We explore the world of Japanese cuisine and its role in boosting the nation’s profile around the globe. Monica Lillis sits down with London-based saké sommelier Erika Haigh and Monocle’s Copenhagen correspondent, Michael Booth, meets Mads Battefeld of Sushi Anaba. Plus: Gregory Scruggs visits Uwajimaya, an authentic Japanese grocery shop in Seattle, and Guy de Launey explores how Japanese tea-making is brewing bilateral relationships in Slovenia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japanese culinary soft power

Our guide to the world of food, drink and entertaining, The Menu serves up interviews with the world’s most creative chefs, introduces the makers behind the scenes and the ingredients that will soon be landing on your restaurant table.

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This week we sit down with Franco-Palestinian chef, Fadi Kattan, to hear about his new book, ‘Bethlehem’, and learn about the bonds that food can build within a community. Plus: Paige Reynolds meets wine writer Hannah Crosbie, whose work is dedicated to dispelling myths about the drink, and we head to Copenhagen to talk with one of the most exciting names in Danish hospitality, Frederik Bille Brahe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fadi Kattan, Hannah Crosbie and Frederik Bille Brahe

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is a culinary destination in its own right. The bustling metropolis is packed full of innovative restaurants and bars – and it’s difficult to buzz around the city without drinking in its hallowed coffee culture. Here, Monocle’s Hanna Pham takes us on a day of dining in the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #384: Ho Chi Minh City

This week we fire up the grill with Fernando Trocca, one of Argentina’s most accomplished chefs. Also in the programme, we speak to Jon Williams, founder of the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company to find out more about Welsh delicacy Laverbread. Plus: Clarissa Wei is in Taipei to learn more about the city’s cocktail scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fernando Trocca, the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and Taipei’s Tea Cocktail Bars

Springtime in Italy signals the moment when wineries prepare to present their latest bottlings to the public. One highly sought-after event that producers enjoy attending is Summa, a boutique wine fair held annually in South Tyrol that brings together like-minded producers from Italy and beyond for a taste of something new. Monocle’s Milan correspondent, Ivan Carvalho, went along to find out more.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #383: Summa wine fair, South Tyrol

This week, we get tips from Benjamina Ebuehi on the most delicious and satisfying puddings to make when it’s your turn to bring dessert. Also on the programme: we venture to the Azores to meet a new wave of winemakers. Plus: we explore the places where community is built through food with two writers featured in the new book ‘London Feeds Itself’.


 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japanese culinary soft power

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