Author: Malia Yoshioka

Malia Yoshioka is a freelance food and travel writer from Hawaii, slowly eating her way around the world and currently based in Istanbul. Born and raised in beautiful Upcountry Maui, she created Shoyu Sugar to share her hometown favorites with visitors and kama’aina alike. Consider this your insider guide to the best things to do, see and - most importantly - what to EAT in Hawaii and beyond!
Traditional Turkish breakfast in Istanbul at Doğacıyız, showcasing specialties from Hatay/Antakya, including small green olives native to the region, creamy clotted cheese with olive oil, muhammara, assorted jams, herbs, and fresh veggies, served with sahanda yumurta (fried egg in a pan) and Turkish tea in curved glasses.

Best Turkish Breakfasts in Istanbul: Regional Specialties

If you’re a foodie visiting Turkiye, there’s no doubt that you’ve probably seen the classic photos of a Turkish breakfast spread (known as “serpme kahvalti”) where tiny, colorful dishes completely cover the table and compete for your attention – both your eyes and your taste buds! A classic Turkish breakfast is a must and many,…

Malia Yoshioka smiles beside a local farmer at the Kalamata open market, holding a large, uniquely shaped heirloom tomato known in Greek as “fat and curly.” The vibrant tomato features swirls of red, pink, and yellow, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural produce.

Kalamata Open Market Guide: What to Eat, Buy and Bring Home from Kalamata

The scent of newly-gathered herbs, fresh fish on ice, and the steady buzz of neighbors greeting each other over crates of tomatoes, artichokes, lemons… visiting a market gives you a true glimpse into life in the Peloponnese. Twice a week, the Kalamata Open Market (Λαϊκή Αγορά Καλαμάτας) spills into the back lot around the permanent…

A view from the rooftop restaurant and lounge of the Pharae Palace hotel in Kalamata, Greece. Two rows of chairs and tables line the long balcony which overlooks Navarinou Street, and beyond it the Messinian Gulf. In the distance, Mount Taygetos slopes down to meet the bay. The sun is setting casting a golden glow over the empty tables.

Where to Stay in Kalamata: Beach or Old Town?

The seaside town of Kalamata is the central port of the region of Messinia in the Peloponnese, and one of my favorite stops in Greece. Despite being from Hawaii, I’m not much into beaches (I know!) but I do LOVE being near the water. Towns with mountains that slope down to the water, as the…

A reflective window view of the Nuruosmaniye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar courtyard in Istanbul, with domes, arches, and minarets blending into the cloudy sky. The photo captures the architectural charm and layered textures that make a photo walk with Noemie Deveaux in Istanbul such a visually rich experience.
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Unique Things to Do in Istanbul for Photography Lovers

Most travelers come to Istanbul for the history and you absolutely can’t miss sights like the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet (the Blue Mosque), the maze-like Grand Bazaar, or a cruise along the Bosphorus, as those are all unforgettable experiences. But if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to go beyond the typical tourist stops, or…

An image of a emergency vehicle driving through a flooded road with palm trees on either side and a dark storm cloud in the background. Text reads: How to stay safe while traveling during a natural disaster www.ShoyuSugar.com
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Travel Safety Planning: How to Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster

Lately it seems that there’s a new headline every week with a natural disaster occurring somewhere in the world. Fires, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis have become an unfortunate part of our everyday lives. As travelers, we may often have a familiar connection to the place, having lived or traveled there or thinking of someone…

A useful food phrases for travel: a Duolingo quote in Japanese for "My favorite food is sushi" with Japanese characters above and English translation below, spoken by Fallstaff, the Duolingo bear.

5 Food Phrases for Your Next Trip Abroad + Bonus ChatGPT Prompt for Foodie Travelers

I believe that food is a universal language. It’s a common ground that unites us, no matter our background or history. To me, it’s also the quickest way to connect with a local culture when I travel. So even for a short trip, I really try to prioritize learning at least a few key phrases….