Heritage · Culture · Craft

Stories Behind Asia’s Most
Beloved Tables.

We go beyond food. The Humble Belly visits heritage eating establishments that have stood the test of time — to uncover the culture, craft, and people behind every plate.

Featured

Korean · Seoul · South Korea

Balwoo Gongyang: Cooking with Compassion

At Balwoo Gongyang, Korean temple cuisine is more than food - it is a living tradition shaped by compassion, mindfulness and respect for nature. We sit down with Chef Kim to discover how her journey under Venerable Sun Jae shaped her philosophy of cooking, and why meeting her finally helped us understand the quiet intention behind the meal we had just experienced.

Read the interview

Seoul Deeply rooted · 51–70 yrs

Korean · Seoul · South Korea

Soul Dining: “Cooking Is a Conversation”

At Soul Dining, a one-Michelin-star restaurant led by Chef Yoon Dae-Hyun and Chef Kim Hee-Eun, the experience is about something quieter, deeper, and far more difficult to articulate. A conversation between chef and diner, spoken through food.

Read the interview

Seoul Rising tradition · < 30 yrs

Latest reviews

Chinese · Kuala Lumpur

Fatty Crab

Some restaurants spend years expanding their menus, extending their opening hours and trying to…

Malaysia Deeply rooted · 51–70 yrs

Cantonese · Johor Bahru

Hong Kong Porridge Ka Ka Lok

Established in 1993, HK Porridge in Taman Johor Jaya has been serving traditional Cantonese-style…

Malaysia Old guard · 30–50 yrs

Korean · Seoul

Jinju Hoegwan

Some dishes impress with complexity. Others win your heart through simplicity. Kongguksu belongs firmly…

South Korea Deeply rooted · 51–70 yrs

Humble mentions

Norang Jeogori Hanjeongsik , Seoul

When travelling through Seoul, it is easy to be distracted by modern cafés and trendy restaurants. But if you enjoy traditional Korean cuisine and…

Jongno Rice Cake , Seoul

While wandering through the charming streets of Insadong, we stumbled upon Jongno Rice Cake, an 80-year-old dessert shop now run by its second generation.…

Millo Coffee Roasters , Seoul

Tucked along a quiet backstreet in Hongdae, Millo Coffee Roasters isn't the kind of place you plan for. It's the kind you stumble upon…

Latest interviews

Balwoo Gongyang: Cooking with Compassion

At Balwoo Gongyang, Korean temple cuisine is more than food - it is a living tradition shaped by compassion, mindfulness and respect for nature. We sit down with Chef Kim to discover how her journey under Venerable Sun Jae shaped her philosophy of cooking, and why meeting her finally helped us understand the quiet intention behind the meal we had just experienced.

Soul Dining: “Cooking Is a Conversation”

At Soul Dining, a one-Michelin-star restaurant led by Chef Yoon Dae-Hyun and Chef Kim Hee-Eun, the experience is about something quieter, deeper, and far more difficult to articulate. A conversation between chef and diner, spoken through food.