Author Archives: doispice

Discovering Maqaw (Lemon pepper): How Europe’s Top Chefs Are Falling for Asia’s Best-Kept Spice Secret

Across European fine dining and artisanal culinary spaces, a new star is quietly transforming menus: Maqaw (also known as Litsea Cubeba, Lemon Pepper, or May Chang). Traditionally harvested from wild mountainous forests in Vietnam and Taiwan, this remarkable berry is bridging the gap between traditional mountain heritage and modern European cuisine. A Flavor Profile Unlike…

Vietnamese Cassia or Sri Lankan Ceylon: Which to Choose?

Vietnam and Sri Lanka are both leading global exporters of cinnamon. Vietnamese cinnamon is known as Cassia, while Sri Lankan cinnamon is referred to as Ceylon. Both varieties are renowned for their exceptional quality, exquisite flavor, and health-boosting properties. However, each type possesses unique characteristics that lead to different uses—nuances that not everyone is aware…