2024 was filled with unforgettable foodie moments! From traveling to eight European cities to visiting Chicago and Honolulu, I had the wonderful experience of trying diverse cuisines. I also had the pleasure of being part of various grand openings around town and participating in exciting collaborations. This blog post highlights some of my favorite foodie moments of 2024 🙂.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Desserts 2024!

Shave ice was definitely one of my top foodie desserts this year! I discovered the best shave ice in town, both in Waikiki and in Irvine!

Sul and Beans (Yelp review: November 2024)

Sul and Beans Irvine has to be my favorite shave ice discovery of the year! Located at Diamond Jamboree, this spot can easily be overlooked among all the other amazing Asian eateries there. However, it is definitely not to be missed, as they serve the smoothest Korean shave ice, or bingsoo (빙수). Their bingsoo melts in your mouth! My top pick is their Earl Grey-flavored shave ice. It’s incredibly creamy and has the perfect Earl Grey flavor!

Island Vintage Shave Ice (Yelp review: December 2024)

Ono eats beachside! It’s no secret that Hawaii is one of my all-time favorite vacation spots. This year, I once again visited my favorite island and indulged in some of the best shave ice around. Island Vintage Shave Ice, located just a block away from Waikiki Beach, serves the smoothest and most delightful shave ice. I highly recommend their Tropical Island Shave Ice. It features mango, pineapple, soft ice cream, and popping boba, and will practically melt in your mouth!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Coffee 2024!

Ube latte? Yes, please! As a big ube fan, I discovered the best ube latte spot right by the beach!

1 Oz Coffee Huntington Beach (Yelp review: June 2024)

I love discovering new coffee spots, and I was thrilled to find 1 Oz Coffee in Huntington Beach! Located just a couple of blocks from the Huntington Beach Pier, this spot is perfect for a coffee before a walk on the beach. My favorite drink here is their Ube Latte. As an ube fan, I loved the rich ube flavor and subtle hints of coconut. Best of all, this spot doesn’t use any artificial syrups or sweeteners—everything is all natural!

Hello Foodie Jenn Favorite Grand Opening 2024!

An oldie but a goodie—my favorite cupcake shop has opened its second location in the South Bay!

Susie Cakes Bakery Torrance (Yelp review: September 2024)

I’ve been a fan of Susie Cakes Bakery in Manhattan Beach ever since they opened more than 15 years ago. So, I was beyond thrilled to see them open their new location in Torrance this past fall! I even had the chance to meet the founder, Susie herself! It was such a sweet event, filled with delicious treats and unforgettable moments!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Brunch 2024!

There’s something truly magical about enjoying brunch at a charming café—where every bite feels like a little escape. This year, I discovered a Parisian-inspired café that truly stole my heart.

Delices Du Chef (Yelp review: November 2024)

A little taste of Paris, right in Torrance! Délices Du Chef is simply delightful. The Parisian Omelette, filled with Parisian ham, Gruyère cheese, and mushrooms, is my pick for the perfect brunch. This spot makes me want to book a trip to Paris ASAP!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Travel Eats!

2024 was a year full of wanderlust and wonderful eats!

Sun Princess Eats (Blog post: March 2024)

My 2024 travel highlight was definitely being part of the inaugural season of the newest Princess Cruise ship, the Sun Princess. Not only was the ship beautiful, but the food was excellent. One of my favorite dining experiences was at Umai Teppanyaki, where I enjoyed the delicious Japanese fare along with the chef’s theatrical performance.

Chalet Ciro (Yelp review: April 2024)

When in Naples, one must visit Chalet Ciro. Naples is famous for its Graffe Napoletane, or soft Italian donuts. Chalet Ciro serves them fresh and delightfully hot! I definitely found my favorite Italian dessert here!

Giordano’s (Yelp review: November 2024)

What’s a trip to Chicago without deep-dish pizza? I absolutely loved my first deep-dish pizza experience at Giordano’s. The Special pizza was incredibly fulfilling, topped with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, all resting on the most amazing deep-dish crust. I was in pizza heaven!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Filipino Food 2024!

Looking back on 2024, I feel so lucky to have tried some of the best Filipino spots—each one a delicious celebration of bold flavors and rich traditions!

Kuya Lord (Blog post: August 2024)

I visited Kuya Lord for my mom’s birthday this year, and it was such a wonderful experience filled with ‘masarap’ foo. (‘Masarap’ is delicious in Tagalog). The Kuya Tray with Lucenachon is a must-try. It comes with tasty Chami Noodles, featuring sweet and spicy silky egg noodles with small pieces of fish cake, cabbage, carrots, and soy. The tray also includes flavorful Java garlic rice, which pairs perfectly with the Lucenachon. The Lucenachon itself has the most tender pork with perfectly crispy skin!

Sampa (Blog post: September 2024)

I celebrated my birthday at Sampa this year and enjoyed the most delightful Filipino feast! My favorite dish was the Kare Kare tamales. Kare Kare is my all-time favorite Filipino dish, and I loved how Sampa reimagined it. The oxtail inside the tamale, smothered in peanut butter broth, was such a creative and delicious twist! It was truly amazing!

Mekeni’s Pinoy Pride (Yelp review: November 2024)

Stepping into Mekeni’s Pinoy Pride feels like being welcomed with open arms into a warm, flavorful embrace. Their Filipino breakfast buffet on weekends is an absolute must-try! From the classic longganisa to the savory tocino, each dish is a true celebration of authentic Filipino flavors. It’s a feast that perfectly captures the essence of Filipino hospitality—just like the name ‘Mekeni,’ which invites you to come closer and savor every bite. (‘Mekeni’ means ‘come closer’ in Kapampangan, a regional language in the Philippines.)

Hello Foodie Jenn Best South Bay Discovery 2024!

I love finding South Bay Gems!

Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine (Yelp review: November 2024)

I absolutely loved discovering and trying out Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine in Hawthorne! This cozy restaurant is the perfect spot for a delightful dinner. I was especially impressed with their Tenderloin Medallions wrapped in bacon and paired with asparagus. The dish was incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. A must-visit for anyone craving delicious Brazilian cuisine!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Foodie Collaboration 2024!

It is always a pleasure to collaborate with different restaurants and brands, and this year was especially sweet!

Melo Melo Coconut (Blog post: July 2024)

Oh my coconut! It was such a sweet experience when I visited Melo Melo Coconut in Los Angeles. The Coconut Triple is a triple delight, featuring Melo’s signature coconut jelly, coconut water, and coconut meat. I’m absolutely coconuts about this dessert!

Turn Dough (Blog post: October 2024)

Turn Dough in Venice was such a fun collaboration! I loved visiting the Venice Boardwalk and enjoying my Minnie Macaron Chimney Cake with a beautiful sunset view. This Disney-inspired chimney cake was filled with Dulce de Leche, sweet ice cream, French macrons, rainbow sprinkles, and topped with a handmade Minnie Mouse bow. I definitely felt the Disney magic at the beach!

Omeli Kitchen (Yelp review: November 2024

Visiting Omeli Kitchen in Fullerton was such a treat! This Asian fusion gem has quickly earned a spot on my list of favorites. Their Lomo Saltado is nothing short of spectacular—tender, juicy filet mignon tops a flavorful medley of stir-fried perfection. The vibrant green sauce drizzled over the dish is a game-changer, adding a fiery kick that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Simply unforgettable!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Foodie Mashup 2024!

Sidecar Doughnuts x Salt and Straw (Instagram post: August 2024)

My favorite mashup of 2024 has to be the collaboration between Sidecar Doughnuts and Salt & Straw! These two beloved sweet shops joined forces to create pure dessert magic. I indulged in a Lemon Pound Cake Doughnut topped with creamy Cookie Dough Ice Cream, and it was nothing short of perfection. The combination of the zesty, tender doughnut and the rich, decadent ice cream was a match made in dessert heaven!

Overall, 2024 has been an incredible year filled with unforgettable foodie adventures, exciting collaborations, and delicious discoveries.

As I reflect on the past year and all the wonderful experiences I’ve had, I am filled with gratitude for the delicious meals, memorable moments, and friends I’ve shared meals with along the way. I feel so blessed to have partaken in these culinary adventures, sharing the joy of discovering new places and supporting local businesses. Here’s to more opportunities in the year ahead to explore and taste even more incredible flavors!