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!
Neighbors
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Neighbors

When I first moved into my apartment it was unfurnished. In Turkey that means a complete blank slate: no appliances, curtains, not even light fixtures. I felt excitement at being able to fill up my space thoughtfully, surrounding myself only with carefully-selected things I loved. But at the same time, furnishing a whole 2-bedroom apartment…

Beautiful arrangements of tulips at Emirgan Park at the Istanbul Tulip Festival
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How to Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival (2024)

Tulip season in Turkey really kicks off in April, and it’s a beautiful way to welcome the spring in Istanbul. If you’re visiting Istanbul during the month of April, you definitely should make a stop to visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival! As of April 3, 2024, we saw that the tulips were already in bloom…

Malia Yoshioka stands on a lookout from Shenandoah Valley's Skyline Drive. In the background is a bright blue sky and an expanse of trees turning orange and gold with fall foliage.
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Day Trip from Washington DC: Fall Foliage in Shenandoah Valley

Washington DC is full of historic sites, museums, parks and is one of the top dining destinations in the country. You could easily spend weeks here and never tire of the bountiful options for things to do! But if you’re the type who loves a good road trip and beautiful fall foliage, a self-guided road…

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Where to Eat in Lisbon: Cervejaria Ramiro

I had first seen Cervejaria Ramiro on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations episode on Lisbon. Known for serving a huge variety of fresh seafood with grilled steak sandwiches for “dessert”, it was on my short list of places to visit in my trip to Portugal. I had plans to meet my friend Flavia from Brazil for…