Tatler Weekend Hong Kong: Why is the ancient practice of Ayurveda still relevant today?
Editor’s note
The two emerald-leafed tulsi (holy basil) trees stood like silent sentinels in our sun-dappled garden, largely unnoticed until the first telltale sniffles echoed through my childhood home. That's when these sacred plants transformed from mere garden fixtures into nature's medicine chest. My mother would reverently approach these botanical guardians, her unwavering faith in their healing powers as deep as their roots in our soil. As a child, I would wrinkle my nose at the pungent, peppermint-like fragrance that wafted from the steaming cups of tulsi tea she brewed.
Traditions, like morning sunlight filtering through tulsi leaves, have their own way of warming the soul. We inherit these traditions like precious heirlooms, their value measured not in logic but in the comfort they bring, wrapping around us like a familiar, well-worn quilt.
In this Tatler Weekend, we cover traditions: the tradition of Ayurveda, of which the revered tulsi of my home is an integral part; the Chinese tradition of feng shui that's often used for creating spaces that inspire wellness; and how a Thai chef used traditional Thai recipes to earn three Michelin stars.
Someone rightly said, “Traditions are like peer pressure from our ancestors”—but then, not all peer pressure is necessarily bad.
Enjoy Tatler Weekend!
Parminder Singh
Parminder Singh
Chief Operating Officer
Chef Ice’s Triumph: Sorn’s Historic Three Michelin Stars for Thai Cuisine
Supaksorn Jongsiri, better known as Chef Ice, has made history as the first person ever to earn three Michelin stars for a Southern Thai restaurant. His remarkable achievement elevates Thai cuisine to new heights, showcasing the depth and authenticity of Southern Thai flavours with unparalleled elegance and finesse.
“It still feels like a dream. I am deeply grateful for everything that has brought us to this point, from the people we've met, including the members of Sorn, to the farmers, gardeners, rice growers, and fishermen who enable us to create amazing dishes. I feel so fortunate to be born Thai because if I were cooking cuisine from another country, I probably wouldn't be able to compete,” says chef Ice Supaksorn Jongsiri, reflecting on his historic achievement of leading Sorn to become the world's first Southern Thai restaurant to earn three Michelin stars in the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide Thailand.
Sorn earned its first Michelin star in 2018 “within the first four or five months of opening”. “I was surprised at how quickly it came, but it validated that we were on the right track,” chef Ice tells Tatler. The following year, he received two Michelin stars and maintained that prestigious status for five consecutive years before achieving the coveted third star this year.
“Initially, I was content with just one star, but once we got two, I aimed to go all the way to be remembered in history, something my children could be proud of,” says the 42-year-old chef and father of two.
Read more: Sorn chef-owner Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen
Why are people quitting dating apps?
The once-glowing allure of dating apps is starting to fade, with major players like Tinder reporting declining user numbers. Why are people stepping back from the swipe in the digital age?
Everyone’s on the apps. Everyone complains about the apps. So, have we hit the peak of dating apps?
In just a decade, they’ve gone from a niche pursuit to the most popular way to meet potential partners. In Asia alone, an estimated 170 million people, mainly millennials and Gen Z, use platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, as well as Asian-based apps like Paktor and Tantan.
But despite the undeniable impact of dating apps on modern romance—in the US, 39 per cent of heterosexual relationships and 60 per cent of same-sex relationships now begin online—cracks are starting to show. Tinder reported an 8 per cent drop in paid users in 2023, and downloads for dating apps across the board are declining. So why are people swiping left on love in the digital age?
Read more: Feng shui for singles: How to invite love into your home
Wellness retreats, healing villages and sustainability: Exploring Ayurveda’s lasting appeal
Ayurveda may not align with the framework of modern scientific medicine, but its emphasis on holistic health and harmony with nature makes it resonate with people seeking sustainable well-being options
Ayurveda has been practised in India for a long time—more than 3,000 years. In that time, it’s been influenced by several branches of medical systems; saw a decline during India’s colonial era; then experienced a revival after the country’s independence. Today, it has gone mainstream and is endorsed by Hollywood celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts.
It’s been quite a journey for this ancient medicine system, but through it all, it has remained unchanged in its core philosophy: the need for a balanced lifestyle. That’s why an increasing number of people, who seek alternatives to Western medicine, are still drawn to Ayurveda.
So, to meet the needs of modern times, many practitioners of Ayurveda are reimagining this ancient philosophy’s wisdom by blending the time-tested principles with contemporary practices. This revitalisation is not merely a trend but a movement that reflects a growing awareness of holistic well-being.
Also read: Rituals: Finding success at the intersection of wellbeing, mindfulness and sustainable luxury
Feng shui wellness insights for the Year of the Snake
Welcome the Year of the Snake with design tips from two feng shui masters on how to create spaces that nurture both mind and spirit
As we step into the Year of the Snake (2025), the art of feng shui takes on new significance in the realm of home interior design. Rooted in centuries of wisdom, feng shui offers a timeless approach to creating spaces that inspire well-being and balance.
To delve deeper into how these principles can be adapted to modern homes, we spoke with two renowned feng shui masters, Cliff Tan and Clarice Chan. Together, they shed light on how to design spaces that resonate with the Snake’s introspective and adaptive energies, fostering wellness in every corner of the home.
Read more: Chinese New Year 2025: 5 home makeover tips for the Year of the Snake