Raymond Cua is full-time Toronto travel & food writer, content creator, and the founder & publisher of Travelling Foodie with experience travelling in over 35+ countries and more than half of the United States and Canadian provinces. With over 125K+ combined followers and 60K+ monthly readers, I've been featured on Travel + Leisure, Reader's Digest, Global News, CTV News, and Philippine Daily Inquirer, and other print and digital media outlets.
Snowstorms, Star Trek & The Best Pho In Toronto
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Hello Reader! How are those New Year resolutions coming along? January has been quiet on the surface but busy behind the scenes. The snowstorms here in Toronto gave me plenty of excuses to stay in to plan out the year and catch up on shows. I do have some trips confirmed that I can't wait to share with you soon. My Big Mobile SwitchOne of my biggest moves this month was finally switching from Koodo to Freedom Mobile. They had a Boxing Week offer that felt tailor-made for me with a US-Mexico-Canada plan that includes free monthly roaming and data in over 125 countries. This is going to be a game-changer for my travel budget since I won't have to constantly buy e-sims anymore. I haven't tested the roaming yet since I've been anchored in Toronto, but I'll find out how well it works on my next trip. Red Carpets & Reality TVI ventured out for a Travel Massive Industry Night to catch up with friends and brands, and I also hit the red carpet for two Paramount+ Canada premieres. We got to see the first episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in theatres before anyone else. I wouldn't call myself a Trekkie, but this was packed with action and felt like a full movie on its own. I met the cast at the after-party and they were incredibly down to earth. We also screened Canada Shore. I've never watched Jersey Shore and didn't really know what to expect, but I found it fun and hilarious. I was surprised they chose Kelowna as the location since I never knew it was party city. As a foodie, I always thought of it as wine country, and also recently the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Canada. We somehow picked seats right in front of the cast during the screening, and they were all partying at the big bash afterward. Both shows are definitely staying on my watchlist. Toronto EatsSince it's winter, I've been comforting myself with good food around the GTA. Pho Ngoc Yen I found what might be my new favorite Vietnamese spot. They serve the most flavourful broth I've had in the city, and their fish sauce chicken wings are the best I've ever tasted. Pears Restaurant I checked out this spot in Markham where I tried their smoked duck five ways. The smoked Peking duck was so good, and I actually prefer it over Mott32's. 416 Social They have massive $5 tacos during happy hour that put other spots to shame. Yukimi This spot is giving me major Yoshinoya/Matsuya vibes with their comfort gyudon. Konak Turkish Cuisine A new spot in North York where the Adana kebab was juicy and the fresh pide was delicious. J San Sushi Still one of my fave spots for sushi takeout/delivery. Media Wins!It feels like a full-circle moment because Travel + Leisure was my first major feature back when I started Instagram in 2014. They recently tapped me as a travel expert for their story on travel products that help save money. Recipes
Food, Travel and Other News
My Snowstorm WatchlistThanks to the extreme weather and holiday season, I've powered through a lot of TV since my December newsletter.
How has your January been? Hit reply and let me know. I read every email! As always, happy travels and eating! Cheers, Raymond Cua *If you enjoy this newsletter and would like to support, consider buying me a coffee, purchasing merch, or sharing to a friend! ** Ever wonder how I make my content? Here's everything I use! |
Travelling Foodie
Raymond Cua is full-time Toronto travel & food writer, content creator, and the founder & publisher of Travelling Foodie with experience travelling in over 35+ countries and more than half of the United States and Canadian provinces. With over 125K+ combined followers and 60K+ monthly readers, I've been featured on Travel + Leisure, Reader's Digest, Global News, CTV News, and Philippine Daily Inquirer, and other print and digital media outlets.
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Hello Reader! It feels like I barely unpacked my suitcase this month. At the end of April and the beginning of May, I spent ten days in Mexico. My visit was incredibly special because I was an invited international media guest and top content producer for Tianguis Turistico 2026. Exploring Acapulco and Michoacan I spent four days in Acapulco, one day in Taxco and four days in Michoacan. Even though I have been to Mexico before, all these destinations were completely new to me. I shared some...
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