Luke Tsai
@theluketsai.bsky.social
Food editor, KQED Arts & Culture
Pinned
Luke Tsai
@theluketsai.bsky.social
· Oct 1
Plantain Peels, Sugar and Style: Oakland Teens Weave Food Into Fashion
At the first-ever Cuisine and Couture, students at the Oakland School for the Arts team up with some of Oakland’s top chefs to celebrate the local food scene.
www.kqed.org
I wrote about the teenage fashion designers who are spinning braided plantain peels and spray-painted pasta into high-fashion couture outfits, with the help of some of Oakland's top chefs. www.kqed.org/arts/1398191...
This late-night hand-pulled noodle spot in San Leandro is pretty great! www.kqed.org/arts/1398373...
An East Bay Newcomer Slings Hand-Pulled Noodles and XLB Until Midnight
Dao Artisan Noodle brings Lanzhou-style noodles to San Leandro.
www.kqed.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:57 PM
This late-night hand-pulled noodle spot in San Leandro is pretty great! www.kqed.org/arts/1398373...
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on a new bột chiên stall at Lion Plaza in San Jose. Look at those rice cakes! www.kqed.org/arts/1398362...
A New San José Food Stall Specializes in Vietnamese Rice Cake Omelettes | KQED
Bot Chien is an exciting new addition to Lion Plaza.
www.kqed.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on a new bột chiên stall at Lion Plaza in San Jose. Look at those rice cakes! www.kqed.org/arts/1398362...
I wrote about the Bay Area’s Filipino pie lady—back after a year-long hiatus with a fresh set of pies for Thanksgiving. www.kqed.org/arts/1398341...
The Bay Area’s ‘Pinay Pie Lady’ Is Back, Just in Time for Thanksgiving
Sweet Condesa returns with a new lineup of Filipino-inspired treats.
www.kqed.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 AM
I wrote about the Bay Area’s Filipino pie lady—back after a year-long hiatus with a fresh set of pies for Thanksgiving. www.kqed.org/arts/1398341...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
We found excellent Lao food at the bowling alley. www.kqed.org/arts/1398324...
The East Bay’s Best Late-Night Lao Restaurant Is Inside a Bowling Alley | KQED
As it turns out, Lao sausages and crispy rice ball salad are the tastiest bowling snacks.
www.kqed.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:41 AM
We found excellent Lao food at the bowling alley. www.kqed.org/arts/1398324...
We found excellent Lao food at the bowling alley. www.kqed.org/arts/1398324...
The East Bay’s Best Late-Night Lao Restaurant Is Inside a Bowling Alley | KQED
As it turns out, Lao sausages and crispy rice ball salad are the tastiest bowling snacks.
www.kqed.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:41 AM
We found excellent Lao food at the bowling alley. www.kqed.org/arts/1398324...
The late-night dance parties at the Seafood City in Daly City are THE place to be. Our correspondent Rocky Rivera with the story: www.kqed.org/arts/1398311...
The Bay Area’s Hottest Club Is a Filipino Supermarket
For Filipino Americans, dance parties at the Seafood City in Daly City are more than just a viral sensation.
www.kqed.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:17 PM
The late-night dance parties at the Seafood City in Daly City are THE place to be. Our correspondent Rocky Rivera with the story: www.kqed.org/arts/1398311...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Local restaurants, already struggling, are stepping in to fill the gaping void of our federal government during shutdown. Read for a list of places giving free and discounted food to families who receive SNAP benefits:
www.kqed.org/arts/1398295...
www.kqed.org/arts/1398295...
With SNAP Benefits Delayed, Restaurants Step Up to Feed Bay Area Families
Restaurants are offering free and discounted meals to those affected by the government shutdown.
www.kqed.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Local restaurants, already struggling, are stepping in to fill the gaping void of our federal government during shutdown. Read for a list of places giving free and discounted food to families who receive SNAP benefits:
www.kqed.org/arts/1398295...
www.kqed.org/arts/1398295...
My favorite tonkatsu restaurant in the Bay Area had to shut down because of a fire. They're trying to fast-track a new location in Emeryville. www.kqed.org/arts/1398292...
A Fire Shuts Down One of the Bay Area’s Best Tonkatsu Restaurants
Jungdon Katsu’s owner hopes to open a new sit-down location in Emeryville.
www.kqed.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:48 PM
My favorite tonkatsu restaurant in the Bay Area had to shut down because of a fire. They're trying to fast-track a new location in Emeryville. www.kqed.org/arts/1398292...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Come hang out, tonight! 6:30 at Omnivore Books. I'll be chatting with the incomparable Bryant Terry!! We'll sign books!
Stoked that my crab fishing influencer profile is featured in this year's Best American Food and Travel Writing, out in bookstores today!
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
October 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Come hang out, tonight! 6:30 at Omnivore Books. I'll be chatting with the incomparable Bryant Terry!! We'll sign books!
Always read Rocky Rivera on Bay Area hip-hop and food. Her latest, on the new wave of health-focused, aspirational "salad rap." www.kqed.org/arts/1398279...
Meet the Bay Area Rappers Who Want You to Eat a Salad
Some of the most popular rappers in the Bay are building their personal brand around orange juice, turmeric and leafy greens.
www.kqed.org
October 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Always read Rocky Rivera on Bay Area hip-hop and food. Her latest, on the new wave of health-focused, aspirational "salad rap." www.kqed.org/arts/1398279...
Come hang out, tonight! 6:30 at Omnivore Books. I'll be chatting with the incomparable Bryant Terry!! We'll sign books!
Stoked that my crab fishing influencer profile is featured in this year's Best American Food and Travel Writing, out in bookstores today!
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
October 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Come hang out, tonight! 6:30 at Omnivore Books. I'll be chatting with the incomparable Bryant Terry!! We'll sign books!
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Don't miss Nastia Voynovskaya's sobering, in-depth report on the state of AI-generated music and musicians — and the avenues left to human musicians (because now we have to specify that):
www.kqed.org/arts/1398257...
www.kqed.org/arts/1398257...
AI Is Coming for the Music Industry. How Will Artists Adapt? | KQED
The rise of AI-generated ‘artists’ prompts labor and free speech concerns as big tech aligns itself with the far right.
www.kqed.org
October 22, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Don't miss Nastia Voynovskaya's sobering, in-depth report on the state of AI-generated music and musicians — and the avenues left to human musicians (because now we have to specify that):
www.kqed.org/arts/1398257...
www.kqed.org/arts/1398257...
Stoked that my crab fishing influencer profile is featured in this year's Best American Food and Travel Writing, out in bookstores today!
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
October 21, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Stoked that my crab fishing influencer profile is featured in this year's Best American Food and Travel Writing, out in bookstores today!
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
Bay Area folks, come see me chop it up with editor Bryant Terry at @omnivorebooks.bsky.social this Thursday! omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/collections/...
Here's an update on the new Cantonese barbecue counter coming this month to the Tenderloin, courtesy of the brothers behind the old Hing Lung Co. — one of my all-time favorite Chinatown spots before it closed last year. www.kqed.org/arts/1398223...
A Quintessential SF Chinatown Barbecue Shop Moves to the Tenderloin
Quack House is the newest addition to the Hing Lung Co. roast duck empire.
www.kqed.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Here's an update on the new Cantonese barbecue counter coming this month to the Tenderloin, courtesy of the brothers behind the old Hing Lung Co. — one of my all-time favorite Chinatown spots before it closed last year. www.kqed.org/arts/1398223...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Here's my commentary piece on the Big Art Loop, and what it means to hand our public space over to a billionaire and his choice of 100 pieces of existing, large-scale art.
And for god's sake: Send your opinions to the agencies/nonprofit/org involved, not to me!
www.kqed.org/arts/1398217...
And for god's sake: Send your opinions to the agencies/nonprofit/org involved, not to me!
www.kqed.org/arts/1398217...
Who Has a Say In the Flood of Public Art Coming to San Francisco?
The Sijbrandij Foundation’s plan to install 100 pieces of large-scale art around the city needs public oversight.
www.kqed.org
October 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Here's my commentary piece on the Big Art Loop, and what it means to hand our public space over to a billionaire and his choice of 100 pieces of existing, large-scale art.
And for god's sake: Send your opinions to the agencies/nonprofit/org involved, not to me!
www.kqed.org/arts/1398217...
And for god's sake: Send your opinions to the agencies/nonprofit/org involved, not to me!
www.kqed.org/arts/1398217...
This month's Apple Maps update includes my new favorite Peking duck spot, excellent jjajangmyeon, and topnotch HK cafe–style noodles and rice plates. apple.co/LukeTsai
October 5, 2025 at 9:37 PM
This month's Apple Maps update includes my new favorite Peking duck spot, excellent jjajangmyeon, and topnotch HK cafe–style noodles and rice plates. apple.co/LukeTsai
I made the NYT apple cider doughnuts.
October 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I made the NYT apple cider doughnuts.
Reposted by Luke Tsai
I wrote about Club Waziema, an Ethiopian dive bar that serves really good sega wot and an all-you-can-eat veggie combo. www.kqed.org/arts/1398209...
This Ethiopian Dive Bar’s Most Surprising Hit Is Its All-You-Can-Eat Veggie Combo
Club Waziema is one of SF’s classic neighborhood dives — and serves great misir wat and beef stew too.
www.kqed.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:44 AM
I wrote about Club Waziema, an Ethiopian dive bar that serves really good sega wot and an all-you-can-eat veggie combo. www.kqed.org/arts/1398209...
I wrote about Club Waziema, an Ethiopian dive bar that serves really good sega wot and an all-you-can-eat veggie combo. www.kqed.org/arts/1398209...
This Ethiopian Dive Bar’s Most Surprising Hit Is Its All-You-Can-Eat Veggie Combo
Club Waziema is one of SF’s classic neighborhood dives — and serves great misir wat and beef stew too.
www.kqed.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:44 AM
I wrote about Club Waziema, an Ethiopian dive bar that serves really good sega wot and an all-you-can-eat veggie combo. www.kqed.org/arts/1398209...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
I wrote about the teenage fashion designers who are spinning braided plantain peels and spray-painted pasta into high-fashion couture outfits, with the help of some of Oakland's top chefs. www.kqed.org/arts/1398191...
Plantain Peels, Sugar and Style: Oakland Teens Weave Food Into Fashion
At the first-ever Cuisine and Couture, students at the Oakland School for the Arts team up with some of Oakland’s top chefs to celebrate the local food scene.
www.kqed.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I wrote about the teenage fashion designers who are spinning braided plantain peels and spray-painted pasta into high-fashion couture outfits, with the help of some of Oakland's top chefs. www.kqed.org/arts/1398191...
I wrote about the teenage fashion designers who are spinning braided plantain peels and spray-painted pasta into high-fashion couture outfits, with the help of some of Oakland's top chefs. www.kqed.org/arts/1398191...
Plantain Peels, Sugar and Style: Oakland Teens Weave Food Into Fashion
At the first-ever Cuisine and Couture, students at the Oakland School for the Arts team up with some of Oakland’s top chefs to celebrate the local food scene.
www.kqed.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I wrote about the teenage fashion designers who are spinning braided plantain peels and spray-painted pasta into high-fashion couture outfits, with the help of some of Oakland's top chefs. www.kqed.org/arts/1398191...
“America is considered a coffee country. There’s millions of people who are tea drinkers. I really want to get chai to where coffee stands.”
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on the first Kerala-style chai shop in the Bay Area — and maybe the entire U.S.? www.kqed.org/arts/1398193...
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on the first Kerala-style chai shop in the Bay Area — and maybe the entire U.S.? www.kqed.org/arts/1398193...
The Bay Area’s First Kerala-Style Chai Shop Opens in San Jose | KQED
Chayakada has wowed customers with its showy meter chai, authentic street snacks and friendly atmosphere.
www.kqed.org
September 30, 2025 at 8:46 PM
“America is considered a coffee country. There’s millions of people who are tea drinkers. I really want to get chai to where coffee stands.”
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on the first Kerala-style chai shop in the Bay Area — and maybe the entire U.S.? www.kqed.org/arts/1398193...
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on the first Kerala-style chai shop in the Bay Area — and maybe the entire U.S.? www.kqed.org/arts/1398193...
Here's @jzigoris.bsky.social with a deep dive into the Chinese workers who basically built up Northern California's wine country from scratch in the 1860s and 1870s. I didn't know this history! www.kqed.org/arts/1398179...
The Chinese Roots of Northern California’s Wine Industry Run Deep | KQED
Despite a long association with Europeans, Chinese laborers established the iconic vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valleys.
www.kqed.org
September 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Here's @jzigoris.bsky.social with a deep dive into the Chinese workers who basically built up Northern California's wine country from scratch in the 1860s and 1870s. I didn't know this history! www.kqed.org/arts/1398179...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
The Bitter Cotyledons collective in Santa Cruz grows Asian crops to connect with their ancestors and help queer folks feel rooted.
A Santa Cruz Gardening Collective Cultivates Belonging for Queer and Trans Asian Americans | KQED
The Bitter Cotyledons collective grows Asian crops to connect with their ancestors and help queer folks feel rooted.
www.kqed.org
September 18, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Bitter Cotyledons collective in Santa Cruz grows Asian crops to connect with their ancestors and help queer folks feel rooted.
Extremely excited to eat laksa and kaya toast at this new Singaporean festival happening this weekend. www.kqed.org/arts/1398143...
A Singaporean Hawker Center Is Coming to the Bay — For One Day, Anyway
In San Mateo, the inaugural Singapore Festival will celebrate the country’s 60th birthday.
www.kqed.org
September 17, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Extremely excited to eat laksa and kaya toast at this new Singaporean festival happening this weekend. www.kqed.org/arts/1398143...