At Books and Bao, you’ll find recommendations for diverse literature — from queer writers to books in translation — as well as unique travel guides, delicious culinary experiences, tattoo guides, and manga recommendations.
Cultural & Literary Travel
Explore the most beautiful heritage buildings plus historic and artistic places around the world with real curiosity and heart.
The 10 Best Independent Bath Bookshops, UK
As one of the oldest and most architecturally beautiful little…
15 Essential Books to Read Before You Visit Japan
Before you travel to any new country, you should know…
Read more of our cultural and literary travel pieces.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”
Latest Book Reviews and Lists
Read Books and Bao’s reviews of translated literature, author spotlights, essays, and translator interviews to discover something new.
24 Intersectional Feminist Novels to Read Now
We should all be feminists. This is a simple truth….
24 Best Sci-Fi Books Ever (Classic & Modern)
Science fiction is both an exciting and a vitally important…
22 Essential Gothic Novels (Classic & Contemporary)
Gothic fiction is a genre with an incredible legacy, but…
12 Must-Read Shoujo Manga
Shoujo is a broad genre of manga that has existed…
10 Terrifying Queer Horror Books
Representation of minority experiences in genre fiction is important for…
11 Thrilling Mystery Novels (Not by Agatha Christie)
The murder-mystery genre is seeing something of a renaissance at…
Browse more book lists and reviews.
12 Must-Read Japanese Mystery Novels (Honkaku)
It’s often the great European and American mystery writers of…
” If you want to know a country, read its writers”
Food and Drink
Discover delicious foods, food guides, and the best bars and restaurants around the world.
10 Cutest Cafes in The Hague, NL
The Hague’s city centre is a pleasure to explore. Its…
12 Best Korean Cookbooks: (A Taste of Seoul at Home)
Enjoy the finest Korean foods in the comfort of your…
Read Our Latest Food and Drink Articles
What to Eat in Tokyo (+ Ramen Guide)
Tokyo is a foodie’s dream! It’s a city with more…
A Culinary Guide to South Korea (+ Jeju Island)
If there’s one country’s food that has taken off on…
” I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”
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