By Scmp
We have selected seven Lifestyle and Culture stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. How a Cantonese-American chef in New York uses MSG to celebrate his culture
On his left upper arm, Cantonese-American chef Calvin Eng has a tattoo that pays tribute to his upbringing and his identity as a chef. It is a heart with a banner bearing the letters MSG 鈥 the abbreviation of flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate 鈥 and it shows just how dedicated he is to the ingredient that has drawn controversy for decades.
2. He鈥檚 spent half his life researching how to age well. Here鈥檚 his advice
He did not win the US$250,000 prize, but Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre was one of 10 finalists out of 100,000 candidates for the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Montayre, a gerontologist 鈥 or healthy ageing specialist 鈥 and associate professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University鈥檚 School of Nursing, was considered for the award for his groundbreaking research.
3. Resilience helps us deal with stress and loss, but how to build it up?
While working with children with cancer and other blood diseases as a graduate school student in the United States, Maria Sirois wondered why some families grew stronger and closer as they rallied against severe illness. Watching their stories unfold inspired her to learn more about why some of us develop resilience while others fall to pieces.
4. 鈥榃hy is her Cantonese so good?鈥 Indian Hongkonger on social media fame
Pranali Gupta did not set out to become a social media content creator. In 2019, when a friend suggested she should try it, the Hong Kong-born Indian said no, as she was 鈥渘ot the type of person who likes taking photos or videos of myself鈥. However, Gupta, who speaks fluent Cantonese, warmed to the idea of having a platform where she could help other Hongkongers understand more about her bicultural identity.
5. What is creatine? Experts on its health benefits for both body and brain
Creatine is one of the most popular supplements on the market today and is a favourite topic of Hong Kong-based functional nutritionist Beth Wright 鈥 partly because of its versatility, but also because of how overlooked it has been in female health.
6. Is your dog getting too hot? How to prevent heatstroke in pets in summer
Humans are not the only ones who experience heatstroke: our four-legged friends can suffer from it too. And with summers getting more intense around the world, they are at more risk than ever. The data speaks for itself, with the World Meteorological Organization confirming that 2024 was the warmest year on record.
7. What gifts must you avoid giving in Chinese culture? Clocks, shoes and more
Many objects are considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Red items, for example, are thought to be lucky because of the colour鈥檚 associations with good fortune and prosperity 鈥 red clothing is commonly worn during Lunar New Year as it symbolises new beginnings. But there are also items that are considered unlucky, especially when given as a present. Giving the wrong present can risk ill will for years to come.