it's a tad on the doughy side, but their sauce / cheese ratio and flavours are second to none.

2. CONCETTINA AI TRE SANTI

The locals in Sanita are split between Concettina and Oliva (same family), but our vote goes to this place. In summer they have a nice backyard to massacre your pizza in, and the family are always friendly and accommodating. Superb pizza. Just see what Michelin guide writes about it here .

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

1. DA ATTILIO

When you just don't think pizza can possibly get any better, it can. Da Attilio won the 2021 Pizzaiolo award voted by fellow chefs, so you know he's up to some magic. Expect a line, be patient, wait for it, it's going to blow your damn mind. Perfection. Scorching hot oven, not too much sauce or cheese, just utterly faultless.

Many people make the mistake of ordering the starshaped riccotta stuffed pizza here, nah, the way to go is hit up the simple Margherita.

KUALA LUMPUR FOOD GUIDE

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:38:29 GMT

Food Guide To Kuala Lumpur

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN KUALA LUMPUR

The Mouth have not only been regular visitors to Malaysia for over 2 decades, but have spent years hunting down the best places to eat local food. With that dedication comes a whole host of bad meals, but luckily for us, in KL even the mediocre meals are still pretty decent. We personally visited hundreds of places, so if your favourite didn't make the list the chances are we just didn't love them.

What Kuala Lumpur lacks in architectural wonders, it makes up for in stomach divinations. The three cultures of Malay, Chinese and Indian set the foundations for traditional favourites, but also the chances for fusion (in the best kind of way).

Below is a comprehensive list of restaurants we thoroughly think deserve your patronage, and have been tested multiple times over the years.

Makan!

p.s. For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

ACCHA CURRY HOUSE

Kuala Lumpur is teeming with banana leaf restaurants, and they all pretty much taste about the same. There are a few that peek their head above the multitude of clones, and Accha is the King of the Crowd. Sensational curries, vegetarian or meat, and their famous anchovy chutney. The lines can be criminal on weekends, but you'll soon forget that when you sit down and start tucking in.

WONG MEI KEE

Pork belly of supernatural stature. We have waited almost 2 hours to get our gluttinous fingers on a plate and it was worth every sweating second. Their charsui is not as successful (our humble opinion), but the pork belly is worth hijacking a plane for.

NASI KAHWIN HARI-HARI

What started as this humble roadside stall, has now upgraded to a brick & mortar building down the road, but the flavours remain the same. Traditional Malaysian wedding food is served here in all it's glory. The dishes are all delicious, but pay attention to Ayam Rose (the spicier of the offerings), the black beef (on the sweet side but tasty) and the lamb shank. All the food is a touch on the sugary side, but this is a local taste issue, but it's some of the best Malay food you'll find downtown.

AUNTY AINI'S

Made famous by Gordon Ramsay's visit, but absolutely worth the trek out of town for, this local legend cooks special Malay dishes. Everything is sumptuous and flavoursome.

ITIK SALAI MASTHAR

A good 30 minute drive outside of central KL lies this unnassuming open-air food court in the middle of nowhere next to a mosque. The dish you're here to eat is the smoked duck curry (Masak Lemak Cili Padi). A monumentally rich, coconut flavoured curry soup with pieces of smoked duck adding a delightful depth. Our tip is to get the duck and the beef version and compare them since they are slightly different. The beef is more of a beef-jerky texture, the duck is not plentiful on the meat but superbly delivers on flavour.

For a bit of a deeper dive on this style of curry, read the article written by Mark Wiens who ate this dish here a couple of years ago. As is the case with many spots in KL, consistency can be problematic so for a period Jang Salai was our favourite for this style of curry, but they suffered from over-popularity and now we are firmly back with Itik Salai Masthar as our spot to hit.

HAI KAH LANG

Come here for the fish head noodle soup. Super addictive. If it happens to be raining, even better. Comforting vibes in a bowl.

KAYRA KERALAN CUISINE

Words defy how delicious the food at Kayra is. It's on the higher end of the financial spectrum by the standards of the rest of this guide, but well worth the extra splurge. Call ahead to reserve a table, even more so now that they were added to the Michelin Guide , but literally everything is superb. You cannot go wrong here.

Tips: The green mango prawn curry, the jackfruit moilee, the dosa taco's...

TANAH DAN AIR TEA BAR

Should your poison of choice be tea-based rather than caffeine infused, then this wonderful tea omakase cafe changes their menu monthly, and are very open to tailoring their extractions to your personal tastes. Friendly and serious about their leaf-tempering, it's a bonafide gem in the KL landscape.

TDSC

Taman Desa holds a little secret movie theatre up a couple flight of steps. Programs are shared on their instagram page weekly, arrive, open the bottom door, wait at the gate until they see you and buzz you in, go upstairs and into the room, pay a donation at the bar, buy a hot tea or alcoholic drink and take your place for the movie.

This place is absolutely fantastic! A must see.

LUBUK BANGKU

If you arrive after midday you'll be treated to a 100m snaking line for food. Arrive a bit earlier and stuff your tray with amazing local specialities. Special mention to the smoked beef masak lemak, the green vegetable version, the tofu and tempeh dish and the beef jerky. Everything is great so just bring a friend and fill your tray.

MENYA APPARE

If tonkotsu ramen is your poison, this is your serpent. The most legit bowl in town. Get the spicy Tonkotsu, order thicker noodles, grab some gyoza for starters and let the merriment begin.

ROUND

My one everlasting gripe with KL has been the distinct lack of good pizza. The throne has been vacant for many decades, but now finally ROUND can take its rightful place.

Great crust, good sauce/cheese. Friendly service. What more can you ask for?

VISHAL FOOD & CATERING

Like eating in a furnace, this is one of the best banana leaf places in all of KL. Make sure you go to the right one, since there are three along the same row with suspiciously similar names. Check the sign above to make sure, and sit down at the long communal tables and order your lunch.

MADRAS LANE CURRY MEE

Be sure to find the green bowl lady, nobody else. It's hotter than hell eating in this dirty alleyway, but the food makes you forget your surroundings.

MENYA HANABI

The best mazesoba in Malaysia. Utterly bowl-lickingly good. You'll need a nap after, and don't forget to top up with rice when you're done noodling around so you can scoop up the last of the sauce.

VILLAGE PARK

Their fried chicken is legendary, and if you can get a better Nasi Lemak in town, we haven't found one yet. Full disclosure: We haven't tried very hard.

PURE SAIVA

Unquestionably the best vegetarian South Indian food you will find in KL. Vegan options alongside vegetarian, options with no onion + garlic, excellent masala dosas and sumptuous meals for lunch. You'd better get your Grab taxi to take you here if you give two hoots about food.

SHIN KEE

Despite its location smack bang in the middle of tourist plodding-town, this beef noodle shop serves up a mighty tasty bowl. Both the dry and the soup versions are great, and don't forget to add their chili paste.

KAK SOM

Kampung Baru is perhaps one of the nicest areas of KL to walk around. Low buildings, old houses, narrow streets and lots of trees. Plus you get uninterrupted views of the Petronas Towers from almost anywhere.

Food-wise, avoid the famous Wanjo for Nasi Lemak (Village Park is far better), and head to Kak Som for a true taste of how local Malays eat. Grab your plate of sticky rice and then add curries or vegetables to your hearts content. The tally will be calculated afterwards. The food here is less sweet than many places in KL, so it fits our agenda like a glove.

ONE HALF COFFEE ROASTER

For supreme coffee nerding head to this counter-style tasting room in Petaling Jaya. They have a cafe also a few kilometers away where you can eat pastries from doudoubake and sip excellent cups, but this is where the heavy weights come to discuss acidity and grind size whilst the Starbucks disciples in non-descript malls nearby ask for extra whipped cream on their calorie bombs.

TUGU VIEW CAFE

Hidden in the ASEAN Sculpture Garden, this outdoor cafe draws in hundreds of famished office workers every lunch time. The speciality here is the desirous fish head curry ladled over with rich, decadent curry gravy. Fish heads come in different sizes and prices, but there is a lot more flesh on them than you'd think.

This is truly one of the highlights of Malaysian cooking in KL.

MOLLAGAA

100% Authentic Keralan food at this wildly popular banana leaf restaurant. Everything on the menu is excellent so don't worry about what to choose.

TANDANG

Zongshan building is the home of KL's small underground scene and Tandang record store is where you go to find out the latest counter-culture news in town. They'll know of any upcoming concerts in some of the towns obscure venues.

Downstairs is Piu Piu Piu Coffee, behind lies Tommy le Baker which will fix your western bakery cravings.

IKAN PANGGANG (PORTUGUESE GRILL FISH)

A thousand tourists walk right past this stall every day on their mindless ramblings down Petaling Street, but come night you'll find a loyal gatherings of afficionado's stuffing their faces with delicious fresh fish, clams, stingray and prawns cooked either with lemongrass and butter, or our favourite: spicy sambal.

The prices are extremely agreeable, you'll eat seated at a plastic chair and table, and you'll probably not enjoy a seafood meal this much ever again.

FU MAN YUAN DUMPLINGS

Run by a stressed yet smiling Chinese woman, these are the most authentic dumplings you'll get in KL. The definition of a hidden gem, yet all the locals in Sri Petaling know about it because its always full.

LIMAPULO: BABA CAN COOK

Opinion can be divided on this restaurant due to some locals favouring Asam Laksa over Nyonya, but the writers at The Mouth all agree that Nyonya is king. The laksa here is one of the best in town.

SHUANGXI

This speakeas y hidden up the narrow staircase offers movie lovers a chance to sip cocktails (or mocktails) under a bedecked wall of Wong-Kar Wai classics. The bartenders are cinephiles too and love nothing better than a quick chat about Fruit Chan.

RESTORAN SUPER KITCHEN

If you're going to try Chili Pan Mee in KL, go here. The tourist crowds go to Kin Kin which is also excellent, and if you do go there the chili paste is nuclear!

VUI'S FRIED RICE

A runaway from Din Tai Fung, the chef here makes a fried rice similar to the chain restaurant, but dare we say a bit tastier? The locals definitely think so, the stall is packed from opening until he sells out.

CHAMELEON BEANCURD RESTAURANT

Vegetarian food of this quality needs to be worshipped and adored. Chameleon Beancurd not only churns out sumptuous "mock-meat" versions of popular dishes, but does so in a remarkably clean and jovial location. If you're a vegetarian, vegan or vegetable-curious, make a bee-line for this restaurant immediately.

Their Asam Pedas "Fish" dish is fire!

HOLIAO NOODLES

Lunchtimes here are a frenzied mix of deep slurping and sweating simultaneously. It is an oven in this tin shed, but the noodles they prepare are worth your sauna-lunch. Get the spinach noodles to fool yourself into believing you're healthy.

SUP AL-DEEN

A city like KL enjoys the luxury of multiple rainy days per year. When such a situation arises on your vacation, take heed of the clouds and pop yourself down at a chair inside this achingly beautiful old space. Order the Sup Daging (Lamb Soup), some white bread to dip in it, and sit back and allow yourself a moment of recollection. The soup is fatty, hearty and spiced to perfection. There are not many places like this left in the world, so take the chance to go there while you still can.

VALENTINE ROTI

Despite having a huge wobble for a few years during Covid, Valentine Roti is back at full strength serving up the best Roti Canai in town!

DANJIN DUMPLINGS

Secret dumplings behind a burnt-out bus shelter in Pudu? Really?

Truth. A smiling lady keeps a horde of hungry customers happy by cooking and serving bowl after bowl of delicious noodles and dumplings under the intolerably hot Malaysian sun. Everything is good here, if you can stand the heat (sun, not chilli).

BRICKFIELDS PISANG GORENG

This local legend sources sweeter bananas (Pisang Raja) than his competitors, so the price is slightly inflated, but the taste is far superior to anyone else. A bonafide "MUST TRY", if you're wandering through Brickfields or Sentral.

AMCORP MALL

Sundays are second-hand-stall day inside Amcorp Mall. Head up to the various floors and find something useless to blow pennies on. Definitely worth a trip, where you'll see vinyl hunters standing next to nerds looking for comics.

KAARA SAARAM CLAYPOT

Five years ago we woul d have raved about Seni Sattusorri, but after the expansion the quality has nosedived. This restaurant is 100 meters away and currently slaps Seni for a six. Get the claypot rice here but do not turn down the chance to order the ghee rice in a banana leaf. Succulent heaven!

OLD CHINA CAFE

Fighting for the title of "Best Nyonya Laksa" in town, the Old China Cafe offers punters a decidely calmed interior than it's competitor Limapulo. Both are great, just decide which one to visit based on where in town you happen to be.

KHAN JEE

Local Pakistani populations crowd Khan Jee and Pak Punjab, huddled around tables encased in BBQ smoke. Whilst it's almost impossible to seperate the two, the kebabs at Pak have the upper hand, but the curries and tandoori roti are better at Khan, in our opinion.

Whichever you choose, you'll leave feeling like you swallowed a jumbo jet, but with a smile on your face.

MA MAISON EBISU

Staying with the Japanese cuisine wave, perched a top a shopping mall in Bukit Bintang is this excellent Tonkatsu restaurant. The pork meat is divinely juicy whilst the panko crust is tooth-shatteringly crispy. All the correct accompaniments follow along to make your meal a sensationally pleasant one.

LICKY CHAN & THE POKE GUY

One way to fight the heat is to freeze your insides, and what better way than to track down this peculiar shop that seems to attract more camera's than customers, but nevertheless. Their ice-creams range from boozy to alco-free, and are curiously flavoured and set to cool you down a notch.

SEK YUEN

Kuala Lumpur is heaving with old skool Chinese restaurants that are seemingly always packed. Sek Yuen is no different, but for our tastes its the best of its kind in town.

VINH CITY

On the third floor of Sungei Wang plaza lies KL's best Vietnamese restaurant, hidden almost at a dead end. Locals in the know come here to load up on Pho, Banh Mi and all sorts of Vietnamese treats due to the great food and low prices.

DHARMA REALM SAGELY MONASTERY

Not every local knows about this vegan canteen tucked behind a temple in central KL, but it's one of our absolute favourite places to take friends who don't partake of the animal kind. Huge swathes of delicious, healthy food, a roof to protect you from the sun, and a strict policy of "Only take what you can eat, no waste", means you know your money is going to a good cause.

IMBI MARKET

There's a lot to get excited about in this monstrosity of a foodcourt. Minus points for the lack of Air Conditioning, but plus points for the sheer diversity and choices available to the average punter. You could happily eat here every day for a month and barely scratch the surface. Some of the places we frequent are the stall in the photo (grab a bowl of the prawn soup) and the lady selling the rabidly popular Kuih (a savory/sweet rice, yam and sweet potato mash-up that is oddly satisfying), at the IMBI KUIH BAKUL stall. Expect to wait in line.

You'll sweat your guts out, but the food is worth the sauna.

ZAINI SATAY

A slight trek out of the main realms of the octopus that is KL, the locals flock here to try the delicious satay. Whilst we haven't had better satay in KL, the sambal is slightly too sweet, however the stall next door sells a killer plate of Rojak worth upgrading your snack to a meal for.

SANGEETHA

When the urge to shove a large, crispy, flavourful dosa into your face becomes too difficult to ignore, then head to Sangeetha and temper your shakes. The branch on Leboh Ampang used to be the superior of the two, but things have changed.

HALAB

Middle Eastern food doesn't come much better than Halab in KL. Don't mistake it for the Halab Express, as they are owned by the same company but the food quality differs. Head to the one opposite Nasi Kahwin, order some meze and a lamb makhlouba. It's enough for two to share and it's dynamite.

TOWZEN

Vegan ramen that tastes better than almost any meat-based ramen in town, this is an absolute MUST GO!

EATING BETTER has been The Mouth's moto for decades. Having lived in over 10 countries and spent the better part of twenty years eating everything in sight in most of Asia's best cities, these guides are recommended by locals, and eaten at by The Mouth's writers to find the best of the best.

Basically we eat 100 dishes so you can find that 1 great one.

CHIANG MAI VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:03:53 GMT

Vegetarian Guide to Chiang Mai

THE BEST VEGETARIAN GUIDE TO CHIANG MAI

Northern Thailand is famous for pork. More so than any other protein, they munch down on the humble piggy like it's going out of fashion. Well, for this guide it has gone out of fashion.

The following recommendations are all nestled under the umbrella of vegetarian, vegan and healthy eating. A couple of the restaurants also sell meat products, but they are included here due to the excellent options they offer to non-meat eaters. As with every guide to eating, they are subjective, but we found searching for any decent vegetarian guides to Chiang Mai only threw up the same pile of garbage: Hipster salad bars, restaurants offering vegan fast food, hummus and falafel joints.

Editor: Mr Hangry, spent months on end and multiple visits to the Northern city uncovering local tips and tricks to make sure he didn't end up in a tiktok video whilst trying to eat. He succeeded, and collected below is a comprehensive list of places most tourists would overlook, but the locals keep to themselves in hushed whispers. A few of them are in the more hip areas like Nimman, but for the majority you will have to hop on a Grab bike or hail a songtheauw and be prepared for adventure!

If you are short on time and prefer an "all-in-one" package, then click on the link below and sign up for a TagThai pass. The Mouth will earn a kickback from affiliate links.

29 COFFTIES

This tiny kitchen in Santitham serves excellent vegan curries and rice dishes for under 100 baht. Make sure you get there early as they don't take orders after 7.30pm.

IMJAI

Located in the basement of Maya Shopping Mall, helmed by the friendliest staff on earth, this small vegan take-away counter does some bonafide delicious food.

CHIANG MAI VEGETARIAN SOCIETY

Inside an inconspicuous gate by the main road lies this little sanctuary to vegetable salvation. A huge gift shop, fresh juices and healthy shakes in fridges, and the eating area out back where you are free to fill your plates, eat to your hearts content, pay a donation and then wash your dishes before leaving.

An altogether delightful affair.

JAY MAI JUMJAY

You come here for the Nam Ngiao, a delightfully sour/balanced noodle soup with addictive properties. The location is fantastic too, far from the peering tourist eyes, and further up the road is a long line of vendors to stock up on fruit and vegetables for later.

SHEWE VEGAN

Bizarrely located inside a hotel, this is one of Chiang Mai's absolute gems. The owner will tick you through the extensive menu and recommend dishes based on your tastes. Everything we tried was fresh and delicious.

ALCHEMY VEGAN

There are times when you fancy some "Western" comforts wrapped in vegan parchments, then take a songtheauw and head to Alchemy. Space is limited so be prepared to wait as it's almost always full.

p.s. The coffee shop THREE is 40 meters down the road, so pop in there after.

TUECACO CHIANG MOI

Deep fried taro, red bean and tofu patties with dipping sauce to quell the internal rage.

ASA VEGAN KITCHEN

Despite the location, this small studio/restaurant serves one hell of a vegan Khao Soi! Ask for it spicy and they won't hold back.

PUN PUN VEGETARIAN SLOW FOOD

Located inside the compound of the Wat Suan Dok temple, this is a local gem for vegetarian delights. Sit outside if the sun is not too tormenting, otherwise head in and commandeer one of the fans.

REFORM KAFE

Though you will be pummeled by instagram hungry toolbags in aching repose, ignore the communal tables full of tattoos and hide in the corner for a delicious vegan Tom Yum with mushroom dumplings.

KINPHAK

A few ex-pats scurry in and out to grab fresh juices and take-away lunch, and they probably know something most don't. The food is reasonably priced and tasty if you're in the mood for easing the suffering of innocent animals.

NONG BEE

Some vegans refuse to eat food made in a kitchen that cooks both meat and vegan dishes. If you are of that persuasion, then skip Nong B. If not, come here for the Burmese salads! They're bonafide, cheap and cheery.

VEGETARIAN FOOD RATSAMITHAM

A tad out of the general reach of Chiang Mai's claws lies a peaceful oasis for legumes and lentils. Order at the counter and sit in the side-restaurant contemplating carrots and blushing over broccoli.

EKATHIP CHOKEDEE

This behemoth of local finger licking has a bonafide vegan menu with excellent dishes for the curious stomach. Their red curry with deep fried tofu is exceptional!

MING KWAN

If you're stuck in the tourist infested old town, but fancy conjuring a carrot, then head to this little shop and chomp to your hearts content. We've never tasted plant based meatballs that were ten times better than the "real" thing.

KLONG KHUM

Chiang Mai's best tea leaf salad? Perhaps

SANGWIROON

Another popular haunt for the western army of vegetable worshippers. Cheap, clean, tasty. Not much else to say.

COAST BY KAYRA | INTERVIEW

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:29:08 GMT

An Interview With Coast, KL

A TALK WITH CHEF SAL SABEEL

Kerala was a bi-yearly destination for our family holidays, taking the hair-raising bus from Ooty to Coimbatore, followed by the overnight train to Trivandrum and a perfectly joyous taxi ride through the hum of morning, with the Keralan sun peeking through the palmtrees as the ladies sat along the roadside cutting stones. The old windows would be wound down just enough to rest your elbow out, maintaining enough leverage for a breeze but not enough to break an arm on a passing rickshaws rearviewmirror. The dew lifting off the branches as men walked into the garden wearing bright lunghi's to clear their throats and the women came back from the well with buckets of water balanced on their heads.

The locals call it "Gods own country", and spending a few days in Kerala one starts to understand why. The state sits proudly atop the education summit in India, the literacy rate is almost 100, the streets are cleaner and more orderly than most other parts of the sub-continent, and the food, oh the food!

From feasting with families at Onam, to fresh caught Kingfish steaks being cooked in a tandoor oven on the beach, to plump rice and coconut curries, ripe fruit and fresh lime sodas. Kerala truly is a wonderland.

Kuala Lumpur has been blessed with a large polulation of Tamils, who, over time have managed to leave an indelible print on the cultural and culinary landscape. Ask any Malaysian and Banana Leaf will be one of their top comfort foods. Roti Canai (a version of Paratha) is craved weekly by most commuters in the big cities of Malaysia. Hindu temples line the streets and processions in Brickfields turn into a fiesta of colours and chaos. Amidst all of this cultural bleed, there has been a couple of restaurants trying to plant the flag of Keralan food in the city: Kayra and Mollagaa.

Mollagaa is more a casual "meals" spot with cheap and cheerful cuisine. Kayra took the plunge in elevating the decor and dishes into something a little more mid-priced. The result has been two branches that are perpetually full of people eating their way through delicious and changing menus. Kayra has been a favourite of ours for many years, drawn back by the promise of the consistency of quality, something that KL really suffers from.

2024 saw the start of a new venture from Kayra's owner and head chef: Meriam & Sabeel. Located closer to the main tourist throngs of KL, Bukit Bintang, COAST is a new concept opening the door to a taste of the bountiful seafood along the long shoreline of Kerala. Combining local seafood, spices and some imported elements, COAST is here to change the way in which Malaysians view Keralan food.

THE MOUTH conducted an interview with head chef Sal Sabeel in July 2024, and the following is a transcript of the exchange.

First of all for our readers who are not aware of COAST, can you please introduce the restaurant and yourself and explain a bit about your overall vision or philosophy.

My name is Sal Sabeel and I am Head Chef of Kayra and Coast by Kayra. Coast by Kayra opened in January this year and is situated at The Starhill, Bukit Bintang. We also run a cloud kitchen called Kayra Delivers whereby we are more focused on one plate meals. The overall vision was to bring Kerala cuisine to Malaysians and largely to introduce the cuisine with a fun modern twist whilst retaining traditional recipes.

Since Coast is an off-shoot of Kayra, what was the reason for creating a new theme and not just opening another branch of Kayra downtown. Do you feel this restaurant has the opportunity to reach a new audience or showcase something different?

We first thought of opening another branch of Kayra but then we decided to go with a signature brand situated in the heart of the city so we could expand our cuisine not just to Malaysians but also to visitors and allow them to experience Kerala cuisine from a different perspective, which is focused on Kerala’s coastal heritage.

When we decided on the concept we knew that seafood is the one singular thing in Kerala that always stands out so we decided to dive deeper into the various regions of the Keralan coast and to give these traditional recipes a modern approach. Last year Meriam (Alfonso, founder of Kayra) and I travelled to India for inspiration and we definitely got some. I think inspirations can come from anywhere, whether it is a market, my father’s humble stall, or riverside shops, every place in the different regions of Kerala have

different versions of making one dish and the aim was to bring a slice of that to Coast by Kayra.

Southern Indian food is plentiful in Kuala Lumpur due, in part, to the large population of Tamil people living in the multicultural community of Malaysia. Most people will be familiar with the hundreds of Banana Leaf spots scattered around KL, but perhaps less knowledgeable about the fantastic seafood culture that exists in the southern states of India. Since Kerala borders Tamil Nadu, and shares a long coastline, what inspiration do you take from South Indian food and how do you go about educating people about this style of food?

Kerala in the southwest of India has always been unique because of its coastal shores, and the types of fresh seafood available. I grew up consuming banana leaf meals, mainly twice a year during the Vishu & Onam vegetarian feasts and I have fond memories of those. One thing I think that sets Malaysia and Kerala apart is that there are certainly more banana leaf restaurants than in Kerala, and it is fun for me to introduce a different cuisine to Malaysians that are more familiar with the former. So far our guests have been generous with their praise and it brings me joy to know that they have embraced our interpretation of Keralan food with such ease.

What are the main differences between Tamil and Keralan food?

I think the main difference lies in the spices, and the usage of coconut in all its forms. Coconut oil is the main oil that is used in this cuisine and more importantly, everything is always medium spiced. Here we use whole red Kashmiri chillies, coriander, turmeric which will then be sent to the mill to be ground and we make our in-house garam masala on a weekly basis so nothing is stored for a long period of time to ensure its freshness. During my childhood I watched my mother and father do the same for the spices that were used for the stall and for the home. We believe it always makes a big difference.

Since COAST is seafood-forward, how and where do you source your fish/prawns? Is it important to create relationships with local fishermen or do you use suppliers to maintain fresh seafood consistently.

Our seafood supplier has been with us for many years now and they in turn, source their seafood from local fishermen from the different parts of Malaysia like Selangor, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Sabah and more. We purchase on a daily basis and everything comes to us freshly caught, which we then do quality checks on, clean and weigh before it makes its way to the kitchen in the restaurant.

Malaysia and India share very similar climates and soil, but what are the ingredients or herbs / plants/ vegetables that are difficult to source there, and how do you overcome this or substitute them with local ingredients? Is seasonality an issue or welcome challenge when it comes to maintaining certain products, and does this lead to frequent menu changes?

Our main ingredient that goes into our classic fish curry and meen pollichathu is Kokum, which is the Kerala version of tamarind. Apart from being a souring agent, it also has a

smoky flavor and that is something that we cannot source locally and there is no substitution for it. That is the one ingredient which we directly get from Kerala to keep the integrity and retain the flavors of our dishes. Besides that, we have have always focused on sourcing ingredients locally, and hav even incorporated some native ingredients into our dishes, like the pucuk paku (fern) that is on our menu as a vegetarian dish, and also the jantung pisang (banana blossoms) commonly used in both Kerala and Malaysia into a cutlet.

I have eaten at KAYRA many times in the past, and always enjoy the food there. One of the main things that strikes me is the consistency. Often in Asia restaurants can vary wildly from day to day, and I think customers really value knowing that they will get the same taste they did last time around. How do you and your team manage to keep the consistency level so high and what are the main challenges?

We always aim for consistency on daily basis, as we know that is key to any successful restaurant. There have been many challenges along the way such as the variant of spices, chillies found here that are sometimes not up to our expectations which requires a lot of fine-tuning of the recipes, tasting, quality checks on a daily basis until the whole team is aligned on the same page. The kitchen team understands this and that is why we are able to deliver consistency on daily basis.

Coastal Indian food has started to gain some recognition in the last decade, with restaurants such as JHOL in Bangkok (who are also opening in KL), and Kayra showing people that Indian food is not just Chicken Tikka Masala . What do you think are some traditional recipes that are criminally underrated from the South Indian table, and that you want to showcase to your guests. Also what are some misconceptions the average person has about Indian food.

Misconceptions that we often get is that Indian food is heavy on the belly and heavily spiced. People are surprised after dining in Kayra and Coast by Kayra that we have broken this myth perpetuating our food – that it can be subtle yet flavorful and not heavily laden with spiciness and creaminess. We believe regional Indian food has its place in the local food scene and from the inception of Kayra, we have wanted to bring the awareness and the taste of Kerala to Malaysians, so they get a holistic picture of South Indian cuisine. The diaspora is very large and wide & all of us play different roles in showcasing our regional food whether locally or internationally.

Can you tell us about the signature dishes at COAST by Kayra? And a little on the process of creating new dishes for the menu?

Once we knew that we were going to be focused on the shores of Kerala for the concept, we started looking for recipes throughout the coastal region from different households, especially from the mothers and grandmothers who reigned in the kitchens, and we took inspiration from the north all the way to the south. For example, the fish curry on our menu is based on Meriam’s family recipe wheareas the lamb biryani is a version of what my father always makes at home to be served in his food stall. We knew our creativity could be showcased more through our small plates so that part of the menu took months of R&Ds where we tested different types of seafood to match the different small plates we had envisioned to add some fun elements through different textures, and that evolved into the final version of what our menu is today.

We usually like to ask our Head Chefs if they have a few secret places in their city to shout out or promote. Restaurants, shacks, stalls, that you feel are doing some amazing food but not getting the credit they deserve. In other words, if you had friends coming to Kuala Lumpur, what would be some places you tell them they absolutely cannot miss. This can be anything from any cuisine, your favourite banana leaf, roti canai, nasi lemak, etc.

Easy answer, my go-to-place is Bala’s Banana leaf in Lucky Garden Bangsar which serves a really hearty meal.

Interview between The Mouth and Sal Sabeel published with permission, July 2024.
All food photographs were taken by Kayra/Coast and published with permission. Menu items may vary.

BEST CHAR KUEY TEOW IN PENANG

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 08:53:20 GMT

Best Char Kuey Teow In Penang

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST CHAR KUEY TEOW IN GEORGETOWN

Ask any local and the first thing they'll demand f rom their CKT is "Wok Hei". This happens when the char kuey teow is cooked in a searing hot wok, not too many portions at a time (ideally 1), so that the noodles get a lovely smokey sear on them adding that depth of flavour.

Another thing, never ask two locals at the same time which is the best in town because you'll end up witnessing a fist fight. Local Penangites are violently protective about their favourite spots. One prefers greasier style, others like dry style, some thing cockles should be added, others not, some go for duck eggs, others think it's too rich, others still love the old school charcoal cooking, some swear by gas.

Whatever the reasonings are behind their decisions, one thing is clear: Georgetown residents love their CKT.

The Mouth's editor has been eating this dish for over 20 years in and around Georgetown and decided it high time to make a list of his personal favourites. Before you shoot the messenger, just use this as a guide and find your own spots.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

JIN CAFE

70+ year old legend still churns out the best CKT in town by preparing one portion at a time to guarantee that "wok hei". The plate is perfect. Seasoned, not too oily, full of flavour and served with a smile. If you only eat one plate of Char Kuey Teow in Penang, make it this one.

p.s. Thanks to Peter Yeoh for the tip!

TIGER CHAR KUEY TEOW

One of the better stalls downtown, their CKT is flavourful and comes with large shrimp.

AH SOON

More reminiscent of a Thai Phad See Ew perhaps, this wetter version of CKT still packs a good flavour punch. The location is a bit out of the way, but people visiting the beaches can pop in for lunch.

UNDER THE TREE

This auntie cooks a mean CKT along Lengkok B urma in the outdoor food court. Grab a plate and head behind to find seat in the shade. Legit stuff!

AH LENG

Most locals swear by Ah Leng, and if the long lines are anything to go by it's one of the most popular in town. Whilst the plates are very good here and the prawns are huge, the only thing we didn't personally prefer is the mushy chinese sausage on top. We prefer it cut in pieces with some bite.

HUA HIN VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 06:31:00 GMT

Vegetarian & Vegan Guide To Hua Hin

A LOCALS GUIDE TO VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD IN HUA HIN

The seaside town of Hua Hin may not automatically jump out at you for vegetarian and vegan options, but hidden amongst the seafood restaurants are some truly world class spots. From purely vegan, vegetarian, vegetarian with pescatarian options and meat-based restaurants with options for vegans/vegetarians, this guide will show you where to go.

The Mouth's editor has been visiting these parts for over a decade and spent months on end trying every spot in town boasting a vegetable medley, to guarantee your two week break goes off without a hitch.

CLICK FOR ALL MAP LOCATIONS

RUEAN THONG

A fantastic "buffet-style" restaurant serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food. Special mention goes to their Pineapple Curry which packs a mild punch. Extremely friendly service and phenomenal food.

GREEN DINING

Our favourite spot in Hua Hin, located in a house, this vegan & vegetarian restaurant serves up delicious and well-priced food. Everything from their Khao Soi, soups, noodle and rice dishes are full of flavour and not greasy.

HUA HIN VEGAN

A tad more on the pricey side, yet nevertheless a good bet if you fancy more western-style vegan food. They have an attached store for those obsessive shoppers.

VEGGIE TALES CAFE

Serving vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian, this is a safe place to bring fussy friends. Located in a small street, the quiet restaurant is popular among locals and the food is clean and delicious.

OGEN

Who doesn't love a platter of Middle Eastern vegan food? Ogen does a great job at reproducing the flavours of the Lebanese kitchen, and the prices are decent for its location.

S & S INDIAN RESTAURANT

The best Channa Masala in Hua Hin by a landslide! This place is not strictly vegetarian, but has a good amount of vegetarian dishes.

BEST KHAO SOI IN CHIANG MAI

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:26:56 GMT

BEST KHAO SOI IN CHIANG MAI

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST KHAO SOI IN CHIANG MAI

We know everyone is frantically trying to find the best Chiang Mai Noodles when they arrive in the Northern city. Famous for its Khao Soi, a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, crispy noodles, pork-chicken or beef, pickled mustard greens and shallots, locals and tourists alike argue over which place does the best version.

Some versions of Khao Soi are more milky and thin, some thicker and sweeter, some more like a Laksa in texture. Noodle quality varies across the board, as does the tenderness of the protein or the spice-level of the homemade chili paste.

Since our job is to cut through all the garbage to give you the keys to the kingdom, we took it upon ourselves to try over 25 Khao Soi, over a period of 20 years, going back to our favourite spots again and again to make sure they are consistent. Having found the bowls that we think are the best in town, here they are displayed for your ease in a tidy list. If you don't see a place on there that you have visited, either we went and didn't like it as much as you do, or don't know it, so feel free to send us a message on Instagram and we'll hit it next time we're in town.

And before some of you cry foul, we did try Mae Manee, three times, and found it utterly overrated on all occasions. Khun Yai is fine but too creamy/heavy, Khao Soi Islam is too watery for our personal taste but we need to hit it again since it's been a decade, and Samerjai tastes like candy.

It is what it is. You do you.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PRINCE MAEJO

Taking all things into consideration, this is a notch above. The whole experience of driving 25 minutes outside of town builds that expectation, and Khao Soi Prince does not disappoint. Everything here is pretty much perfection, and the chef and host are exceptionally friendly.

Shout out to Andy Ricker for divulging his precious tips in various online interviews. He's right as hell about this one.

PA POM

Arrive before midday if you want to partake in this particular Khao Soi gem, they sell out every single day. Hidden from the prying eyes of most tourists, there are no English signs, no English menu's and no option but to head in, say "Khao Soi Gai" and wait your turn.

One of the best hidden gems in Chiang Mai.

LUNG PRAKIT KAT GORM

You come here for the noodles and the broth. At times the beef can be chewy or "knuckly" but the rest of the bowl makes up for it. Head in, grab a piece of paper, ask a local for help in writing out your order, give it to the man at the entrance and wait to be called in.

MAESAI

The beef at Maesai is the most tender and succulent in town. Be prepared to wait, arrive early, grab a number from the chef and wait to be called. Eating Khao Soi here without annointing it with their chilli paste is downright sacrilege.

As usual, it used to be better, and the quality can be wildly inconsistent, but if you're downtown and like beef Khao Soi, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

LAM DUAN FA HAM

Said to be the original gangster in the Khao Soi scene, slamming bowls since the early 1940's, Lam Duan does a very decent bowl of Chicken Khao Soi.

MUEANG KLAENG

Tucked in a sidestreet a few blocks from the North Gate, this local favourite quietly pushes out bowl after bowl of delicious Khao Soi without fanfare. The restaurant itself is worth a look, and the bowl is no joke. Again, a touch on the sweet side, but worthy of exploration.

ASA VEGAN KITCHEN

Fear not plant eaters! This Khao Soi is worthy of sitting amongst any of the aformentioned beasts. Delicious and delicate and downright sippable.

MUMBAI FOOD GUIDE

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:24 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO MUMBAI

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN MUMBAI

The Mouth has had a soon four decade long love affair with the city of Mumbai. Overlooked by most tourists as a stop-over between their origin and the beaches of Goa, there is a whole lot to love about this coastal behemoth. Apart from the usual tourist sites to occupy a person on a long weekend, for anyone even remotely interested in food, you cannot beat the diversity and options here. From street stalls selling kebabs that will murder your stomach but satisfy your palate, to vegetarian thali's that could hyptnotize the staunchest critic, to delicately spiced fish curries, fluffy biryani's and ancient farsi breakfast nooks, there is something to love in Mumbai for everyone.

Yes, the traffic is relentless. Yes, the noise is punishing. Yes, the hassle is annoying- however, if you stay a little outside the main backpacker area of Colaba, and stick to Ubers, you'll have a much easier time navigating the multiple neighborhoods of Bombay.

Explained in further detail in this guide are the places we end up going back to time and time again. Not only for the amazing food, but also the consistency in which it's prepared. The dishes taste the same now as they did a decade ago, and that is testament to a well-run establishment.

So look no further if you want the best local food in Mumbai.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

SHREE THAKER BHOJNALAY

Words fail to describe how amazing this place is. Whatever your opinions on vegans and vegetarians, throw them out the window and jump in a cab immediately. Arrive early if you don't want to get stuck in a huge line (Weekends are murder), pay at the counter, take a seat and wait for the greatest magic show on earth to commence. Waiters will begin to paint your silver tray with myriads of colours and textures for you to try, explaining what goes best with what, where to dip your roti, which pickle works best with that lentil. There is no use in telling them you are full, you stop eating when they decide you have had enough, and every flavour is a love affair to history, tradition and vegetable worship.

If you go to Mumbai and do not come here, then there is no hope for you.

JAIHIND LUNCH HOME

Another local favourite where you're going to have to wait unless you managed to get reservations, this restaurant serves the freshest seafood in town.

SWATI SNACKS

Another victory for vegetarians, this chain has impeccable Gujurathi snacks of all shapes and sizes. Ask the waiter for the daily specials, but do not miss out on the Panki Chatni.

BLUE TOKAI

With a few branches scattered around Mumbai, this is one of your best bets if you want to try locally sourced, Indian coffee, prepared well. They believe in farm-to-cup philosophy and paying a fair wage to the entire chain.

BRITANNIA & CO

Possibly the most beautiful restaurant in the world if you like peeling paint and echo's of lost time. Their food is a wonderful glimpse into a different world. A true gem of the local culinary scene in Mumbai, and a starting point for anyone visiting the few Parsi restaurants dotted around town.

TRISHNA

For those nights where price is not a consideration, head to Kala Ghoda, and to Trishna (one block behind this cafe). This phenomenal seafood restaurant has been serving their award winning Garlic-Crab to happy punters, consistently.

LUCKY RESTAURANT

You make the trek up here for the famous biryani. Succulent, tender rice topped with chicken and served with a side of raita. A must-do if you're spending more than a weekend in town.

p.s. For those who preferred this spot before they started adding potato to the Biryani, there is no saving you.

SARDAR

The risk/reward of eating at some of Mumbai's more local establishments adds an extra element of chance to the equation. We suggest eating this intensely great Pav Bhaji with meat a few days before any International flights, as you don't want to get caught short in the middle-seat during a 15 hour flight.

MAHESH LUNCH HOME

Another favourite for seafood in Mumbai, slightly more expensive than Jai Hind but the quality shines through.

KYANI & CO

You come here for the breakfast egg dishes. Simple, homecooked food in a fabulously decrepid haunt.

KALA GHODA CAFE

Appearances can be deceptive at Kala Ghoda Cafe. Wander in off the street and you'd think it's just a tiny cafe, but keep walking and you'll find hallways and doorways opening to indoor Air Conditioned sections and even a small speakeasy Wine Bar. A tranquil place to sip some coffee.

SHER-E-PUNJAB

One of, if not, the oldest Punjabi restaurants in Mumbai, you come here for the banjara kebab, tarka dal and romali roti. The perfect lunch. It's not a "must-do" on the Mumbai circuit, but one for people who care about history & tradition and want a textbook example of North Indian cooking.

Beware of the restaurant opposite which is the same name but serves more as a loud beer hall for drunk locals. The one with the guard outside dressed in traditional garb is where you want to dine.

CAFE MONDEGAR

Whilst the tourist flock to Leopolds, the locals come to "Mondys". Pull up a chair in the tight dining room, have a cold drink and quick chat with your neighbor.

BOMBAY COFFEE HOUSE

If you're staying in Ballard Estate, then this is your bet for a morning coffee to shake life into your weary bones.

PENANG FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:04:48 GMT

Food Guide To Penang

WHERE TO EAT LIKE A LOCAL IN GEORGETOWN, PENANG

Undoubtably the most popular food destination in Malaysia, Georgetown welcomes millions of tourists a year drawn to its historical buildings and thriving street-food culture. From amazing Char Kuey Teow with "wok hei", to plates of Wonton Mee, to banana leaf curry lunches, roadside Apom, sate from old legends and everything inbetween, this city can occupy your foodie stomach for months without giving it a rest.

Despite suffering a serious dip in quality after the covid pandemic, the food stalls are back to full capacity and better than ever. New shops have opened, lines are forming at the old legendary stalls, and the feeling of renewed optimism is palpable.

Whether you want to stick to traditional food or venture into the unknown, this guide was compiled over the course of 25 years, by a food maniac who has visited the city more than 20 times. With some expert help from a couple of local sources and some International men of mystery, the guide is now a veritable treasure trove for your vacation munchings.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

GRANNIE Q LEMAK LAKSA

The best Siam Laksa in town. Fish-based but not funky, made with coconut milk, and deeply satisfying. Absolute gem! Thanks to Peter Yeoh for the tip.

WENG KEI WANTON MEE

You won't find better cantonese style noodles in town, and the mixed pork plate takes it to the next level. There is almost never anyone at this place (Thanks Nathan for the heads up), and it definitely must be because nobody knows it. The food is absolute fire!

JIN CAFE CHAR KUEY TEOW

One hundred meters from the ultra-famous "New Siam Road", which used to be our favourite until the father relinquished duties to his son, this old school spot serves up one of the best CKT in town. Not only are the vibes exactly what you'd expect, but the 60+ year old cook is a veritable bundle of smiles.

Arguments will rage about if the CKT should be drier or greasier, but remember the old adage: Fat = Flavour. We're sticking with that, Ah Leng can be the choice for those watching their waistlines.

Many thanks to the legend Peter Yeoh for this tip!

NEW LIFE CURRY MEE

Shout out to the venerable Bad Boy Ben at Caffeine Cartel for tipping us on this spot. Georgetowns best Curry Mee?

Quite possibly.

GOH THEW CHIK

Legit old skool chicken rice that never seems to suffer from inconsistency. The way to go here is definitely to order the roast chicken with the darker skin, as opposed to the steamed version.

SAI RAM

Thanks again to Peter Yeoh, this little Apom stand has been churning out phenomenal bites for 30 years at its current location. You won't meet friendlier owners in all of Penang, and be sure to say hi to the old tea man at the food court next to it.

It's worth getting the sweet and the savoury one with egg. Both are delicious.

THE GARDEN BANANA LEAF

Hidden amongst the trees behind a car park, you'll find some of Penangs most authentic south Indian vegetarian food at this outdoor restaurant. Portions are packed with flavour and kind on the wallet.

PULAU TIKUS

One of the quintessential stops on your Georgetown discoveries, most of the stalls open around 5pm and shut before 10. Our tips for some delectable bites are to visit the old man making the only Pork satay sticks (his stall funnily enough says BURGERS HOTDOGS SATAY), and a bowl of addictive Kuey Teow Thng with duck meat at Low Kei (the stall with red and yellow signboard and a heavily tattooed chef).

Just use your nose, sniff around, and plant yourself at a table and order. You'll be fine.

KOKOKAY

Legit old skool chicken rice at this oddly located food court in Tanjung Tokong. Be early, because the word is out and the lines are extreme.

If you're feeling unsatisfied after a plate and want to further your digestive faculties, head to the Vegan Curry Mee spot mentioned further down for a bowl.

TOK TOK MEE

Bouncier than an episode of Baywatch, this handmade noodle shop serves delicious bowls of noodles, wontons, pork and all things gluttinous. Be sure to try their pandan kueh pastry bites.

UNCLE LOKE VEGAN CURRY MEE

Just when you thought you found a dish that a vegan chef couldn't possibly make a version of, you're slapped in the face by a bowl of curry mee that potentially sits atop the throne of "Best In Town", regardless of the category. Situated in a random food hall in Tanjung Tokong (Don't ask how we find these places), this wildly popular shop is constantly full until the last drops of broth have been drained from the large pots.

100% worth hitting regardless of your diet.

BATU LANCHANG

Considerably away from the tourist trap of downtown Georgetown, the locals flock here like prodigal sheep every lunchtime to enjoy their favourite trappings in the large food court. The longest lines seem to always be by the Barakath Nasi Kandar and the soupy Popiah stall, but there are plenty of options for every opinion.

AH BOY KOAY TEOW

Dank bowls of soup in a little alleyway. There used to be a superb spot on Chulia 15 years ago, but it disappeared. This is the best we've found since.

PENANG ROAD FAMOUS LAKSA

All hail the deep funk. If you can handle anchovy, mackerel, fishy fishiness, then hop on over to Penang Road Famous Laksa, smile at the old lady and order a bowl. The first few sips can be a bit jarring, but by the end of the bowl you'll be wondering if you can smash another.

PASSIONS OF KERALA

Penang is a mecca for banana leaf places, but Passions of Kerala costs a bit more, but delivers on all fronts. Everything is freshly cooked, good quality and bursting with flavour.

ZEN XIN

Vegetarian food of the highest order. Fiery, fresh, crispy, crunchy. What more can you want from a meatless meal.

SUP HAMEED

Longstanding spot for deep, fatty soups served from gigantic stainless steel pots. Order the Lamb Soup, grab a few slices. of white bread and dip and sip your way to a smile.

p.s. Another spot that rumours have reached us is struggling with consistency post-covid, so be wary.

HIN BUS DEPOT

Sunday art-fare market and curiosities spread around some crumbling architecture and decent restaurants.

PENNAPRA PRIVATE DINING / THE CAFFEINE CARTEL

Upstairs is the brainchild of chef Mei and owner Ben, with a private dining experience that showcases exceptionally fresh seafood/protein with Thai flavours re-imagined. The intimate dining room is a great break from the hot and sweaty streetfood shacks spread around the town.

Downstairs is a sleek casual coffee shop specialising in a delicious version of the famous Tom Yum Mama soup so loved across the border. The coffee is Vietnamese style, they have teas and sodas and anything else you need to take respite from the furnace outside.

HEMA HEMA

After you've smashed a bowl of Mama Tom Yum at Caffeine Cartel, pop in to Hema Hema and try one of their superb ice-creams to cool off. For once the viral crowd are right, this is great stuff!

HANG CHOW

Not many of these old skool cafe's are still around in Penang. Most of the tribal modernists have turned them into boutique hotels, or other monstrosities. Places like this deserve a few moments repose over a cup of milk tea or bad coffee, just to kick off the noise from outside and look around at the effects of time on paint, furniture and faces. A true remnant of things past.

MINI SIAM

Not all addictions carry the cloak of shame, or at least, differing severities. Nee ding to sit in a corner alone and ponder life over a bowl of Thai food is an affliction we rousingly encourage. Despite a deep lack of authentic Thai food in Penang, one place you can rely on is this charming little restaurant on the second floor above a Thai grocery store.

Again, a shoutout to both Ben & Peter who both frequent this little gem.

JING SI BOOKSTORE

More modern than Hang Chow, but delightful for different reasons. Jing Si is an oasis of calm in the downtown area of Georgetown. Kick off your shoes (no really, they'll make you), head over to peruse the Buddhist books, or find a corner and order a delicious cold tea and listen to the sound of silence.

ANNALAKSHMI TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS

As with their branch in Brickfields, KL, Annalakshmi offers spectacular vegetarian buffet-style lunches for a slightly higher price than your standard banana leaf vendor. After sampling most of the banana leaf places in town, its definitely worth the splurge.

JUNK CAFE

Not only do they serve the best burger in Malaysia, but the music is great and the vibes are just what you need for an evening socialising in Georgetown.

EMILY DARLING CAFE

To satiate even the most ravenous sweet-tooth, enter an oasis of calm and greenery and be transported away from the traffic outside.

HOT BOWL WHITE CURRY MEE

This soup is nothing without lashings of their spicy homemade chilli sauce. The thing to do here is order a bowl, but don't forget to order a plate of steamed chicken too. It's fire!

HASSAN BIRYANI HOUSE

Kapitan used to be the king in town for Tandoori, but Hassan just does a better job. The curries here are not amazing, and the nan is the super thick doughy type, so our recommendation is to ask for a tandoori roti instead.

OO WHITE COFFEE

There are a few branches of this White Coffee house scattered around Georgetown, but in our opinion this one is worth hitting. All the dishes are a solid representation of what they should be. Nothing is amazing but everything is above average.

PROTESTANT & JEWISH CEMETERY

If Atlas Obscura is your favourite website, then head here for a face-to-face with headstones and crawling nature. Despite being close to the most frenzied areas of Penang, this cemetery retains a beautiful stillness that encourages reflection.

The Jewish cemetery is smaller and further out of downtown (combine it with a trip to New Siam Road Char Kuey Teow, for example), but also holds enough interest for a few minutes of silent rambling.

TIGER CHAR KEUY TEOW

If the thought of waiting 2 hours for a plate of Char Kuey Teow seems unreasonable to you, then this is the best place for it in the vicinity of Chulia.

THE ALLEY

For a cup of coffee from people that know how to make one, head here.

MEWS CAFE

A fiercely guarded family secret recipe, this is one of the best laksa you'll get in Penang. Fresh, flavoursome and creamy.

RUAS RECORD STORE

For your taste of a little underground danger, and the occasional live-show head to Ruas and rifle through the stacks of vinyl.

CHETTIARS TIFFIN CAFE

Masala dosas are all about the crunch to white flesh ratio, and of course the sambar. It has to have that tamarind punch and a deep salty umami. Chettiars nails this on all aspects, and trust us, we tried about 20 in town.

MENYA MIYABI

Anyone who has paid attention to The Mouth, knows our raucous worship of all things ramen. If you happen to be experiencing deep cravings while in Georgetown, head over here for a decent version of the Japanese staple.

Yes, it is salty. Deal with it....

p.s. Under NO circumstances should you go to Kanada-Ya.

LE DUX

Pastries that take you back to a sidestreet in Paris, if you ignore the intolerable heat outside the large windows. Pull up a stool, order a coffee and a croissant or savoury/sweet treat and allow your mind to wander.

P.s. Thanks to Peter from Michelin Guide for the recommendation!

BEST RAMEN IN KL

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:45:36 GMT

Best Ramen In KL

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST RAMEN IN KUALA LUMPUR

Sure you can feast on a platter of roti canai's from Valentine, lick your fingers after ploughing through a plate of Mollagaa's banana leaf, fornicate with your reflection at the bottom of an empty laksa bowl, or simply lie prostrate shoving fatty charsiu in your gluttinous cavity, but after days/weeks/months of doing that, surely you'll crawl to the mirror on a day of self-introspection, see the loss washing over your eyes like cheap paint, and realise that ramen is exactly what you need to wipe clear the cataracts of doubt and fill you with truth once more.

Having readers all over the world that are also bonafide Ramen-addicts, we find ourselves waking up to a barrage of texts every morning "Where is the best ramen in KL?", "Authentic Ramen in KL?", "Who does the best ramen in Malaysia?".

As a bonafide broth-martyr, The Mouth editor took it upon himself to carry the cross of noodles down the soupy streets of menma strewn depravity, tasting twenty different temples of potential truth, and filtering them up into false prophets and stomach profits.

In a country where pork is generally seen as soul death, the term guilty pleasure is even more apt. Having said that, inclusivity is our thing and we'll add a couple of halal options for good measure.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

MENYA APPARE

The subject of much confusion since it's located at the Gardens Mall, but inside the Isetan store on the 3rd floor, this monument to Japanese comfort food stands as the beacon of hope to all non-halal addicts. Their spicy tonkotsu ramen is both fatty, yet not overly "coat your mouth" oily. The pork is silky tender, the egg perfectly cooked, and despite the chef recommending thin noodles, we go for the thicker noodles to coat all that soup.

TOWZEN

This Malaysian branch of the highly reputed Kyoto based vegan ramen is an absolute joy to behold. Naysayers and vegan-avoiders, eat your pride and sit down at these fabled chairs and sip divine broths of heavenly reaches.

MENYA HANABI

Not technically "Ramen" in the noodle-soup-bowl understanding, this rabidly popular counter-style shop in Sri Petaling is always full. The heavy but extremely addictive mazesoba will have you napping for a week after, but its worth the indulgence.

Remember to hand the waiter your bowl so he can fill it with rice to soak up all the last dregs of broth.

BARI UMA

A Japanese chain that has multiple shops around KL, we had to include Bari Uma based solely on their pork. This is some next level tender slices, apt to make you break out in a sweat that a curious diner witnessed you shedding a tear on first bite. The broth, egg and noodles are all pretty standard, but that pork... oh that pork.

KANBE RAMEN

We haven't visited the brand new branch at the uber fancy TRX mall, but went to the old skool location in Mont Kiara. Locals seem to love it, and everything was solid but didn't quite hit the heights of the three above it.

MARUTAMA-YA

Halal ramen doesn't get as much love as it should. Whilst we're not really a fan of Seirock-Ya, finding it too thick and heavy, this shop does a very passable chicken version.

MARUKI

Great homemade noodles, umami rich shoyu broth, decent egg and slightly dry chicken. The sum of the bowl is great than its parts, and the service is very friendly.

RAMEN BANKARA

Not quite as epic as the Bangkok branch at The Manor, but nevertheless one of the better places to get your Tonkotsu Ramen cravings satisfied in KL. Beware of ordering the Bankara Special, if you are sensitive to fatty soups, because there are literal icebergs of chunky cholesterol floating on the surface. We stick with the regular Tonkotsu (pictured above).

But you do you.

TABUSHI RAMEN

The Mouth was a big fan of the OG Branch of Tabushi in Koenji, Tokyo, and this place was quite close but no cigar. Pursuants drop by for the Miso ramen in the basement of Lot 10, but inside the Japanese store Isetan. The broth and additions are all solid, the only issue we had the three times we visited were the noodles were overcooked.

TORIGEN

Halal celebrators rejoice! Yet another option for your dining pleasure. Where is it? You guessed it: the top floor of Lot 10. Kagura used to be our favourite Tori Paitan ramen in town, but lately they have dropped the ball and Torigen have snipered in and stolen their thunder.

This is some heavy soup for being chicken based, so if its a hot day you'll need a nap afterwards.

RAMEN KUMO

One of the newer additions to the LOT 10 top floor Japanese invasion, if you want a milky tonkotsu style (thinner broth than Bari-Uma and Bankara) then head here. Their fish oil tonkotsu is famous for those who can handle the funk.

HARIO x MONIN 2024

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:45:00 GMT

Hario x Monin Festival 2024

BY TREMOR CHRIST

Kuala Lumpur has a thriving coffee scene, and one that far too few tourists get to see due to the fact that most of the great shops are in the suburbs, and not on Jalan Alor or Petaling Street. The rest of the country hides pockets of brewing goodness in odd locations, places that you have to hunt down by word of mouth or overhear in hushed whispers. To gain an overview of all the riches the country has to offer would take a fair few train rides and a lot of detective work. The solution?

Hario x Monin Coffee Festival at Sentul Depot.

What better way to sample a broad spectrum of Malaysia's coffee scene, than hit multiple stalls on the same weekend? That's what The Mouth editor Tremor Christ set out to do, in shakes and sweats.
Read his diary entry below:

One of the mild annoyances of a life lived on the road, is the fact that just when you have everything set up perfectly in your apartment, you have to move. Today was that day. Packed all my coffee gear, clothes, laptop and cables and jumped in a cab and hurtled north to uncertainty and promise.

I checked into my new hotel (booked within a 500m radius of the Hario coffee expo), left my bags at reception and walked under the merciless Malay sun to within the point of fainting. The air conditioning washed my soul in comfort and a renewed vigour began to summon. I purchased a small re-usable cup and set about my battle plan.

Since I was going to be here for 3 days straight, I figured I wouldn't get ahead of myself and chose 4 strategic coffee stalls to try today: Hani, Pablo, Theatre Coffee and Tongue Mission.

On my way to Tongue Mission I ran into my friend Eric from Ghostbird and had a quick taste of some of their Colombian coffee before hitting the stall with a roaster from Penang. I tasted three of his coffees, all good, acidic, fruity, delicious. He runs a roaster in Georgetown near one of my favourite Char Kuey Teow stalls (not the New Siam Road one), but I had never heard of him.

"I don't advertise, and only roast, but if you drop by next time knock on and I'll make you some coffee lah!".

Sweet!

Next up was Hani, a decidedly hipster coffee roaster/shop in fashionable Bangsar. The coffee was tasty but a bit of a generic Ethiopian and Kenyan where the packaging took more of the attention.

JLN Theatre Coffee from the town of Ipoh was hit next, met by a super friendly owner who made me try a fantastically sweet, clear and balanced Nicaraguan coffee along with a nice floral Ethiopian Sidama.

Last but not least a visit to Pablo, a Malaysian home roaster who preps 800g batches and decided to use one single Ethiopian bean and roast it three different ways. He wants people to find the level at which they can enjoy their brew, whether that is "Tim Wendelboe" style super light, the medium and a medium-dark roast.

I tried the Nordic style (of course) and found it clear, floral, tea-like, sweet and complex. I tried the more medium-roast and whilst it was a nice cup, it took away the flavours that I personally liked. I really like what Pablo is doing, him and Nash Lee are bringing a bit of danger and excitement to the KL roasting scene that can become a little "samey" where bigger roasters create signature flavours, and maybe neglect the nuances of the individual coffees. I promised I'd be back to buy some of the light roast beans at the end of the three days when I have found which 3 bags to bring home.

A great first day, and tomorrow I have a whole bunch of friends coming so it will be a shaky caffeine day and I probably won't sleep until 5am.

With a decent sleep behind me, despite the intense coffee intake the day before, I headed straight to Curate for some beautiful fresh and fruity cups, then headed to Kuro to try their magically weird cold brew milk coffee, intense and yet luxurious at the same time, then popped by OneHalf for a few sips of goodness and a quick Hello to the boys. Onehalf is one of the few roasters in KL that truly does Light roast, and offers a magical amount of choice for anyone visiting their coffee shop. The quality is always super clean, clear and consistent. My favourite place to recommend to coffee nerds in KL.

Next up was Contour, which I had been to last year in PJ, but managed to try a few of their coffees. The Bolivia was truly excellent, really crisp, clear, acidic, fruity and sweet.

In the midst of trying more of their selection, the barista told me that they were starting a cupping in the main foyer, so I ran over and joined the line to try cup after cup of freshly brewed beans. Cupping really shows you how different coffees can be, not even different varietals or origins, but even coffees from the same region. Sipping them side by side gives you an instant comparison that really made the day better. I left feeling pretty jittery but ready to relax and wait for the final day.

The final embrace was experienced with two friends joining, walking around the stalls drinking coffee from roasters in parts of Malaysia I had never visited, buying a few small bags here and there, popping back to Pablo to buy my Ethiopian light roast (thank God for the lighter things in life!!), then over to the matcha stall to taste some handground, V60 brewed tea. An insane experience by a Malaysian who has spent an obscene amount of time in Japan learning the secrets of tea preparation. I tasted it together with two Japanese tourists and they were amazed at the quality of the tea. This was also the first time I've seen anyone use a V60 dripper and handgrinder to prepare green tea! Kudos

With the lucid eyes of a man who has incapacitated himself on caffeine, I bid farewell to the Hario x Monin festival, with a bunch of new friends, a few bags of new beans, and a shaky spine that needed a few days of regular coffee consumption to return to normal.

I really hope they do another version next year because KL needs this, and I feel it will only grow and grow in popularity year on year. The only thing I would suggest is to have some great DJ's playing between the competitions to keep the vibe matching the coffee smiles.

Read our comprehensive guide to specialty coffee in KL here .
Follow Hario here
Follow Pablo here
Follow Nash Lee here

HUA HIN FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:22:15 GMT

Food Guide To Hua Hin

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT IN HUA HIN

Hua Hin is perhaps an odd location for The Mouth to write a guide about, but circumstances had us planting our feet firmly in the sand for over a month. A quite substantial time for someone to amass at least a few tried and tested places to throw your money at.

Seafood is an obvious concern when vacationing by the beach, and Hua Hin has options in spades. However, the quality of the seafood in the main strip is questionable, and if you want to do what the locals do, be prepared to drive south to Pran Buri to taste the best.

Another burgeouning factor in Hua Hin's landscape is the appearance of numerous coffee shops specialising in rather decent brews. As The Mouth does not imbibe in evil spirits, there are sadly no bar recommendations for those who enjoy sailing on insane seas. Find your own.

By now we shouldn't need to remind you, that everything in life is personal taste so don't get your knickers in a twist. At the time of writing those mentioned below offered sustenance and pleasure in equal measure, and catered to our palates. If you veer into territories of other flavour profiles, then you will not find riches in this mess of a report.

FAH MUEY

Everyone comes to Hua Hin wanting some fresh seafood, and Fah Muey is the spot you want to hit. Next door to the (also good) Chaolay, Fah Muey just aches of more charm, authenticity, local vibes and really, reaaaaally good food. The old ladies will charm you and the dishes will slap you round the face with chili and fresh as can be fish. Hunt it down, just follow the locals.

p.s. Thanks to Gallery Drip for the recommendation!

RUEAN THONG

Some of the tastiest vegetarian food you'll find in Thailand. Everything on the menu is great, but ask the chef what she recommends since the menu changes every day.

NONG MAY'S

Blissfully spicy fresh fish curries, friendly service, a true local gem!

RONIN CAPSULE

Like walking into a living rainbow, this amazing coffee shop and art studio just vibes with us. The owners are an artistic family collective who play guitars, paint, assemble lego on the counter and create the most welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is excellent too.

They are open only a few weeks a year, so check their instagram for details.

RATAMA DUCK PALO

The locals choice for duck soup, and who can blame them. One of the few places that doesn't serve overtly sweet broth, their duck is beautifully cooked and you have the choice between three styles of noodles. A true local gem.

NAI HOI

It's a question of how local you want to go if you hit this spot. Famous for their fried fish with skin on, this humble shack sells out often before midday, battling the throngs of locals craving a bite. We ordered both the fish with skin and without, and made the mistake of eating full plates of both. The oil-overload was a bit too much, but if you stick to one plate or share, you'll be happy you visited.

Grandma has been cooking fish for over 40 years and it shows in how crispy the batter is, yet the fish inside is perfectly moist.

TUM SAI SEAFOOD

Where the locals go to eat seafood. Everything is fresh as a peach and flavourful. It's a 20 minute drive from Hua Hin, but worth the adventure.

GALLERY DRIP

The coffee scene is alive and well in Hua Hin, and of the two we chose to include in this guide, this was our favourite. The couple who run it are superbly friendly and a great resource if you are curious about where to eat. Their coffee is great and the shop is right infront of our favourite Phad Kha Prow joint.

p.s. Note the shop is rumoured to move across the road in February 2024.

ลุงบังหัวปลาหม้อไฟ

Mainly frequented by Bangkok weekenders, this local spot has been churning out good dishes for decades.

MHAN

Fiery plates of Phad Kha Prow with Australian beef, a perfectly cooked egg, and no mercy with the level of chilli's, this was our absolute go-to in Hua Hin.

KRUA HUAI SAI

If you're wondering where all the locals are, they're here. A huge monster of a restaurant belting out hundreds of plates of excellent seafood every minute.

CHAINAT KITCHEN

Located on a dark road near the airport, and popular with ex-pats with local wives, the restaurant kills two birds with one stone by having a "Foreigner" menu, along with a Thai one. No marriages will be ruined over arguments on dishes here.

Our recommendation is to choose from the Thai menu. Not the thai dishes in the English menu, but ask for the actual Thai menu and point at one of the photos.

ร้านอาหาร น้องเจเจ

Hidden to the extent that even some locals don't know where this is, there are not many better seafood places within the "downtown" confines where you can avoid annoying tourists and eat food not dumbed down for a western palette.

EIGHTEEN BELOW

When the heat overcomes you, find salvation in this small ice-cream shop.

SRNA

Our second choice for coffee in Hua Hin, though this is strictly a take-away only place and if you get caught having a coffee on the benches in the waiting area, be prepared for an endless throng of selfie takers.

TAM SOM

The Isaan food cravings are satisfied at Tam Som, which is quite a drive out of normal areas for tourists, but well worth it.

Special mention to the Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) and of course the Som Tum.

OGEN

Ogen does middle eastern food, and it does it well. Prices are a tad on the handsome side, but the portions are generous and service is friendly.

KHO MARK

Should you be worried about travelling the next day and avoiding a bad stomach, then Kho Mark serves up decent versions of all the regular seafood dishes in a very clean and safe environment. The food here is safe, has no bells & whistles, but sometimes you just want something you can trust.

Their Tom Yum Goong is quite good.

S & S RESTAURANT

In the middle of tourist hell, and definitely not a secret anymore, this Indian restaurant does the best food in town. Special mention goes to their Chana Dal, and if you can get the chef to tart up your chicken curry "South Indian" style, you'll be in for a treat.

TASHKENT FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:47:29 GMT

Food Guide To Tashkent

THE BEST LOCAL FOOD GUIDE TO TASHKENT

In true "The Mouth" fashion, sights and statues are left to seek in other realms, we concentrate mostly on the satisfation of the stomach. Tashkent, decidedly falls into that category of disappointing culinary scene overall, but has a couple of noteworthy places to dip your toes in.

Don't expect to be blown away by the cuisine unless this is your first venture outside of North America, it is heavy, greasy and meant to fuel a full day in the field pulling turnips. There is little nuance and umami in Uzbek cuisine, but if you're only spending a couple of weeks here you can survive.

For vegetarians, it's quite a difficult trek to find anything edible. Therefore the following guide is based on their classic cuisine, with a couple of "Must-Do' thrown in for good measure.

PLOV CENTRE

This aircraft hangar sized temple to all things Plov is a curiosity worth satisfying. Walk around watching plov sizzle in vessels bigger than a UFO, take your pick, head to the gigantic dining room and tuck in.

NATIONAL FOOD

If you only have one day in Tashkent then head here to choose between a wide variety of Uzbek dishes. Nothing is exceptional, but nothing in Uzbekistan really is... so this place will prepare you for what will turn out to be a 6/10 on the culinary scene overall.

HOTEL UZBEKISTAN

Few buildings on earth command such instant recognition and respect as the symmetrically confusing facade of the Hotel Uzbekistan. It's located conveniently downtown, so if you're not staying here, you should at least take a few photos.

JUMANJI

The late, great Anthony Bourdain ate here, which is probably their main selling point. Food wise it's a weird hybrid of Asian-Uzbek that's moderately successful, atmosphere wise it's plush and pseudo-decadent. Worth visiting if you're at the tail end of your trip and couldn't stand the sight of another sashlik or somsa.

TASHKENT METRO STATIONS

Rarely have we ever recommended people to perpetually ride the subway, but Tashkent is one of those places you should. The stations are all decked out in all manner of clothing, from the classic palatial glance, to the art-deco hallucinations, to downright oddity. Spend a few hours spanning the city underground, and you'll see what we mean.

BEST BANH MI IN HANOI

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:10:07 GMT

Best Banh Mi In Hanoi

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BANH MI IN HANOI

Potentially the best lunch-on-the-go on planet earth, the humble Banh Mi comes in all shapes and sizes (and textures). Though it seems impossible to mess up, there are more bad Banh Mi than transcendent ones in Hanoi.

To get it right, the purveyor has to understand the holy "bread-toppings" ratio, not leaning too heavy or too meagre. The bread should be light as an air pocket, but crispy enough. There should be a decent mix of pickled, fresh, savoury and spicy elements to not concentrate too much on any one element.

Below are our 5 favourite Banh Mi places scattered around Hanoi. Some are a stones throw from famous tourist sites, some are in quiet alleyways, and other still in slightly awkward locations. If you really are on a quest for sandwich love, then try visit them all. If not, stick to the first two and you'll be more than satisfied.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

BAMI BREAD

Our favourite sandwich in Hanoi. Pretty much a perfect representation of a Banh Mi.

BANH MY MAMA

Despite being slap bang next to one of Hanoi's biggest tourist (dis)tractions, this tiny alleyway stall makes cracking Banh Mi. Try the ones with an omelette and pork.

BANH MI TRAM

Famous for their red wine beef stew to dip crusty Banh Mi in, though it's a bit sweeter than we generally care for, it's an institution and should be supported.

BANH MI NGOC THUOC

Hidden in a quiet alleyway, this lady knows how to make a Banh Mi. Slightly heavier on the pate than other spots, but worth hunting down if you're doing a Banh Mi-athon.

BANH MI 25

If the sight of backpackers and tourists standing in line gives you the heebie-jeebies, then avoid this spot at all costs. The banh mi is actually quite good, but due to the aformentioned situation, we generally avoid it.

BEST BANANA LEAF IN KL

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 04:18:46 GMT

THE BEST BANANA LEAF IN KUALA LUMPUR

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT BANANA LEAF

There are no shortages of options when it comes to Banana Leaf in KL. Every city block has some form of curry house slinging out delicious piles of fluffy rice, dal and meat curries to loyal customers. Whilst the general standard is remarkably high (you can get a superb late night curry-rice plate at ABC, for instance), there are a few spots that locals flock to praying the tourists don't find out.

Well, the games up! Here they are, in photographic order and with google map links to take you direct to the doorstep. Some of them require waiting in line, some are hidden in bizarre leafy suburbs scattered around town, but all of them are utterly delicious.

PURE SAIVA

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

The Petaling Jaya branch is the one to hit, and fill up on the most flavourful, clean, delicious South Indian vegetarian thali in Malaysia. Unreal how good this place is!

ACHA CURRY HOUSE

Located at a new spot in Petaling Jaya, this wildly popular place tests your patience before bestowing you with riches. The line at peak times can be killer, but stay positive and wait for whats coming because its damn well worth it!

Tip: Their anchovy sambal is legit.

ERODE AMMAN MESS

A relative newcomer to the Brickfields banana leaf crew, this corner restaurant has a line every day, excellent service and phenomenally fresh and tasty food. Consistently great, highly worth a trip!

SRI GANAPATHI MESS

Housed in a literal HOUSE, this bizarre curry pantheon knocks out amazing curries to fawning fans. BE SURE TO ORDER THEIR CRAB SOUP!

VISHAL FOOD & CATERING

Located slightly behind the main fanfare of Brickfields, Vishal Food & Catering (not to be mistaken for Vishalaytchis a couple doors down), serves up a dynamite banana leaf experience. Sit at one of the long communal tables and let the finger dipping commence!

MOLLAGAA

Top notch Keralan fare at this upstairs restaurant just off Leboh Ampang. Expect crowds and the constant murmur of satisfaction.

Tip: Everything is great, but the banana leaf is a chance to taste a few different curries without breaking the bank.

CHAKRA PUCHONG MESS

Perhaps the most authentic banana leaf hou se in KL, shoes are removed at the entrance, stairs navigated, room entered with long tables of feasting faces, waiters arrive promptly to pile rice and curries and pappadoms and pickles on your banana leaf until you raise your hand in surrender.

The vibes are as legit as you'll find outside of Tamil Nadu, the food is great, this is a true experience that few will find in KL.

SEVILLE FOOD GUIDE

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:20:48 GMT

Food Guide To Seville

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN SEVILLE

The Mouth didn't spend an awful amount of time in Seville, so this guide is on the short side. However, we did manage to get some monstrously good tips from a Michelin starred chef and a couple of degenerates, which we find is always a healthy mix. Tips from the top, tips from the working man.

Major pork damage was done on this reconnaissance mission, sacrificing our gout-susceptible toes to the pink lust carnage. There is no real way around it, when you're in Seville you have to shove jamon in anywhere it fits. Now, amidst the aged pig desecration lie a few tips for a peaceful drink, a nice cup of coffee, a Brazilian chef working miracles at his market stall, and even a smoothie shop to assuage the damages.

Most of all, Seville is a city for walking and falling in love with life again. The roads are a myriad of surprises and the city beats with a strong heart.

EL RINCONCILLO

The oldest living bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo is a must-do on everyones Tapas adventure. Pass the seated table area and veer left into the ornate bar room and eat your tapas shoulder to shoulder with a stranger whilst staring at the ceiling like a dumb seagull struck by lightning.

VIRGIN COFFEE

It's no secret that the cofffee in Spain tends to taste like puddles after a shitstorm, but this particular takeaway kiosk serves a better cup than most.

RICARDO'S

If religious iconography turns your stomach, then avoid Ricardo's. If, however, you are an admirer of all things beautiful then pop in here and marvel at the walls laden with the Mother Mary and her son. It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite on your journeys around town.

CONDENDE

A Brazillian chef creating a whole host of wonderful tapas that gives you a palette cleanser from the onslaught of chickpeas, jamon and octopus.

MANOLO CATECA

Famous for their Montadito's (small sandwiches ), Manolo Cateca pulses from opening to closing with locals famished for a bite of the goodness. Their specials are worth trying, so ask the waiters. If you have a soft spot for sherry, then you might have to order a taxi home.

LAS TERASAS

Strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller here as you stuff your face with jamon and their famous chickpea stew.

MILK AWAY

This aptly titled healthy eating restaurant serves one of the best Acai smoothie bowls you'll find on earth. Some relief from the pork overload.

DOS DE MAYO

A behemoth in the Seville tapas scene, this heaving beast throws plates out to incalculable tables at a rate that would impress a saint. Another spot where you check the specials of the day list before ordering.

VENERANDA CAFE

T he cafes and bars this side of the Alameda de Hercules are perfect for your afternoon ruminations.

EL VIAJERO SEDENTARIO

A cosy little book bar / cafe where people come to read and not shoot tik tok videos. The cafe is actually behind this photo because it wasn't polite to take one inside.

COPENHAGEN BAKERY GUIDE

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Ultimate Copenhagen Bakery Guide

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BAKERIES IN COPENHAGEN

Drenched with the deep knowledge that our diets are put on hold for the foreseeable future, we unbuckle our belts and fly headstrong into the Copenhagen winds, preparing our cholesterol hearts for a butter onslaught, peppering our courage to tackle bursts of sugar highs, and reassuring our healthcare providers that the punishment will only be temporary, right?

From the backstreets of Vesterbro, to small corners in Nørrebro, long lines in Østerbro and concrete constructions out at Amager, our editors have taken one for the team and stretched their legs (and jaws) in all directions in order to provide you with an attack plan.

Collected below are the bakeries we liked the most, not all the ones we tried. Our research was done in stages, and over a few years period, making sure that consistency was paramount and we can confidently say you'll get the same or similar product if you turn up tomorrow.

From a bakery known for it's spandauer, another with a killer mushroom roll, a sourdough haven and a breadroll paradise. Everything is recorded with google map links so you can spread them out over a long weekend and then do an immediate salad and salmon diet to compensate.

Velbekommen!

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

JUNO THE BAKERY

Patience is a virtue, and you'll need a healthy dose of it if you intend to visit Juno . The line is incessant and all emcompassing, but at the end lies a rainbow of delights to placate even the more pale incumbant. Fresh cinnamon rolls designed by someone familiar with nautical knots, pastries with berries and all forms of surprises. It's worth the wait, you're worth the wait.

HART BAGERI

An offshoot of the ever permeating colossus, NOMA , this bakery opened to extreme fanfare, lines round the block and mentions in every publication worth its weight in celtic salt, but the wave has died down a tad, but you can still expect to wait at peak times. You come here for the Spandauer, and the Cardomom roll, they are the best in town by a landslide.

If there is ever a butter shortage in the world, Hart Bageri are to blame. The butter ratios here are bordering on mental illness, but god bless them.

Sommer Canteen

Not exactly in Copenhagen, but if you're headed to Louisiana Art Museum, then pop by here and grab some exceptional baked goods. The bread is phenomenal, just grab a slice with whipped butter and cheese. All the coffee is from Prolog, so your cup will be a warm kiss too.

RONDO

Pity the neighbours who's once quiet weekends are now lined with riotous tourists and locals smoking in line whilst waiting for the baked goods inside. The pastries are good, but the real winner here are the breadrolls (try get the one with leeks & cheese) with butter and cheese (yes, more cheese). Grab them take-away and eat them in the cemetery across the road where you won't be disturbed.

LILLE BAGERI

Out by the mighty Reffen food court, but located a few blocks away, lies Lille Bakery. Their mushroom rolls are a crispy, flaky delight, their coffee isn't too bad and the bread is legit. There is upstairs seating if you're here during the winter, and a few tables out front on the rare days Copenhagen truly dazzles.

ANDERSEN BAKERY

A Japanese twist on traditional Danish baked recipes, this wildly popular bakery one-hundred-meters from the "beach" at Islandsbrygge is worth stopping by on your tour. Try their Almond Croissant, which weigh about three hundred kilos from all the butter and almond filling.

SAMARKAND FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:00:02 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO SAMARKAND

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN SAMARKAND

A city of dizzying architectural wonders that people flock to from four corners of the globe, yet not internationally accepted as a food destination. Perhaps rightly so. Uzbek cuisine is about piling on some pounds to struggle on horseback through rough terrain whilst maintaining enough strenght to deal with the unseen obstacle of destiny. It's not nuanced or dainty, it's heavy and hearty.

Whilst we tire of the taste after a couple of days, there are a few restaurants in Samarkand that can appease your demanding palate for something above average. Take the time to research your own, but if you want a cheat code then just hit these places up as they've all been vetoed by us and we get our tips from the best sources, locals.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

IKROM SASHLIK

Being served lamb kebabs from someone who looks like he moonlights as a Bond villain is hardly the worst place to start your Uzbek adventure.

It's probably some of the best meat you'll eat anywhere in the country.

ULFATLAR OSH

Whilst plov may not be the most exciting dish on earth, at least this neighborhood joint makes the best version we tried. It's less greasy/fatty than most other spots.

KOKANDSKAYA SOMSA

Somsa is one of the few culinary joys in these regions, and Kokandskaya do a dynamite version. Find this building, walk through, into the garden and out back is a small dining room where you can shove crumbly, flaky pastries into your mouth without a care in the world.

PLATAN

Platan does all the usual Uzbek dishes a little bit better than all the other spots do.

SAMARKAND RESTAURANT

Nowhere else in town can you eat decent food and get disturbed by a wild wedding party in the next room in the space of five minutes.

ART CAFE NORGIS

A peaceful balcony to drink your tea and stare at the mosque in the distance. If you've been pottering around Siab Bazaar, then this is a short stroll away to take the ache off your thighs.

SAMARKAND TRAIN STATION

Behold the monstrous majesty of Samarkand train station. Worth a few minutes of your busy schedule to arrive early and have a gawk at this architectural oddity.

SIAB BAZAAR

Peruse the vegetal and carnivorous display of local delights.

SHAH-I-ZINDA

The Mouth leaves the tourist sights to the professionals, but in this case we have a little hack to offer. If the Shah-I-Zinda is closed or the entrance fee offends you, then pop next door into the cemetery, head up the hill, cross over to your left and you'll find plenty of perfect photo opportunities and even a small back entrance to get to the site for "free".

MALACCA FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:21:30 GMT

Food Guide To Malacca

WHERE TO EAT LIKE A LOCAL IN MALACCA

Tourists flock to the seaside town of Melaka to wander through the old Dutch architecure and tiny alleys leading to the winding river. It's a pleasant enough place to spend a weekend, though any longer than that you might start getting bored.

We investigated the city thoroughly with the help of our local guides , and ended up eating some pretty tasty food. From nyonya laksa, hainanese chicken rice, bowls of congee and even a solid curry mee spot, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Make sure you head to the Tuju Cafe art centre no matter what you're doing, and support some local culture.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

NYONYA DELIGHT

Without question the best Nyonya food we tried in town. It's an 8 kilometer drive from downtown, but it's worth every baking minute. Be prepared for an extremely warm welcome, some divine food, and prices to rejoice over. A true hidden gem!

LOKE YEN CHICKEN RICE

The early bird catches the choicest chicken cuts! Arrive before midday to guarantee you get some thigh meat, and order a mix of braised and regular chicken. The rice here is moist and flavourful and will have you trapped in deep reverie.

ORIENTAL CAFE

Anyone that knows me knows I live for nostalgia. To combat the great eraser in the sky that wipes away the traditions in favour of sterile concrete and glass. Oriental Cafe is a survivor, and one that everyone should frequent until it's inevitable demise at some uncertain point in the future.

You come here for the fish ball noodles, dry, soup on the side, splash of chilli sauce, stir deep and thoroughly, slurp, sit back and pat your stomach.

BUNGA RAYA WAN TAN MEE

Unassuming as it may be, the dangers that lurk in this glorious decrepid building are of excruciatingly divine eating discoveries. This is the best Wan Tan Mee in town, and do ask for a side of the little vinegary chilli peppers, they are dynamite!

NB: Only open in the evenings!

SOON WONG

Obscenely good vegetarian buffet-style restaurant. Just phenomenal flavours.

WARONG BABA LOW

Far, far away from the throngs of tourists eyeing mediocre food on Jonker Walk, this outdoor stall serves one of the best Nyonya Laksa in town.

DE XING LUNG

Hand-pulled noodles and comforting soups for those rainy days. They do Laksa every Wednesday!

POPIAH TA CHONG

Lovers of the thin veil surrounding crisp pork skin, turnip, greens and condiments need look no further. This shop does the best in town, and the line proves it.

YUNG LAI SIANG

Suffer through the intolerable heat in this kopitam without AC, but allow your mind to escape into the pleasure of a well made bowl.

BUNGA RAYA ROAST PORK RICE

THE spot to hit for braised pork rice with curry slathered on top, strips of omelette and char sui and pork belly mix. A divine plate for a hasty lunch.

NB: This spot shuts at 2pm, so it's a lunch only kinda vibe.

TENGKERA DUCK NOODLES

Come early or you'll be stuck with a bowl of noodles and not much duck. A bowl worth scrapping over, despite being a bit sweet (that's what the chilli sauce is there for ya'll).

THE COFFEE JAR

If you know your Geisha from your Memoires of a Geisha, then head here for a nerdy conversation about coffee and a cup to suit your needs.

SHUI XIAN SU SHI YUAN

Rotating menu of delicious, healthy vegetarian dishes. Cheap and packed with umami.

BOTANIST CAFE

A famously packed local vegetarian cafe that serves daily specials, omakase style lunch platters and sensational menu items. We ate here multiple times and everything was excellent.

Go on Wednesday when they have Taiwanese "beef" noodle soup that tastes better than many in Taipei.

BUNGA RAYA LIAN PANG YOU TIAO

The freshest tasting morsels in town! Don't forget to grab a red bean paste round bun also! Superb stuff, worth waiting for in line.

TUJU CAFE

Your favourite hangout place in Melaka for coffee and underground vibes. All the regulars are involved in music or art in some fashion.

RES PORRIDGE HOUSE

If you've read The Mouth before, you'll know we are suckers for a comforting bowl of congee, and this spot does the best in town.

SARAVANNA

Your one-stop shop in Melaka for banana leaf lunches. Their onion rawa masala dosa is fire, if a tad on the greasy side.

SIN SEE TAI

Not everyone is hunting for croissants in the backalleys of Malacca, but if by chance you are: This is your spot! Ladles of butter, delightfully airy and flaky, Paris doesn't seem that far away after all.

THE ATLANTA HOTEL | BANGKOK

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:23:56 GMT

An Ode To The Atlanta Hotel

ASHES OF TIME

There are buildings on this magical earth, that cause a reaction of utter silence when entering. Despite the countless places you've seen in your lifetime, a rare few just stun you with disbelief at their simple perfection.

The Atlanta is such a place.

Walking into the lobby, something i've been lucky to do yearly since 2008 or so, just forces you to be silent and take stock of your surroundings. Whether its the first time you push those doors open from the sweltering Soi outside, or your fiftieth time, you stop for a split second and take it all in. The air wafts heavily by, the smells from the restaurant filter into the foyer, the lobby stands so glittering and understated in its grandeur, the doors leading to the pool inviting someone to push them open, and the decadent staircase sweeping you up to the higher levels for a nights sleep on Thailands best pillows.

Sitting in the lobby waiting on a friend you'd be forgiven for thinking Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung would come sauntering down after an midday tryst. The walls hold secrets of another time, writers furiously poring over manuscripts in the antechambers, staff running up and down the stairs with crisp white sheets, the pool lilting slowly under the oppressive heat, promising cooling powers beneath its shimmering sapphire skin.

One of the greatest ironies is in fact the location of the hotel. A staunch "No-Sex Tourists" sign welcoming everyone in, and leaving no room for misunderstanding, the hotel itself is on a parallel soi to one of Bangkoks most "liberal" areas. Spilling out of countless bars are throngs of ladyboy's vying for your tourist dollar, grabbing people on the street and hurrying them into strip clubs or girlie bars along the entire Soi Nana. Funnily enough, one block away is this haven of peace and purity. A hotel that frowns on trouble-makers, discourages children unless they are "well behaved", has a deep affection for pets of all kinds and houses turtles, dogs, cats and who knows what else in it's acre of heaven.

The staff are not overly friendly, not dour, not cloying, they just let you be. The waitresses in the restaurant are the same, except for Anong who has been there since 1973 and has the cheekiest sense of humour. It's not unusual for her to come and start joking with you when you're having dinner. One of the funniest things she said to us was a couple of years back when myself and 2 friends (all in our early 40s, she is over 70) were sitting eating and she said "Why don't you all love me? Ah! You are all too old anyway". She is also known for helping you season your food to the right "Thai taste" with the plethora of condiments on the table. The food at the restaurant is top notch, and very reasonable for the portions you get. The ambience is perfect and I love heading down in the morning to drink a cup of tea and read the newspaper before the days plan unfolds.

Days here can be spent writing, laying by the pool with the book you still haven't read, ordering a cold beer when the midday sun becomes overbearing, or heading down the soi to catch the skytrain off to a million different sights and sounds. It's a short walk down to Soi 11-13 where there are still some bars and restaurants that haven't been turned into condo's, but otherwise the skytrain will take you anywhere you need go in air conditioned bliss.

This hotel truly is a testament to holding values and not compromising. I doubt there are many like it in the world, hanging on to that regal charm and saudade that fills your being when entering. A sadness that comforts instead of upsets, a deep longing for a time gone by when things were different.

If the world is moving too fast, book yourself a few nights here and allow the sensual atmosphere to quell the restlessness completely.

For reservations: https://www.theatlantahotelbangkok.com/

If they ask who sent you, tell them Benjamin/The Mouth sent you!

FOLLOW THE ATLANTA HOTEL

FORT KOCHI FOOD GUIDE

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 09:43:53 GMT

Food Guide To Fort Kochi

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN FORT KOCHI

With the death of Dal Roti, one of the funniest comment sections of any restaurant died with it. An owner hell-bent on replying to moronic reviews, not only taking the bait, but dizzying them with cut-throat comebacks, well, the whole town was in raptures. Now that he has shut down and moved to slower pastures, the town is lacking that vital energy.

Covid decimated the local tourism scene, the subsequent floods didn't help. Of all the places left standing after the pandemic, Fort Kochi has suffered the most. At the foundation, the issues stem from consistency. With a lack of tourists, or guessing how many will be coming for lunch or dinner, many restaurants have thrown out their fresh produce and opted for pre-cooking and storing a lot to cook to order. This impacts the flavour and the enjoyment immensely.

We should point out that we visited in August 2023, so perhaps things are back on track, but below is a list of our favourite places through the more than 20 years we have been going. Take everything with a pinch of salt, because the consistency issues can flare up now and then and it's impossible to predict.

CLICK ICON ABOVE FOR ALL LOCATIONS

COUSINS SEAFOOD

As the saying goes: "Follow the locals", and the locals eat their seafood thali's here.

B FOR BIRYANI

This corner shop in Mattancherry sells out of their succulently light biryani early, so make a point of hitting it before peak hours.

ARYA'S PARK

On the ground floor of an OYO hotel lies the best masala dosa in Kochi. Take our word for it, no, really.

SEAGULL

Local dishes by the fishes. A legend in Fort Kochi, and one that manages their consistency better than a lot of places in town. For the alcohol sippers, they sell beer.

TANDOOR CHILLIES

Over in Ernakulam, this lunch place is worth the taxi ride. Enter (and ignore) the Tandoor Chillies restaurant, walk in and to the back, find the staircase, head up to the next floor where this Andra thali place secretly pleases a multitude of people every day. The food here is spicy, but it's damn fine Andra fare.

FRENCH TOAST

Flat whites and the odd chat about art. This is where you bring your laptop if you have some work to do day-time.

KASHI ART CAFE

Options for every taste, this cafe-art space hosts DJ nights, exhibitions and has a nice shaded outdoor area to eat and drink in. It's been around for decades and it never disappoints.

KAASA CAFE

Come here for the porotta. You're welcome!

RASOI

Should the whispers of life utter sweet nothings about North Indian favourites whilst puddling around the South, well, then listen to your heart and head to Rasoi.

SINGAPORE FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:05:47 GMT

Food Guide To Singapore

WHERE THE LOCALS EAT IN SINGAPORE

Let's not kid around, making a food guide for Singapore is quite redundant considering the hundred thousand small stalls and foodcourt options available. To even scratch the surface you'd have to spend a hundred years eating out ten times a day with the appetite of a small nation.

In all honesty, we at -The Mouth- shiver slightly at the thought of staying too long in a place where eyes are on you constantly. Even crossing the road your heart skips a beat incase you accidentally saw Green instead of Red and an overachieving cop throttles you with their piercing whistle before issuing a spot fine in loud batterings. No, we prefer our cities slightly more "off-the-cuff", but positionally it provides a good option for a few nights transfering from the hinterlands of Europe or the Middle East and then onwards to Bali, Australia or KL.

Accept this guide with humble intentions and a pinch of MSG, we are not claiming to be experts, this is just the best of the places we have tried so far. As usual, every guide is a constant work in progress as better places are found or the old ones close down. We ate well, the laksa was good, and the coffee scene is blossoming. Most of the old haunts are being categorically destroyed and replaced with identical concrete monstrosities, but if you sniff hard enough you can smell the decaying gems from a mile off.

Here we go then, Singapore, the country of laws and abiding citizens, and good food also.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

TAI HWA PORK NOODLE

Nobody likes standing in line for an hour, but when the bowl of noodles is this good you'd come back again tomorrow. An intense hit of vinegar, but forgivable in the grander scheme of things.

328 KATONG LAKSA

Many yarns will be spun about where to find the best Laksa in Singapore. Having tried a few, this is our favourite one. The broth here is just decadently rich, the sambal is fiery, the seafood is fresh as can be and the service is friendly. There are a few locations, but this is the OG spot, and the soup just tastes better here than the others (according to the Grab driver at least).

ZHONG GUO LA MIAN

For those brave enough to withstand the mighty Singaporean humidity in food courts without AC, you will be amply rewarded with plump, slippery, succulent dumplings drenched in spicy Sichuan oil. The other menu items are also excellent, but these are our go-to.

FAMOUS SUNGEI ROAD TRISHAW LAKSA

The second best of the bunch in our opinion. Grab the bowl with the crawfish/mini lobster looking creation poking its beady eyes at you. It's fire....

NAGERCOIL ARYA BHAVAN

Never shy enough to not pork off a hot dosa, this legendary spot behind the giant Mustafa shopping centre gets our nod for the best ghee masala dosa in town.

SONG FA

Every time you pass this street corner you'll be confronted with two familiar senses: The whiff of beautifully prepared soup, a line stretching off into eternity. Brave the line, order the rib bah kut teh, the braised pork belly, some rice, greens and puffs to soak in the soup, lean back and eat until you can move no longer.

HEAP SENG LEONG

Singapore's oldest tea shop is still kicking, serving up hot tea and toast smothered with far too much butter and jam. It's an institution that may not be around forever, so go pay your respects. Combine it with a trip to Tai Hwa which is 2 blocks away.

31 HENG HENG BBQ

You won't find better sambal stingray in town, and the food court itself has so many options that even the fussiest companion will be placated.

MA LI YA VIRGIN CHICKEN

Chicken Rice spots are a dime a dozen in Singapore, these sisters do a cheap plate that tastes just as good as most others in the city. The soy sauce here is thick and sticky in a really addictive way, plus it's 40 meters from our fave dumpling place, so it's a win-win either way if you're double-dipping for lunch.

AZMI RESTAURANT

Long standing slinger of chapati's and kheema, this little india favourite has been our stop for over 20 years. Their chana masala and kheema are the stars, their chapati are a touch on the thick side, but who's being picky.

ZERAH COFFEE ROASTERS

Zerah know how to make a cup of damn fine coffee. The fact that it's behind Hill Street Tai Hwa Noodle up on the 2nd floor only adds to the allure. Being on the 2nd floor also means you'll get no accidental drop-ins, so expect every customer to be fully aware of how awesome this place is.

Singapores best coffee?

KONJIKI HOTOTOGISU

Michelin Starred ramen in Singapore that actually tastes as good as you expect. Divinely flavoured, umami-rich broth, perfect noodles, great egg. Obviously not as mind-boggling as it's counter-part in Tokyo, however all things considered, this is a bowl to savour.

PINHOLE

A tad more hipster than Zerah, but great coffee if you are confined to the downtown areas. They have outdoor seating if you can stomach the punishment of the bastard sun.

BUKHARA & KHIVA FOOD GUIDE

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:35:49 GMT

Food Guide To Bukhara & Khiva

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN BUKHARA & KHIVA

If there’s one destination in Uzbekistan that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary, it’s Khiva. This enchanting walled city is located near the Turkmenistan border and is easily accessible via Urgench Airport or the new high-speed train network. I opted for an affordable flight from Tashkent to Urgench, stayed in Khiva for three nights, and then continued my journey by train to Bukhara before heading to Samarkand.

Khiva exudes a magical atmosphere reminiscent of destinations like Yazd in Iran or the desert towns of Oman. Encircled by imposing walls, its cobblestone streets wind through a maze of hidden gems, from intricately decorated mosques and mausoleums to towering minarets. The city’s bustling markets and everyday life blend seamlessly, creating one of the most captivating places you’ll ever experience.

During my visit, the global rise of Covid-19 meant I had the rare privilege of exploring Khiva almost entirely on my own—a traveler’s dream come true. While some of the city’s most renowned restaurants were closed, my taxi driver and hotel host went out of their way to recommend their favorite local eateries, ensuring I didn’t miss out on authentic flavors.

Below, I’ve shared the must-see attractions in Khiva, along with the best dining spots to check out.

Bukhara guide is after.

KHIVA MOON

This spot came highly recommended by my hotel owner, who insisted, “Go to Khiva Moon; it’s where we locals eat.” When I asked what to order, the response was simple yet confident: “Everything is delicious.” And they weren’t wrong.

PAKHLAVAN MAUSOLEUM

A truly dizzying complex of ornate intricacies, solemn tombs bathed in adornments, cool side-chambers exhuding reverence and a domed chamber coloured with gods paintbrush.

CAFE ZARAFSHON

Come here for the Mante.

OLD WALLS

As the sun sets, head out to the old walls and walk as far as your legs take you.

BUKHARA

CHINOR KEBAB

There are a few places with the same name, IMPOSTERS I SAY! But this is the real deal. Expect huge plates of meat, and not much else.

SOMSA

A takeaway window beside the map pin below, served the best Somsa in Uzbekistan.

AYVAN RESTAURANT

Opulent vibes, but decent food. Sit out on the balcony if the weather is suitable.

CHOK-BAKR CAFE

If you're visiting the Chor Bakr complex, then pop by here for lunch. Yes, it's meat meat meat, but it is Uzbekistan after all.

SILK ROAD TEAHOUSE

Expect to be thrown into a sea of rambling tourists, but the experience here is tea and sweets. Avoid the crowd and sit facing a wall if you must.

CHORBAKR COMPLEX

Not everyone makes it out here, but they should. It's truly magical.

OLD BUKHARA RESTAURANT

Yet another favourite of the tour-groups, but there are enough areas to escape and the food is solid.

DOMULLO TURSUNJON MADRASAH

It’s a somewhat rundown and ramshackle experience, and honestly, it’s only worth your while if you have time to spare. The real highlight, surprisingly, wasn’t the destination itself but the journey back to the Kalan Mosque.

LANGKAWI FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:06:43 GMT

THE ULTIMATE FOOD GUIDE TO LANGKAWI

THE 13 BEST PLACES TO EAT LOCAL FOOD IN LANGKAWI

Most vacationers to Langkawi couldn't care two hoots about food. They fly over from their routined lives to enjoy 14 days on a beach drinking duty free priced alcohol and avoiding the gravest sunburns. Spread along the main beaches are a whole stack of mediocre restaurants selling their tasteless and overpriced "local fare", and tourist favourites of bad pasta, kebabs and burgers.

For those of you who are more culinarily enclined, fear not! The lush tropical island of Langkawi hosts some fabulous food places to smack your lips, however, these are where locals dine. Don't expect menus in English, smiling waiters and cheap cocktails, no, these are places you venture to if you care about getting fed right. Local food cooked by locals and eaten by locals, and you!

From the bounty of the sea, spicy coconut curries, Indonesian staples and even an Indian restaurant thrown in for good measure, whistle through the following guide and you'll be guaranteed to at least enjoy some delicious food whilst remembering to apply suntan lotion. Heavily.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

HALIM GP GULAI PANAS

The King of the crop slaps you immediately as you exit the airport. Literally 200 meters down the road, this temple of temptations summons crowds of raging locals who eye the best fish and plunder it quicker than you can say "Snapper".

Come early to avoid disappointment, choose your protein, hand it to the chef and ask him the options for how its cooked. Whatever you do, at least one of your dishes has to be the "Gulai Ikan", a spicy curry doused over fresh pieces of fish.

This place serves the best local seafood on the island!

NASI DAGANG PAK MALAU

Set amidst beautiful rice fields inland near the Kota Mahsuri musuem, everything on the menu here is legit. Yes, it is sweet, but that's what the locals live for, and on this occasion we whole heartedly agree.

INDIANA VEGAN CAFE

A vegan paradise swarming with cute rescue cats, good coffee and live music. The smoothie bowls are a delicious start to any day on the beach.

If you are missing a bit of the Uluwatu lifestyle, then this is your spot.

PAKTEH BIHUN SUP

A million miles from the regular tourist trails, this beef noodle soup is 100% worth hopping on a scooter to get to. As local as it gets, and worth the journey.

RESTORAN KAK YAN NASI KAMPUR

A wildly popular local buffet-style restaurant where you can expect 50 meter lines down the road of hungry locals eyeing the fast-disappearing dishes. Grab a plate, load up, head to the lady who calculates what you owe, pull up a chair and dig in.

RESTORAN SELERA KAMPUNG

This restaurant is similar to Kak Yan, in that it's predominantly a buffet restaurant, and rammed with locals. However, if you prefer quieter environments, there are 75% less people at Selera Kampung due to the capacity of the restaurant.

INDIAN KITCHEN

Indian food in Langkawi? Yes. This newly opened restaurant was a go-to of the Mouth's lonesome explorer offering rather good Indian food when the cravings hit.

ZHONG HUA LOU

It's older than dirt, it's run by smiling grandpa's, the food is your regular Chinese fare served in a dull/evocative dining room.

KEDAI BAKSO KAK ANI

When the bells of Jakarta come flooding through the palm trees, head to Kedai Bakso Kak Ani and load up on all your staples from the Southern brothers.

KELLY'S CAFE

Newly opened haven for healthy food and tranquility.

ALHAMDULLILAH RESTORAN

Despite the location being frustrating if you're staying where most people do, Alhamdullilah cooks far better Middle Eastern food than any of the trashy places along the beach.

MAWART

Part cafe, part art studio, MawArt is our favourite place on Langkawi to sip a coffee in the shade during the midday sun. They have a room full of vinyl, art on the walls and a good cup of coffee.

AH CHONG

Sundowners don't come with a better view than at Ah Chong.

PALERMO FOOD GUIDE

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:30:00 GMT

Food Guide To Palermo

THE BEST LOCAL PLACES TO EAT IN PALERMO

Home to the dizzying grandeur of the Palentine Chapel, Palermo hits in a different way to Catania. More of a Madrid to Catania's Barcelona, wider avenues and more of a placated ambiance, this city holds some true culinary gold.

The best way to attack it is to just bring your best walking shoes and get lost. Mark a few places you want to graze at and casually stare at Google Maps every half hour or so to see if you're close to anything interesting.

Arancini is a must. The locals here die over offal sandwiches, we don't, but you do you. Coffee and sweets is high on the agenda as it is in every Italian city. But most of all, just idle away your time in the wonderful side streets of Ballaro and head to the beaches in Mondello, or visit the church in Monreale for a stupendous view over the whole area.

Just promise to eat at a few of the places mentioned below, they were handpicked by ravenous locals who pace these streets daily and only have your best interests at heart.

CLICK ICON ABOVE FOR ALL LOCATIONS

TRATTORIA AI CASCINARI

Your no-nonsense stop for local dishes, seafood and pasta. Cosy and uncomplicated.

AL FERRO DI CAVALLO

Local spot for pasta "Al la Norma", and a host of other dishes. Outdoor tables are very popular when the sun is shining, so come early if you want to snag one.

NNI FRANCO U VASTIDDARU

The chickpea fritter & eggplant sandwiches here are boss! And if you're in a hurry, just grab one from the takeout window.

VINILE BAR

Palermo's underground queen. This fantastic vinyl bar has outdoor seating, a vinyl player and tons of records, and super cool owners. A hidden pearl in an area tourists don't frequent (thankfully).

KE PALLE

They may not be the absolute best in town, but the location and quality & consistency make them a "must-do" on your Palermo itinerary. The ragu one's are top.

CIMITERO DEI CAPPUCCINI

We like our cemeteries ornate and lonely.

BISSO BISTROT

The Mouth generally doesn't recommend places on the main tourist thoroughfares, but repeat visits to Bisso Bistrot have never thrown up a single complaint. It's also perfect for people watching.

PALANTINE CHAPEL

Sticking with the tourists for a second, this chapel is absolutely un-missable! Hit it in the morning and hop the nearby local bus up to Monreale to walk the cathedral up there and take in the views.

LUCCHESE ANGELA

A divine old school bakery for all your biscuits, sweets and cakes. The vibes are unmistakably non-hipster to the greatest degree.

FRIGGITORIA CHILUZZO

When you see the fisherman and taxi-drivers lining up for sandwiches you know you're at the right spot.

ELVY'S NEOPOLITAN PIZZA

The best pizza we ate in Palermo, but we didn't hunt too hard as we were fixated on arancini and seafood pasta. Take it as you may.

City Guide Lviv

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:30:00 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO LVIV

SLAVA UKRAINI !

The Mouth visited Lviv before the catastrophic advances of those that shall not be mentioned, and therefore life was as normal as anyone could have taken for granted. This post shall not be political in nature, it is only meant to guide those willing to risk their safety travelling in the Ukraine to places that we enjoyed when the sun shone without impairment.

Therefore, take everything in context and see it through the eyes of peace. Things change in the blink of an eye, so see this wonderful world while you still can.

LVCHAKIV CEMETERY

If time is on your side then by all means head to the Lychakiv Cemetery and spend a good portion of your morning walking its beautiful/tragic aisles.

BACZEWSKI

By western standards the food prices are most agreeable, by local standards this is considered a bit of a splurge, however the immaculate service and honestly addictive food here makes for repeat visits. If you are of alcoholic desires, order a Bloody Mary and be prepared for some theatre.

PRAVDA

A venerable temple to hoppy salvation, imbibers unite and cast out the demons with murky sips.

CHAIKHANA SAMARKANDA

Uzbek food doesn't rate incredibly highly on our ladder of pleasure, however after a couple of weeks in Lviv you start to fantastize over alternative herbs and seasonings. This is the time to descend the stairs into this cosy cellar and give your tongue something new to figure out.

ZOLOTYY KOLOS

A brew pub that makes above average pizzas for the late night crowd. Think local hipsters and not too many tourists.

KRYIVKA

"SLAVA UKRAINI". The dungeoun off the main square where you shout a code to enter and the guards will lead you downstairs to the rabbits warren of options. National dishes and huddles of hushed talk are what you come for.

NOA

Apart from a slightly odd noodle, the chefs at NOA make a suprisingly good version of Ramen. Another feather in your bow if you are tired of borscht and varenyky.

CHOVEN

Locals flock to the outdoor area during a sunny spell, then pour inside when the rain starts. Great atmosphere and food worthy of sniffing out.

MASOCH

The less said about this place, the better. Enter at your own risk.

MADRID FOOD GUIDE

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:10:57 GMT

Food Guide to Madrid

WHERE TO EAT IN LAVAPIES

Instead of biting off predominantly more than we can chew, The Mouth sent co-editor Salvador Bali to spend some time in the area of Lavapies, to see if he could uncover some hidden gems. He did. The hilly area is a workout for the calves, and provides a great prospect of explorations of the third kind.

Despite being a short walk from the centre of town, the area is crammed with art students and quirky small cafes and bars, ready and willing to relieve you of your tourist Euros. In return for donations, they reply with tasty food, beverages or belongings. The area is walkable and provides a great base for a weekends sightseeing. Within striking distance of the main train station too, this inevitably becomes a popular spot for backpackers, but that means that prices are also not too insane.

Within a few streets you can find all you should need to experience a small taste of Madrid's fascinating culture. A city that gets far too little love in our opinion, overshadowed by the Gaudi-Barcelona fevers, but that suits us just fine. More of Madrid for us to enjoy.

CLICK ICON ABOVE FOR ALL LOCATIONS

BAR COLORES

Senegalese food doesn't necessarily spring to mind when thinking of Madrid, but we challenge each and everyone of you to find this place, sit down, order the veal mafe and ask for a spoon of the homemade hot sauce. Comfort food never felt or tasted this great.

BAR OLIVIA

A bar straight out of a Sleater-Kinney video, the indie crowd pops in here for a seated boogie and the bartenders are accommodating.

LA BERENJENA

Lavapies locals favourite taberna serving a host of local dishes. Always busy.

EL COLECCIONISTA

Not just a pretty facade, but the inside holds every comic collectors dreamscape.

LUSO COFFEE SHOP

Come for the coffee, stay for the pastelitos de nata. Ok, don't stay, it's take-away only, but you know what we mean.

MOHARAJ

C. del Ave Maria is a literal slope of Indian (Bangladeshi) eateries. Moharaj serves our favourite curries in that part of town.

NAP

If you like your pizzas of the AVPN Verace specifications, then NAP is where you want to throw your money. During peak hours the prep can be a bit sloppy, so try find a time when they can attend to you.

LA AGUJA

People of the IN THE RED / BORN BAD records addiction, your temple of ear candy awaits.

CATANIA FOOD GUIDE

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 08:17:21 GMT

Food Guide To Catania

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN CATANIA

The bastard son of Sicily, Catania stirs images of slight grit and grime, overlooked by the palatial wide avenues of Palermo and the picturesque town of Syracuse to the south. However, if you happen to spend a bit of time acclimatising, Catania begins to show you her treasures.

Tucked around the town are some of the best seafood places on the island, great underground pubs, markets to dazzle Gordon Ramsay and pastries to fill a sugar-tooths wardrobe to bursting.

Relying heavily on first-hand tips from locals in the know, the following places have all been personally visited by The Mouth, and have therefore passed the bullshit detector.

RISTORANTE DA ANTONIO

Avoid the fish market and all the "tourist traps" and head a few blocks over to this spot fawned over by locals. Impeccable seafood, polite service, fair prices. A true gem.

Tip: Their speciality salad with tomatoes, cheese and spring onions is dynamite.

FREQUENZA

Antipasti and cold drinks at a distinctly indie-looking bar with a radio station at the back. One of the signs that Catania is alive and kicking.

ARANCINERIA ESPRESSO

Arancini is a must in Sicily, and in Catania go where the locals do. Get the one with Ragu!

CASSETELLE E CAFFE

Catania's dessert queen.

RAZMATAZ

The perfect perch for people watching, reading a book, having a steeped tea or drinking whatever takes your fancy.

ME CUMPARI TURIDDU

Michelin Bib bestower slinger of seafood oracles and mysterious classics. Reservations are recommended.

BARNOUT

When the glow of the sun manages to peek through the narrow alleyways, then head to Barnout to grab one of the chairs and enjoy uninterrupted rays for a few hours.

SAVIA

It's a rite of passage in Catania to visit Savia and munch on a Nocciola gelato. Their sweets and pastries are also very popular.

TRATTORIA LA CANONICA

Like eating at your crazy alcoholic uncles house when all his theatre friends drop by unannounced, this local restaurant serves up honest food, on honest plates, for honest prices.

FLORENCE FOOD GUIDE

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 08:15:35 GMT

Food Guide To Florence

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN FLORENCE

Florence: A city torn apart by the descending herds of tourists eager for some history and tequila blackouts before their 21st birthday. Narrow streets and alleys bullied into submission by hordes of flag wielding vacationers on the way to buy a crap sandwich at All Antico Vinaio. No, the Florence we love is laid back in the outer streets, the peripheries of the spider web. From Saint Ambroggio to Santo Spirito, therein lie some treasures that evade the detection of most holidayers.

As the sun turns and bathes the valley in luminescent splendour, and you slowly descend through the rose garden under the viewpoint at Piazza Michelangelo, take a few moments to pause and appreciate the magnitude of a city that has given so much. And as that moment of self reflection, dissipates into the slim fog above the river, focus your breathing on your stomach region, and try to decipher its call to prayer. Which dish shall you grant it tonight?

Within these chapters shall leak a substantial amount of information on where to eat, drink coffee and explore this marvellous city. Included for those who do not stick to carb-only diets are some options for vegans and adventurous eaters. The Mouth spent weeks in Florence under stict guidance of local eaters, being pushed and pressed into local establishments to sample the fare.

What tips are shared are done so with generous spirit and knowing that we enjoyed them when we visited. Things can change, but don't shoot the messenger.

ANTICO RISTORO DI CAMBI

Vegans look away, but one of the main reason tourists come to Florence is to eat the famous Bistecca Fiorentina. There is no better place to tackle the 900gram beast than at this establishment, a few whiskers away from the worst of the tourist tramplings.

The steak comes rare, you don't have an option, order some side vegetables to assuage the guilt and just accept the fact that tonight you're going to be a little fatty and enjoy every damn minute of it.

SEMEL STREET FOOD

The name "Street Food" normally gets my goat, but when the shop is a tiny sandwich parlour opposite the Saint Ambroggio market, and the proprieter is one of the cheeriest buggers on earth, and his sandwiches are just exemplary examples of meticulously crafted edibles, then you tip your hat and shut up.

CIBLEO

Don't make the mistake of asking why its named Cibleo, but do order their sensational Japanese dishes. Outstanding flavours and service. A true gem.

MY SUGAR

Award winning ice-cream churned by a couple who love to experiment with odd ingredients and flavour combinations. Our favourites were their spectacular Pistacchio, the Chocolate Fondant and the Black Sesame.

I FRATELLINI

For heavens sake ignore the throngs of American tourists lining up for hours for a super mediocre sandwich from "All Antico Vinaio", and head a few blocks further to hit this place. FAR better schiacciatta and much friendlier service.

LE MURATE

Set in the compound of an old jail, this bar-venue-cafe acts as a bastion of underground culture and rebellion in the high-brow intellectual wastelands.

CIBREO CAFFE

The decadent embrace of a perfectly cooked Tagliolino with butter and cheese. Nothing more, nothing less.

TRATTORIA I'RADDI

You won't find a more authentic or homely trattoria in all of Florence. The food is simple and delicious.

SBRINO

Another worthy Gelato place near Santo Spirito.

DA QUE' GANZI

A true Florence restaurant scene legend, and rightly so. You can't go wrong bringing a group of people here and ordering half the menu.

LA CITE

The social bookworm place to be in Florence. Expect some loud gasps of tourist excitement, but all in all a cosy cafe/bar to spend some rainy afternoons reading a book and sipping something delicious.

ENGLISH CEMETERY

If websites like Atlas Obscura are your bag, then you'll love an afternoon walk around this small cemetery as much as we did.

IMPRESSIONE CHONGQUING

Rarely has Szechuan food outside of Asia tasted this ravenously good. Special mention to the pork belly, and the aubergine dish in oil.

P.s. They have a branch in Milan if you happen to head that way and have sorrowful longings.

RIVARNO CAFE

The moment the sun comes out, the wall along the side of Rivarno gets instantly crowded with sunbathers. It's the perfect places to have a coffee in the afternoon rays if you can grab a table.

BRAC

Bookstore / Vegan cafe, there is something for any intrepid bookworm at this fantastic store. The food in the cafe is excellent and they do mixed plates for lunch so sharing is effortless.

RAVIOLI DI CRISTINA

The twin-city of Prato, a 20 minute train ride from Florence, has one of the largest Chinese population in Europe. Walking down the streets you'd be convinced you were in Shanghai or Beijing.

Needless to say, the food scene there is spectacular.

SANTO SPIRITO

With farmers markets on the weekends and cafes during the week, and slightly less of the tourist crowd, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Florence to just relax in.

SANTO FALAFEL

Excellent middle-eastern food you can grab and go sit in the square and eat in the sun. Check out their roasted cauliflower, salad bowls and meze plates. Everything is freshly prepared and delicious.

DA NERBONE

Florence will shower you in love if tripes your thing. And of every little tripe store in town, you have to walk into this one. The lines are long and anyone travelling with you who doesn't like the taste of innards and dodgy bits can just go upstairs to the huge food market and choose something less funky.

ANTICA SOSTA

The perfect place to have a sciacchiatta sandwich and a cup of coffee in the morning looking out at the Ca ppelle Medicee. These sandwiches are some of the best in town and the tables out front are in hot demand.

IL CONVENTINO

Artistic vibes and hipsters on laptops congregate here to escape the inevitable tourist crush.

CAFFE LIETTA

Famous for their pirula, this old skool cafe is a nice shady spot to enjoy a coffee and pastry under the arches away from the tourist throngs.

SERGIO GOZZI

If this place were any more old skool the walls would collapse. Try your classic dishes here and concentrate more on the aesthetics than the food. It's an experience, not the best food in town, but one of the best rooms in town for sure.

DITTA ARTIGIANALE

With a few branches around Florence, you can count on these cafes to serve you a great cup of coffee if you're looking for styles other than your typical espresso. The branch at via dello Sprone is our fave.

CROWN OF INDIA

We usually save the best for last and The Mouth's addiction to Indian food is all too evident if you pay any attention at all. Crown of India serves blissfully authentic Indian food to a discerning group of locals and expats.

PUNJAB SWEETS | KUALA LUMPUR

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:49:37 GMT

Punjab Sweets | Kuala Lumpur

AN ATTA ADVENTURE

The online evangelists seem to love this place. Every review is lathering praise on their soft, tender chapatis and succulent curries that dispel belief. Being completely transparent, I found the exact opposite to be true. The chapati here were closer to the thick durable type at Azmi's that you could slap onto your car if you suffered a flat tyre.

The Channa was the kind that is "al dente", another personal preference I tend to avoid. I like to be able to squish my chickpeas with my chapati and soak up more of the curry sauce.

But hey! You do you.

Regardless of the wild calculations of food and it's complications, it was a fun trip to discover a place that I would not return to. I like crossing things off the list as much as adding them.

For me Santa Chapati house does the best in town, and I'm sticking to them when I get cravings.

KHAO SOI KHUN YAI | CHIANG MAI

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:04:57 GMT

Khao Soi Khun Yai | Chiang Mai

THE TOURIST TRAP SINGS SOFTLY

Sitting at Khun Yai you almost can't hear yourself think from all the tourists screaming at the top of their lungs. "Awww maaa gaaad, this is like sooooo like gooood, oh like the umami dude, the UMAAAAMI".

Like, we get it. Just realise you're, like, voice cuts like, tone it down, like.

Back to the food. The Khao Soi here used to be better. Simply put. I don't know if the ladies are slipping or the constant throng of tourists has dulled their spirits, but something ain't right. Don't get me wrong, there are far far worse bowls of Khao Soi in Chiang Mai (Nimman we're looking at you), but I feel like it's lacking some love that used to fawn over it's surface. Also, the soup is too thick.

If you're in the neighborhood and can't be fucked to go to Prince, Maesai, Lung Prakid or Lamduan, then perhaps pull up a chair here, insert earplugs, and munch your way through a tasty but underwhelming bowl.

If I were you, I'd be in a cab heading to Prince.

ULUWATU FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 09:23:06 GMT

Food Guide To Uluwatu

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN ULUWATU

Bali can seem like a parking lot with trees, but we still maintain that there is something in the air here. As soon as you land at Denpasar airport you feel your shoulders drop a tad, and relaxation mode begins. Despite infernal traffic and an invasion of soulless influencers, there are some beautiful spots to take your scooter to if you crave some solitude.

More importantly, the food scene here is flourishing, with every cuisine imaginable on offer. We spent a month driving around testing as many places as we could to make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

So here it is, our guide to Uluwatu. If you want to just skip to the google map display of all our favourites, click the icon below:

WAROENG DE DUSUN

Not many places in Bali cook up consistently excellent food like this roadside restaurant. At peak times you're going to have to wait upwards of 30 minutes, but it's worth every painstaking moment. The portions are small (but cheap), so order a few different dishes and find your favourite.

Our favourite is the (enter protein) with the spicy sauce, but generally everything we ate was excellent.

ULU ARTISAN

Bali does breakfasts pretty damn well, and does them one notch above the rest.

SMOOTHIE SHOP

Smoothie bowls in Bali are a dime a dozen, but this place in a rather odd location makes the best one on the island.

WARUNG UBAY

Not only the friendliest people on earth, but some pretty decent spin on Thai-ish dishes if you have cravings.

ALCHEMY

A bees nest for digital nomads to compare laptops in the open workspace, but out back lies a tasty vegan restaurant for a light lunch.

KELLY'S WARUNG

A picture perfect beach shack to have a coffee, a meal, a sundowner or all three. The walk back up to the motorbike parking is especially thrilling.

KARANG BOMA CLIFFTOP

Let the majority of the tourists pay entrance to the UIuwatu temple 300 meters away, but for the true renegades of lifes dance, drive your scooter up the narrow lanes, when the road meets a huge iron gate turn right on the off-road lane for the last couple hundred meters, pay the lady a couple thousand for parking and enjoy the sunset in the best possible location.

CASHEW TREE

Another great place to eat a late breakfast/brunch with countless seating options, slightly slow service, and a vegan ice-cream stall at the cash register.

PAD THAI

The chef is from Bangkok and serves up some of the tastiest Thai food we've had this far south. If you get on her good side she'll even make you some off-menu hits. You didn't hear it here.

SANDARA GELATO

Scratch the oppressive heat itch by cooling off with some freshly made gelato.

SUKA ESPRESSO

Despite being the loudest restaurant on planet earth (because its popular), the food here is legit and it's a good spot for people watching.

NYANG NYANG BEACH

The best beach for avoiding influencers or tiktok mosquitos. Take the steep path down to the beach and find your own stretch of paradise.

DELPI CAFE

You won't be avoiding tourists here, but you'll sip your drink with an epic view. Walk down the long winding path under Single Fin, head down to the small beach under the rocks and up the small staircase, then turn left to find this little "hidden" cafe.

WARUNG BABI GULING "BALI AYU"

Around lunchtime the streets empty because all the locals are lining up here for a taste of the crispy pork skin, meat, rice and vegetables, all wrapped up in a banana leaf. It's a local delicacy and might not be for everyone, but if you come to Bali you have to try it atleast once.

OURS

Inconsistencies aside, OURS is potentially our favourite brunch place in Uluwatu. The food is a step above the regular standards, although it does seem they have multiple chefs and not everyone is as conscious of seasoning the food correctly.

NOURISH

All things healthy are on display at Nourish, and that includes people in gym clothes and yoga pants. With a couple of branches around Uluwatu, you can depend on them to fix you a healthy meal if you're in need.

BALANGAN BEACH

Our favourite beach since it's a tad on the shabby side. Park your scooter, head to Sunset Cafe, take a reclining chair on the upper floor and watch the surfers while you sip a cool drink.

BULLS COFFEE

Slightly out of the main drag, but our take on the best coffee in Uluwatu.

PHNOM PENH FOOD GUIDE

wearethemouth@gmail.com (Benjamin Sand) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:09:18 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO PHNOM PENH

THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN PHNOM PENH

Cambodias capital city doesn't get much love. Known universally as a dustbowl of epic proportions, the fact that it truly is one helps the cause. You'd be hard pressed to walk three blocks without getting whipped in the face by a crop-dusting of particles. Life for an asthmatic is hell, but luckily there are a few places to eat housed indoors away from the carnage.

With a mix of local Khmer cuisine and some truly great international spots, Phnom Penh is not at all a bad spot to camp down for a few days and stuff your face.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

ELEVEN ONE KITCHEN

A soft landing for first time visitors to Cambodia. Sample the local favourites without sacrificing a fortnight clutching the toilet bowl.

MALIS

The closest you'll get to fancier local food in Phnom Penh. Prices are still hugely acceptable for European wallets, and the environment is tranquil.

JIANG SU REN JIA

Although it's not exactly local food, this dumpling place gives restaurants in China a run for their money. Everything is excellent, and the photo-menu's and tacky interiors only add to the authenticity.

BEST ICE COFFEE (SHOP 547)

No visit to Cambodia is complete without a visit to the achingly friendly Mr Bounnarith and his small coffee stall.

Don't get tricked by the stall nextdoor claiming to have the best coffee in Cambodia, this is the place you need to try.

IRINA

Though it may not be the flavour of the month these days, this Russian restaurant churns out remarkably delicious food.

MEXICANO

It's hard to find decent mexican food in Asia, but here is a place that more than satisfies any longings.

IDLI DOSA

It's rare to find such tasty masala dosa's in this part of South East Asia, but if you have cravings then they will more than appease them.

INTEGRITE

A furiously fashionable restaurant that serves up authentic rendang curries and other Malay specialities.

EMBARGO

Despite our general avoidance of all things "Craft Beer", this tiny alleyway bar makes up for it in proximity to friendly people and good vibes.

ARMAND'S

When the pull for some French cuisine comes, served by suited and booted waiters in a classy little establishment, then call and make reservations for a night of wining and dining at Armand's.

NAMASTE

Outside of India, you'll rarely find as tasty food as at Namaste. Everything we tried was delicious.

@FRIENDS

You'll be rubbing elbows with a hundred other tourists, but the food is what keeps people coming back.

JAVA CREATIVE CAFE

Find rest on the best balcony in the city.

CHENNAI FOOD GUIDE

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:59:18 GMT

FOOD GUIDE TO CHENNAI

THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN CHENNAI

Famous for more than food, most notably the incessant traffic, Chennai straddles the Eastern nether regions of India's South. Popularised by saints and British rule, most people outside of the country know it only for it's namesake curry "The Madras", sold by the thousands on drunken nights in East London. No, Chennai isn't a pretty city, by any stretch of the imagination. However, what she lacks in looks, she more than makes up for in flavour.

Spend a few days uncovering her secrets, and your stomach will fall in love. The Mouth sent two of it's most heathen curry experts for a ramshackle journey through sweaty hotels, stupendous car horn battery and the smiles of a southern Indian waiter bringing a plate of steaming rice.

Below are a collection of the truly awe-inspiring feasts from the lowly crowded dosa shacks, to higher priced dining with nagging waiters. Regardless of the din, Chennai is for diners.

For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:

KRISHNA RESTAURANT

Impossibly delicious vegetarian thalis served in a mutiple-roomed giant. Freshly cooked, prepared quickly and delightfully cheap. This is a must-visit on your Chennai itinerary.

AMARAVATHI

Spectacular Andhra food in a restaurant that looks like a cross between Wes Anderson and Edward Hopper. Everything is delicious here, but be sure to get the chicken kottu parota and the spicy Andra chicken curry.

KAPPA CHAKKA KANDHARI

Keralan food served in a slightly more upscale restaurant, with blisteringly good flavours and slightly naggy waiters.

MATHSYA

The best ghee masala dosa in Chennai. No discussion!

ADYAR ANANDA BHAVAN

Another dosa chain that sticks to what they're good at. Always a great option if you spot one whilst out and about.

SANGEETHA

Crowded and loud at all times, but the reason being the food is amazing. Their dosa and thali's are faultless.

WRITERS CAFE

Though the name suggests some peace and quiet, it's India so the music is usually blaringly loud. However, the coffee is great so it makes up for the din.

CHAMIERS CAFE

Walk through the jewelry store, up a flight of stairs and enter a bizarre cross between a British tea room, a grandmothers foyer and Alice In Wonderland. A great place to read a book or sip a lemon soda if the heat is unbearable. They have a backyard area but it's generally frequented by smokers.

Pakteh Bihun Sup | LANGKAWI

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:23:00 GMT

Pakteh Bihun Sup | Langkawi

UNMISSABLE LOCAL BEEF SOUPS

Ever since living in Taipei, I have been monstrously pining for beef noodle soup. Over casual conversation at a cafe in Langkawi, a friend mentioned that there was a seriously delicious spot 40 minutes drive in the middle of nowhere. Guess what I did the very next day? Yes.

I arrived as the sun was at it's peak, and the thought of hot soup was a distant consideration, but the need to conquer my hunger was stronger than the sun, and in I went and ordered.

A kind woman smiled and took my order. I waited. The bowl arrived. I sipped. I swooned. I added the chili paste. I tasted. I burned. I added more. I punished myself. I liked it. I finished the bowl. I paid. I started my scooter. I drove off, not knowing where I was headed, and not really caring either way.

That was a good bowl of beef noodle soup.

BANH MI 37 | HO CHI MINH CITY

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:01:41 GMT

BANH MI 37 | HO CHI MINH CITY

THE ALTAR OF PORK PATTIES IS SIZZLING

The internet is rammed with feisty tourists fawning over the meat-orgy at Huynh Hoa, bread rolls stuffed to bursting with luncheon meat, mystery artifacts, vegetables and slathered in far too much mayonaise. I'll err on the side of lunacy here and proudly retort: "I like my sandwiches of a minimal kind". That's where this spot comes in.

Tucked away so intimately, that you could quite possibly pass it five times, mid-hunt, given away only by the silent line of locals all secretly praying no tourists find out about it to further their wait next time around. However, if you trust your nostrils, you'll find this shimmering chapel of pork desecration.

Known to open around 4.30pm-ish, and sell out within an hour, it's recommended that you don't dilly dally around if you intend on eating. Find the alleyway, form a queue, place your order, pay, walk to the other side of the cart and watch, mesmerized as the small, plump, raw patties are placed on the grill with chopsticks, sizzling nervously until perfectly cooked, then moved to the serving tray where an expert hand cuts, opens, packs banh mi after banh mi in meditative repetition.

Grab your still-hot sandwich, and return to the privacy of your hotel where you can undress and eat in the throes of ecstacy, or choose what I did, and find the nearest step with which to plonk down on, and scarf the whole thing down while it's still hot and the vegetables have their integrity.

The juiciness of the pork mixed with the home-sauces, coriander, cucumber and crunchy yet fluffy bread, is truly the best meal you will ever get for under a dollar.

If you are one of those questionable type's who falls head over heels at the sight of a mountain of tepid flesh baking in the afternoon heat, then head over to Huynh Hoa and be gone with you!

WATTANA PANICH | BANGKOK

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:49:13 GMT

Wattana Panich Bangkok

CLINICAL VIBES

Murdered by the sun on the 30 minute walk from my hotel, I arrived to find a line snaking around the side of the building. Almost at the point of fainting the shade held me aloft for long enough until it was my turn to join a communal table. My beef noodle soup came instantly along with an ice cold coke to press against my juggular vein to try cool my blood.

I ate deep of the unctuous soup, noticing a slight sweetness but not dangerously saccharine. The beef balls, meat and offal were all varying degrees of delicious, the noodles pretty standard, the atmosphere condusive.

After having polished off the bowl and relieved myself of barely a couple bucks, I headed back into the bastard heat and waited on my grab taxi to whisk me into air conditioned bliss and new sadness.

MOO PING HEA OWEN | BANGKOK

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:12:08 GMT

Moo Ping Hea Owen | Bangkok

THIS PIGGY'S GONE TO HEAVEN

There are no two ways about it. You grab a cab. You head to this market. You track down this little stand. You order pork skewers. You smile to the dude. You ask them to smother them in their hot tamarind, garlicky sauce. You pay. You walk a little bit into the shadows to hide your gluttinous face. You smash the bag. You weep inwardly. You compose yourself. You walk away and do not ever admit it to anyone.

BURGERMEISTER | BERLIN

Wed, 05 May 2021 10:48:41 GMT

Burgermeister | Berlin

FAR FROM PISS POOR

Covid has thrown up a new set of problems for the already struggling food & beverage scene, one of those being the inability to house people tightly packed in restaurants or outdoor seating areas for the time being. Take-away has been an increasingly practical way for food outlets to still cover their bottom line, and provide their regulars with the tastes they have come to crave.

Burgermeister was poised to skateboard through the pandemic having already been fully established as a take-away spot housed in an old public restroom. Yes, you heard me correctly, a toilet trader.

Naturally, certain precautions had to be implemented, consisting of very patchy looking swathes of yellow and black tape to designate areas of extra care. Lines on the ground reminding the perpetually day-drunk Berlin crowd to fight the natural tendency to stand directly behind the previous punter.

Orders were taken from the usual window, you were handed a small receipt and told to take a few steps in the direction of least human interaction and wait your turn.

With the sun beating down I took an exaggerated vantage point almost 20 meters from the hatch and studied the movements of those who ordered before me to perfectly time my approach.

With burger loaded in it's paper carrying vessel I hastened towards the river, because if there's one thing that brings anxiety shuffling through the weeds, it's the blasphemy of cold food.

On the odd occasion I do venture into the realm of fast food, it bloody well better be piping hot, and not a limp, congealed mess reminding me of my bad decision making abilities. Having not eaten a burger in over 2 months, I accepted that I was fully entitled to this dangerous romp, and plodded to the river, saw a drug deal in action, decided to keep walking, got stressed by the time it was taking, and ended up standing by a trash can and scoffing my burger down with my hoodie up trying to conceal some of the shame, though I was in a city where the chances of anyone seeing me that knew me, was slim to zero.

With the sunkissed face of a shameful cherub, I stood munching down on a perfectly respectable slice of Berlin folklore. It wasn't the best burger in Berlin, for me personally, that's Schiller , but it is definitely an above average bite, and more than sufficient if you are passing by Kreuz on your way to Friedrichshain.

With meat and cheese and condiments wrestling in my stomach, I walked the bridge, turning back to see a couple cops sniffing around where the drug deal was happening earlier, walked straight into the blinding sun of April in Berlin, when the world was hidden in masked silence and monotonous routines, and I headed back to the apartment to sit in the kitchen, windows wide open, bird song erupting, and thought to myself.... Life isn't too shabby is it.

IRINA | PHNOM PENH

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:27:59 GMT

Irina | Phnom Penh

BEETROOT IN A-MINOR

Never one to scurry from a piping bowl of borscht, admittedly, I don't often find them lurking in side streets in South East Asia. Apart from a visciously enlightening Ukrainian meal in Vung Tau, Vietnam, I have never come across Russian restaurants in this part of the world. Perhaps they have always been there, but I have been oblivious on my nightly hunts for ramen, pho or spicy curries.

Nevertheless, rumour had it that Irina's was worthy of patronage, and I hastily boarded a waiting rickshaw to glide through the streets of PP, until I was dropped off at the majestic gates.

Inside was a peering wilderness of souless refuge. Not a single person trod the planks. Neither a waiter, not a proprietor, nor a customer gushing in revery. I took this as a sign that I had chosen an alluring hour for introverts, and placed myself at a table hidden in the garden spread. Within five minutes a peering face slid from the shadows, almost surprised to find me there, unannounced. Menu's were provided, arms behind back in prostrate patience, pen retrieved from shirt pocket, details of order written down, agreements made, questions about beverages, and back to the stillness within to begin the dance of culinary delights.

Looking around, I felt at times like i had stepped through some psychedelic rabbit hole, and ended up in a courtyard of "Valerie & Her Week of Wonders", walls plastered with merriment. The Christmas tree reminded me that it was indeed the festive season, one that I had entirely dislodged from memory. I sipped my lime soda and waited in trepidation.

From the time I tried my very first truly authentic borsht in a hotel restaurant in Minsk, the poor representations I had eaten over the years were thrown aside in the seduction of a new nymph. The comforting velvety allure with it's dottings of sour cream were the perfect ointment against a life lived in opulence.

I sniffed the bowl as it arrived, and it smelled just right.

The soup was quenched in mere minutes. All of Minsk in it's barren beauty was suddenly about me. The old babushka who dragged her left foot as she served the food in that old statuesque hotel in a suburb long forgotten in travel withdrawals. It brought me back to Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria. This bowl was up there with some of the best I had ever eaten.

Who would have thought, in a tiny alleyway near the bars and restaurants of Bassac Lane, was a place where you could for a moment close your eyes from the dust and cacaphony of Cambodian streets, and be transported back to a cold climate thousands of miles away. Isn't that just what makes travel so divine?

MOLODIST | ODESA

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:39:50 GMT

MOLODIST | ODESA

BORSCHT IS EVERY MANS DREAM

The achingly hip exterior kept me away for a full week. Yet after so many glowing reviews from locals about their borscht I swallowed my pride and hit my stride down the 5 blocks from home.

It was sunny so I decided to park my posterior outside, a plan that turned to mud when the concrete truck pulled up and started its noise-concert. I headed in, just as my soup arrived.

It was perfect. Perhaps the only negative was the amount of fat on the meat but that seems to get bonus points in these parts.

MOMOYAMA | ODESA

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:36:30 GMT

MOMOYAMA RAMEN | ODESA

NOODLE DREAMS IN ODESA (2019)

I know... I know... Odessa, Ukraine? RAMEN? WTF?

After gorging myself silly in Kadikoy for 2 weeks straight, I just had to have a bowl of Ramen to restore peace and order in my soul. I was googling frantically the night before I flew to Odessa and noticed they had a spot that did Momo's & Ramen. How could I not try?

Situated downtown, about 3 blocks from my Airbnb I ventured out on a blistery midday (perfect for ramen), and sat in the far corner, opposite to where the 20 or so other people were busy laughing, watching their iPhones and engaged in conversation. I found a corner with no neighbours and a wall to stare at. The bowl arrived. It looked rather odd, broccoli floating on top (I had asked for them to omit the corn, which they did) and all sorts of veggies that normally don't end up in a bowl of Ramen.

Putting my predjudice aside, I sipped the broth.... actually pretty ok. Dashi-Shoyu-ish flavour. The noodles were far overcooked an mushy, the pork tasted good but was just regular stewed pork and had no marinade flavour. The egg was actually superb, very well cooked and marinated nicely.

Never discount a place based on it's location.

If you're ever in Odessa.. Try it.

T-BOYS | CREOLE

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:17:24 GMT

T-BOYS | CREOLE

RIP OH MASTER OF CRAWFISH

The wheels needed a break and we stopped in a shack by the side of the road. Creole was the town. Nobody had ever heard of it. T- Boy's was entered and like a scene from a film, we knew we stuck out like sore thumbs. Three travellers, dressed in skinny jeans, all black clothes, hats, comical.

The hostess was friendly and suspicious in equal measure. We threw caution to the wind and asked what she recommended. The crawfish. Ok Maam.

What arrived was a monster of epic proportions, and despite the atmosphere being dicey, the flavours were intensely pleasing. Having just come from New Orleans where we tried a bunch of boils, this one was substantially better.

Shame to read it shut it's doors. This was the definition of a hidden gem.