How long does one need to explore a destination? Restaurateur, food blogger and host Erwan Heussaff shows that 36 hours are enough in Overnight, his new travel and food web series.
Enabling Erwan to go on his adventures is Cebu Pacific, the country’s leading airline. With non-stop flights and seat sales to Asia’s bustling metros, the airline and Erwan take explorers to the most authentic culinary spots, lively club destinations and awe-inspiring cultural attractions.
A guide for the modern traveler, Overnight showcases tempting itineraries covering key Asian cities and the best ways one can maximize 36 hours in each city. “In today’s time-hungry world, people want to try and experience so much in so little time,” shares Erwan.
For its first season, the series traipsed around Taipei in Taiwan, Saigon in Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Bangkok in Thailand, and Seoul in South Korea.
Through Overnight, Erwan shares his tips on where to go and what to eat in popular Asian destinations. “Each place is unique and has something to offer. You just have to be ready to explore them with an open mind,” he said. He added that he and his team gearing up for Overnight Season 2, promising an adventurous and tasty tour of Hanoi in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Fukuoka and Osaka in Japan, and Shanghai in China.
A world of flavors
Like many travel enthusiasts, food is an integral part of Erwan’s itinerary. Kicking off the Overnight series in Taipei, he recommends local favorites Ling Don Fan, Yong Kang, and Lao Wang Ji for a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup. A must-stop for seafood lovers is the Addiction Aquatic Development Center in Zhongshan District, which has live tanks filled with the freshest catch. Dishes can be prepared on-site at the array of outdoor grill and sushi counters.
For his next stop, Erwan revisited a city close to his heart—Saigon, a place he called home for six months. A high-priority on his checklist is a comforting serving of Pho, served with piles of herbs and bean sprouts, and made more flavorful with limes and chilies. Pho places are everywhere in the city, but Erwan’s top picks are Pho Le and Pho Hung in District 5, Pho Dau in District 3, and Pho Phuong and Pho Ha in District 1.
Erwan said he was pleasantly surprised by Kuala Lumpur’s diversity. An array of Malaysian specialties await at Lot 10 Shopping Complex, while Bak Kut Teh (which literally translates to “meat bone tea”) can be had at Sun Fong. Adventurous foodies can also head to Restoran Yan Go for Hokkien Mee (stir-fried noodles), Wong Kee for roast pork, and Mali’s Corner for some Nasi Lemak, Sambal and fried chicken.
One of Erwan’s favorite cities in Asia, Bangkok was the fourth stop of the Overnight team. Among his must-tries here are the crab omelet and Tom Yum Goong at Jai Fae at the Phra Nakon District, mango sticky rice and street food at Sukhumvit Soi 38 and 36, plus a host of traditional and fresh eats at Khlong Lat Mayom Market.
South Korea was the last destination covered by Overnight Season 1. “Seoul is a must-stop for anyone who wants to experience Modern Asia in a city that is also so deeply rooted in tradition,” shares Erwan. He prefers staying in the neighborhoods of Itaewon and Hongdae, which are lined with trendy nightlife spots, kitschy theme cafés, and restaurants serving K-favorites including Samgyeopsal (pork belly barbecue), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Sundae (blood sausage), and Hotteok (sweet pancakes).
“Travelers nowadays are all about spending more on experiences such as art, food and drinks. They opt to wait for seat sales, stay at inexpensive boutique hostels and bring smaller luggage in order to maximize their budget,” he said. Among the best ways to maximize one’s travel budget, the host shares, is to book flights via low-cost carriers such as Cebu Pacific. Its network spans over 60 destinations in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Get a taste of full-flavored traditions and delightful discoveries, and jet off to yummy destinations with Cebu Pacific! Book now through www.cebupacificair.com.