Eating Rice

Join hosts Joel and Caleb as they dive into the world of hot dogs — from the luxurious foie gras-infused varieties to the beloved Costco classics. Are hot dogs becoming the next big culinary trend? They'll explore the history of sausages and meat in a tube across different cultures and ask the age-old question: is there a "right" way to cook a hot dog? Plus, they'll explore the rise of restaurant...

Join Joel and Caleb for a tasty, fun-filled chat about making Philly Cheese Steak with Costco meat, Caleb’s pick for Vancouver’s Restaurant of the Year, and their favorite holiday eats. As first-generation Cantonese and Taiwanese North Americans, they sprinkle in stories about blending traditions, creating new ones, and celebrating the delicious chaos of it all. It’s a feast of laughs, culture, an...

In this episode, Caleb and Joel dive fork-first into the chaos of dining with friends—how to suggest restaurants without starting a riot, politely reject bad picks, and marvel at the Cheesecake Factory’s menu that somehow includes everything. We also resurrect the infamous potluck problem, unpacking why it’s always a disaster, what you can bring to avoid judgment, and how to handle those friends w...

Join Caleb and Joel as they dive into the world of food pop-ups, the rising costs of dining out, and the art of guessing menu prices. They debate whether menus should include dish sizes and explore why eating out feels pricier than ever.

After a sabbatical, Joel and Caleb are back—and this time, they mean it! Fresh from Joel’s wedding and Caleb’s latest adventure in Italy, the duo dives right into a lively debate about Italian cuisine. Is it truly one of the best in the world, or are we all just enchanted by the romance of it?

Tune in to Joel and Caleb on the latest episode of Eating Rice as they brainstorm how to throw the ultimate birthday bash, with a focus on the star of the show: the food! Peel back the layers on how to balance guest preferences with a dash of selfish indulgence—it’s your day, after all! Because showing gratitude with a killer party and menu is serious business... and a whole lot of fun!

  Joel and Caleb are diving straight into one of their favorite topics: grocery stores. Whether it's love or a begrudging acceptance, everyone has spent their fair share of time wandering those aisles. But have you ever stopped to ask why some grocery stores inspire, while others are just drab? In this episode, they're unpacking what they look for in a grocery store and dreaming about what a "perf...

Embarking on a weekend trip brings the joy of planning a menu, but it's not as simple as it sounds. With factors like taste preferences, available equipment, ingredient quantities, and more, the process can get complex. Join Joel and Caleb in this episode of Eating Rice as they tackle the real-world challenge of planning Caleb's New Year's Eve getaway with six friends.

Listen to this episode of Eating Rice as Caleb and Chris explore a reality many overlook while savoring a juicy steak—death. Chris takes us on his journey to reconcile this truth by delving into hunting and understanding what it truly takes for meat to reach our tables. Discover how Chris developed such a deep connection to the food he eats in this provoking episode.

In this latest episode of Eating Rice, Joel and Brandon dive into the savory world of dry-aged beef. Brandon, whose love for meat, especially beef, takes his obsession to a new level, by even dry aging meat at home.

Caleb and Joel explore their favorite cuts of steak, offering insights into the world of buying and eating beef. Meanwhile, Joel takes you on a culinary journey through his Thanksgiving-eating adventure, from savoring tapas in Portland, Maine, to crafting homemade pasta. Tune in for a delightful episode brimming with delectable tales and savory insights.

Sam, one of Caleb's oldest friends, has shared many savory life moments with him, from going to high school cooking camp to eating yakitori in Tokyo. This episode delves into Sam's multifaceted views on food and his complicated relationship with hosting dinners.

Joel and Caleb conclude their journey in Portugal in Porto with a culinary bang, savoring iconic Portuguese dishes and experiencing a transformative 2-Michelin Star restaurant. Joined by special guest Nadia (Joel's fiancée), this saudade-laced episode wraps up the food pilgrimage of a lifetime.

The gang continues their journey in Portugal, embarking on a road trip to the Algarve. Caleb and Joel reminisce about the awe-inspiring vistas, delectable fresh seafood, and a nostalgic cooking experience they shared.

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it a plethora of beloved seasonal dishes. Tune in to Eating Rice this week as Caleb and Joel discuss their favorite gourds, noodles, and pies. They also take a trip down memory lane, sharing stories about the glory days of ramen and pondering why its popularity has declined. This episode was recorded in September 2023.

After a one-month hiatus, Caleb and Joel return from Portugal with tales of cheap wine and fantastic food. In the first of three episodes, they unpack the basics of Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon—chronicling classic dishes like Peri Peri chicken and grilled fish. 

In this breakfast-centric episode, Caleb and Joel debate all the hot-button topics surrounding the most important meal of the day. They discuss hot vs. cold, sweet vs. savory breakfast options, and even Joel's "special" way of eating Greek yogurt. Tune in to Eating Rice this week to discover where you stand on these age-old breakfast dilemmas.

In this savory episode of Eating Rice, hosts Caleb and Joel brainstorm the perfect Friendsgiving with Cantonese-inspired dishes. Joel tells us why Persian cuisine holds a special place in his heart. The episode concludes with a fiery discussion over fusion food—its moments of culinary brilliance and where it falters.

In this week's installment of "Portrait of a Foodie," prepare to embark on a heartfelt culinary journey with Joel. He recounts cooking experiences from Home Economics class in Hong Kong to a short but profound stint as a line chef at Catus Club. Join Eating Rice as we delve into Joel's deeply sentimental connection with food.  

In this mini-series, "Eating Rice," we explore the personal relationships with food held by podcast hosts Caleb and Joel. This week's episode examines Caleb's earliest food memories and the enduring role of food in his life. He also shares why steak and steamed fish are some of his favorite dishes to cook.    

Join Joel and Caleb in a heartwarming reunion episode as they meet in Vancouver after months apart. Together, they savor culinary delights, from Spanish tapas and Vietnamese noodles to an eye-opening coffee experience. Amidst the gluttony, they reflect on Vancouver's unique diversity and how it has not only shaped their tastes but also their friendship.

  Discover the ultimate pie fruit and redefine breakfast norms in this Eating Rice episode. Caleb and Joe explore the complex dynamics of pie baking and the unexpected allure of New York-style pizza for breakfast.

The latest episode of Eating Rice is the spiciest yet. Caleb and Joel dissect why potlucks often fail, leading them to question if they should even exist at all. In a similar vein, Caleb questions the popularity of hotpot and tries to understand why people love it so much.

Eating Rice welcomes a special guest, Jovian, who joins the podcast to explore the role Taiwanese food has played in her and Caleb's lives. Tune in to their unique journeys discovering Taiwanese cuisine and hear about their favorite foods in this culinary tradition.

Cuisine transforms as it journeys across borders and seas, with pizza being a prime example. Join Caleb and Joel in this episode as they delve into their favorite pizza styles and debate over divisive toppings.