author-image

Cherie Lok

Cherie covers food and culture for The Straits Times. She read history at the University of Oxford and worked in a museum before making the switch to journalism. Previously, she was a broadcast journalist reporting on social issues and the arts. In her current role, she charts the crossroads between food, heritage, mental health and other facets of life. On the weekends, she enjoys painting and binge-watching reality TV. She occasionally writes book reviews too.

Latest articles

Singaporean chef Guah Lih a finalist in international truffle championship

Private chef Guah Lih will present a brown butter egg custard topped with black truffles, black garlic, dates and crispy pork lard, served alongside a chicken consommé infused with black truffles, jamon, aged preserved cai po radish and aged black tea.

Good food, better value: Wine bars in Singapore up their game

Les Climats (left), a wine and cheese shop in Tessensohn Rd and Wildcard, a bistro-cum-wine bar in Furama RiverFront.

Medusa serves up hearty Roman classics

The carbonara from Medusa Osteria Romana is made the traditional way, without cream.

Jaan’s winter menu elevates British cuisine

Snacks with a view at Jaan by Kirk Westaway.

‘I had to fake it till I made it’: S’porean chef, 30, heads Michelin-starred restaurant in New York

Noksu executive chef Ng Jing Wen has lived in New York for nearly a decade now.

The ‘McDonaldisation’ of nasi lemak: Can central kitchens save Singapore's food industry?

The pH levels, viscosity and salinity of Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang’s dishes are measured at the central kitchen to ensure consistency.

Singapore wins 2026 Gelato World Cup in Italy

(From left) The winning chefs from the Singapore National Pastry Team Chew Wei Lung, Dexter Lee, Loh Cheng Kit and Jason Tan and their winning entry titled "Circus".

Themed bars and Muslim-friendly eateries: The changing face of Joo Chiat

New bars like Gaudi Room (left) and eateries such as Marlow’s Deli (top right) and Bastille Bakery opened in Joo Chiat in 2025.

2026 food trends: Chefs foresee the rise of regional ingredients, sustainable cooking

Chefs like Loca Niru's executive chef, Shusuke Kubota, hope to use more local produce in seasonal menus.

Why you might be eating more fast food in 2026

Even as Michelin-starred restaurants and decades-old hawker stalls shutter, demand for fast food holds steady.