Monocle 24: The Menu

Millie Tsukagoshi Lagares on opening the door to the Japanese home kitchen in her new book, ‘Umai’. Then: this year’s London Coffee Festival and we pop the cork on our wine of the month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York is known for its Italian food but changing demographics have introduced other thriving cuisines. Charlie Bell heads to the Belmont area of the Bronx where authentic Italian-American food continues to shine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An episode dedicated to Ukrainian food. We speak to Sydney-based Anastasia Zolotarev about her new book, bread as a symbol of resistance and Manhattan restaurant Veselka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lars Bevanger heads to the town of Ialysos on Rhodes to delight in the island’s rich food and drink culture, which is coloured by its Italian history and proximity to the Levant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xanthe Ross tells us about her new book, Stay for Supper. Then: we explore the world of wild garlic and meet the founder of German wine collective, Wein Goutte.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, London's Bethnal Green has blossomed , with chic wine bars and coffee roasters cropping up to sit alongside the typical East-end pubs and pie shops. Here, Valentina Venelli takes us on a tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re serving up a three-course feast as we delve into the nostalgic pull of the prawn cocktail. Then, we tuck into a steaming bowl of pasta and lay on something sweet from Indonesia to finish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Somerset is known for its idyllic countryside and rolling hills. In recent years, however, the English county has become a culinary hotspot. Here, Monica Lillis takes us to the best outposts, old and new. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet the entrepreneurs taking Indian drinks beyond the country’s borders. Then: we taste some green jewels at a pistachio farm in the south of France and pick our Wine of the Month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City-nudging Surry Hills was once the industrial hub of Sydney’s rag trade but now it’s home to flotillas of cafés, restaurants, wine bars and hotels. Tamara Thiessen takes us on a tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recovery of the culinary industry in LA, McDonald’s regional variations in ‘McAtlas’ and a slow approach to food at Heckfield Place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally a European-inspired enclave for the upper and middle classes, Mexico City’s tree-lined Colonia Roma district has survived earthquakes and been reinvented through artistic movements. Today it offers a diverse range of culinary experiences showcasing the best that the nation has to offer, from blue-corn quesadillas to specialist Mexican coffee. Verity de Cala meets the people behind the area’s street-food shops and cafés.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the beginning of the Easter weekend for those who celebrate, so what better time to indulge in an episode dedicated to chocolate. We speak to the founder of Knoops, the brand championing hot chocolate as an everyday drink. Then: Monocle’s Michael Booth meets award-winning Danish chocolatier Mikkel Friis-Holm. Plus: we unwrap the latest Easter-egg trends with Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to the rolling hills of southern Tuscany, where regenerative food and wine practices are flourishing among ancient landscapes. Monocle contributor Issabella Orlando takes us on a tour of Val d’Orcia, where heritage crops are cultivated with a deep respect for tradition, biodiversity and the land itself. Here, she meets the stewards of a region whose roots run deep and whose yields speak for themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Noma’s Carolyne Lane to hear about the Copenhagen institution’s new bean-roasting venture, Noma Kaffee. Then: we sit down with acclaimed barista Celeste Wong to find out why there are dozens of recipes to try when you’re after the perfect cup. Plus: we check in at Man Met Bril Koffie Hotel in Rotterdam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re looking at a slice of history this week in the shape of Lee Lee’s Baked Goods, which has been serving New Yorkers for nearly 40 years. It’s the story of Alvin Lee Smalls, known as Lee Lee, and the changing face of the iconic Harlem neighbourhood. Lee Lee joins Charlie Bell to speak about his life’s work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sample a morsel of Bahrain’s mouthwatering cuisine with Noor Murad as we flick through her new book, ‘Lugma’. Also in the programme: Poppy Damon heads to the Little Purity diner in Brooklyn to unpack whether the spaces still hold the same community spirit. Plus: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff sips on some sahti, Finland’s oldest ale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s far southwestern province of Yunnan is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the country’s finest wine producers, though its winemaking history goes back more than a hundred years. Monocle’s Tom Webb visited the recently opened Songtsam Cizhong Lodge, where the region’s viticulture began, to find out how its history is being preserved and shared with the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re very much in spring mode this week for an episode dedicated to a specific slice of the colour wheel: green. We meet author and food writer Samuel Goldsmith to discuss his new title, ‘The Frozen Peas Cookbook’. Then: we trace the growing popularity of matcha around the world with Twiggy Yeung. Plus: we crown our ‘verde’ Wine of the Month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The southern French city of Aix-en-Provence is swamped by tourists in the summer, and is visited by art enthusiasts year-round thanks to its connection to Cezanne. But what about food lovers? With the help of local food guide Thomas Garcin, our correspondent Michael Booth takes us to the spots that you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We island-hop in the Caribbean with author Keshia Sakarah to learn all about her new book, ‘Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History’, and the specificity of the region’s cuisine. Also in the programme: Hannah Lucinda Smith is in Damascus to taste some of the city’s renowned shawarma. Plus: Monocle’s Mae-Li Evans meets Jenny Lau to get ‘An A-Z of Chinese Food: (Recipes Not Included)’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're heading to Manila's Chinatown, Binondo, a chaotic enclave of the city that's as renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage as its delicious food. Hanna Pham takes us on a tour to try out the best Chinese-Filipino fare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the world of dairy – the creamiest, most delicious of food groups. First, we look into the revived popularity of cow’s milk, then Emma Nelson visits France’s first museum dedicated to cheese. Plus: Aarti Betigeri samples Australian butter brand Pepe Saya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff takes us on a tour of Helsinki’s Töölö neighbourhood, home to traditional neighbourhood bistros frequented by local families, as well as new eateries, where ambitious young chefs seek to leave their mark on the city’s vibrant dining scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re starting off in South London with Rex De Guzman, the founder of Filipino barbecue spot Turo Turo. Also in the programme: Monocle contributor Lucy Hyslop heads to Burdock & Co in Vancouver to find out how the team are transforming their produce’s bioelectric charge into a dinner soundtrack. Plus: Monocle sub-editor and in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, picks her wine of the month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re northbound to the arctic city of Tromsø in Norway. Here, Monocle’s Oslo correspondent, Lars Bevanger, takes us on a culinary journey which, despite its snow and far-flung location, offers up a selection of international eateries as well as traditional fare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Richard Hart, one of the world’s most celebrated bakers, to find out about the true joy of making the perfect loaf. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff sits down with pioneer of New Nordic cuisine, Peeter Pihel, in Tallinn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to Madrid to wander through one of the Spanish capital’s most delectable open secrets. Hidden in the plain sight of the city centre, the Mostenses Municipal Market has been overlooked by local authorities for years. But this has created a ripe opportunity for diaspora communities from Asia and Latin America to eagerly snap up once-ailing stalls. Mixing entrepreneurial flair with a melting pot of exotic ingredients, the market is now a sizzling array of mini-eateries featuring flavours from Peru, Ecuador and China. Our man in Madrid, Liam Aldous, introduces us to the gastronomic fusion known as “Chifa”, a heady mix that has turned the surrounding area into Europe’s first, albeit unofficial, “Chifa Town”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to restaurateur Amy Poon about the legacy of her parents’ iconic Chinese eatery, Poon’s Wontoneria, in London. Also on the programme: we head to Finland to investigate how increasing global prices are affecting the nation’s claim to drinking the most cups of coffee per capita. Plus: Chloé Lake speaks to wine expert Sunny Hodge about his new book encouraging us to look at wine from a more scientific angle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re staying local today and heading to London’s charming South Kensington. From quaint coffee shops, steaming bowls of pho and vibrant farmers’ markets, this corner of west London provides some of the city’s best culinary offerings. Monocle’s Hassan Anderson takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We journey down the banks of the Danube to get a taste of Eastern European cuisine with Romanian food writer Irina Georgescu. Plus: Paige Reynolds heads to Leydi, a new Turkish opening in London and Maisie Ringer explores the revival of absinthe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. This offbeat metropolis on the Aegean coast has a rich gastronomic identity thanks to its diverse history at the crossroads of east and west. In 2021, its culinary prowess was recognised by Unesco as a “City of Gastronomy” within its Creative Cities Network. Join Monocle’s Claudia Jacob on a tour of this colourful and compact city that’s sure to slake your appetite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re appreciating the effects that time has on some of our favourite dishes and ingredients. We sit down with Ryan Walker, head of fermentation at zero-waste restaurant Silo, in London. Then: Angelica Jopson leaves things to simmer and explores the timeless appeal of soup. Plus: our in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, picks her well-aged wine of the month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to Sydney, one of the world’s most multicultural hubs. The Harbour City’s diversity is reflected in its vibrant selection of global restaurants, cafes and bars. Here, Monocle contributor Adam Hancock takes us to Little Portugal in Sydney’s Inner West to learn more about its Portuguese diaspora and their delicious cuisine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Diana Militski, the founder of Kinkally, a restaurant in London championing a modern approach to Georgian cuisine. Then: Michael Booth is at Europe’s biggest food-supplier trade fair in Lyon to get a preview of the industry this year. Plus: we head to Sweden to hear about chef Daniel Berlin’s Scandinavian comeback. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re hitting the slopes of the Dolomites and the small hamlet of Alagna Valsesia at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. Although Monocle’s Lars Bevanger keeps returning here to ski, what’s equally tempting is the region’s delicious wine and cuisine. Here, he takes us on a tour of the Alpine town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to the man whose passion for cooking with fire has been fuelling one of the world’s best restaurants – Burnt Ends in Singapore. Also on the programme: we trace the journey of Hong Kong noodles to London and speak to the Croatian author translating literature into enticing recipes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we wander the canals of De Baarsjes in west Amsterdam. With an abundance of specialty cafés, bakeries and global culinary outposts, this area of the Netherlands’ capital is fast becoming the preferred choice of gastronomically inclined visitors. Ilze Vitola takes us on a tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s only natural to spend time reflecting on your habits at the beginning of the new year – and that includes eating and drinking too. In this episode we speak to the author tracing the philosophy of food systems around the world and drop in to a mocktail bar in Canada. Plus: we sit down with the Danish “gastrophysicist” on a mission to get the country to eat more greens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We head to Lagos in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, a busy summer-tourist destination known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Here, in the quieter months, Angelica Jopson takes us for a walk through town in search of the best spots to enjoy the local cuisine’s delicious simplicity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet author Ben Mims to flick through his new book, ‘Crumbs’, which traces the history of cookies and biscuits from around the world. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff is in Tallinn to try a newly opened Dagestani restaurant, Kurze. Plus: Elna Nykänen Andersson heads to Stockholm’s Spritmuseum, dedicated to Swedish drinking culture, to learn about depictions of food and drink in Andy Warhol’s artwork. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne department in southwestern France, is renowned for a history that is just as rich as its food. From truffles and walnuts to foie gras and goats cheese, the hallmarks of Périgord cuisine are some of the nation’s most revered and can be found in local marketplaces alongside other delicious delicacies. Against the old town’s medieval and Renaissance backdrop, journalist and travel writer Tamara Thiessen embarks on a tour de taste. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.