Labdi

Nairobi

A little bougie, but you get to have breakfast with giraffes

Labdi's Guide to Nairobi

CXLOE

Sydney

Icebergs is Sydney's most instagrammed location! Its located at Bondi Beach and overlooks the infamous Bondi lap pool. You can have a sit down meal overlooking the beach or enjoy a cocktail down below by the pool. There are often beach parties thrown here so definitely have a look for any upcoming shows before you head down!

The Arms is a beautiful outdoor venue right by the water in Sydneys Northern Beaches. The view is an amazing feature about this place but you can also bring your DOG which is the selling point for me. You're not allowed pets in many dining areas in Australia so this is a go to spot for me and my pup.

If you're feeling fancy, Opera Bar is a must as it overlooks the beautiful Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. I grew up playing gigs here until I had enough to move over to the states to start my own career :)

This is one of my favourite places to go in Sydney when I'm needing some puppy love. This is a no kill shelter and all the animals are free to be walked and played with!

Mediterranean is one of my favourite types of food so if you're also a lover of this you HAVE to go to Emma's Snackbar. It's located just outside Sydney CBD and this is where the hub of bars, music venues and shopping is located. They have the best food, it's fast and inexpensive!

A perfect place to go for pre drinks in Sydney's city is The Winery. The name speaks for itself! If you're a lover of good wine and atmosphere this is the place to go. Any and every wine you could ask for and the best homemade pita bread with pumpkin hummus on the planet. It's also located in Surry Hills which is a vibey place to go if you're looking for a cool underground bar or opp shop!

Sydney with CXLOE

Winston Surfshirt

A piece of grass that is known by the locals as 'The Office'. Sitting on the grass in front of the harbour on a Sunday afternoon with a beer is like having a Sunday Roast in England.

The best beer in Straya, the best pub in Manly. This would be my local go to for a good pint. Can take your dog down and sit outside with a pint in hand. Tip: Wednesday night Pub Quiz.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Northern Beaches, tiny little cove around from Manly Beach, no waves just the perfect spot to relax.

Fast or Slow Ferry, 15 minutes or 30 minutes, wether you need to get there quick or slow its the best way to see Sydney Harbour. Can get a drink and sit upstairs as you float between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

If you're looking for a good view of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney, walk up to Observatory Hill and sit on the grass.

My favourite record store, in the middle of the city behind QVB, they'll have what you are and aren't looking for

Lil dive bar in Darlinghurst, if you like spicy food, tinnies n loud music get your fix here.

Another of my fave pubs in Sydney, located in the Rocks (old Sydney) its beautiful round there... Love a Lord Nelson.

Ocean Extreme... They take you out on a dope lil boat with music blaring and fly up and down the coast, if you're in the right season you'll get to see migrating Humpback Whales breaching... It's insane. Best chance of whales around June/July.

Sydney with band, Winston Surfshirt

Citizen Boy

Durban

This is where Gqom was born, it’s literally the home of Gqom. It’s an amazing place to have fun with friends for a night out!

They got the best shisanyama, good music and as a bonus, it’s a carwash. Shisanyama is a place where they sell barbecued meat, what’s really good about that place is that you get to party, be full at the same time and get your car cleaned.

If you're keen on knowing Durban, this is the best place to learn about the culture and history of Durban.

One of the best places to be in the summer, if you love beach parties this is the place to be in the summer. uShaka Marine has the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere, if you love the aquarium this is the best place to be.

This stadium is used for many things but mainly for football but I love it when events are held there, especially the year end party called Fact Durban Rocks (FDR), it’s usually hosted by Afrotainment, DJ Tira’s entertainment company.

This is also an amazing place to learn about our culture. If you want to know Zulu and other African cultures this is the place to be.

Durban with Citizen Boy

Hong Kong

[You] need an online booking. Make an appointment a month before. [You can] book for weekdays more easily than for the weekend.

A lot of good food around, and you can eat on the street with the homies and skip dinner, just chill on the street. It's a vibe.

Order the strawberry daiquiri and the banana daiquiri. I used to go here after dinner and order non-alcohol daiquiris. The cup [comes] covered with cocoa powder; feels like dessert to me. Alcohol [may be even] better, I bet.

Located in Mong Kok just a few minutes on foot from the Prince Edward MTR station, the flower market is one of the most colourful places in Hong Kong. It is adjacent to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden.

This market is a few minutes away from the flower market.

[Go to] Mummy Pancake [for] the chocolate egg waffles. In the alley they have a vintage store. There's a lot of good, local food shops there and some cafes.


I went there every month when I was a kid 'cause Tuesdays or Wednesdays are free. Also, I really like the old Hong Kong history decor there.

The location is at Mongkok. It's a very popular area and if you’re tourists you must go. This is the one and only special cafe. The orange colour is for the main decor, inside [it's] full of graffiti by HK's famous graffiti artist “Uncle,” and the burger is very delicious.

FM Belowground radio station powered by YEITOUT. They always have guest DJs doing recordings or podcasts in there, and the ASTERISK retail shop has got all kinds of stuff to shop. Sometimes, belowground have a unique pop-up store.

Explore the Streets of Hong Kong with Subez

Brisbane

It’s a Persian joint, the best food you’re going to get in Brisbane in my opinion. It’s in one of the suburbs that my mate used to live in and is an Arab spot that’s known by the locals.

Zarraffa’s has the best coffee in Brisbane. I thought they had them everywhere but recently found out they’re only up here. It’s like a Starbucks but better.

Blackbird is a classy joint: nice bar with a view of the Brisbane bridge and the river. It’s a good spot for people who have never been to Brisbane before. Good spot for a boujee drink.

A French restaurant that’s open 'til like 12am, there’s not many in the city open that late. There’s a big Eiffel Tower on the roof. The food is really good; if you can’t afford to go to Paris go there.

If you want to go for a nice run or walk hit Kangaroo Point, it’s along the river and you can see the whole city. It’s real nice. There’s a cliff that you can see the whole city from there too, there’s families doing picnics and shit. It’s real wholesome.

You walk in and it’s a bar, but if you like games they have all the old arcade games like Pacman, Street Fighter, Racing Games. My favourite game is the basketball one but it’s real cool if you like games. I’ve been trying to crack Stacker for 15 years so if you crack it let me know, that shit’s rigged.

If you want a space and a sauna place to relax, there’s a hidden one that not many people know about. There’s six separate spas, a cold spa, a sauna and a steam room with magnesium water.

If you want a luxury dinner or want to take someone out, you got to take them out to anything in James St. Hellenika is cool, they have a lot of shared plates and there’s a pool. It’s very moody.

So you did Soakhouse, you found a babe, took them to dinner; next step is you go to West End and you hit Anita’s. They have really, really good gelato and there’s a couple of them all around the city so you can close your date with a bang.

Day1’s Date Spots in Brisbane

Devan Shimoyama

Pittsburgh 

Probably [one of] my favourite bars regarding interiors. Also [a] great place to run into friends!

A fancier dinner place. [It's] a beautiful Thai restaurant with great outdoor seating.

I love birds, and it’s not like a zoo. They do really great work there, and you get to also interact with and feed sloths if you’re lucky enough to get a time slot.

The largest transportation museum dedicated to bicycles. A fun spectacle to see.

Blue Moon is a really fun gay bar where a lot of queens get their start (including more famous ones like Alaska). They’ve got open mic nights, too.

If I’m running errands for art supplies, [this is] a great spot for lox on a bagel.

A good Polish vegan restaurant that I frequently [go to] with colleagues.

Ride the Duquesne Incline. It’s pretty special!

Although this is maybe more of an institution, they do rotating contemporary artist shows that are really wonderful. A must see.

Devan Shimoyama’s City Guide to Pittsburgh

Beijing

Manhengji does the most authentic Old Beijing hotpot. Located in the bustling Niujie area, here, the hotpot uses traditional flavours and is cooked to strict halal standards. Copper pots and charcoal are used to cook the broth. Be warned: it's best to avoid peak dining hours or you might find yourself waiting in line for a long time. Once you can get a seat, the experience is worth the wait.

Must-try dishes include the Huimin-style stir-fried tripe – a traditional Beijing snack that's particularly popular in halal restaurants. Don't miss the hand-cut lamb leg meat too. However, if you're not accustomed to the gamey taste of lamb, you might want to think twice. The lamb here retains its most primitive flavour, which might not be for everyone. But with its affordable price,
generous portions and great value, it'll be money well spent. If you're a hotpot enthusiast, Manhengji is a place you can't miss.

Guizhou is renowned for its unique sour fish soup – a traditional delicacy of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups. The allure of this dish lies not only in the tender fish and the rich soup, but also in its distinctive sour and spicy flavour. Typically, this dish pairs fresh fish with homemade fermented soup, and it's seasoned with spices like chilli peppers and wood ginger, all boiled together to create an appetising, sour and spicy dish. In a Guizhou restaurant, you can also experience the rich array of ingredients from the Guizhou mountains. Tip: try the 50% love 50% hate dish 鱼腥草.

All my friends who like Sichuan food say this is the one. This place serves authentic Sichuan flavours. The tofu pudding is a highlight. Made from top-quality soy beans, it is carefully grounded and fermented to produce a delicate texture and rich bean flavour. Whether paired with spicy sauce, numbing sauce or sugar water, it'll keep you coming back for more.


Kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, and boiled fish with pickled cabbage and chilli; each dish is a perfect interpretation of the essence of Sichuan cuisine. Located in Wangjing, it's not in the most central area but it's a very authentic, small restaurant that's worth the trip.

Hunan cuisine is considered to be quite spicy among the many provinces in China that love spicy food. Those who are not confident with spice should be cautious. This is serious. At this Hunan cuisine restaurant, you can enjoy authentic chopped pepper fish head and old Changsha stinky tofu. The chopped pepper fish head is known for its spiciness and freshness. The old Changsha stinky tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique fermented aroma and special sauce that makes it rich in flavour.

The restaurant's team carefully prepares the dishes to ensure they present the most authentic Hunan flavours, allowing you to experience the culture and charm of Hunan through delicious food. Almost every dish needs to be eaten with rice, which is the way.

This one is one of our favourites. All the DJs we've brought here love the food. It feels like our canteen, and we have tried almost every dish. Even during the peak hours on weekends, the quality is still guaranteed. One of the characteristics of Yunnan cuisine is its diversity and regional features. Yunnan's varied topography and rich climates provide a wealth of ingredients. Therefore, the menu of this restaurant includes a variety of dishes, including wild mushrooms unique to Yunnan, fresh vegetables, various meats and fish. The taste of Yunnan dishes is typically fresh and light, emphasising the natural flavours of the ingredients, and also uses some unique seasonings such as  Yunnan's pickled vegetables, xiaomi chilli and Sichuan pepper to enhance the flavour. You can expect to taste some classic Yunnan dishes such as Crossing the Bridge noodles, Yunnan-style stir-fried meat, pickled vegetable fish and bamboo tube rice. These dishes are not only rich in flavour but also have unique cooking methods, allowing you to experience the local customs and  flavours of Yunnan while enjoying the food.

Although the price is high, this restaurant is still worth a try. I only recommend the roast duck. The other dishes are OK, but the value is not as good. There are wines from France, Italy, Australia and China to choose from. Sheng Yong Xing is a duck restaurant known for its unique flavours and exceptional quality. The restaurant selects high-quality ducks and uses a meticulous curing and special preparation process to ensure that the flavour is at its best. The cooking of the duck is meticulous, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat with a golden colour.

The restaurant has an elegant and comfortable environment with warm and attentive service, providing an excellent dining experience for both family meals and business gatherings. The duck's distinct flavours and quality have attracted many diners, making it a highly-acclaimed duck restaurant.

A cheap, fast-food noodle spot. This small noodle shop is known for its excellent Chongqing noodles and laoma chao shou. Chongqing noodles are a specialty of the Sichuan region, famous for its spicy and numbing flavours. The Chongqing noodles at this shop are made with high-quality flour, resulting in noodles that are springy and elastic. When cooked, the noodles are combined with a special spicy sauce. The overall taste is spicy and rich without being dry, and numbing without being greasy.

Finding a restaurant in Beijing that specialises in Guangdong roast goose can be a bit of a challenge. Guangdong roast goose is a classic Cantonese dish known for its crispy skin, tender meat and golden colour. These establishments typically select high-quality geese that are carefully raised to ensure the
freshness of the meat. The preparation involves several steps, including marinating, drying and basting; the meat absorbs the aroma of fruitwoods during the roasting process, creating a smoked flavour. When served, the roast goose is often accompanied by a special sweet sauce for dipping, which complements the sweetness of the sauce with the succulence of the goose, enhancing the overall flavour profile. In addition to roast goose, Sanqingtan usually offers other classic Cantonese dishes such as claypot rice, white cut chicken, steamed fish and more. The restaurant's environment and service are designed to match the quality of the food.

It's advisable not to visit during peak hours as you might have to queue. It's also best to order early as sometimes the roast goose sells out quickly.

postpost is a cute cafe with a good selection of independent magazines and books.

Capybara, capybara, capybara! This cafe is a haven filled with adorable, small pets. The interior is cosy, with pet photos hanging on the walls, comfortable sofas and soft cushions. Dogs, cats, rabbits and birds play freely, and customers can interact with them. The cafe combines the warmth of a home with the tranquility of a coffee shop.

Zhao Dai’s Guide to the Best Restaurants and Cafes in Beijing

Denver

One of the most iconic venues in the country. The sound is amazing and the atmosphere is one of a kind.

A historic black neighbourhood in the city that has undergone a transformation over the last decade. Welton Street Cafe is a soul food staple!

The Rockies stadium is a landmark is the city. The teams are always up and down success wise, but it’s always a good time.


Still one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. I don't think I realised how good we had it growing up.

This zoo is a decent drive outside of Denver, but the fact that it's nestled right in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains creates a really dope experience. 

My favourite fast food burger. The Big Daddy bacon burger defined my teenage years, it's great for a late night drunken meal.

This is the mall all the ballers go to in the city, it's got all the high-end brands.


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