Review: Oscar Wilde Donuts!

Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Roppongi, Oscar Wilde is a charming vegan donut shop that will become a favourite among locals and tourists. Known for its creative flavours, the shop is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you are looking for plant-based options.

Although Oscar Wilde does not have a seating area inside, it is still a charming spot to pop in and grab a treat. There are tables outside which I am sure will be jam packed in summer, and perfect for a quick photo in winter to head out and enjoy your donuts where it's a bit warmer.

I opted for the pistachio cream donut and it was delicious. They offer an impressive variety of donuts such as matcha, chocolate, coconut lime, and other seasonal specials. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic. It really is the perfect place to grab your food and go! The quality and taste of the donuts make it well-worth a visit. Whether you're a vegan or just a donut lover, Oscar Wilde is sure to satisfy your cravings. 

 

Review: Kamui, Hakuba, Nagano

Japan is one of the hardest countries to find vegan food, and we have to rely on each other to identify noteworthy places. Kamui Restaurant in Hakuba, Nagano, Japan is one of those places that has been identified by other vegans as a spot to go and eat. So we made a booking. 

We were allocated a spot at the bar, the restaurant is quite small and all the tables were full. The ambience was quite relaxed and the wooden decor was quite beautiful. We had the vegan sushi rolls, it was filled with pickles, avocado and cucumber. It tasted fresh.

The seasonal vegetable tempura was lightly battered and fried. The tempura was crispy and it was served with a dipping sauce. There was also soy sauce on the table. The dish was fresh and the vegetables seasonal.

I read that they have a vegan ramen but it seems they were out of stock on the night we visited, and I didn't feel like eating a salad in -1 degree weather. The staff were friendly and attentive. A good option for night time dining in Hakuba. 

 

Travel Vegan: Japan (Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Osaka)

Japan is often considered one of the most challenging places in Asia to find vegan food, but during my visit to Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka in 2025, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the vegan scene evolved. 

My first visit was right after the Covid-19 epidemic and we lived of Lawson's and Seven Eleven, as nothing else was open. Reflecting a growing global awareness of plant-based living, Japan is steadily embracing veganism, offering creative and delicious options for travellers and locals alike.

Over the next few weeks, I'll share highlights of the incredible vegan food we encountered on this trip. There was no shortage of culinary adventures!

The vegan landscape in Japan is thriving more than I anticipated. Dedicated vegan restaurants, creative plant-based twists on traditional Japanese cuisine, and the increasing availability of vegan friendly snacks all point to a growing demand for plant-based options. This shift makes it an exciting time to explore Japan as a vegan traveler.

Stay tuned for detailed reviews of some of the standout restaurants and dishes we tried in Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka.

Vegan Birthday Celebration in Macau

We celebrated a very special vegan birthday at the St. Regis Macau. I let them know beforehand that we prefer plant based or vegan food. We arrived to find a delicious fruit cake for our celebration in our room! What a nice touch. 

I specifically chose the St. Regis because they have a restaurant called The Manor that caters to vegans. It was one of the few I could find. The restaurant boasts a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere, with decor that provides a sense of luxury without feeling pretentious. The attentive staff further elevate the ambiance, ensuring a welcoming environment.

The first dish was the Amuse-bouche. Bite-size perfection. 

Before the meal arrived, we gorged ourselves on this next level sourdough rye. 

The pumpkin soup was delicious. Silky and smooth, it had a lovely balance of sweetness and savoury notes. Topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, it offered a delightful contrast in texture and flavour. The perfect dish for a chilly evening or as a comforting start to any meal. 

The mushroom risotto was creamy and rich. It was infused with earthy flavours that showcased a variety of mushrooms. The texture was perfectly el dente. It is a hearty dish that would satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike. 

The stuffed eggplant with basil pesto is a vibrant and flavourful dish that showcases the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The eggplant is roasted to perfection, its tender flesh hollowed out and filled with a savoury mixture of vegetables and spices. The basil pesto elevated the dish with a fresh and herby punch. The salad was refreshing and the dish felt clean and healthy. 

 

The Four Ws of Food Insecurity: A Climate Lens on a Global Crisis

In episode 249 of the J.P. Morgan Making Sense Podcast - titled "The Four Ws Driving Food Insecurity: War, Weather, Waste and Water  (Listen to the podcast here) the complex and devastating drivers of food insecurity are explored. 

As I listened, I couldn't help but reflect on how deeply interconnected these issues are with the climate crisis. War, weather, waste, and water - these aren't just abstract concepts; they're harsh realities shaping our future. I like to keep things light, but unless we confront these issues with urgency, the situation will only worsen.

Let's start with war, where the human cost is staggering, and food insecurity is often wielded as a weapon. The podcast highlights how conflict disrupts agricultural systems and supply chains, leaving millions without access to food. For example the war in Ukraine has lead to a global crisis as both Ukraine and Russia are among the largest wheat exporters in the world. In Gaza, 96% of the population faces acute food insecurity.

Then, there's weather, arguably the most alarming because its effects are accelerating. Climate change is no longer hypothetical, it's here. Rising temperatures, droughts, and floods are no longer occasional disruptions, they are the norm. Unfortunately those most affected by climate-driven food shortages are often the least responsible for the emissions causing these changes.

Waste feels like the most fixable, yet it remains an issue. Roughly a third of all food produced globally is wasted. While millions go hungry, we're throwing away resources that could save lives. This is a logistical and systemic issue. We should be treating waste as an emergency.

Finally, water, the foundation of agriculture is becoming increasingly scarce. Climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns, causing droughts and catastrophic floods. Water management is crucial for food security but inefficient irrigation systems, pollution, and overuse are depleting our water resources at an unsustainable rate.

What this episode underscored for me is that food insecurity isn't just about hunger; it's about power, inequality, and the choices we make as a global community. War exacerbates suffering, climate change magnifies vulnerabilities, and systemic inefficiencies like waste and water mismanagement reveal a lack of foresight. Addressing these issues requires more than just talk. It demands action - on a global scale. Governments need to prioritise sustainable agricultural practices. Corporations need to stop wasting food and water in the name of profit. And we, as individuals, need to hold them accountable while making changes in our own lives such as reducing the consumption of animal products at all levels. If we want to solve this problem, we need to stop pointing fingers and start working together.