The hottest Dining Culture Substack posts right now

Aperitivo culture is growing globally, especially in the US, as people seek to enjoy drinks in a more relaxed and social setting. It's about light, mixed drinks like the Aperol Spritz that encourage moderation rather than binge drinking.
Non-alcoholic aperitifs are becoming popular too, with brands like Ghia leading the way. This gives people options to enjoy the experience of aperitivo without alcohol.
The rise of 'spritz' drinks is transforming how cocktails are perceived, making them sound more appealing and sophisticated, even encouraging people to put a twist on traditional beverages.

Go into reviews with a near-blank mind and minimal pre-research, and judge each place on its own terms by asking what the restaurant is for and who it serves.
Try to experience the meal like a normal diner—bring non-food companions for first visits and avoid stress-testing the menu, because critics’ habits of sampling everything can distort judgment.
Remember that negative reviews carry real consequences, so account for context, cultural purpose, and the simple privilege of being fed when assessing and writing about a restaurant.

A six-month mentorship helped four emerging food writers collaborate on a joint list of six favourite London restaurants.
Their recommendations showcase London’s culinary diversity—Caribbean and Colombian fusions, Korean hotpot and izakaya-style dishes—and highlight friendly, community-driven spots with bold flavours.
An expanded curated map and extra recommendations are available to subscribers, and the mentorship program will open for new applicants in the spring.

Liverpool is home to Europe’s oldest Chinese community, with a historic Chinatown that developed around the docks from the 1880s and grew further after postwar migration from Hong Kong.
The traditional Chinatown is quiet most of the year and only really buzzes at Lunar New Year, but new student-driven mini‑Chinatowns, hot pot clusters, and market trials are helping spread and revive Chinese life across the city.
The local food scene is diverse: you’ll find old-school dim sum and fusion takeaways famous for ‘salt and pepper’ dishes, alongside newer Malaysian and Vietnamese spots, food courts like eJoy, and regional restaurants serving Sichuan, Chongqing and other specialties.

Birmingham’s Chinatown is a living, community-focused neighbourhood that has changed with the arrival of Chinese students and recent Hong Kong migrants, so you now get both classic Cantonese favourites and newer regional cuisines like Sichuan, Shandong and Yunnan.
The city’s Cantonese barbecue scene is dominated by Peach Garden and Look In, but they offer very similar roast meats — pick whichever looks freshest by peering through the window.
Redevelopment around Southside has given the area new energy, and if you come with an open mind you’ll often find surprising, life-changing dishes at unassuming spots.

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Much of London’s shaved-meat scene feels identikit and often relies on bought-in or uninspired döner. There are, however, a few spots putting real craft into their wraps and standing out from the crowd.
Pasha Shawarma in Willesden serves yaprak döner and iskender with clear Ottoman influence and can deliver excellent texture and bold flavours when it’s on form. It does suffer from some inconsistency in portioning and carving, but when it hits the mark it really stands out.
Star ratings and review sites don’t always reflect what a place actually tastes like, so tasting for yourself matters more. Doing a proper crawl and comparing multiple spots gives a much clearer picture of where to find the best shawarma and döner.

Eating in bed is a cozy and intimate experience that can transform a small space into a comforting sanctuary. It feels special to share meals in this setting, where there are fewer formalities than at a dining table.
Messiness isn't just seen as a hassle; it can show how relaxed and comfortable people are with each other. Sharing food in bed allows for a deeper connection and understanding between partners.
Creating a personal 'nest' in bed can make everyday meals feel luxurious and cherished. It's a way to express love and care through small, thoughtful gestures like bringing each other unique treats.

There's a growing trend for chefs to open rotisserie chicken restaurants as a way to adapt to tough economic times. It's not just because they love cooking chicken, but it's a strategy for survival in the restaurant industry.
Successful rotisserie chicken places focus on serving a simple, enjoyable meal rather than getting bogged down by chef ego. It's important for chefs to prioritize the eating experience over trying to impress with complex dishes.
Norbert's, a new rotisserie chicken shop, showcases how experienced chefs can thrive in a small, focused environment. This shows a shift in dining from elaborate meals to more straightforward comfort food.