Eat Your Kimchi

After four wonderfully nasty years Simon and Martina say goodbye to SBS PopAsia. They look back at their time on the radio show and podcast, before sharing a final story about watching the World Cup at a lovely bar which serves toast and handmade jams alongside an impressive selection of craft beers.

Have we lost our sense of manners and decency? Simon and Martina are seasoned travelers and are disappointed to see service workers being treated rudely by tourists all too often.

Simon and Martina are kicking back on a beach in Koh Samui, Thailand for their wedding anniversary and they've already racked up some fun stories just days into their trip. There's one about a little girl who wants a tattoo, trying to drink sparkling wine on a speedboat, and a special travel pig named Kogi.

Simon and Martina remember Anthony Bourdain who was a big influence and inspiration for them as foodies and presenters. Depression is a reality for some people, including Simon and Martina, who share their experiences living with the disease.If you, or a loved one, are feeling depressed or just need someone to talk to, please contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Simon is really bad when it comes to matching dates with particular events. Instead, the songs he listens to during certain events remain as time markers in his memory.

Simon and Martina are passionate about the indie music scene in Korea but generally disappointed at the lack of promotion for these artists. Can the success of K-Pop bring attention to other music genres in Korea?

Simon and Martina recently went to the premiere of the new Wes Anderson movie Isle Of Dogs and loved it. What they didn't love though, was the backlash towards the movie. Why do some movie critics take things too far?

The best bits from the Eat Your Kimchi podcast.

Korea has grown so much, even since they first moved to the country 8 years ago, but at what expense? Reminiscing of their early days in Korea, Simon and Martina wonder if Seoul can find its artistic flare again.

Simon and Martina share their stories growing up with food and some of their best memories of home cooked treats

It's rainy season in Japan which means, Simon and Martina's story time! When you go to Japan, you're likely to try sushi, ramen, etc. But if you're lucky to spend some extra time in Japan, Simon and Martina let you in on an unlikely, yet equally authentic culinary experience.

Simon and Martina have changed the way they celebrate each other's birthday. instead of giving 'things' as presents, they're finding more value in non-material experiences.

Golden Week, one of the busiest travel seasons, is the worst week to visit Japan. Restaurants and accommodation are usually fully booked and overpriced during this cluster of public holidays. Simon had his work cut out trying to plan Martina's birthday this year, which happened to fall during Golden week, but he managed a fun-filled time despite the chaos.

The difference between buildings and homes in Japan and Korea. Simon and Martina give you some advice on finding the most interesting architecture (if you're into that kind of stuff!).

After a few hectic weeks Simon and Martina decide to take a day off for some chill, exploration time. Taking in the local architecture and people-watching at the local park, the duo accidentally recreate a hipster movie scene. They share their tip for finding hidden gems in Japan's suburbs.

When doing business in Japan business cards vital. But Simon and Martina have some thoughts on the card exchanges.

Simon and Martina went to their first wedding in Japan. Some of it was familiar, some of it...not so much. The duo think they were horrible guests. What did they do at the wedding? It's a pretty funny story #lol

While at their newly discovered yakitori restaurant, Simon pulled off the greatest thing any language-learner could do - make a joke in your new language. Did it go down well? Or was it a total fail?

Simon and Martina explore a cool new area and stumble upon an incredible yakitori restaurant. And their awesome story's just beginning there. The duo interact with fellow patrons at the restaurant, ensuing hilarity. Simon also pulls off a successful joke in Japanese, in front of a room full of Japanese people - props!

There's a big difference between going to a tourist site, to tick it off your bucket list, and actually appreciating a tourist site. Simon and Martina tell us when to put that selfie stick away to stop and smell the roses.

Simon and Martina travelled to Otsu this week to sample one of the top three beefs in Japan, Omi Beef! While there they stumbled upon the most beautiful, grand, quiet temple (just two stops away from Kyoto!). The duo are still letting us in on how to be awesome tourists.

Simon and Martina recently had an awful encounter when an incident from the real world turned nasty online. They're giving their thoughts on the effect of these comments on themselves and the potential effect on others, especially young people on social media.

Simon and Martina are talking about how they deal with negativity online and attempt to understand why people treat other's awfully in the digital space. Simon was effected by a negative comment left about him this week, because he didn't have time to stop and say hi to a fan on the street. It got to him. But it's not the worst comment he, or Martina, have had thrown at them online. The duo talk about other famous people who've been trolled and bullied online, and they're asking everyone to remember we're all humans who are going through our own struggles. Just remember that.

It's Hanami (or Cherry Blossom Season) in Japan, and that means time to relax and unwind. Simon and Martina describe what Japanese people do to de-stress. Even Japanese businessmen unwind in pretty unexpected ways...

Hanami or the Cherry Blossom festival is a huge tradition in Japan where people gather under the cherry blossoms for picnics and to appreciate the beauty of nature. Simon and Martina say it's like a family friendly version of St. Patrick's Day! Join them as they find a spot right under a Cherry Blossom Tree...bliss.

Simon and Martina's friend Yohei is known as an 'Onsen Otaku'. Just how far does he go to experience the greatest hot springs Japan has to offer?

Simon and Martina find a box of high-quality crabs on their doorstep. They were sent by a very special friend that can only be described as "pretty much perfect". What they did with the crabs is a juicy story of delicious wonder and friendship.

Simon and Martina recently encountered a real life Aegyo (a really cute, and shy girl) in Japan. It got them thinking about how media changes people's idea of certain cultures. The girl reminded them of chracters in Anime, and they don't know if it's real-life Aegyo that comes first, or the media representing that character and then people act like what they see on TV shows. A chicken and egg scenario - what comes first. What. Is. Real!? It happens with all cultures; like thinking people from America are cheerleaders, or wear cowboy boots because of what is portrayed in the movies.

Simon and Martina are fuming. Their beloved Kichijoji (where they live) has fallen from first, to third, in popularity ratings. According to real estate agencies, Kichijoji has slipped in popularity among popular places to visit in Japan, with Ebisu coming in second and Yokohama taking out first place! The duo are not happy, and don't agree with this at all. This leads to a discussion about where you should go, and stay, when you visit Japan and how you can (and should) avoid the 'Tokyo crush'. You're welcome guys...

Simon and Martina are keeping their new favourite taco restaurant a secret and Simon is very serious about ensuring nobody finds it!

Simon and Martina have found the best taco restaurant in Japan! It's so good, they're not even telling you where it is. Actually, it doesn't exist *winky face*...Simon's favourite taco is the lamb (so don't go ordering that). Martina just loves chatting to the owner of the restaurant. Any ideas where this place is?

Simon was way ahead of the times when he started using Twitter. In 2008 he actually tweet that, "more people should use Twitter." Now he can't believe it's such a massive platform, and powerful people like the President Of The United States use it. Crazy!

Simon and Martina go back to where Eat Your Kimchi all began; with their first ever tweet in 2008. They read some of their oldest tweets and look back on what it was like when they started as Youtubers. Simon asked more people to use Twitter (he just knew it was going to take-off). They remember when they first used Skype and Simon talks about a time he got footage of North Korea (while in South Korea). There's no responses to them on Twitter in the early day...And next week they're talking about tacos!

This is the one thing that made Simon's day recently. It made such a difference that Simon and Martina talked about the power of kindness in their latest episode

Simon had a barista draw a smiley face on his coffee cup recently and it made him so happy he wanted to talk about kindness in Japan in this episode. Martina tells you how comments on social media have an instant effect on the mood of your day, while their cat Meemers meows a lot throughout this episode, interrupting Simon and Martina at some points!

Simon and Martina's neighbour collects stamps and wants to know how much they are worth. Simon's not sure if people still collect stamps anymore. Is it still a thing?

Simon and Martina are having a little vent about why they unfollow people (yes, sometimes their friends) on social media. If they're not interested in the things you post, if you're spamming your account with baby photos, if they don't like what you're saying/posting then they're not going to keep following you on social media. They like to follow Ramen shops - the menus update on Twitter. Amazing. What about you, why do you unfollow people online?

Simon says he's a terrible dancer, but doesn't care. He and Martina are in their mid-30s and ain't the best dancers in the world. Sure, they used to be super embarrassed about it, but now they realise no one's a good dancer in the clubs so no one's judging you because you're all bad dancers, equally together. Right?

This week Simon and Martina went to a club in Japan, to see an artist they love dancing to. While waiting for that artist, instead of hanging with everyone else in the club, they paid $30 to go to a VVIP room. They were shocked at how reasonably priced it was. They got seats and drank water. Then they went and danced with the rest of the public before sitting in the VVIP area for one more glass of water. This is where things got really wild; they ate Ramen and went to bed. It's how 'old' people party, and celebrities (well, not really celebrities)...

Simon got a hair cut and beard trim while in Rome. It was like nothing he's ever experienced before.

Simon and Martina are back from Rome and tell you what it's like to holiday there. Simon says it's the most beautiful city in the world. They loved the artistic graffiti and ALL the delicious food. They also noticed how 'touchy-feely' the Italians are. A few funny stories ensue...

Simon and Martina have done a lot of travel around the world. Through their time planning holidays, they've come up with their number one travel tip.

Simon and Martina's number 1 travel tip! This week Simon and Martina are in Rome! They've noticed people are collecting sights like Pokemon; taking selfies, looking at the photo and then leaving the sight, without taking it all in. The EYK duo have a few travel tips for you - don't over plan. Also Simon's favourite memory sounds like a glorious day we'd like to be part of.

Simon and Martina want to try and record a podcast episode in a Roman pub but it is proving difficult!

Simon and Martina discuss the controversy around YouTuber Logan Paul and the backlash over a recent controversial video he filmed in a Japanese forest. They're not just upset, or angry, about that video though. This is a bigger issue for them.

Simon and Martina tell you about Ramen that tastes like a Thanksgiving turkey, amongst other things. They discovered the Ramen shop while out walking on their date night (CUTE). The line for this place continually goes out the door and even has sake in their vending machines. They also talk about the importance of complimenting a chef and Martina updates you on the health of an important member of the family.

This week, Simon and Martina reflect on Jonghyun's death. They talk about how SHINee started their interest in K-Pop and tell you their favourite songs from the band. They also talk about how the industry could better look after their artists and ask you for your ideas.

This week Simon and Martina party in Japan for Bonenkai (Japanese drinking party) season! They talk about some strange things they've observed people doing and their experience eating delicious gyoza. In the middle of the ep there was a mini earthquake that struck when Simon was telling a story!

Simon and Martina go in-depth on their pancake experience in Japan, which was like nothing they've ever experienced. We just thought we'd give you a little something to make you drool...and put on your 'must-eat' bucket list.

This week Simon and Martina had the most incredible pancake experience ever. They found a place in a 'sad mall' (they also explain what a 'sad mall' is). The pancakes were super light and fluffy, and souffle looking. It was a huge place, was totally crowded and there was a waiting list. When you order, it takes at least 20 minutes for your meal to arrive because there's a special way to make them. The dish came with three HUGE pancakes with fluffy cheese. It's made with egg whites and has a meringue-y texture. The pancakes were insanely tall. They were so good, the duo don't think you can even call them pancakes. They were like an egg cotton candy, but denser than cotton candy - it was just incredible. They've never experienced anything like it. It's not just a pancake....it's like nothing that exists.

Simon and Martina have stumbled on a restaurant in Japan that sells a drink that - in the words of Simon - "tastes rank." The duo think it takes the fun out of a soft drink. They describe it as something that tastes like Vegemite (but not in a good way)...