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Slurp Your Way Through Japan: 4 Regional Ramen Styles Worth the Flight

Ramen isn’t just soup with noodles — in Japan, it’s practically a geography lesson in a bowl. Each region has its own spin, tied to local flavours, climate quirks and centuries of food tradition. These bowls are cultural landmarks in broth form — salty seas up north, garlicky decadence down south, and everything in between. If you thought ramen was just soy, salt or miso, think again. Japan’s regional ramen is a culinary map that shows how food adapts and thrives wherever it lands. Here are four iconic bowls that tell their own story — and where to find the best versions. Kumamoto Ramen: Garlic Lovers, Assemble Right next door to Hakata but with its own flair, Kumamoto ramen keeps it porky but tones it down with a bit of chicken stock. The real star? Garlic — smoky black garlic oil drizzled on top and crispy garlic chips tossed in for good measure. It’s bold, bitter and earthy, perfect for cutting through the richness. Old-school spots like Komurasaki (since 1954) and Keika (since 1955) made this style famous, with Keika even taking it to Tokyo. Yokohama Iekei Ramen: The 70s Rebel Born in the 1970s, Yokohama’s iekei ramen is a mash-up of Hakata’s tonkotsu depth and Tokyo’s soy sharpness. The broth is thick, salty, fatty, and almost creamy — basically the kind of comfort food you need after a long night out. The noodles are thick and chewy, with toppings like spinach, nori and (if you’re brave) a dollop of garlic paste. Yoshimuraya is the OG shop (since 1974), while Sugita-ya carried the torch into the 80s. Hakodate Ramen: Clean & Classic Forget heavy, oily bowls — Hakodate keeps it light with a clear shio (salt) broth. Made from chicken bones, kelp and dried seafood, it’s elegant and comforting, almost like sipping on a refined soup. Straight noodles, minimal toppings, nothing too fussy. If you want the purest taste, head to Ajisai (since 1930) or long-standing favourite Seiryuken. Kitakata Ramen: Noodles on Centre Stage Over in Fukushima, the town of Kitakata lives and breathes ramen — so much that locals happily eat it for breakfast. The signature style? Wide, flat noodles with a bouncy chew, swimming in a soy-based pork broth that’s flavourful without being overwhelming. It’s all about the texture here. For the true experience, check out Bannai Shokudo (founded in 1951) or the legendary Genraiken, which dates back to the 1920s. The takeaway? Ramen is more than a quick comfort fix — it’s Japan’s edible travel guide. Each bowl tells you something about where it came from, and if you’re a noodle enthusiast, these regional styles deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Riccardo Bellini Steps In as CEO

Photo: Courtesy of Valentino

Valentino names Riccardo Bellini as its new CEO, succeeding Jacopo Venturini. With Alessandro Michele leading design, the duo faces the challenge of reviving sales and navigating Kering’s stake in the maison.

7 Luxury Soaps That Deserve a Spot on Your Bathroom Counter

There are two types of bathrooms: the ones that quietly get the job done, and the ones that whisper “yes, I live here and I have taste.” Guess which one we’re aiming for? Luxury soaps are more than just hand-wash essentials—they’re like tiny, scented sculptures that turn a boring sink into a mood board. A chic soap says: I care about the details, I’ve thought about my hand wash experience, and yes, even my guests deserve a little pampering. From Italian pharmacy classics to Japanese skincare science and Parisian staples, here are seven luxury soaps that will make your bathroom counter look (and smell) like it belongs in a glossy interiors magazine. Santa Maria Novella Rose Liquid Soap Straight out of Florence, this rose-scented number feels like a love letter to your skin. Calendula extract soothes, the soft floral scent lingers, and the packaging whispers “refinement” without shouting. Edobio Masu Soap Tokyo’s gift to your bathroom. A cube of alkaline soap that works for face and body, packed with cherry leaf and green tea extracts. Basically, centuries-old Japanese rituals meet skincare biotech wizardry. Frederic Malle Hand Wash If chic minimalism had a scent, this would be it. Magnolia notes, a delicate cleanse, and packaging that’s quietly confident. Ideal for the bathroom you know your guests will snoop around in. Diptyque Do Son Soap Citrusy, creamy, and honestly a work of art. Inspired by tuberose flowers of Indochina, this almond oil–rich bar moisturises while looking like it belongs in an art gallery. Bathe to Basics Best Wishes Trio A Hong Kong-made set with Pomelo Leaf, Seven Flower, and Peach Blossom soaps—each symbolising prosperity, love, and longevity. Housed in a pinewood box, they’re as giftable as they are sink-worthy. Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Wash Botanical, bright, and proudly organic. Think clear bottle, cheerful fragrance, and a gentle cleanse that feels refreshing without going clinical. Officine Universelle Buly Savon Superfin The Parisian classic. Subtle scent, natural oils, timeless design. It’s the kind of soap that never gets hidden away, because displaying it is half the point. Luxury soaps prove that even the tiniest corner of your home can feel intentional. And honestly, there’s something delightful about turning a hand wash into a little luxury ritual.

Stylish Baby Bumps Everywhere! Anita Asuoha, Toke Makinwa & Priscilla Ojo Glow with Joy

If 2025 had a tagline, it would be: expect the unexpected… baby announcements, that is. It feels like every week the internet gifts us another glowing reveal, and honestly? We’re not complaining. This year has been sprinkled with stylish bumps, tender moments, and enough joy to melt even the iciest scroll-through mood. Anita Asuoha June kicked things off with Anita Asuoha, who slipped her surprise into the sweetest Father’s Day video. One minute it was family love, the next—bam!—a baby reveal. Cue a collective internet swoon. Priscilla Ojo July was no quieter. Still riding high from their dreamy Tanzanian wedding vibes, Priscilla Ojo and singer Juma Jux dropped news that topped even the ceremony: they’re expecting! Talk about the ultimate sequel. Toke Makinwa August gave us the mic-drop moment. Enter Toke Makinwa, standing in a lush, flower-filled garden in the boldest sunshine yellow gown, casually announcing her pregnancy in what looked like a luxury fashion campaign. It wasn’t just a reveal; it was a serve. What makes these moments shine is how beautifully they balance glamour with emotion. From heartfelt surprises to fashion-forward announcements, these women remind us that motherhood doesn’t mean pressing pause on style—it’s just another chapter to glow through. And glow, they certainly are.

La Tête d’Or: Daniel Boulud’s Swanky New Steakhouse is the Talk of New York

If New York needed another reason to brag about its food scene, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud just handed it one on a silver platter. His latest opening, La Tête d’Or, is no ordinary restaurant — it’s his first-ever steakhouse, sitting pretty at the base of One Madison tower, right across from the leafy elegance of Madison Square Park. Think of it as France meets Manhattan in the most extravagant way possible. Designed by the Rockwell Group (aka the cool kids of architectural drama), the space oozes Parisian flair: glass façade sparkling by day, red leather and dark marble glowing by night, with an open kitchen and wood-fired grill putting on a show at centre stage. If a steakhouse could strut, this would be it. And the name? Borrowed from Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon, Boulud’s hometown — so yes, there’s heart behind all that high design. Step inside and you’ll find five distinct dining areas, each serving major “haute cuisine but make it sexy” vibes. There’s art deco, walnut wood, and enough polished detail to make even the chicest New Yorker pause for an Instagram story. Menu-wise, it’s prime cuts, French finesse, and a little theatre on the plate. But the cherry on top is Le Jardin sur Madison, a rooftop perch on the 28th floor with sweeping city views — the kind of place where you sip something sparkling and pretend you’re in a movie montage. La Tête d’Or isn’t just a restaurant, it’s New York’s latest dining spectacle — a reminder that in the city that never sleeps, luxury and flavour still find new ways to outdo themselves.