Sign in

Luke Tsai

@theluketsai.bsky.social
483 followers 181 following 155 posts

Food editor, KQED Arts & Culture

PostsRepliesMedia
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 15h
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...
kqed.org
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.
020
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
001
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
020
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
021
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
021
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
One of my favorite pho spots is now open until 12:30 a.m. every day. www.kqed.org/arts/1399362...
kqed.org
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.
030
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Sarah Hotchkiss @sahotchkiss.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
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
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.
041
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Sarah Hotchkiss @sahotchkiss.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
🚨 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...
kqed.applytojob.com
Outdoors Digital Engagement Reporter - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Outdoors Digital Engagement Reporter at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
011
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
062
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Nine, actually!
030
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
062
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Come work with me! kqed.applytojob.com/apply/m1WSLm...
kqed.applytojob.com
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.
163
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
This San José Food Tent Is a Temple to Crispy Colombian Stuffed Pork
La Grama serves the best lechona in the Bay Area.
021
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
010
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
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
Tea leaf salad, samusas, beef noodles, chili sauce on a diner counter.Small bowl of herb-garnished soup and a paper-wrapped lamb sandwich on a plate.Glistening Chinese-style roast duck with a side of pickled cucumbers.
031
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Happy to report that one of my all-time favorite lunch spots is NOT closing permanently after all. www.kqed.org/arts/1399274...
kqed.org
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.
031
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
041
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
041
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
041
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Sarah Hotchkiss @sahotchkiss.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
👉 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...
kqed.applytojob.com
Reporter, Arts & Culture - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Reporter, Arts & Culture at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
087
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
022
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
022
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
020
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
041
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
041
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Clara Jeffery @clarajeffery.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Networks might have un?)sweetened the mix but this SI clip really captures the boos for Trump at World Cup final www.tiktok.com/t/ZTAeHVupN/
tiktok.com
Closing out the World Cup in the U.S. #worldcup #worldcupfinal #trump
TikTok video by Sports Illustrated
917143
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
New Jersey.
Everything egg bagel sandwich with pork roll, egg, and cheese.
030
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Feels like the first hot day of the summer in the Bay—maybe a good night to visit Sunnyvale's wildly popular late-night Indian ice cream shop?? www.kqed.org/arts/1399071...
kqed.org
The Exuberant Joy of an Indian Ice Cream Shop at 11 p.m.
Pints of Joy is Sunnyvale’s sweetest late-night party.
151
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Feels like the first hot day of the summer in the Bay—maybe a good night to visit Sunnyvale's wildly popular late-night Indian ice cream shop?? www.kqed.org/arts/1399071...
kqed.org
The Exuberant Joy of an Indian Ice Cream Shop at 11 p.m.
Pints of Joy is Sunnyvale’s sweetest late-night party.
151
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
San Jose now has a legit Nigerian restaurant! @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social reports on what’s good. www.kqed.org/arts/1399066...
kqed.org
The South Bay’s First Nigerian Restaurant Takes Off in San José | KQED
FolaFela specializes in jollof rice and a large variety of delicious soups and stews.
023
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
My new favorite restaurant of the moment is this Filipino diner in downtown Oakland that serves the BEST sisig and kare-kare (with homemade bagoong!) — until as late as 2 a.m. on weekends. It must be protected at all costs. www.kqed.org/arts/1399027...
kqed.org
This Late-Night Filipino Diner in Downtown Oakland Is Hidden in Plain Sight
The secret is out about Tita Becca’s amazing homestyle pork sisig and kare-kare.
162
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
My new favorite restaurant of the moment is this Filipino diner in downtown Oakland that serves the BEST sisig and kare-kare (with homemade bagoong!) — until as late as 2 a.m. on weekends. It must be protected at all costs. www.kqed.org/arts/1399027...
kqed.org
This Late-Night Filipino Diner in Downtown Oakland Is Hidden in Plain Sight
The secret is out about Tita Becca’s amazing homestyle pork sisig and kare-kare.
162
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
While I do feel a need to speak up for *Taiwanese* mangoes, this Indian mango party coming up this weekend sounds incredible. www.kqed.org/arts/1399021...
kqed.org
Indian Mangoes Are the ‘Fruit of the Gods.’ Now, in San Francisco, They Have Their Own Party
Inside the grassroots movement to get Americans to eat a better mango.
47213
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
I can see that, but it's the fibrousness that I cannot abide!
030
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Rob Cruickshank @robcruickshank.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Americans, you have a lot to rise up against now, but freeing your country from the grip of those horrible Tommy Atkins mangos should be on the list, and it's nice to see it starting to happen.
384
Reposted by Luke Tsai
maggie spiders @squishythings.com · 28/05/2026
this is the season of my household buying boxes of 16 of The Good mangoes from the indian market and them all getting eaten in like 2 days
0112
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
While I do feel a need to speak up for *Taiwanese* mangoes, this Indian mango party coming up this weekend sounds incredible. www.kqed.org/arts/1399021...
kqed.org
Indian Mangoes Are the ‘Fruit of the Gods.’ Now, in San Francisco, They Have Their Own Party
Inside the grassroots movement to get Americans to eat a better mango.
47213
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Nation’s strawberry pie season
Pie with whipped cream and large whole strawberries in the dappled sunlight
030
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Wrote about some of my favorite burger joints — the nostalgic, old-timey drive-thrus AND the trendy new smash burger spots. www.kqed.org/arts/1399011...
kqed.org
10 Classic (and Not-So-Classic) Bay Area Burger Joints
The crispiest smash burgers and most nostalgic, old-timey carhops.
021
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Nathan Kalman-Lamb @nkalamb.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
UC Berkeley Law creates new AI policy that bans AI for "conceptualizing, outlining, drafting, revising, translating, or editing any work submitted for credit" or exams because "thinking remains the sine qua non of good lawyering (and of a quality legal education)." That's what I'm talking about.
Rule:
The use of AI is prohibited for aid in conceptualizing, outlining, drafting, revising,
translating, or editing any work submitted for credit. AI use is prohibited for any use for
any purpose in any exam situation. Students may not upload course
materials—including assignments, readings, slides, class recordings, or other class
content—into generative AI systems. AI can be used for research on papers ONLY for the
limited purpose of identifying sources, such as cases, statutes, or secondary sources.
Students are responsible for the accuracy of their research and all other aspects of their
submitted work. Citations to sources that do not exist will raise a presumption of
prohibited AI use
5136701193
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I have updated my highly opinionated Bay Area guide, with three new additions (Castro Valley, stand up!) and a gentle scolding of places where the sugar content is really getting out of control! www.kqed.org/arts/1395766...
kqed.org
12 Refreshing Bay Area Boba Shops to Cool You Off This Summer
Because friends don’t let friends drink bad boba.
132
Reposted by Luke Tsai
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
The new Midnight Diners is late-night slices at June's in West Oakland www.kqed.org/arts/1398967...
kqed.org
June’s Pizza Is Oakland’s Favorite Late-Night Slice Shop
The simple margherita and pepperoni slices are a thing of beauty at this buzzy Mandela Parkway pizzeria.
043
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
The new Midnight Diners is late-night slices at June's in West Oakland www.kqed.org/arts/1398967...
kqed.org
June’s Pizza Is Oakland’s Favorite Late-Night Slice Shop
The simple margherita and pepperoni slices are a thing of beauty at this buzzy Mandela Parkway pizzeria.
043
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I have updated my highly opinionated Bay Area guide, with three new additions (Castro Valley, stand up!) and a gentle scolding of places where the sugar content is really getting out of control! www.kqed.org/arts/1395766...
kqed.org
12 Refreshing Bay Area Boba Shops to Cool You Off This Summer
Because friends don’t let friends drink bad boba.
132
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
*taps microphone* For KQED's affordability series, I wrote a big list of restaurants where you can eat DELICIOUSLY for $12 or less. www.kqed.org/arts/1398933...
kqed.org
25 Great Bay Area Meals for $12 or Less
Your guide to the best — and most affordable — taquerias, noodle counters and bánh mì shops in the Bay.
0125
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Did you know that El Tucán's new San Rafael outpost serves maybe the best Baja fried fish and fried shrimp tacos I've ever had in the Bay? I wrote about it in the latest Midnight Diners: www.kqed.org/arts/1398885...
kqed.org
This North Bay Taqueria Is Your New Destination for Late-Night Fried Fish Tacos
El Tucán’s new San Rafael restaurant serves up Baja-style tacos and breezy waterfront vibes.
022
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
If Chef Tommy is doing yakitori (or fried chicken!), at whatever restaurant, I will be there to eat it. www.kqed.org/arts/1398876...
kqed.org
San Francisco’s Yakitori King Is Back | KQED
Tommy Cleary’s new izakaya, TBD, drops the skewers and leans into dry aging.
021
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Would love to see this community-oriented, "pay what you can" model for the restaurant business gain traction. A call for a global pay what you can day on 8/26: www.kqed.org/arts/1398864...
kqed.org
Bay Area Restaurants Will Allow Customers to ‘Pay What They Can’ — For One Day, Anyway
On August 26, a global movement from Mexico City arrives at Bay Area staples like Reem’s and Bombera.
022
Luke Tsai @theluketsai.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Here's @tavos-kitchen.bsky.social on a new burrito spot in San Jose that sells more than 14 different specialty burrito styles—including probably at least three or four you've never tried. www.kqed.org/arts/1398868...
kqed.org
A New San José Restaurant Offers the Largest Variety of Burritos in the Bay
Cuco's Burritos serves more than 14 different specialty burritos inspired by regional Mexican cuisine.
052