James Chen

Street food enthusiast and travel photographer. James specializes in documenting the vibrant night markets and hidden food stalls across Southeast Asia.

@jameschen_streetfood

Stories by James Chen

Regional Cuisine

Bánh Chưng: The Art of Vietnamese Sticky Rice Cakes and the Legend of Lang Liêu

In the days before Tết—Vietnam's Lunar New Year—every Vietnamese household transforms into a workshop where generations gather to fold, wrap, and steam bánh chưng, the iconic square rice cakes that symbolize gratitude to ancestors and the earth itself. From the legend of Prince Lang Liêu to the overnight vigil by boiling pots, discover how this humble cake of sticky rice, mung beans, and pork has anchored Vietnamese identity for millennia.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Regional Cuisine

Sunrise in Ankara: The Art of Perfect Menemen and Turkish Breakfast Culture

In the heart of Ankara, where morning light catches the domes of ancient mosques and the sizzle of eggs meeting hot olive oil signals the start of another day, menemen reigns as Turkey's beloved breakfast. From family kitchens in residential neighborhoods to bustling kahvaltı houses, discover how this deceptively simple dish of eggs, tomatoes, and peppers captures the soul of Turkish morning rituals.

Ankara, Turkey

Regional Cuisine

Cheese, Bread, and Mountain Magic: Mastering Khachapuri in the Heart of Tbilisi

In the cobblestoned streets of Old Tbilisi, where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the sharp tang of melted cheese, Georgia's most iconic dish reveals its secrets. From the boat-shaped Adjarian khachapuri crowned with a molten egg yolk to the simple perfection of Imeretian rounds, discover why this ancient cheese bread has captured hearts far beyond the Caucasus Mountains.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Regional Cuisine

Shakshuka Sunrise: The North African Breakfast That Conquered the World

In the sun-drenched cafes of Tel Aviv and the morning kitchens of Tunisia, one dish unites continents: shakshuka. With its bubbling tomato sauce cradling perfectly poached eggs, this humble meal has become a global breakfast phenomenon. Discover the history, regional variations, and the perfect technique for making this one-pan wonder at home.

Tel Aviv & Jaffa, Israel

Regional Cuisine

Laksa Legends: Unraveling Malaysia's Most Complex Comfort Food

In the humid port cities of Malaysia and Singapore, where Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan cultures converge, laksa has evolved into a dozen regional variations—each claiming authenticity, each defending its particular blend of spices and coconut milk. Journey through the origins, techniques, and fierce debates surrounding Southeast Asia's most controversial noodle soup.

Penang & Singapore, Malaysia

Regional Cuisine

Khachapuri and Wine Valleys: Georgia's Ancient Culinary Soul

Where the Caucasus Mountains meet ancient wine valleys, Georgia guards one of the world's oldest culinary traditions. From the molten cheese bread called khachapuri to wine fermented in clay vessels for 8,000 years, discover why this crossroads of Europe and Asia has become the most exciting food destination you've never visited.

Tbilisi, Kakheti & Adjara, Georgia

Regional Cuisine

Pad Thai Mastery: Unlocking the Secrets of Thailand's Most Famous Street Food

In the bustling streets of Bangkok, where woks sizzle and flames dance, pad thai emerges as Thailand's culinary ambassador to the world. Journey through the history, technique, and soul of this deceptively simple stir-fried noodle dish that captured global hearts—and learn why the best pad thai still comes from a street cart at midnight.

Bangkok, Thailand

Regional Cuisine

Ceviche Chronicles: Peru's Raw Fish Revolution That Conquered the World

In Lima's foggy coastal neighborhoods, where fishing boats return with the dawn catch and lime juice flows like water, ceviche isn't just a dish—it's a national obsession. Discover how Peru transformed raw fish and citrus into one of the world's most celebrated culinary exports, and why the secret to perfect ceviche lies in what you don't do as much as what you do.

Lima, Peru

Regional Cuisine

Authentic Peruvian Ceviche: Lima's National Dish and the Art of the Tiger's Milk

Master the art of Peruvian ceviche from Lima's cevicherías to your home kitchen. Learn the secrets of leche de tigre (tiger's milk), proper fish selection, and the 5-minute marination technique that separates authentic ceviche from imitations.

Lima, Peru

Regional Cuisine

Bún Chả Hanoi: Vietnam's Perfect Balance of Smoke, Sweet, and Sour

Discover bún chả, Hanoi's legendary grilled pork and noodle bowl that became world-famous after Obama and Bourdain's 2016 meal. Learn where to find the best bún chả, the secrets behind the sweet-sour dipping sauce, and why this humble street food defines Vietnamese culinary balance.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Regional Cuisine

Japchae: Korea's Beloved Glass Noodle Stir-Fry with Sweet Potato Noodles

Discover japchae, Korea's most elegant noodle dish featuring translucent sweet potato glass noodles tossed with vegetables and beef in a subtly sweet-savory sauce. Learn the authentic preparation methods, the art of proper noodle texture, and why this celebratory dish has become a beloved comfort food across Korea and beyond.

Seoul, South Korea

Regional Cuisine

Spaghetti Carbonara: Rome's Ultimate Comfort Pasta with Extra Pancetta and Pecorino

Master the art of authentic Roman carbonara with this indulgent recipe featuring extra pancetta and a generous shower of aged pecorino. Learn the secrets to achieving that silky, golden sauce without scrambling the eggs—the technique that separates good carbonara from legendary.

Rome, Italy

Regional Cuisine

Malaysian Laksa Guide: From Penang to Sarawak's Most Iconic Noodle Soup

Journey through Malaysia's diverse laksa landscape from Penang's tangy asam laksa to Sarawak's fragrant curry version. Discover the regional secrets, best hawker stalls, and techniques behind Southeast Asia's most complex noodle soup.

Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak)

Regional Cuisine

Tokyo Ramen Guide 2026: Best Ramen Shops from Street Stalls to Michelin Stars

The ultimate Tokyo ramen guide covering 30+ bowls across the city. Discover the best shoyu, tonkotsu, miso, and shio ramen shops, plus insider tips for navigating Japan's noodle culture.

Tokyo, Japan

Street Food

Bangkok Street Food Guide: Finding the Best Pad Thai in Thailand

A three-week Bangkok street food adventure testing 50 plates of pad thai. Discover legendary spots like Thip Samai and Jay Fai, plus hidden gems and what makes authentic Thai pad thai unforgettable.

Bangkok, Thailand