If you travel with your stomach first, add these cities to your bucket list.

BuzzFeed Staff

Traveling to Mexico City is an exercise in stamina for your stomach. Everywhere you go, the city wafts with the smells of flame-grilled meats and blue corn masa tortillas sizzling on the griddle, and just about every other block is lined with street carts and vendors dishing out everything from tlacoyos and tacos to tamales.

Seek outJenni's Street Quesadillasin the Roma Norte neighborhood for famous fresh blue corn tortillas smothered in melted cheese and squash blossoms (it'll only set you back about $1). And for the best esquites you've ever tasted, look for a nondescript little stand on a street corner by Reforma 222 shopping mall. There, you can fill up on a heaping cup of corn tossed with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chipotle pepper for less than 50 cents.

While you're in CDMX, make sure to sample al pastor tacos, thinly sliced marinated pork shaved from a spit and served with white onion, pineapple, and cilantro. While it's hard to go wrong at any taqueira, El Vilsito (Colonia Narvarte), Taqueria el Greco (Condesa), and El Turix (Polanco) are three top spots for pork-filled tacos.

Singapore is like two sides of a coin: on the one hand it's glitzy and pristine. but on the other it's chaotic and dazzling just look at the busy night markets filled with hawker stalls like the Chinatown Street Market. Singaporean cuisine is a blend of flavors and dishes from other countries: China, India, Malaysia, even Europe.

Prepare to eat lots and lots of rice, noodles, and seafood, but whatever you do, don't missHainanese chicken rice, char kway teow (stir fried, flat rice noodles),roti prata (a flaky fried bread served with butter) and laksa (noodles in creamy coconut broth).

At first glance, Paris might not be an obvious top street food city, but if you know where to look, the city offers everything from crpe stands to open air markets like the March des Enfants Rouges. In the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, LAs du Falafel doles out pita sandwiches stuffed to the brim with crispy falafel, fried eggplant and pickled vegetables, all smothered in tahini and spicy sauce.

Over in the 11th arrondissement, Chez Aline is home to some of the best sandwiches in the city simple combinations like jambon, feta, and pesto on freshly baked baguette. And in the Latin Quarter, you'll find life-changing savory and sweet crepes (around $5 a piece) from the tiny shop, Au P'tit Grec. And of course, a flaky croissant or freshly baked baguette from one of the city's many boulangeries is just as delicious as any fancy meal on earth, but if there's one spot to seek out it's Du Pain et des Ides located by Canal St Martin.

If you walk through Djema al Fna, Marrakesh's main square, around sundown, you'll be intoxicated by sights, sounds, and smells. There are snake charmers and monkeys, henna tattoo artists, storytellers, and stalls upon stalls of food selling fragrant spices, bowls of snail soup, fresh squeezed orange juice, and pyramids of sweet nuts coated in honey.

Other dishes includeharira, a traditional tomato and chickpea soupand tagine, a slow cooked stew of couscous, vegetables, and meat. But the crown jewel of Marrakesh's street food scene can be found inMechoui Alley where lamb is slow cooked underground for days at a time in clay ovens until it's tender, sprinkled withcumin and salt, and served with pita.

Taiwan is often overlooked, but it's an incredible destination with a sprawling urban city (Taipei) and lots of natural beauty (beaches, hot springs, and mountains, for starters). But if you visit Taiwan for one thing, it should be the food. Eating is a national past time, and you'll see that first hand if you visit one of the 30 night markets in Taipei alone.

Make sure to try Xiao Long Bao (the original Din Tai Fung is in Taipei and 10 plump soup dumplings will set you back about $5), eggs enveloped in scallion pancakes, spicy fried chicken tossed in salt, pepper, and basil leaves, and umami-packed beef noodle soup. If you're not sure where to begin, Nanjichang night market is a local favorite, while Ningxia and Raohe are two of the more manageable options for tourists just dipping their toes into Taiwanese street food culture.

If there's one city that could be crowned street food capital of the world, it might just be Bangkok. There's perhaps no other city where you could eat as well on a tight budget where tiny hawker stalls deserve Michelin stars (and in fact, many have them). But in a city that is home to over half a million street food stalls, it can be tough to choose where to eat.

At the street-side restaurantRaan Jay Fai, the eponymous female chef wears goggles as she cookscrab omelettes, stir-fries, and curries over a blazing flame. Then there'sKuay Jub Mr. Joe, famous for the crispiest pork belly in Bangkok ($4), which can be served over a piping bowl of noodle soup.Chakki, located in Bangkok's Chinatown, is the place to go for deep fried noodles with meat in a thick gravy. And of course there'sThipsamaifor what's commonly lauded as the best pad Thai in the city.

As soon as you touch town in Rio, you'll notice a different kind of energy, and this vibrance also manifests itself in the street food. The cuisine is a blend of African, European, and indigenous cultures, and you can find the iconic dishes at the Sunday markets, hole-in-the-wall shops, and carts along the busy streets to Ipanema and Copacabana.

Fill up on colorful aai bowls made with tropical fruits, po de queijo (a chewy, cheesy bread made of cassava flour), cod dumplings, pastis, and coxinha, deep fried pastries filled with shredded chicken and cheese.

It's easy to associate Berlin street food with dner kebabs and currywurst, but there's so much more to it. An extremely international city, Berlin's cheap eats are inspired by global cuisines and flavors all around the world. Just about every week, you'll find some new pop-up like Bite Club at Badeschiff and Street Food Thursday in Markthalle Neun, where eclectic vendors come together to sell drool-worthy dishes like gourmet burgers, tacos, tapas, and craft beer.

Then there's Thaipark, a decades-old tradition held on weekends during the warm weather months. You'll find over 100 Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and other Asian vendors cooking up food from their home countries like shrimp pad Thai ($6), sticky rice with mango ($2), and chicken satay skiewers ($2). And finally theres' Boxhagener Platz, a flea, farmer's and street food market where you can chow down on things like falafel, charcuterie, bruschetta and more.

When you think of Tokyo, you might be inclined to think of fine dining and expensive restaurants. And while you can easily blow a whole paycheck on an omakase meal, Tokyo is also heaven on earth for affordable, street food. The maze of streets and buildings that make up Tsukiji Market is a feast for all the senses, especially the stomach.

As you get lost in the alleys you'll pass ramen stalls (a heaping bowl will set you back about $5), shelves of fresh onigiri, vendors grilling skewers of chicken yakitori and thinly sliced wagyu beef over a flame, and tiny sushi bars where hungry locals sling back pieces of fatty tuna nigiri for breakfast. This is a microcosm for the whole city. Incredible food is everywhere you look. In fact, 7-Elevens on every street corner serve the best $2 egg salad sandwich you'll ever eat.

Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures and flavors. Here, you can find not only international cuisines, but also regional dishes from Punjab and southern India to Goa. The city also never sleeps, which means delicious street food is available all the time, whether it's a hot cup of chai, crispy, pani puri, or chaat.

Make your way toKhau Galli, Mumbai's biggest and best neighborhood for street food, where every street offers something a bit different. On the block namedMahim Khau Galli there are rows of vendors grilling things likerotis with lamb and chicken tandoori. Nearby, Mohammed Ali Road is known for kebabs and biryani. AlongTardeo Khau Galli you'll findsamosas, vada pav (fried potato dumplings on a bun) and pav bhaji (mashed vegetable stew served on a bun).

Tel Aviv is known for its food, but in addition to great restaurants, you can eat extremely well for cheap in this vibrant beach city on the Mediterranean Sea. Walk through Shuk HaCarmel, the city's largest market where you can buy everything from olives and spices to halva.

Once you've tried a plate of the creamy hummus topped with whole chickpeas and paprika ($6) from Hummus Abu Hassan, you'll never be able to eat the store bought stuff again. At Levinsky Burekas try one of the famous Middle Eastern pastries plucked right from the oven, and of course, you'll want to get a falafel sandwich from HaKosem. Biting into one of the fluffy pitas filled with fried chickpea balls, chopped Israeli salad, and tahini is the true definition of a religious experience.

You can avoid high end restaurants entirely and still eat like a king in Shanghai, China's most populated city. The food stalls along Xiangyang Road are great for a quick breakfast of jianbing (egg crpes filled with veggies) and on South Yunnan Road Food Street you'll find tons of hot pot and noodles.

Huanghe Road is the dumpling capital: try thesmall, gently pan fried soup dumplings atYang's(4 pieces for around $3) and the more traditional, delicate crab xiao long bao atJia Jia Tang Bao.OnQibao Old Street, vendors sell all sorts of steamed buns and dim sum and inTianzifang, snack stalls on every black sell all of the best cheap eats like rice cakes, grilled meat skewers, and egg tarts.

Lagos is the most populated city in Africa. It's a fast-paced, constantly moving commercial hub with a thriving street food scene to match. Grilled spicy beef skewers called suya and akara delightfully greasy and crunchy fritters made from beans can be found on street corners throughout the city.

There's puff puff, a favorite West African snack that are similar to French beignets, and there are plantains that are roasted on hot charcoals and served with nuts. These snacks are even sold on busy roadsides and can be delivered right to your car window during rush hour.

The island of Oahu, home to the capital city of Honolulu, is the cultural hub of Hawaii. The cuisine is influenced by Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Hawaiian culture, and that's most obvious when you look at the affordable eats and snack foods served at roadside shacks and food trucks all across the island. Fuel up for the day on loco moco from Rainbow Drive-In.

For lunch grab a heaping portion of shrimp scampi over rice from Giovanni's Shrimp Truck or pop into Ono Seafood for a giant scoop of the freshest tuna poke you've ever tasted ($13). There's Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken, where huli chicken roasts over coals on in a parking lot. And of course, no trip to Oahu is complete without trying a fried spam musubi, a few aai bowls or a refreshing shaved ice.

You can't talk about Seoul without mentioning street food. A huge part of the culture in this culinary-minded city is the cheap food sold by tiny stalls on busy city streets and in crowded subway stations. The most famous spot for street food is Gwangjang Market, a traditional market where seemingly endless rows of carts sell everything from bindaetteok (mung bean cakes) to pajeon (savory vegetable pancakes) and kimbap (the Korean take on sushi rolls).

Myeongdong Street is the place to go for tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes that bathe in a pool of chili sauce, and there are several markets around the city like Tongin Market, Dongdaemun Night Market and Namdaemun Market where you can taste Seoul's iconic dishes like Korean fried chicken, mandu (dumplings), and small banchan style dishes.

In a country known for delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon) is Vietnam's culinary jewel. In this wonderfully chaotic city where cooking and eating is a way of communicating and connecting, you can never be far from authentic, cheap, and most importantly, spectacular food.

On Vinh Khnh Street (seafood street), there are rows of outdoor grills cooking crabs, cockles, and sizzling seafood hot pot. In district 1, Ch Bn Thnh is an authentic market where you can sample all the classic dishes like spring rolls and banh mi, and more. Nearby, seek outBanh Xeo 46Afor savory egg crpes filled with shrimp and vegetables ($3) andPho Bo Vien, a hole-in-the-wall for quality pho.

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The 16 Greatest Street Food Cities In The World (And Exactly What You Should Eat There) - BuzzFeed

Frustrations among citizens forced to endure yet more curbs on their freedoms and ability to work are reaching boiling point -- and protests against their governments' handling of the outbreaks have broken out in Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile, Myanmar is on the verge of collapse as a February military coup and ensuing bloody crackdown has shattered the health system and vaccinations have completely stalled.

While wealthier countries, like the United Kingdom and Singapore, are seeing renewed outbreaks, they have fully vaccinated more than half of their populations. Comparatively, Vietnam has fully vaccinated less than 1% of its population, Thailand around 5%, the Philippines 7.2%, and virus epicenter Indonesia 7.6%, according to Our World in Data.

More than a year and a half into the pandemic, the more contagious Delta variant is exposing the weaknesses of nations with low vaccine rates, even if they previously had control of the virus.

Perhaps nowhere in Southeast Asia is that flip more evident than in Vietnam.

But since late April, Vietnam has reported a sharp increase in Covid-19 infections. On Wednesday, Vietnam reported 7,623 new cases, down from 8,620 on Sunday with most new infections in Ho Chi Minh City, the Health Ministry said. In total, Vietnam has confirmed 177,813 cases, more than 85% of those were reported in the past month alone, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Of Vietnam's 2,327 deaths, about half were reported in the past month.

The government has imposed strict lockdowns in the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City to try to curb further spread and Covid treatment centers have been set up to accommodate more patients.

But the outbreak has put pressure on the government to increase its vaccine supply and ramp up inoculations. So far, only 0.6% of Vietnam's 96 million population has been fully vaccinated, according to JHU.

Of its 354 million reported cases since the pandemic began, 1.2 million were recorded in the past month, according to JHU. On Wednesday, Indonesia surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths, becoming only the second country in Asia to do so. On Wednesday, 1,747 fatalities were reported by the Health Ministry and 35,867 cases.

If the spread continues unabated, experts say it could push Indonesia's health care system to the brink of disaster. Some fear the situation may be worse than the numbers show, because not enough people are getting tested for the virus. One local survey found that nearly half of the 10.6 million residents of the capital, Jakarta, may have contracted Covid-19.

The country is suffering a health crisis, with hospitals stretched to their limits, full cemeteries expanded to hold the Covid dead, and exhausted health care workers.

Experts say Indonesia is now reaping the costs of not implementing strict lockdowns nor investing enough in efficient contact-tracing systems.

Despite a national lockdown, Malaysia has also seen an exponential rise in cases and deaths, with the outbreak forcing a month-long suspension of Parliament.

Anger among the people is mounting. Hundreds broke coronavirus restrictions to protest in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, over the weekend against the government's handling of the outbreak and called on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign. Following the suspension of a special sitting of the legislature on Monday due to Covid, opposition lawmakers marched toward the Parliament building also demanding Muhyiddin's resignation.

Frustration over the mounting deaths, vaccine rates and economic pain is exacerbated by Malaysia's current political crisis, in which Muhyiddin's government appears on the verge of collapse after taking control of the ruling coalition following elections last year.

Last week, thousands of overworked Malaysian doctors went on strike over conditions in hospitals, saying they have been pushed to the brink, as beds and ventilators run low.

The protest came as total Covid cases in Malaysia surpassed 1 million with the country reporting its highest number of daily infections. On Wednesday, Malaysia reported a new record number of cases, with 19,819 new infections, according to the Health Ministry, up from about 7,000 a month ago. Covid deaths are also at record levels, with 257 reported on Wednesday.

Malaysia's vaccine rates have improved in the past month, especially compared to its regional neighbors. About 22.5% of people in Malaysia are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data.

Although it was the first country to report a Covid-19 case outside of China in January last year, Thailand kept its infection numbers low in 2020 thanks to successful containment measures.

This year, however, it is facing a much bigger challenge. After containing a second wave that started last December, Thailand is struggling to curb a third wave of infections that has pushed daily caseloads and death tolls to unprecedented levels. On Wednesday, Thailand reported a record high in daily confirmed cases, with 20,920 infections -- the second day of reporting over 20,000 cases, according to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Thailand also recorded 160 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 5,663.

"We may be unable to reduce the rate of infection just yet, but we hope to ease the bed situation in Bangkok and slow down the death rate," Supat said.

On Tuesday, Thailand extended its national lockdown until the end of the month to slow the rising cases. Now, 29 provinces have been placed under the strictest protocol, meaning 40% of the country's population will be under lockdown, according to CNN's calculation of data from the CCSA.

Prolonged economic pain and fears of rising Covid fatalities are taking a toll on Thai citizens. There was public outcry after several bodies were found on the streets of Bangkok and left lying on the road for hours before an ambulance retrieved them.

And thousands of people joined anti-government protests across the country on Sunday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose government has been heavily criticized for its handling of the pandemic.

Thailand is aiming to vaccinate 50 million people by the end of the year. But according to data published by the CCSA, 23% of the country's 70 million people have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, while 5% are fully vaccinated.

On Thailand's border, Myanmar is collapsing under the double crisis of pandemic and military coup. There is a desperate oxygen shortage in the country, with families of the seriously ill queuing for oxygen or frantically searching online for Covid treatments.

Residents are choosing to self-treat at home, doctors say. If they do go to hospital they are often turned away as the facilities are running out of oxygen, treatments and beds, and there's not enough staff to care for patients, they said. The United Nations estimates only 40% of the country's health care facilities are still able to function.

Reported daily cases in Myanmar have risen from about 100 in early June to about 5,000 a day, with the total confirmed infections at 315,118, according to the World Health Organization. Myanmar has also reported 10,373 deaths.

Last week, Britain's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward warned that half of Myanmar's 54 million people could be infected with Covid-19 in the next two weeks.

Adding to the trauma, those in the country say the military, which seized power in February, is wielding the Covid crisis against the people and as infections and deaths climb, the junta is escalating its attacks on doctors and health care workers, many of whom went on strike to protest the coup and have been forced into hiding to evade arrest.

CNN's Kocha Olarn in Bangkok, Masrur Jamaluddin in Jakarta, and Joshua Berlinger, Nectar Gan, Jessie Yeung, Sophie Jeong and Meenketan Jha in Hong Kong contributed reporting.

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Delta variant is ravaging the world but it's pushing Southeast Asia to breaking point - CNN

Today, Special train No. 971 took 137 Covid patients to various northeastern Thai provinces. The Special train left from the Rangsit railway station.

A cabinet resolution earlier in the month decreed that the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public health were to arrange transportation to bring Covid patients back to their home provinces. Both ministries were ordered to cooperate with the National Health Security Office and the National Institute of Emergency Medicine.

The Special train is supposed to let patients off at Nakhon Ratchasima around 1:30 pm. Then, it will stop at the Buri Ram station an hour and half-ish later. Next, it will drop more patients off at the Lam Chi station in Surin about 40 minutes later. Then, it is on to the Nong Waeng station in Si Sa Ket about 20 minutes after 5 pm. Finally, it is scheduled to arrive at the Warin Chamrap station in Ubon Ratchathani around 6 pm.

The Covid patients are to be collected at the station by local health officials. From the station, they will be taken to hospitals.

A different, but still Special train, was supposed to depart from Bangkok yesterday with nearly 1,500 Covid patients bound for home. However, the train was cancelled when officials discovered Sunday that the patients had made other transportation arrangements. Todays train took the Covid patients that were unable to secure a non-special form of transportation. Officials cited insufficient passengers to make yesterdays train practical

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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Special train takes Covid patients home to northeastern Thailand - The Thaiger

According to Mr. Le Ba Linh, a Vietnamese Thai who is Chairman of Pacific Foods and member of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, the 25 tons of agricultural products were transported by an express boat from Song Thuan Wharf in Tien Giang Province to Bach Dang Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Cao Thanh Binh, Head of Department of Society and Culture of the HCMC Peoples Council said that the HCMC Peoples Council and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City will distribute the goods above to localities, field hospitals and isolated areas in Thu Duc City and 21 districts.

At the same time, they will send essential goods to beloved kitchen, zero dong market in the city. This is very meaningful and precious support for HCMC residents amid the current complicated Covid-19 pandemic.

On the same day, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City received 18 containers of vegetables, fruits, dried-fishes and essential goods from the Central province of Ha Tinh to support front-line forces at field hospitals and residents in lock-downed, isolated areas to prevent and control the pandemic in 21 districts and Thu Duc City.

By Manh Hoa, Hoai Nam- Translated by Huyen Huong

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HCMC receives 25 tons of vegetables from overseas Vietnamese - sggpnews

A vegetable handcart donated by benefactors arrived at the gate of the People's Committee of Nhon Duc commune of Ho Chi Minh Citys Nha Be District at 9 PM on July 23.

After a long day of work, officials in the commune had to unload and sort out vegetables so that they can deliver these goods to poor people in the blocked areas and rental houses.

According to Nguyen Phuong Toan, Chairman of Nhon Duc Commune People's Committee, administrators and staff members have done the work during prolonged social distancing. Since the city implemented Directive 12 of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, the commune administrators had to work hard to hand essential goods over to residents.

Elsewhere in the city, District 7 reported 87 restricted areas and medical isolation areas with 13,800 inhabitants. District 7 Party Secretary Vo Khac Thai said the district has directed administrators in wards to prepare rice and instant noodles to provide to households, ensuring supplies of food in 14 days.

Along with that, the locality also distributed vegetables, fruits, and eggs donated by benefactors to each household in the quarantined area, medical isolation every three days.

The district in coordination with Co.op mart and Bach Hoa Xanh systems organized mobile vehicles to supply fresh food for blocked and medical isolation areas in the first seven days of implementing Directive 12. Women's groups will announce lists of available food items through Zalo groups summarizing each households demand of food, then deliver food to the doors of each household.

Authority in District 11 where has 128 blocked zones set up a hotline so that dwellers who need to buy something can phone to order essential items. After that, youth volunteers in the District will pick up goods at supermarkets and deliver to residents in blocked areas. Chairman of District 11 People's Committee Tran Phi Long said that the district set up a hotline for food and food supply for people, in addition to buying goods to help people.

Similarly, residents in District 1 can place orders of food through an app on their smartphones meanwhile the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in District 6 where has 88 blocked zones with more than 1,000 people also receives donations of food to distribute to locals. Last but not least, many unions and departments of District 6 have shopped to help people in restricted areas.

Meanwhile, Chairwoman of the District 6 People's Committeealso said that the district's community Covid-19 teams both reminded people to strictly observe the social distance rule and understood dwellers difficulties for timely support. The district also provided boxes of lunches to people in rental houses every day.

Le Thi Bac, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thu Duc City, said that to ensure supplies of goods, Thu Duc City called up more volunteers. On average, Thu Duc City supports each family with five kilograms of rice weekly. Particularly, vegetables and fruits will be distributed to residential areas, ensuring people have fruits and vegetables during these days. The government in Thu Duc City will deliver ready-to-eat meals to public houses where lonely elderly people and people with disabilities are residing.

Furthermore, Thu Duc City will give each difficult household one gift including necessities and cash, medical treatment worth VND800,000 each. As of July 23, Thu Duc City has approved to spend more than VND1.8 billion to support approximately 2,300 households.

By staff writers - Translated by Anh Quan

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HCMC supplies foods, essential items to households in blocked areas - sggpnews

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah Before coronavirus gripped the world, aging adults could connect with one another in person. But now, a lot of them are stuck in isolation to protect themselves from COVID-19.

"We know that social isolation and boredom can be a big part in the issues that older adults face, even before the pandemic started," said Afton January, a spokesman for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services. "So we thought about what we could do to make sure that we are still talking with and engaging with and connecting with our senior center participants."

This problem inspired Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services to create the Virtual Senior Center.

It's an online space that offers a variety of classes for people aged 60 and older.

Allison Dieterle is one of the 500 aging adults now using the service.

She said she's been doing classes at the Virtual Senior Center since it moved online last summer.

"I dont know that Im tech savvy, but theyve really made it as easy as possible," Dieterle said. "I take Zumba, I take enhanced fitness, I take Thai Chi, I take yoga, I take a mindfulness class. Its amazing."

The Virtual Senior Center is giving her and other seniors like her a chance to make new friends and boost their technology skills at the same time.

"I wouldnt know how to start a Zoom call, but I can join one," Dieterle said.

To take part in the classes, that's just about all they need to know, but there are even classes on the Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services YouTube page that teach seniors how to use a smartphone.

There's also a hotline that aging adults can call to get help and get signed up at 385-468-3299.

"We have the capacity to grow," January said. "We see about 15,000 people at our senior centers every year, so maybe by this time next year the dream would be to have the Virtual Senior Center serving all of those people."

Thanks to a grant through Cares Act funding from Utah State University, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services was able to buy 30 new iPads.

These can be loaned out to seniors who may not have access to their own computer, smartphone or tablet to take part in these virtual classes.

"We open all of our classes 15 minutes before the start time just to allow people the chance to chat with the other people in the class because theyve made friends with each other," said Marianne Christensen, the health promotion manager at Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services said,

Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services says it does intend to keep the Virtual Senior Center going even after the pandemic so it can continue to fight senior isolation and loneliness.

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Salt Lake County's Virtual Senior Center helps fight isolation and loneliness during the pandemic - fox13now.com

Eric Webb , Matthew Odam |Austin 360

Austin businesses areworkingto get food to people who need it, asa batteredcitysresidentscontinue toface power outages, water outagesand below-freezing temperatures.

Good Work Austin, a consortium of area restaurantsformed during the coronavirus pandemic, isworking to get free meals to people in need this week. Major local brands, includingDeep Eddy Vodka,Kendra Scottand Bumble, along with the Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund,have made donations to area restaurants to provide free meals.

As roads become safer and more easily navigable,more restaurants are opening and offering free food either on their own dime or in partnership with various sponsors. There also are many restaurants delivering meals directly to frontline workers and warming centers throughout the city.

Email modam@statesman.com and ewebb@statesman.com to suggestadditions.

More: How to help, and what to do if you need it, during Texas' historic freeze

Heres a list of spots to pick up a free meal, while supplies last and if it is safe to get to the location. Check social media accounts or contact the restaurant to verify supply.

UPDATED LIST FOR SATURDAY, FEB. 20:

Oakmont.100 French toast fried chicken meals and 50 ham and cheese breakfast sandwiches starting at 11 a.m.Sponsored by RVShareandAustin Winter Storm Relief. 1106 W 38th St.oakmontfood.com.

Moody's.300 burgers starting at 1 p.m. for University of Texasstudents (please show an ID).Sponsored by Deep Eddy.2530 Guadalupe St.moodysaustin.com.

JP Pancake Co. 300 meals starting at 1:30 p.m.Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief.2512 Rio Grande St.jpspancakecompany.com.

Plow Burger at Buzz Mill. 100 burgers starting at 2 p.m.1505 Town Creek Drive.Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief.plowburger.com.

The Cavalier.100 biscuits & gravy starting at 3 p.m.Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief.2400 Webberville Road,Suite A.thecavalieratx.com.

Burro Cheese Kitchen.200 grilled cheese sandwiches starting at noon.Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief.80 Rainey St.burrocheesekitchen.com.

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop. Biscuits and gravy from 10 a.m. until they're gone.1905 South First St.

The following meals are being provided byWhole Foods Market,Good Work Austin, Austin Food & Wine Alliance and Les Dames d'Escoffier Austin Chapter. All are first come, first served.

Buenos Aires Caf. Meals from noon to 5 p.m.1201 E. Sixth St., 512-382-1189.

Chareon Express. Meals from 4 to 7 p.m.(vegetarianoptions). 5610 N. I-35.

Contigo. Meals from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m.(vegetarian options).2027 Anchor Lane,512-614-2260.

Salty Cargo. Meals from noon to 7 p.m. 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Suite 100, 737-465-1821.

Southside Flying Pizza. Meals from noon to 9 p.m.(vegetarian options). 2206 S. Congress Ave., 512-442-4246.

Also, some more charitable food news Saturday: Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddickwill donate 2000 tacos to Dell Children's. Austin Winter Storm Relief will donate 80 meals from V-Nam Bistro to Baylor Scott & White Round Rock, 500 meals from various restaurants toIDEA Public Schoolswarming centers and50 meals to Dell Seton.

Also, Holy Cross Worship Center in Del Valle is offering boxes of food and milk, one per household, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; 4972 Texas 71 East, Del Valle.

PREVIOUSLY ONFRIDAY, FEB. 19:

Emergency food and water distribution will be available Friday at Dove Springs Rec Center (1:30 p.m., 5801 Ainez Drive), Millennium Youth Center (2:30 p.m., 1156 Hargrave St.), Dailey Middle School (2 p.m., 14000 Westall St.) and Navarro High School (2:30 p.m., 1201 Payton Gin Road), according to City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison.

The Alcove Cantina. 205 free hot meals beginning at 1 p.m. Sponsored by AffiniPay and Deep Eddy Vodka.119 E. Main St., Round Rock.alcovecantina.com.

Buenos Aires Cafe. 200 meals of Milanesa and potatoes; spaghetti and meatballs; and stew beginning at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Pernod Ricard USA. 1201 E. Sixth St. buenosairescafe.com.

Chilantro. 400 bowls beginning at noon. Sponsored by Cotton Global Disaster Solutions. 11005 Burnet Road #108. chilantrobbq.com.

China Harbor. 300 meals of chicken fried rice or chicken lo mein beginning at 1 p.m. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief. 801 E. William Cannon Drive. chinaharboraustin.com.

First Chinese BBQ. Bento boxes with bbq pork, chicken or duck. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. until gone. In partnership with delivery service Chowbus, so mention Chowbus at pickup. 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. firstchinesebbq.com.

Justine's. To-go containers filled with spaghetti Bolognese, seafood chowder, French onion soup, ratatouille and more, beginning at 3 p.m. until supplies run out. Drive up, let them know how many people are in your familyand theyll bring the food out.710 E.5th St.justines1937.com.

Old Thousand. 100 meals at each location beginning at 2 p.m. Sponsored by Cotton Global Disaster Solutions. 4805 Burnet Road and 1000 E. 11th St. oldthousandatx.com.

La Pera. 200 el camaron crispy taco meals beginning at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Loreal Luciana. Pickup at East Austin Culinary Studio, 2100 Robert Browning St. laperaaustin.com.

New Fortune Chinese. Stir-fried beef flat noodle with sesame basil. Beginning at 5 p.m. until gone. In partnership with delivery service Chowbus, so mention Chowbus at pickup. 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. newfortunetx.com.

Nixta. Teaming with Dough Boys for 100 servings of penne Bolognese, beginning at 5 p.m. 2512 E. 12th St. nixtataqueria.com.

Phonatic. 400 chicken or beef pho served at two locations beginning at 2 p.m. when you mention Koko. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief. 2525 W. Anderson Lane and 200 University Blvd. in Round Rock. pho-natic.com.

Saigon le Vendeur. Giving away bnh m while supplies last Friday and Saturday beginning at noon. Water came back on today at their sister restaurant, Le Bleu, and the team hopes to have meals available there, as well, soon. 2404 E. Seventh St. instagram.com/saigonlevendeur.

Schlotzsky's Northcross. 300 small sandwiches beginning at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief. 2545 W. Anderson Lane. schlotzskys.com.

Tacodeli. 500 tacos each at two locations beginning at noon. Sponsored by Nutrabolt and C4. 7301 Burnet Rod and 12001. tacodeli.com.

Thai Fresh. 50 meals starting at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief. 909 W. Mary St. thai-fresh.com.

Twin Lion. 200 meals beginning at noon. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief. 4815 W. Braker Lane. twinlionchineserestaurant.com.

PREVIOUSLY ON THURSDAY, FEB. 18:

Chilantro. 200 free bowls, 12:30-2pm. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund.11005 Burnet Rd #108. chilantrobbq.com.

CM Smokehouse.275 meals;brisket orpork taco with chips,or duck or turkey wings starting at 3 p.m. Sponsored bySamantha Ushiro.2027 S. Lamar Blvd.

Dipping Springs Tender Co. 50 meals of chicken tenders and sides from 1 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Austin Eastciders. 979 Springdale Road. dippingspringstender.com.

Flyrite Chicken. 150 chicken sandwiches and tots as of noon until supplies run out. Sponsored by Karbach Brewing and Bev Wine.2129 E. 7thSt.flyritechicken.com.

Hestia. 1200 total meals from 2 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Spa Sway, Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund and more. 607 W. Third St. hestiaaustin.com.

Juan in a Million. 1,000 free tacos starting at 11 a.m. Sponsored by former UT Longhorn star Michael Huff.2300 E. Cesar Chavez St. juaninamillion.com.

Lazarus Brewing Co. The brewery has reopened its doors and serving free tacos until supplies run out; you can also contact them to donate tacos to those who need them.1902 E. Sixth St.lazarusbrewing.com.

Lick It Up. Burrito, tostada and taco meals delivered to Austin Pets Alive staff at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Feathers Boutique. lickitupeats.com.

Maggiores. 115 meals of 16 pizza, starting at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Affinipay. 1420 Cypress Creek Road, #1000. magstexas.com.

Play. 150 meals (TBD) available at 5 p.m. Sponsored by Red Bull USA.620 W. SixthSt.

Rebel Cheese. 25 were available meals as of noon.Sponsored by Austin Eastciders.2200 Aldrich St.rebelcheese.com.

Sip Pho.300 bowls of pho, sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund.512 W. 29th St. sippho.com.

Thai Fresh. 200 meals beginning at 1:30 p.m. Text curbside 512-200-7423 and mention 365austin for one free meal per person. 909 Mary St. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund. thai-fresh.com.

Tommy Want Wingy. 125 10-piece wings and fries meals. 11 a.m. until all gone. Sponsored by Red Bull USA. 121 Pickle Road. tommywantwingy.com.

Uncle Nickys. 200 meals, per two different locations; pasta bolognese or pasta with vegetarian red sauce from 2 to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Affinipay. 1123 E.11th St. and 4222 Duval St.unclenickys.com.

Vaquero Taquero. 125 meals of two tacos, 11am-3pm. Sponsored by Red Bull USA. 104 E 31st St. vaquerotaquero.com.

Veracruz All Natural at The Line Hotel.300 free tacos, beginning at 5 pm. Sponsored by Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund. 111 E. Cesar Chavez St. veracruzallnatural.com.

The Well. 600 free bowls of pho beginning at noon. Sponsored by 2nd StDistrict, Sway Spa and private sponsors.440 W 2nd St. eatwellatx.com.

PREVIOUSLY ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17:

OMG Squee(Instagram: @squeeclub), 4607 Bolm Road:As of10 a.m., gettwodonuts and choice of hot coffee/tea/hot chocolate when you mention Deep Eddy Vodka.

Chi'lantro(Instagram: @chilantro),1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., No.1460:As of12:30 pm, getsoy glazed chicken bowls when you mention Deep Eddy Vodka.

Winter storm:Boil water notice issued for Southwest Austin, Lost Creek; other areas told to limit usage

China Harbor(Instagram: @chinaharbor_austin),801 E.William Cannon Drive:As of noon, get aveggie or chicken combo with rice and soup when you mention Deep Eddy Vodka.

The Well(Instagram: @eatwellatx),440 W. Second St.:As ofnoon, theyre serving200free hot stewsandcoffees when you mention Kendra Scott.

Veracruz All Natural(Instagram: @VeracruzTacos) at theLine Hotel, 111 E. Cesar ChavezSt.:Beginning at 3 p.m., theyre serving200 free tacos at pickup window when you mention Kendra Scott.

Burro(Instagram: @BurroCheeseKitchen),80 Rainey St.:Beginning at 4 p.m.,theyre serving200 grilled cheese sandwiches and chips when you mention Kendra Scott.

Southside Flying Pizza(Instagram: @SouthsideFlyingPizza) at2702 E. Cesar Chavez St. and11600 Menchaca Road: Theyre serving free pizzas when you mention Deep Eddy Vodka.

Hestiaat 607 W. Third St., No. 105: Beginning at 3:30p.m., theyll have two meal options (400 total meals), withsupport fromBumblevegetarianpanzanellawith roasted cauliflower, basil, onion and tomatoes, and alsoroastedchicken, sweet potatoes, smoky barbecuesauceandpapas bravas.

Nixta Taqueria(Instagram:@nixtataqueria) at 2512 E. 12th St.: Beginning at 3:30 p.m., they'll serve pozole and tacos for free.

Kendra Scott also willbe providing Southside Flying Pizza to nurses at Dell Seton.

Winter storm: Boil water notice issued for Southwest Austin, Lost Creek; other areas told to limit usage

Weather updates: What you need to knowWednesday: Winter storm warning, more wintry mix overnight

Additionally, Good Work Austin was working Wednesday to provide meals atSouth Pro Lodge,GivensRecreation Center, DittmarRecreation Center,NorthwestRecreationCenter,North Pro Lodge,Sunrise Food Pantry & Angel House, Palmer Event Center and Micah 6 Food Pantry, but meals had not yet been fulfilled for all locations as of Wednesday morning. Restaurants providing food includeEasy Tiger, Black Star Co-opandLOcaDoOro.

Adam Orman, co-founder ofLOcaDOro and organizing force behind Good Work Austin,was on his way to drop off food Wednesday morning at one of the recreation centers before heading to other shelters and restaurants for food pick-up.

This morning has been somewhat more hopeful, Orman said. The brands involved have been helpful for restaurant outreach. Today, we have more money than food, because so many restaurants are without deliveries, or are without power, or people cant get into their restaurants. Today is a scramble to find enough restaurants to fill the citys needs and the hospitals needs."

More: Austin restaurants open for takeout during winter storm Tuesday

Orman said its helpful to have morehands ondeck in the middle of the week. Good Work Austin started having conversations with Austin Public Health on Friday, he said, because the organization has a regular contract with the city to provide meals for those in need.

When things started to get really rough and they opened the shelters, Orman said, his group mobilized Sunday to get the first round of meals out and figure out the plan for the coming days.

Every day,we havent even known who was going tohave power, who wasgoing tobe able to drive, he said. We should be able to get more food out today and by tomorrow...Its just a really slow process.

Orman said hes sticking to daylight hours to make food deliveries; at his own restaurant,LOcaDOro, he thinks theyllrun out of food on Wednesday.

Hopefully thatll get backfilled by the folks who are just now able to get started, he said,"and Ill be able to stay at home and coordinate.

Good Work Austins network of community-minded restaurants was not organized until last year, during the pandemic; Orman is grateful the connection with the city was already in place.The groupwill continue its efforts as long as they can during the emergency period.

I think it makes the most sense to keep doing this a couple of days. Its exhausting in the meantime," Orman said.

I am grateful that there are so many local businesses that want to help and people that want to volunteer," he added. Wewant to make sure the restaurants getpaid,the volunteers get paid. Nobody should be driving out in this (expletive) for free.

Donations are being accepted through Good Work Austin; go to GoodWorkAustin.org for more info. You can also make a donation through the Austin EMS Emergency Relief fund to help feed emergency workers.

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These Austin restaurants, businesses are serving free meals this week - austin360

Next Friday will mark the Makha Bucha, also known as Magha Puja Day, another important day for Buddhists. It falls on the Full Moon day of the third lunar month in which 1,250 enlightened monks (or arahant) gathered to listen to Buddha teach his principles known as Ovadha Patimokha more than 2,500 years ago. The teaching roughly consists of three major concepts: do good, abstain from bad action and purify the mind.

Horse-drawn carriages wait for passengers at the entrance gate of Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. The temple was built in the 13th century to house Buddha relics, which are stored in its bell-shape stupa. The large vihara or Viharn Luang is made of wood and has old and fading murals telling the story of the past lives of Buddha. Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is located in Koh Kha district about 18km from the city.

To observe the day, Buddhists normally go to a temple to make merit. One of my favourite places is Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang in Lampang province, about 600km north of Bangkok. The old temple is known as one of the most beautiful temples in the North. Locals believe that the temple is designated for people who were born in the astrological Year of the Ox -- which is this year -- because the temple was built and completed in the Year of the Ox.

Some compare the temple to a well-preserved art gallery, with its old Lanna architecture and designs. (Lampang was part of Lanna Kingdom, one of the ancient Siamese kingdoms, founded by King Mangrai in the 13th century.) The Viharn Luang or main hall is unique. The wooden structure was built in 1476 without walls and has dozens of large wooden pillars fully covered with shining gold lacquer patterns. The pavilion houses a seated principal Buddha sculpture called Phra Chao Lan Thong as well as 500-year-old murals painted in Lanna style. The art depicts the story about the last 10 lives of Buddha.

Another highlight is the old Lanka-style bell stupa or chedi, which contains Buddha's relics, or phrathat, in the Thai language. According to folklore, Buddha once visited the site and donated his hair, which has been kept in the stupa together with his relics, part of his right forehead and neck bones. During important Buddhist holidays like the coming Makha Bucha, people visit the temple to perform a wian tian candle ceremony. Adherents walk around the stupa three rounds while holding a lit candle and three incense sticks to pay homage to Buddha, his teachings and the enlightened monks.

Another old temple that has outstanding architecture is Wat Pong Sanuk Nuea located in Muang district. The highlight is the wooden vihara called Viharn Phrachao Phan Ong. It was built in the form of a pavilion with a three-tiered roof, reflecting the mixed designs of Lanna, Myanmar and Chinese arts. The structure houses four seated Buddha images on a platform and is decorated with a relief of animal sculptures including elephants, nagas, singhs or mythical lions, and eagles on its base. The temple also has a museum that displays a collection of Tripitaka boxes. Be reminded that while wandering in the temple, you may come across some friendly dogs and an unfriendly big black one in the area. Be careful.

Before leaving Lampang, don't forget to check out the ceramics, a well-known product of the province. Choices of ceramic factories are plenty including Dhanabadee Ceramic Group, which also has a museum to show visitors the history and process of making ceramic rooster bowls. Another site worth visiting is the Ban Thung Chi Royal Project initiated by HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in 1996. It is located in Muang Pan district, about a 30-minute drive north of the city.

The project is open for the public to see every step of ceramic kitchenware production or join a ceramic workshop that can be arranged for group visitors in advance. The site also supports about eight handicraft groups including woodcarving, sewing and weaving. The centre helps create jobs for up to 1,400 people most of whom are from ethnic groups in the area.

Their handmade products are available at affordable prices at the souvenir shop inside the royally-initiated project.

About 35 people work in the ceramics factory in Ban Thung Chi Royal Project in Muang Pan district. The theme of its tableware is related to nature featuring a green banana leaf, a lotus leaf or a leaf of thong kwao (bastard teak). They accept made-to-order work such as producing vases with patterns or in large sizes. Some samples are displayed in an exhibition room. Every piece is made by hand. The centre is open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Contact 054-823-138 for more details.

If you see people go inside Viharn Phra Phut, a prayer hall, located next to the ancient stupa of Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, and they close the wooden door, it does not mean that you are not allowed to get in. It is because they want to see the projected image of the stupa. Known in Thai as ngao phrathat, the colour picture reflects through a tiny hole in the window and falls on a white screen to prevent visitors from stepping on the image of the sacred site. The hall also houses a big seated Buddha statue and beautiful decorations in the Lanna style.

Ying Changarun, 47, is a Hmong living in Ban Mai Phatthana in Muang Pan district. She is also a farmer and the president of Ban Mai Phatthana Coffee Group. About 90% of the people in the community grow arabica coffee, about 500 tonnes a year. When they have free time, women will make clothes and decorate them with their fine stitching. It is a tradition that every Hmong woman must learn how to make their traditional costumes. The neat sewing shows that the person who makes it is patient and studious the qualification of a good wife. Although the belief is fading as the younger generation prefers having fashionable clothes over traditional ones, Ying and some of her peers still keep the tradition alive and pass the sewing skill to their daughters. The needlework earns extra income for the group. Their works are available at the Ban Thung Chi Royal Project.

Sopa Phojai, 49, is a farmer who also works for the Ban Thung Chi Royal Project in Muang Pan district during her free time to earn extra income. She has been a craftsperson for 18 years and can produce about 16 pieces a year. Each piece sells for about 5,000 baht. Her works are available at the royal project as well as in Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre in Ayutthaya.

Spanning Wang River in the city of Lampang is Ratchadaphisek Bridge, also known as the White Bridge. It was originally made of wood when it was built in 1893 by Prince Boonyawat Vongmanit, the last ruler of Lampang, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King Rama V. The bridge was destroyed several times during big floods in the past until it was rebuilt as a concert arch bridge in 1917. You may find choices of food at the northern end of the bridge where Thetsaban 3 market is located, or the other end at local restaurants. Try to avoid going there during rush hour as you may get stuck in traffic. The car parking area is quite limited.

Located along the walkway on the southern bank of Wang River and under the Ratchadaphisek Bridge, Lampang's street art was created in 2018 by an initiative of Songpol Sawattham, the governor who retired in 2019. He aimed to introduce a new tourist attraction in the city. Among the 30 paintings, you may find cute pictures of children and tourism highlights of the province such as pictures of a white rooster, which is a logo of the province, and ceramic bowls.

Located in the compound of Wat Pong Sanuk Nuea, a museum exhibits a collection of old Tripitaka wooden boxes. When I was there the door was closed but it was not locked. I went in and it felt a bit eerie while wandering inside the museum. However, the beauty of those art pieces kept me there for almost 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there was no information about each exhibited item.

Located along the walkway on the southern bank of Wang River and under the Ratchadaphisek Bridge, Lampang's street art was created in 2018 by an initiative of Songpol Sawattham, the governor who retired in 2019. He aimed to introduce a new tourist attraction in the city. Among the 30 paintings, you may find cute pictures of children and tourism highlights of the province such as pictures of a white rooster, which is a logo of the province, and ceramic bowls.

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Finding peace in northern Thailand - Bangkok Post

Yilan Foods niu rou mian, or Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Photo: Momo Chang

A new Taiwanese food pop-up has arrived in Oakland, serving a stellar bowl of niu rou mian, or beef noodle soup. Yilan Foods operates out of the kitchen at Ninna Restaurant on Piedmont Avenue and has consistently sold out of its signature noodle soup dish as well as its lu rou fan, or stewed fatty pork over rice, since it opened in October.

Yilan Food is currently open on Sundays for pre-order pickup and delivery in Oakland. (It also has an outpost in San Francisco.) Its hours are limited, as the pop-up is still in its early days.

A group of friends came up with the idea for Yilan Foods and started fine-tuning its recipes just a month ahead of the pop-ups public launch. The founders consist of Itthisak Rampaiyakul, a classically trained chef and owner of Ninna Restaurant (which has permanently closed with its regular Thai food menu); Eric Sim, a home cook; Alex Tong, who went to culinary school with Rampaiyakul and worked with him at the now-shuttered, historic Grand Cafe in San Francisco; and Christopher Lam, who went to high school with Rampaiyakul and runs the business side of the endeavor.

For all of the founders, food is a way to connect to their roots. In particular, the menu and recipes are inspired by Sims roots. Growing up, it was hard to find Taiwanese food and ways to connect to my culture, said Sim, whose father is Chinese Malaysian and whose mother is Taiwanese. His mother is from Yilan, a mostly farming region just east of Taipei. Sim grew up in Oakland, where Cantonese was the predominant language, making him feel like somewhat of an outsider.

For a long time in Oakland, there was a dearth of restaurants specializing in Taiwanese food. In recent years, restaurants and pop-ups like Taiwan Bento in Uptown and Good to Eat Dumplings in Jack London Square started selling traditional Taiwanese dishes.

While Yilan has regional dishes such as green onion pancakes, Sim said the pop-up isnt specifically focused on food from Yilan, but Taiwanese food in general. Taiwan is known for xiao chi, or small bites, often served on the street and at night markets. While it originates from the Sichuan province of China, beef noodle soup has become eponymous with Taiwanese food.

At Yilan Foods, beef noodle soup is the star, and it frequently sells out, sometimes as quickly as within 45 minutes of opening for pre-orders online.

Yilans version of beef noodle soup ($15) features hong shao (red-braised) meat in a collagen-laden broth. Along with slow-braised beef shank, beef neck bones and foot bones add gelatin and flavor to the soup, which is both subtle and rich, but not oily. The broth is ladled over fresh wheat noodles topped with sauteed bok choy and pickled mustard greens. Most restaurants serve beef noodle soup with chunks of beef shank, but Yilans version has sliced meat, more akin to what you would find in pho. Still, its a very traditional bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup one Id recommend to my parents, who were raised in Taiwan and are accomplished home cooks. And the portion is large enough for leftovers.

Im a firm believer that moms make the best soup, Tong said, acknowledging all the excellent home cooks out there. If theres a mom that can slang beef noodle soup, its probably better than ours. Despite Tongs modesty, the fact that Yilan Foods consistently sells out of its fare, just through Instagram and Facebook posts and word of mouth, is telling. Yilans beef noodle soup is mildly spicy. I recommend adding beef tendons ($3), gelatinous chunks that almost melt in your mouth, to your order.

Yilans other offering is lu rou fan, another Taiwanese staple. In Taiwan, the braised pork rice dish is often served as a snack or mini-meal. Yilans version is generous, enough for a meal for one, plus leftovers. Often, the dish features minced pork belly, but some versions have larger, chunkier pieces of pork such is Yilans lu rou fan, which has the addition of shiitake mushrooms and is served in an aesthetically pleasing to-go presentation, with pickled daikon and half a soft-boiled egg steeped in Puerh tea. The egg is more akin to a ramen egg than a traditional hardboiled tea egg. I personally prefer mine hardboiled, but the soft-boiled egg is a nice twist and makes the dish a little more modern. At $13 for a large bowl, Yilans lu rou fan is an extremely hardy and satisfying meal.

Id be remiss if I didnt mention Yilans housemade chile sauce. Tong who has worked in the restaurant industry for years including a stint at Four Seasons in Las Vegas put a lot of work into perfecting this highly addictive chile oil. A side portion comes with an order of beef noodle soup, but you can purchase an additional serving for $1. Made with high-quality chile peppers and Sichuan peppercorn, the sauce is fragrant and will elevate any dish that needs some spice. (I saved my sauce and used it with ramen and congee I made at home.) Yilan Foods eventually hopes to sell the sauce in larger portions; I see this becoming a pantry staple for many home cooks.

Yilans menu just offers two staple dishes at the moment, but the team is currently fine-tuning a vegetarian lu rou fan, which would make the pop-up one of the only local spots that sells a veg-friendly version. Recently, Yilan added two side dishes ($6 each): garlic cucumbers, and wood ear mushrooms marinated in vinegar.

Down the line, the Yilan team hopes to move into a brick-and-mortar space. The ride has been pretty crazy, Sim said. I didnt think it would gain so much traction. Its a very pleasant surprise.

And perhaps even further down the line, the founder-friends have plans to introduce locals to more Taiwanese food. Tong has been experimenting with making his own you tiao, or fried donut sticks. Typically a breakfast food that can be dipped or thrown into hot soy milk or incorporated in other dishes jianbing, for example Tong hopes to eventually serve fan tuan, sticky rice rolled around you tiao that can be made sweet or savory. Fan tuan are a highly portable, filling food that is usually eaten for breakfast and is harder to find in this area. Its a favorite amongst our team, Tong said.

While Sim is the only one with family from Taiwan, all of the Yilan team members have cultural connections with the project. Lams parents, for example, are ethnically Chinese from Vietnam, and he grew up mostly eating Vietnamese food. Yilans lu rou fan reminds Lam of a braised pork belly and egg dish from Northern Vietnam, thit kho. Its really cool connecting dishes from my childhood to dishes were serving in the restaurant now, he said.

For Sim, the last time he visited Taiwan was with his mom when he was 14. Her family was very poor, he recalled, describing the home as a shack in a rice paddy field. Yilan Foods is a homage to her, and to all immigrant parents who brought their children to the U.S. for a better life.

Yilan Foods East Bay pickup location is at Ninna Restaurant, 4066 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Pre-order online starting at noon on Wednesdays for pickup between 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday; delivery is available for an extra cost.

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Yilan Foods in Oakland is constantly selling out of its Taiwanese food - Berkeleyside

Bishops in Vietnam have called on Catholics to follow Lent practices to bring solidarity and peace to people during the Covid-19 pandemic and care for the creation.

Bishop Cosme Hoang Van Dat of Bac Ninh said Christians enter Lent a period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday with growing concern about the coronavirus pandemic, which threatens human life and has caused economic decline and social disorder.

Lent invites us to fast, pray and do charitable work and moral duties to alleviate peoples suffering and shine the Easter good news at thelife of families and society during this hard time, Bishop Dat said.

The Jesuit prelate, who visited many parishes during the Lunar New Year festival, said Catholics are active in pastoral activities and acutely aware of the importance of Mass. Many parishes and subparishes built new facilities last year.

He said in places where people have been in quarantine due to the coronavirus, many Catholics gather at their homes to pray for their own safety, the moral practice they had ignored. Some places in Bac Giang province, one of six provinces under the diocese, are still quarantined.

Bishop Paul Nguyen Thai Hop of Ha Tinh said to live out Lent with love means to care for those who are suffering, abandoned and threatened by Covid-19. He reminded Catholics to remember Gods words Do not fear, for I have redeemed you when they face a gloomy future.

With Christian love, we will set their minds at ease because they feel love from God, the Dominican bishop said.

Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang of Ho Chi Minh City said moral practices during the Lent season are really necessary during the pandemic. The Church prays for itself and has a mission to pray for the world.

Praying is not only appealing to God but also listening to God, who wants us to do penance and improve our lives according to the Good News, Archbishop Nang said, adding that God will not answer their prayers if they pray for the coronavirus pandemic to end soon and then they return to their own life of selfishness, greed, hatred and sin.

Masses and services at many churches in the southern city have been suspended for the outbreak.

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Archbishop Nang said Lent retreats will help Catholics to abandon their oldlives and follow God on a new path.

Hesaid the Lent season is a good time for Christians to do charitable work and open their hearts to others. In these hard times, people need more solidarity and sharing than ever before.

We receive love from Jesus and give it to our brothers and sisters. Catholics must be trailblazers in forgiveness and conciliation, accepting and helping one another, and recognizing poor people as Jesus to feed them, he said, adding that charity must be a particular sign to identify Catholics.

Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of Hanoi said fraternity is the best medicine, like the vaccines against the coronavirus the world expects. Life is from communion.

He said fraternity means that people love one another and all creation as much as themselves. Communion ties reach out when people are ready to give up their time and daily work and to turn attention to others.

He urged Catholics to touch people in need, especially young people who face personal crises, isolate themselves from communities and live in broken homes. We should walk with them, pray for them and give them useful advice, he said.

The archbishop, who also serves as apostolic administrator of his home diocese of Hai Phong, said people and all creation have close relations to one another, so we should urgently respond to the needs of the Earth and find suitable approaches to heal, safeguard and take care of the planet.

In doing so, people live in communion with the environment and together with all creation, glorify the creator and help one another reach our ends according to his love plan, he said.

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Vietnam Catholics urged to live Lent spirit during pandemic - Union of Catholic Asian News