Ethel and Andrea Chua may have been in the F&B business for about nine years now, but there is little known about the sibling proprietors of The Oyster Bank restaurants and cocktail service Kiki’s Reserve. The 30‑year‑old Ethel and her younger sister Andrea, 27, keep their Instagram profiles private and, until now, have declined media interviews, preferring instead to keep the spotlight on their buzzy F&B ventures. The F&B industry is a cut‑throat one, but for the sibling founders, the recipe for success is simple: doing right by people. Read our interview with the duo here.

Before you go, don’t miss these stories in this week’s newsletter: 

• Pharrell checks all the right boxes with his Louis Vuitton debut
• From Breitling to Gucci: 5 stylish Korean dining spots in Seoul and Busan
• Meet the advocates who are saving our oceans
• A food lover’s guide to Sapporo, Japan

TGIF!
Andrea Saadan
Digital Editor

Take a trip to the northernmost part of Japan and discover Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido famed for its ski slopes, snow festival and beer. Alongside its culture, art and ski slopes, dive into its vibrant food scene, with mouth-watering offerings ranging from casual eats to speciality restaurants. Whether you enjoy fresh seafood, a piping hot bowl of ramen or a hearty rice bowl, there is something for every palate.

Here are some of the city’s best eats.

Pop-up stores by renowned fashion brands have been launching almost every month in South Korea, proffering dining experiences that combine their unique aesthetic with delectable dishes. We highlight some of the super-chic Korean boutiques and dining venues where you can enjoy the best of retail therapy, interior design and gastronomy, all at the same time.

Read story here.

These forward-thinking founders and CEOs on Asia’s Most Influential list are leading the region’s e-commerce revolution. With their effective stewardship of digital shopping platforms and tech firms, they have empowered consumers, offering them convenient and easy access to a variety of goods and services, including those that were previously inaccessible or unaffordable.

Read story here.

Louis Vuitton has found Virgil Abloh’s most suitable successor in Pharrell Williams. That much was clear when the latter made his debut as creative director of menswear for the French fashion brand at Paris Fashion Week. Pharrell unveiled Louis Vuitton Men’s spring/summer 2024 collection with much fanfare, complete with a choir, a concert and countless celebrities.

Read story here.

In a resounding success, Singapore’s Odette was named the top restaurant in Asia at the World’s 50 Best 2023 awards ceremony in Valencia, Spain on Tuesday night. The honour was conferred alongside a No. 14 spot on the prestigious list, jumping up from No. 36 in 2022. 

Find out this year’s full selection here.