Each month we publish a round-up of the most exciting new openings across food and drink around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Here are some of the highlights from May 2023 from foodwatching and drinkswatching. The highlights list, in no particular order, features venues from Los Angeles, Edinburgh, Sydney, London and more.
Hey Chu, Sydney
The team behind Hello Auntie has opened Hey Chu, a late-night spot inspired by the vibrant and eclectic late-night drinking culture of Vietnam. Cocktails are inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia with concoctions such as What the Pho which combines house-infused coriander tequila with pho syrup and spiced fish sauce. For those who prefer something a little simpler, the wine list is packed with natural wines, mineral-heavy whites and 18 by-the-glass options. And adding to the late-night atmosphere is live music and DJs playing old-school R&B hits.
Find out more here.
Gogo Ya, Los Angeles
The James Beard Award-winning chef Tim Cushman has opened a trio of fast-casual restaurants at Kitchen United Mix, a food hall in Santa Monica. The first is Gogo Ya, said to be an offshoot of the original O Ya, Cushman's restaurant in Boston. Dig into bento bowls and nori tacos with fillings like salmon teriyaki and soy-braised mushrooms. The second is Ms Clucks Deluxe which is all about fried chicken and dumplings. Featuring a cajun-spiced karaage sandwich or a chicken-based smashburger with teriyaki glaze and sesame miso. The final one is Mr Roni Cups which is serving up Roman-style pizza pies. The rumour is that Cushman is scouting more formal restaurant locations so expect more announcements in the future.
Find out more here.
Paradise After Dark, London
Sri Lankan restaurant Paradise in Soho has launched Paradise After Dark as a new late-night haunt. Their aim is to shift the restaurant into what they describe as "an intimate bar with speakeasy vibes". They have worked with Sri Lankan distillery Rockland which has shipped over limited edition spirits including their hamlilla (a type of wood) aged, spiced coconut arracks and Sinhalese craft rums. Meanwhile, head bartender Erin Mulkerrin-English has worked with the kitchen to create new low-waste cocktails like a pol-roti Old Fashioned and a smoky clarified Bloody Mary. And if you find yourself feeling peckish, there's a short-eats menu to get stuck into.
Find out more here.
Skua, Edinburgh
Sam Yorke and Tomas Gormley, the duo behind Heron which has just been awarded its first Michelin star, have opened the doors to Skua, a more casual affair than its sibling. This new spot comes with a completely black interior, lit only by candles, and to access the menu you must scan the QR code. Don't let this put you off though. The menu consists of small plates from all corners of the world - you might choose the sweetcorn chowder with its smoky hits of mole and chipotle, the pork belly sando with kimchi and sweet chilli sauce or a bucket's worth of fried chicken. Cocktails are bold and intriguing - this has all the makings of becoming a hit.
Find out more here.
Rambutan, London
British Sri-Lankan cook Cynthia Shanmugalingam has (finally!) opened Rambutan in the middle of London's Borough Market. She has taken inspiration from her time spent exploring Sri Lanka with a particular focus on regional dishes traditionally found in the north of the country. Whilst her menu changes daily depending on what is available from neighbouring suppliers in the market there is always a range of street food snacks that are commonly eaten on-the-go in the northern cultural capital, Jaffna. These can include spiced fish malu buns and aged mutton rolls, whilst more substantial dishes include Jaffna crab fried rice, grilled mackerel with turmeric and tamarind and daikon and mint sambol.
Find out more here.
Luckin Coffee, Singapore
China's giant coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has made its debut in Singapore, opening not only one but two stores at once. Nicknamed the Starbucks of China, this is its first overseas expansion, choosing Singapore for its "mature coffee consumer market". The brand has more than 8,000 stores in its home country where it sets itself as a disruptor with its use of big data as well as mobile ordering and cashless payment via its mobile app. The menu is initially showcasing the brand's best-selling Coconut Latte, Velvet Latte and Creamy Dreamy Latte with new products tailored for the Singapore market to be rolled out in the near future.
Find out more here.
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Every month we compile more comprehensive lists of the most noticeable openings in both food and drink from around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Subscribers can see these lists for May in full over on our foodwatching and drinkswatching reports. If you're not yet subscribed but are interested in receiving our regular reporting service then get in touch using the form below.