ESEA Events, Food & Culture in the UK – NOVA Newsletter Issue 01 (May 2025)

Hey everyone,

First off, a huge thank you for subscribing to the very first NOVA ESEA newsletter — it honestly means the world to me!

About two and a half years ago, after wrapping up a long concert tour and reflecting (a lot) on where I wanted my career to go, I decided to move back to London. Since then, I’ve been surprised (and excited) by how many amazing East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) groups are out here supporting the community — from ESEA Community Centre, Asian Tones, ESEA Music, besea.n, to ESEA Contemporary, and more. It really got me thinking — what could I do to contribute in my own way?

That’s how NOVA ESEA was born — a platform to spotlight the best of ESEA events, music, arts, food, and culture across the UK. This is not just for the diaspora but also for anyone who loves and wants to explore ESEA culture.

In February 2024, I made a little promise to myself: post weekly ESEA event updates for a year and see where it goes. Fast forward to now — here I am, writing to you in this first newsletter! Seeing your comments, DMs, and hearing how featured events or businesses have thrived has truly warmed my heart and given me the drive to keep going.

So, thank you soooo much again for being part of this journey. Let’s keep the ESEA community thriving together! Hopefully, we’ll get to host a few live events this year and meet in person :)

Christie

📣 Featured Interview

Nepalese Tibetan Street Fusion: A Bowl of Culture and Comfort

Rai from Nepalese Tibetan Street Fusion preparing a momo rice bowl at a UK street food market.

At Nepalese Tibetan Street Fusion, every dish is packed with heart. What started as a small family-run stall is now a mission to share authentic Tibetan-Nepalese fusion food across the UK.

Their star dish? The Momo Rice Bowl — a vibrant combo of handmade momo, grilled chicken, rice, salad, and both traditional Nepalese sesame sauce and a surprising (but delicious) chimichurri twist. “It’s not from Nepal, but it goes really well with the chicken” Rai tells us with a smile.

The momo itself has deep roots in Tibet and is now a street food staple across Nepal. Rai explains, “They came from Tibet, but over time, we made them our own with local herbs and flavours.” Through each bowl, he hopes to transport customers to Nepal — and share a piece of his homeland.

Check the video of the interview on our @nova.esea

Find Nepalese Tibetan Street Fusion at @filili_eats

🫶 Stand With US

Burma, Myanmar & Thailand Earthquake Fundraiser — Baesianz x Offshoot

On 28 March 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand, with aftershocks and a mounting death toll of over 5,400. The crisis deepens ongoing struggles in the region.

In response, @baesianz and @offshoottours are hosting a fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds going directly to grassroots charities like Sisters 2 Sisters and Colors Rainbow.

Donate or Get Tickets here

🎟️ What's On

5 - 11 May

LUV(SIC)HEXOLOGY TOUR 2025 – Shing02 & Spin Master A-1 | 5 May | London Experience legendary Japanese hip-hop vibes live in an intimate setting.

SAY SUE ME UK Tour 2025 | 6–19 May | Across the UK Korean indie rock favourites bring their dreamy soundscapes to cities nationwide.

Open Source Intelligence and Counterinsurgency for the Jobbing Hater (Play) | 7–10 May | Bristol

A satirical, genre-blending play exploring media, politics, and power.

A Festival of Korean Dance 2025 | 7–24 May | London

A celebration of contemporary Korean dance across multiple venues.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams by Mystery Ensemble | 10 May | London

A magical live orchestral performance inspired by Studio Ghibli classics.

YOKIMONO Japanese Market | 11 May | London

A curated Japanese market featuring handmade crafts, vintage goods, and tasty treats.

Sunday Salon Sunday – Chinese and any other Asian | 11 May | London

A cosy, open gathering for Asian creatives to connect and share stories.

12 - 18 May

Living Spirits: Bai Craft and the Art of Nature | 12 May | London

Explore Bai cultural traditions through craft, nature, and design.

Tony Ann at Barbican | 12 May | London Canadian-Chinese pianist

Tony Ann brings emotional, cinematic music to the stage.

Jaha Koo: Haribo Kimchi | 13 May | London

A darkly comic performance blending tech, history, and Korean identity.

Enji London Show | 14 May | London

Jazz vocalist Enji fuses Mongolian roots with warm, soulful sounds.

Kaneko Ayano UK Tour 2025 | 16–25 May | Across the UK

Japanese indie rock meets raw emotion in Ayano’s must-see live tour.

Juniper by the Sea Bookclub: Who Wants to Live Forever | 17 May | Manchester

Join a community-led discussion exploring speculative fiction and mortality.

ESEA Book Club: The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko-eun | 17 May | London

Dive into a sharp eco-satire set against a backdrop of disaster tourism.

Still On: Don't Miss It

Shanghai Dolls | Until 10 May | London

A fashion-forward performance blending playfulness, drag, and political storytelling.

Hong Kong New Wave: 1979–1989 | Until 13 May | London

Celebrate a defining era of Hong Kong cinema with this curated film season.

Kim’s Convenience Store (Play) | Until 5 July | Across the UK

The hit Korean-Canadian sitcom brought to the stage — warm, funny, and heartfelt.

✨ Community Shout-Out

A huge shout-out to @asianheritageweek, powered by @asianhustlenetwork, for championing Asian Heritage Week 2025 — a global celebration of Asian cultures and stories.

If you’re in the US, check out their full programme here: asianheritageweek.com

Know an amazing ESEA event, artist, or business we should feature?

Got a story or memory to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Thanks again for reading and supporting NOVA ESEA.

Let’s keep uplifting our cultures, our stories, and each other :)