Luke Tsai
@theluketsai.bsky.social
Food editor, KQED Arts & Culture
Pinned
Luke Tsai
@theluketsai.bsky.social
· Jul 23
The Five Best Things I Ate at The Lot in Richmond
A guide to one of the East Bay’s most diverse — and most underrated — street food markets.
www.kqed.org
Wrote a little guide to The Lot, the wildly diverse Richmond street food market that's become my go-to lunch spot—for jerk chicken, basil pork belly rice bowls, Cameroonian fish stew and more. Don't sleep on it! www.kqed.org/arts/1399194...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
for @coyotemedia.org, i wrote about the insidious creep of big tech into elementary school classrooms www.coyotemedia.org/sfusd-ai-ami...
In Which I Decline to Let an AI Company Experiment on My Kid at School
Living in San Francisco means being a guinea pig for the tech industry — but I draw the line at my second-grader.
www.coyotemedia.org
October 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
for @coyotemedia.org, i wrote about the insidious creep of big tech into elementary school classrooms www.coyotemedia.org/sfusd-ai-ami...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Wrote about the pop-ups one of my favorite Japanese chefs is doing in Oakland every month. It's pretty amazing! www.kqed.org/arts/1399441...
The Fanciest Japanese Pop-Up in Oakland You Haven’t Heard Of
The monthly prix-fixe feasts at Plenty Plus are the brainchild of chef Asuka Uchida.
www.kqed.org
October 1, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Wrote about the pop-ups one of my favorite Japanese chefs is doing in Oakland every month. It's pretty amazing! www.kqed.org/arts/1399441...
Wrote about the pop-ups one of my favorite Japanese chefs is doing in Oakland every month. It's pretty amazing! www.kqed.org/arts/1399441...
The Fanciest Japanese Pop-Up in Oakland You Haven’t Heard Of
The monthly prix-fixe feasts at Plenty Plus are the brainchild of chef Asuka Uchida.
www.kqed.org
October 1, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Wrote about the pop-ups one of my favorite Japanese chefs is doing in Oakland every month. It's pretty amazing! www.kqed.org/arts/1399441...
Sad news with a silver lining: After a major fire, Puerto Rican Street Cuisine (formerly Borinquen Soul) is reopening at its old liquor store location! www.kqed.org/arts/1399421...
After a Devastating Fire, Oakland’s Only Puerto Rican Restaurant Returns to Its Roots
Puerto Rican Street Cuisine will reopen at its original corner store location in the Dimond District.
www.kqed.org
September 25, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Sad news with a silver lining: After a major fire, Puerto Rican Street Cuisine (formerly Borinquen Soul) is reopening at its old liquor store location! www.kqed.org/arts/1399421...
If you're shopping for mooncakes for the Moon Festival this week, maybe I can interest you in the story behind the delicious durian bánh pía at Dzui's in San Jose. www.kqed.org/arts/1398680...
How Dzui’s Became San José’s Favorite Durian Dessert Shop | KQED
The bakery’s bánh pía pastries are a Chinese-Vietnamese family’s 40-year legacy.
www.kqed.org
September 25, 2026 at 4:08 AM
If you're shopping for mooncakes for the Moon Festival this week, maybe I can interest you in the story behind the delicious durian bánh pía at Dzui's in San Jose. www.kqed.org/arts/1398680...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
I wrote about Rainbow Grocery's new 'Tiny Desk'-style concert series that's bringing Bay Area indie musicians into the produce aisle. www.kqed.org/arts/1399371...
A Beloved SF Grocery Store Brings ‘Tiny Desk’-Style Concerts to the Produce Aisle
Rainbow Grocery’s ‘Under the Rainbow’ series shines a spotlight on local indie musicians.
www.kqed.org
September 9, 2026 at 7:46 PM
I wrote about Rainbow Grocery's new 'Tiny Desk'-style concert series that's bringing Bay Area indie musicians into the produce aisle. www.kqed.org/arts/1399371...
I wrote about Rainbow Grocery's new 'Tiny Desk'-style concert series that's bringing Bay Area indie musicians into the produce aisle. www.kqed.org/arts/1399371...
A Beloved SF Grocery Store Brings ‘Tiny Desk’-Style Concerts to the Produce Aisle
Rainbow Grocery’s ‘Under the Rainbow’ series shines a spotlight on local indie musicians.
www.kqed.org
September 9, 2026 at 7:46 PM
I wrote about Rainbow Grocery's new 'Tiny Desk'-style concert series that's bringing Bay Area indie musicians into the produce aisle. www.kqed.org/arts/1399371...
One of my favorite pho spots is now open until 12:30 a.m. every day. www.kqed.org/arts/1399362...
One of San José’s Best Phở Restaurants Slings Flame-Torched Wagyu Past Midnight
Come to Phở Đuôi Bò for the flashy pyrotechnics. Stay for the soul-nourishing broth.
www.kqed.org
September 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
One of my favorite pho spots is now open until 12:30 a.m. every day. www.kqed.org/arts/1399362...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
We're also hiring on the Arts & Culture team for TWO FOOD REPORTERS (1 full-time, 1 part-time, both limited term). Send us your most excellent food writer friends!
🍜✍️✨
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
🍜✍️✨
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
Food Reporter, Arts & Culture (2 roles; 1 Full Time, Part Time) - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Food Reporter, Arts & Culture (2 roles; 1 Full Time, Part Time) at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
kqed.applytojob.com
August 27, 2026 at 10:25 PM
We're also hiring on the Arts & Culture team for TWO FOOD REPORTERS (1 full-time, 1 part-time, both limited term). Send us your most excellent food writer friends!
🍜✍️✨
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
🍜✍️✨
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
🚨 Two more COOL JOBS alert! Both on the Audience News desk, a very excellent team that creates guides, explainers and news stories.
Outdoors digital engagement reporter: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/Qis2Sl...
Audience news guides editor: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/dOowyM...
Outdoors digital engagement reporter: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/Qis2Sl...
Audience news guides editor: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/dOowyM...
Outdoors Digital Engagement Reporter - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Outdoors Digital Engagement Reporter at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
kqed.applytojob.com
August 27, 2026 at 10:22 PM
🚨 Two more COOL JOBS alert! Both on the Audience News desk, a very excellent team that creates guides, explainers and news stories.
Outdoors digital engagement reporter: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/Qis2Sl...
Audience news guides editor: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/dOowyM...
Outdoors digital engagement reporter: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/Qis2Sl...
Audience news guides editor: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/dOowyM...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Wrote about the eight Bay Area restaurants that are embracing a Pay What You Can model, at least for one day (Wednesday, 8/26!)—and the global initiative behind the movement. www.kqed.org/arts/1399330...
These 8 Bay Area Restaurants Are Asking You to Pay What You Can | KQED
Reem’s, Bombera, Pasta Supply Co. and more join a global initiative on Aug. 26.
www.kqed.org
August 26, 2026 at 5:26 AM
Wrote about the eight Bay Area restaurants that are embracing a Pay What You Can model, at least for one day (Wednesday, 8/26!)—and the global initiative behind the movement. www.kqed.org/arts/1399330...
Nine, actually!
Wrote about the eight Bay Area restaurants that are embracing a Pay What You Can model, at least for one day (Wednesday, 8/26!)—and the global initiative behind the movement. www.kqed.org/arts/1399330...
These 8 Bay Area Restaurants Are Asking You to Pay What You Can | KQED
Reem’s, Bombera, Pasta Supply Co. and more join a global initiative on Aug. 26.
www.kqed.org
August 26, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Nine, actually!
Wrote about the eight Bay Area restaurants that are embracing a Pay What You Can model, at least for one day (Wednesday, 8/26!)—and the global initiative behind the movement. www.kqed.org/arts/1399330...
These 8 Bay Area Restaurants Are Asking You to Pay What You Can | KQED
Reem’s, Bombera, Pasta Supply Co. and more join a global initiative on Aug. 26.
www.kqed.org
August 26, 2026 at 5:26 AM
Wrote about the eight Bay Area restaurants that are embracing a Pay What You Can model, at least for one day (Wednesday, 8/26!)—and the global initiative behind the movement. www.kqed.org/arts/1399330...
Come work with me! kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
Food Reporter, Arts & Culture (2 roles; 1 Full Time, Part Time) - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Food Reporter, Arts & Culture (2 roles; 1 Full Time, Part Time) at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
kqed.applytojob.com
August 24, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Come work with me! kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
I have not yet tried Colombian lechona—crispy-skinned stuffed pork. But clearly that's something I need to rectify immediately! @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social reports: www.kqed.org/arts/1399314...
This San José Food Tent Is a Temple to Crispy Colombian Stuffed Pork
La Grama serves the best lechona in the Bay Area.
www.kqed.org
August 21, 2026 at 8:31 PM
I have not yet tried Colombian lechona—crispy-skinned stuffed pork. But clearly that's something I need to rectify immediately! @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social reports: www.kqed.org/arts/1399314...
A new contender in my ongoing exploration of Bay Area oxtails. In case oxtail *sambusas* is something you need in your life! www.kqed.org/arts/1399307...
Y’s Choice Is a Haven of Late-Night Soul Food in Oakland | KQED
Braised oxtails, in both sambusa and soupy rice bowl form, are the star of this San Pablo Avenue gem.
www.kqed.org
August 21, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A new contender in my ongoing exploration of Bay Area oxtails. In case oxtail *sambusas* is something you need in your life! www.kqed.org/arts/1399307...
This month's Apple Maps update includes the best affordable restaurant in the Mission, maybe the tastiest Cantonese roast duck in the Bay, and my new favorite soup and sandwich combo in Berkeley. apple.co/LukeTsai
August 14, 2026 at 6:11 PM
This month's Apple Maps update includes the best affordable restaurant in the Mission, maybe the tastiest Cantonese roast duck in the Bay, and my new favorite soup and sandwich combo in Berkeley. apple.co/LukeTsai
Happy to report that one of my all-time favorite lunch spots is NOT closing permanently after all. www.kqed.org/arts/1399274...
Oakland’s Most Underrated Chinese Restaurant Isn’t Closing After All
Ben’s, a beloved hole-in-the-wall in the Jack London District, plans to renovate and reopen.
www.kqed.org
August 13, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Happy to report that one of my all-time favorite lunch spots is NOT closing permanently after all. www.kqed.org/arts/1399274...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
It's been a minute, but here's the new Midnight Diners, about a new Vietnamese spot in SF that I really, really loved! www.kqed.org/arts/1399248...
Fat Cat x The Mantis Is Serving Up the Most Exciting Vietnamese Food in SF | KQED
The Bernal Heights wine bar’s steak frites and herb-topped oysters pack a flavorful wallop.
www.kqed.org
August 7, 2026 at 4:10 AM
It's been a minute, but here's the new Midnight Diners, about a new Vietnamese spot in SF that I really, really loved! www.kqed.org/arts/1399248...
It's been a minute, but here's the new Midnight Diners, about a new Vietnamese spot in SF that I really, really loved! www.kqed.org/arts/1399248...
Fat Cat x The Mantis Is Serving Up the Most Exciting Vietnamese Food in SF | KQED
The Bernal Heights wine bar’s steak frites and herb-topped oysters pack a flavorful wallop.
www.kqed.org
August 7, 2026 at 4:10 AM
It's been a minute, but here's the new Midnight Diners, about a new Vietnamese spot in SF that I really, really loved! www.kqed.org/arts/1399248...
As an enthusiastic (but highly mediocre!) newbie rock climber, I've been struck by the relative lack of diversity in the scene. So it was cool to get to know some of the folks from this collective out here doing something about it! www.kqed.org/arts/1399233...
How Oakland’s Black Rock Climbers Find Each Other on the Crag | KQED
Black Rock Collective creates a welcoming space within an overwhelmingly white sport.
www.kqed.org
August 5, 2026 at 7:13 PM
As an enthusiastic (but highly mediocre!) newbie rock climber, I've been struck by the relative lack of diversity in the scene. So it was cool to get to know some of the folks from this collective out here doing something about it! www.kqed.org/arts/1399233...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
👉 COOLEST JOB ALERT! 👈
We are hiring an arts and culture reporter!
Are you an experienced journalist ready to carve out you own beat and work with what I consider the best team in town?
This is a full-time, union position. Help us spread the word:
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/fPnNMP...
We are hiring an arts and culture reporter!
Are you an experienced journalist ready to carve out you own beat and work with what I consider the best team in town?
This is a full-time, union position. Help us spread the word:
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/fPnNMP...
Reporter, Arts & Culture - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Reporter, Arts & Culture at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
kqed.applytojob.com
August 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
👉 COOLEST JOB ALERT! 👈
We are hiring an arts and culture reporter!
Are you an experienced journalist ready to carve out you own beat and work with what I consider the best team in town?
This is a full-time, union position. Help us spread the word:
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/fPnNMP...
We are hiring an arts and culture reporter!
Are you an experienced journalist ready to carve out you own beat and work with what I consider the best team in town?
This is a full-time, union position. Help us spread the word:
kqed.applytojob.com/apply/fPnNMP...
Reposted by Luke Tsai
The DJ behind those wildly popular Seafood City Filipino dance parties is kicking off a new series of backyard parties in Vallejo. www.kqed.org/arts/1399232...
Seafood City DJ Brings the Filipino Party Home to Vallejo | KQED
Filipino food, DJs and musicians round out a new, free party called Isa Pa.
www.kqed.org
July 31, 2026 at 10:50 PM
The DJ behind those wildly popular Seafood City Filipino dance parties is kicking off a new series of backyard parties in Vallejo. www.kqed.org/arts/1399232...
The DJ behind those wildly popular Seafood City Filipino dance parties is kicking off a new series of backyard parties in Vallejo. www.kqed.org/arts/1399232...
Seafood City DJ Brings the Filipino Party Home to Vallejo | KQED
Filipino food, DJs and musicians round out a new, free party called Isa Pa.
www.kqed.org
July 31, 2026 at 10:50 PM
The DJ behind those wildly popular Seafood City Filipino dance parties is kicking off a new series of backyard parties in Vallejo. www.kqed.org/arts/1399232...
Every time I wrote about Souk Savanh, it wound up closing shortly after. Which was a shame because it served some of the tastiest Lao food I've had in the Bay! Here's hoping their newest East Bay location sticks around for a long time. www.kqed.org/arts/1399209...
One of the East Bay’s Best (and Most Elusive) Lao Restaurants Finds a New Home in Albany
Souk Savanh is bringing its Lao sausage, rice ball salad and budget-priced rice plates to San Pablo Avenue.
www.kqed.org
July 28, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Every time I wrote about Souk Savanh, it wound up closing shortly after. Which was a shame because it served some of the tastiest Lao food I've had in the Bay! Here's hoping their newest East Bay location sticks around for a long time. www.kqed.org/arts/1399209...