Self-Directed IRAs – The Little-Known Secret That Allows Real Estate Investors to Create True Wealth!

Many of America’s 45 million households with IRAs stick with stocks and bonds, but an increasing number are switching to real estate, hoping for more lucrative returns. Investors have always been allowed to hold real estate in IRAs. Yet few people seemed to know they could, and financial institutions had little profit incentive to recommend something other than stocks or mutual funds.

Investors have been rethinking their strategies as the increase in home values surpasses returns on Wall Street. If you are a seasoned real estate investor or you’re just looking to diversify your retirement portfolio, the combination of real estate and your IRA can be very powerful and lucrative. If you have substantial assets in your IRA and if you take the next few minutes to master the guidelines, you can utilize the stash of money in your IRA to compound your wealth at a much faster rate.

Seven Things Every Real Estate Investor MUST Know about Investing in Real Estate with a Self-Directed IRA

1) Your IRA Cannot Purchase Property Owned by You or a Disqualified Person: “Can my IRA purchase a property that I own?” The answer is always no.

IRS regulations don’t allow transactions considered “self-dealing,” and they don’t allow your self-directed IRA to buy property from or sell the property to any disqualified person, including yourself.

2) You Cannot Have “Indirect Benefits” from Property Owned by Your Self-Directed IRA: Can your self-directed IRA purchase a vacation home for occasional use? Can you rent office space for yourself in a building that your self-directed IRA owns?

No. The purpose of the IRA is to provide for your retirement at some future date. It’s not intended to benefit you (or any other disqualified person) today. If your IRA engages in a transaction that, in some way, benefits you or a disqualified person, this is considered an “indirect benefit.”

3) Real Estate IRA Investments Are Uniquely Titled: You and your IRA are two separate entities. The investment needs to be titled in the name of your IRA, not in your name.

4) Real Estate in an IRA Can be Purchased without 100% Funding from Your IRA: You can purchase property in more ways than just an outright purchase of the full amount from your account. These other options include using undivided interest and partnering with others.

5) IRA Investments that Use Financing Must Pay UBIT: Your self-directed IRA can purchase real estate using financing as long as the loan is non-recourse. If you do use financing, unrelated business income tax (UBIT) is due.

6) Real Estate IRA Expenses Must Be Paid from Your IRA: All expenses related to property owned by your self-directed IRA (maintenance, improvements, property taxes, condo association fees, general bills, etc.) must be paid from your IRA.

7) Real Estate IRA Income Must Return to Your IRA: All income generated by property owned by your self-directed IRA must be paid into your IRA

Fees Associated with an SDIRA

Fees will vary from custodian to custodian, but they are usually workable for the investor. Many range from $50 for the setup fee to fixed amounts depending on the amount in your portfolio. For example, a portfolio of less than $100,000 could mean just $360 in fees. There are many well known, reputable custodians such as Equity Trust, Securities Trust, and Pensco Trust. Be sure to do your homework and research each company first.

Here’s a recent question I’ve recently received about Roth IRAs:

QUESTION:“Let’s imagine the following scenario: you come across a person who wants to sell his retail store. Let’s say he sells widgets. So, my SD-Roth IRA buys the LLC (Widgets, LLC). I know that in this type of setup, I cannot run the business, so I hired the current store manager to be the required 3rd party manager. Widgets, LLC, makes $1000 in gross sales. $500 for rent -$300 for payroll -$100 for utilities, inventory, etc. That leaves $100, which the manager then sends to the SD-Roth IRA. In this scenario, would that mean that the LLC itself shows 0 profit, and at the end of the year, is only liable for the $800 annual fee and payroll taxes on the one employee/manager? Or am I missing something?”

MY ANSWER:UBIT (Unrelated Business Taxable Income) applies even in a ROTH IRA. The governing factor is that the IRA is now engaged in a business that does not fit with its tax-exempt purpose. A 35% rate, so this needs to be planned carefully. I address many of these issues in my Wealth Building Plan. Make sure you are getting the best tax advice. Let me evaluate your financial and tax situation, then develop a customized tax strategy just for you. Together, we will come up with a strategic plan designed to answer your questions as you build your own customized wealth-building plan.

I address many of these issues in my Wealth Building Plan. Make sure you are getting the best tax advice. Let me evaluate your financial and tax situation, then develop a customized tax strategy just for you. Together, we will come up with a strategic plan designed to answer your questions as you build your own customized wealth-building plan. You can get more information at Wealth Building Plan. https://bostonrealestateinvestorsassociation.com/all-about-self-directed-iras/

- Foreclosure University

Product Name:

Your Online Real Estate Investing Resource

From: Jarad Severe, Foreclosure University
🏚️ How to Build Wealth with Foreclosures — Why Now is the Golden Moment
By Boston REIA — June 27, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered whether real estate investing is still the fastest way to build wealth in America, here’s the short answer: Yes — if you know what you’re doing.
Right now, there’s an overlooked corner of the real estate market creating life-changing profits for smart investors: foreclosures.
In this guide, you’ll learn why foreclosures can be so profitable, why this window won’t stay open forever, and how to shortcut the learning curve to get started safely and smartly — without spending years figuring it out the hard way.

📉 Why Foreclosures Create Massive Opportunity
When the economy tightens, foreclosures surge. We’ve seen it before — and we’re seeing it again now.
Tens of thousands of homeowners are falling behind on payments due to job losses, inflation, and rising interest rates. Banks don’t want to own houses — they want their money back. This creates one of the greatest “wealth shifts” we’ve seen in over a decade:✅ Motivated sellers.✅ Below-market properties.✅ Incredible margins if you know how to buy right.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Most new investors miss out. They get stuck on the sidelines, overwhelmed by paperwork, scared of making a mistake, or frozen by “analysis paralysis.”

📚 What Seasoned Investors Do Differently
The best investors aren’t lucky. They just have a proven system — and they follow it.
They know exactly:

How to find foreclosure deals (before the next guy)

How to negotiate with lenders and owners

How to analyze profit and risk

How to close with confidence

They don’t reinvent the wheel. They don’t guess. They don’t waste years making costly rookie mistakes.

⏳ Why This Window Won’t Stay Open Forever
According to Foreclosure University’s founder Jarad Severe, the current surge in distressed properties is a once-in-a-decade opportunity — a perfect storm of high rates, economic stress, and motivated sellers.
But it won’t last forever.
Banks are tightening up. Hedge funds are snapping up bulk deals. And prices can shift fast when inventory gets scooped up.
If you wait too long, this door closes. The big money always moves early.

⚡ How to Shorten the Learning Curve
Nobody wants to lose money on their first deal. That’s why the right education can mean the difference between your first profitable flip and your first expensive lesson.
Jarad Severe’s Building Wealth with Foreclosures program is designed for exactly this:👉 Showing you where to find profitable deals👉 How to negotiate directly with banks👉 How to handle the paperwork, legal traps, and title issues👉 How to exit each deal with maximum profit
It’s the same information he’s taught live for years — but streamlined into a home-study course that cuts years off the typical rookie’s learning curve.

🎯 Who This Is Not For
Foreclosure investing isn’t for everyone. It’s not a “get rich with no effort” scheme.
If you’re looking for instant money with no work, don’t bother. But if you’re serious about building real, repeatable wealth and you’re willing to learn and act — the rewards can be life-changing.

💡 Is This the Right Time for You?
Here’s the truth: You’re not the only one thinking about it. But most people will watch from the sidelines — and a few will jump in and collect the profits.
Which one do you want to be?
If you’re ready to get practical, proven foreclosure training (without paying $10,000 for a weekend seminar), this could be your smartest next step.

✅ Next Steps: How to Get Started
Jarad Severe’s Building Wealth with Foreclosures is backed by a full money-back guarantee — so you can learn the same steps seasoned investors use with zero risk.
Inside, you’ll get:

Proven templates and contracts (no lawyer needed)

Step-by-step checklists for each stage

Insider negotiation tactics

Audio lessons so you can learn on the go

Real case studies from actual deals

And if you’re reading this now — it’s available at the lowest price it’s ever been.

🕒 Don’t Wait for the Door to Close
The next few months could define your financial future for decades. Learn how to flip the current foreclosure wave into real wealth — for you and your family.
Click here to get - Foreclosure University at discounted price while it's still available...

All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.

- Foreclosure University is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied, simply request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked. https://bostonrealestateinvestorsassociation.com/foreclosure-university/

Investing Travels is a concept that blends the pursuit of financial growth with the experiences of travel. It's not a single, defined entity, but rather a perspective that encourages individuals to explore the world while also seeking opportunities to invest and potentially generate income. This can encompass various strategies, such as living and working in different countries, investing in international real estate, or even finding ways to monetize travel experiences. The core idea is to combine the freedom and enrichment of travel with the financial security and opportunities that investing can provide.

Here's a breakdown of how "investing travels" can be understood: 

• Financial Independence Through Travel: Some individuals use travel as a catalyst for financial growth, viewing it as a means to explore new markets, learn new skills, or even find remote work opportunities that allow them to live and work from anywhere in the world.

• International Investment: This involves actively seeking investment opportunities in foreign countries, whether it's real estate, businesses, or other ventures. This approach requires research, due diligence, and a willingness to navigate different legal and economic landscapes.

• Travel as an Investment: The concept can also be applied to the idea of travel itself as an investment in personal growth, education, and cultural understanding. Experiences gained through travel can broaden perspectives, enhance creativity, and lead to valuable skills and connections.

• Monetizing Travel: Some individuals aim to generate income while traveling by leveraging platforms like blogging, vlogging, or social media. This can involve creating content about their travel experiences, offering travel-related services, or even finding ways to collaborate with brands.

• Location Independent Lifestyle: Investing Travels can be a lifestyle choice for those who seek to break free from traditional employment and create a life that combines work and travel. This often involves building an online business or finding remote work opportunities that allow for flexibility and mobility.

Essentially, Investing Travels is a mindset that encourages individuals to think creatively about how they can combine their passion for travel with the pursuit of financial well-being.

We look forward to your patronage

Don’t want to deal with crowded airports, delayed flights, or rigid airline schedules?If you're planning a luxury getaway, group trip, or honeymoon, flying private may be more affordable (and bookable!) than you think.

🥇 Top Pick: Fly XO – The Best Private Jet for Couples and Groups

Why we love it: Transparent pricing, real-time availability, and easy app booking.✔ Shared or private flights✔ Empty leg deals (up to 75% off)✔ Loyalty rewards and referral bonuses

👉 Check Fly XO’s Current Offers

✈️ Private Jet Travel Isn’t Just for Billionaires Anymore

The rise of private jet charter apps and on-demand booking platforms means you can now reserve an entire jet—or a seat on one—just like calling an Uber.

Whether you're celebrating something big or just want total control over your itinerary, private aviation gives you:

- Zero lines or TSA

- Pet-friendly travel

- Tailored flight schedules

- Access to smaller, closer airports

💸 How Much Does a Private Jet Cost in 2025?

Average private jet charter cost:

- Light jet (4–6 passengers): $2,000–$3,500/hour

- Midsize jet (6–8 passengers): $4,000–$6,000/hour

- Heavy jet (10+ passengers): $7,000–$10,000+/hour

✔ Use this handy Private Jet Cost Calculator to get a custom quote.

🧳 Who Should Fly Private?

Travel StyleIdeal Jet OptionWhy It WorksCouplesLight jet via Fly XOIntimate, stylish, and affordable for 2FamiliesMidsize jet via JettlyGreat for private family getawaysGroups (6+)Heavy jet via PrivateFlyBest per-person pricing + group comfortHoneymoonersEmpty leg flightsSave money + luxe vibesCorporate TravelersJet cards / membershipsPredictable pricing + executive perks

📱 Best Private Jet Apps & Booking Platforms (With Affiliate Perks)

1. Fly XO

Best for: Private couples’ getaways + empty leg deals✅ Instant quotes✅ Mobile app booking✅ Referral and rewards program

2. Jettly

Best for: Frequent travelers and remote workers✅ Jet memberships✅ Concierge services✅ Corporate packages available

3. PrivateFly

Best for: International routes and large groups✅ Worldwide coverage✅ Flight comparison engine✅ Transparent pricing

🧠 Pro Tips to Book Smart

💡 Book empty legs to save up to 75% off💡 Split the cost with friends or colleagues for per-person savings💡 Use loyalty rewards on Fly XO or Jettly to save on future flights💡 Check flight routes that use smaller airports to avoid extra fees

🎯 Summary: What’s the Best Private Jet for You?

- Quick weekend escape with your partner? Book Fly XO

- Bringing the whole crew? Compare heavy jets on PrivateFly

- Want full concierge support? Try Jettly Membership

👉 Ready to fly private without the price shock?Get a private jet quote now and take your travels to new heights.

🔧 Our Gear

Vlogging Setup:

- Vlogging Camera

- Lens

- Vlogging Microphone

- Tripod

Drone & Tech Picks:

- DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Best Overall Drone

- Universal Travel Adapter

My Workflow & Tools:

- Davinci Resolve Studio

- Apple Mac Studio

- Logitech MX Mouse

To make your travel arrangements more affordable, I recommend booking cheap airfare through the link provided. Additionally, if you need a rental car during your stay, you can find affordable options through the suggested rental car service.

When it comes to accommodations, I suggest booking your hotel through the provided link to secure the best rates. And for discounted attraction tickets, make sure to use the link for cheap attraction tickets that I have included.

In addition to travel content, I also enjoy reading and have compiled a list of book recommendations. These titles cover a range of topics, including personal development, geography, and habits. They are worth checking out if you're looking for some stimulating reading material.

To ensure a comfortable and organized travel experience, I recommend investing in a reliable backpack, travel yoga mat, and hiking boots. These essentials will enhance your overall travel experience and help you travel with ease. Check out our online shop for the best travel products.

For those interested in learning other languages, such as Spanish or French, I have also included book recommendations that have helped me in my language learning journey.

I had always dreamed of visiting China. You hear about the Great Wall, dumplings, and pandas in passing—but nothing prepares you for what it’s like to experience it all firsthand. From the moment I landed in Beijing to my final noodle-slurping sunset in Shanghai, this 12-day trip took me on a wild ride through ancient traditions, buzzing mega-cities, and the kind of jaw-dropping landscapes that feel like they’re straight out of a fantasy film.

Let me take you day-by-day through what it's like to explore China for the first time—and share all the essential info I learned (and wish I knew!) before hopping on that plane.

🛫 Section 1: Preparing for Your Trip to China

🛂 Passport and Visa Requirements

All foreign visitors require a visa to enter mainland China. You can apply for an L-class (tourist) visa through your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Be ready with:

- A valid passport (with 6+ months remaining)

- Proof of flights & accommodations

- A completed application form and photo

⚠️ Tip: U.S., UK, Australian, and Canadian travelers cannot get a visa-on-arrival—plan at least 1 month ahead.

🎒 Packing Tips for China

China spans multiple climate zones, so smart packing is essential:

- Spring/Fall: Light layers, rain jacket

- Winter: Thermal layers (Beijing, Harbin can be freezing)

- Summer: Breathable clothes (Shanghai, Guangzhou can be humid)

✅ Essentials: VPN for internet access, air pollution mask (for northern cities), toilet paper (many public restrooms don’t provide it), travel adapter (Type A/I plug).

🩺 Travel Insurance

Choose a travel insurance policy that includes:

- Medical evacuation

- Emergency room visits

- COVID-related delays

- Trip cancellation

- Lost electronics/baggage

Recommended Provider: SafetyWing Travel Insurance – ideal for digital nomads and budget travelers.

🛬 Section 2: Arrival in China

Major Airports

- Beijing Capital International (PEK): Gateway to the north

- Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Sleek, modern, and great for connections

- Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Major southern hub

- Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU): For pandas and spicy food lovers

👋 First Impressions

Expect sensory overload:

- Mega-cities buzz with millions of people.

- Mandarin dominates, but translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate help.

- QR codes rule: from payments to menus to museum tickets.

🌟 Pro Tip: Get a Chinese SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device at the airport for smooth access throughout your trip.

🛫 Before You Go: What You Need to Know

📄 Visa & Documents

Most travelers need a visa to visit China. I had to apply for an L-class (tourist) visa through the Chinese consulate, and you’ll need your passport, itinerary, hotel bookings, and a passport photo. The process was pretty smooth, but don’t leave it to the last minute.

🎒 What to Pack

China’s weather varies by region and season. I went in late spring, so I packed layers, comfy walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket. Trust me—you’ll walk A LOT. Also don’t forget:

- VPN (Google, WhatsApp, Facebook are blocked)

- Toilet paper (some public toilets don’t stock it)

- Power adapter (Type A/I plug)

- Air mask if visiting cities with air pollution

🩺 Travel Insurance

I used SafetyWing for medical and trip coverage—worth every penny. Healthcare in China is decent, but navigating it without insurance (or Chinese) would be tough.

💸 Money Tips

Cash is still handy in rural spots, but cities are QR-code crazy. WeChat and Alipay are dominant, but I used cash and my Wise card for ATMs. Exchange some RMB before landing just in case.

🧭 Day-by-Day Itinerary with First-Timer Reactions

✈️ Day 1: Arrive in Beijing – Welcome to Organized Chaos

Beijing’s airport is modern but busy. After some sign-guessing and miming with a taxi driver, I made it to my hotel near the Forbidden City. First meal? Peking Duck at Da Dong—crisp skin, sweet hoisin, and pancakes that make tacos jealous.

🏯 Day 2: The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Peking Vibes

Walking through the Forbidden City felt like stepping into a movie set. Crowds? Yes. But the scale and detail were mind-blowing. After a steep climb up Jingshan Park, I ended the day at the Temple of Heaven, where locals dance, sing, and fly kites.

🧗 Day 3: Great Wall Hike (Mutianyu Section)

I joined a group tour to Mutianyu—less crowded, more scenic. It’s a calf-burning climb, but I took the toboggan slide down, which made me feel 10 again.

🚄 Day 4: Train to Xi’an – Muslim Quarter Bites

China’s bullet trains are a marvel. I watched the countryside blur past at 300km/h and arrived in Xi’an by afternoon. The Muslim Quarter was packed with scents of grilled lamb, spicy noodles, and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

🏺 Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Sunset Cycling

The Terracotta Army left me speechless. Life-sized warriors, each unique, guarding their emperor in eternal silence. Later, I rented a bike and rode atop Xi’an’s ancient city walls—golden hour made it magical.

🐼 Day 6: Hello Chengdu – Chill Culture & Spicy Hotpot

Chengdu feels slower. I checked into Lazybones Hostel, had tea in People’s Park, and got hooked on watching grandmas dance in the square. Dinner was Sichuan hotpot with numbing pepper oil and endless skewers.

🎭 Day 7: Pandas & Face-Changing Opera

The panda research base is everything Instagram promised and more. Baby pandas wobble, tumble, and nap in trees. Later, I visited Jinli Ancient Street and caught a Sichuan opera—flames, masks, and rapid costume changes.

✈️ Day 8: Guilin – Misty Mountains & Tranquil Lakes

Flying into Guilin felt like entering Middle Earth. Jagged peaks rose from the ground like dragon spines. I strolled the lakes and rivers under red lanterns and got my first taste of Guilin rice noodles.

🚢 Day 9: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

The boat ride from Guilin to Yangshuo was straight out of a painting. Fishermen used birds to dive for fish, buffalo grazed in the shallows, and I biked from the dock to Moon Hill through rice paddies.

🧘 Day 10: Yoga, Caves & Caves of Color

Back in Guilin, I joined a sunrise yoga class and explored Reed Flute Cave—a neon-lit natural wonder. Dinner was street noodles and beer under paper lanterns.

🌆 Day 11: Zoom to Shanghai – Futuristic Contrast

Shanghai is fast. Skyscrapers, designer malls, and the Bund with its colonial charm. I walked the Pudong skyline at night and had xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) that burst with flavor.

🏮 Day 12: Gardens, Souvenirs & the Maglev Goodbye

Yu Garden gave me a moment of calm before diving into the chaotic Old City Market. I grabbed silk scarves, chopsticks, and dragon tea. Then? The Maglev train. 431 km/h to the airport in 8 minutes. Boom.

🧭 Bonus Tips: Exploring China Like a Pro

🥾 Best Nature & Hiking Spots

- Zhangjiajie: Avatar mountains IRL

- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Deep gorge, deeper calves

- Mount Emei: Sacred Buddhist mountain with wild monkeys

🎨 Best Museums & Art

- Palace Museum: Everything Ming & Qing

- 798 Art Zone: Beijing’s hipster art factory

- Shanghai Museum: Bronze, silk, and ceramic heaven

🌙 Nightlife

- Beijing Opera at Liyuan

- Face-changing shows in Chengdu

- Bar Rouge rooftop in Shanghai

🛍️ Best Shopping Experiences

- Panjiayuan Market (Beijing): For antique lovers

- Yuyuan Bazaar (Shanghai): Best souvenirs

- Chunxi Road (Chengdu): Trendy but local

🔧 My Gear List

Vlogging Setup:

- Vlogging Camera

- Lens

- Vlogging Microphone

- Tripod

- SD Card

- ND Filter

Drone & Tech Picks:

- DJI Mavic 3 Pro

- DJI Mini 2 SE

- DJI FPV Combo

- Sony A95K

- Sony X80K

Workflow & Tools:

- Davinci Resolve Free

- Apple Mac Studio

- Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse

- Samsung T7 SSD

To make your travel arrangements more affordable, I recommend booking cheap airfare through the link provided. Need a rental car? Use the suggested link. Want discounted attraction tickets? I’ve got that too. Just scroll, click, and go.

This trip showed me that China is not just a destination—it’s an experience of contrasts: ancient and new, serene and chaotic, challenging and unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, culture buff, or thrill-seeker, China’s going to leave a mark on your soul—and your camera roll.

Bookmark this guide, pack light, and go heavy on curiosity. China is waiting.

Hong Kong’s Hidden Café Culture: The Irresistible Charm of Cha Chaan Tengs

Forget dim sum and roast goose—when I hit the streets of Hong Kong, I wasn’t chasing traditional Cantonese food. I was chasing French toast. But not just any toast—this one was deep-fried, filled with peanut butter, and dripping in sweetened condensed milk.

That led me straight into the heart of a cha chaan teng—Hong Kong’s iconic “tea restaurants” where East meets West in the most delicious ways imaginable.

What is a Cha Chaan Teng?

Cha chaan teng literally means “tea restaurant,” but they’re unlike anything you’ve seen. These eateries blend British colonial influences (think milk tea and macaroni soup) with local Chinese ingredients and cooking styles. The result is a one-of-a-kind fusion food experience that’s affordable, comforting, and beloved by locals.

A Quick History Lesson

Back in the early 20th century, ice was a luxury in Hong Kong. That’s when bing sutts, or “ice shops,” began serving cold drinks like iced lemon tea and coffee. After World War II, these evolved into cha chaan tengs with full menus. Western ingredients—tinned milk, flour, butter—became staples, reinterpreted through a distinctly Hong Kong lens.

Must-Try Dishes at a Cha Chaan Teng

- Hong Kong-Style French Toast – Deep-fried, peanut butter-stuffed, and drizzled with syrup and condensed milk.

- Pineapple Bun – Sweet, crusty-topped buns served warm with thick slabs of butter (no pineapple involved). Kam Wah Café makes 5,000 a day!

- Lai Cha (Milk Tea) – Made strong and rich, filtered through a “silk stocking” for creaminess.

- Macaroni Soup – A weirdly comforting bowl of elbow pasta in broth, often topped with ham or a fried egg.

- Scrambled Eggs & Toast – Australia Dairy Company is famous for its ultra-fluffy eggs.

The Atmosphere

Expect hustle and bustle. It’s common to share tables with strangers, place your order with a pencil on a slip of paper, and eat quickly. That said, the warmth is real—and the food hits the soul.

Why Gen Z is Obsessed

Even with the rise of trendy coffee shops and Instagrammable bakeries, cha chaan tengs are finding new life. Spots like Sleepyhead and Hoi Chiu Canteen are introducing creative spins—like milk tea-flavored egg tarts and spiced macaroni dishes. The vintage aesthetic and nostalgic comfort are drawing in younger crowds all over again.

📍 Where to Go: Must-Visit Cha Chaan Tengs

- Kam Wah Café – 47 Bute Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

- Australia Dairy Company – 47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon

- Tai On Coffee & Tea – 60 Shau Kei Wan Main East Street, Shau Kei Wan

- Hoi Chiu Canteen – 4/F, Foo Hoo Centre, Wan Chai

- Ngan Lung Restaurant – 60 Percival Street, Causeway Bay

🧳 Recommended Gear for Foodie Travelers

These are our go-to picks to make your foodie adventure smoother and more memorable:

Vlogging & Photography:

- Vlogging Camera – https://amzn.to/3RHSueA

- Tripod – https://amzn.to/3LKxrED

- ND Filter – https://amzn.to/3LNssmt

Power & Storage:

- Universal Travel Adapter – https://amzn.to/45mYblg

- SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD – https://amzn.to/45iV2D9

Bonus Tools:

- Davinci Resolve (Free video editor) – https://www.blackmagicdesign.com

- Apple Studio Display – https://amzn.to/3PJkmfU

📸 Pinterest Pin & Instagram Carousel Captions

Pinterest Pin Text:“The Best Hong Kong Cafés Aren’t What You Think – Meet the Cha Chaan Tengs 🍞☕🇭🇰 #FoodieTravel #HongKongEats”

Instagram Carousel Example:

- Slide 1: 🍽️ Hong Kong’s Hidden Café Culture: The Cha Chaan Teng

- Slide 2: 🥚 Legendary scrambled eggs at Australia Dairy Co.

- Slide 3: 🍞 Kam Wah’s pineapple buns = buttery perfection

- Slide 4: ☕ Milk tea brewed strong, filtered through silk

- Slide 5: 📍 Save this post! These cafes are pure nostalgia.

🎨 When Art Meets Appetite: London's Rise of the “Art Restaurant”
If you've ever been scolded for sipping water in a museum, you're not alone. Many cultural institutions maintain strict rules to protect priceless artworks—and for good reason. Back in 2006, the Milwaukee Art Museum held a boozy event called Martinifest, offering unlimited martinis for $30. The result? Tipsy guests climbing on sculptures, spilling drinks, and even vomiting near masterpieces—some of which had to be repaired afterward.
Fast forward to 2024, and museums are still grappling with the fine line between engagement and preservation. Activists from Just Stop Oil made headlines in London after throwing soup on two Van Gogh pieces at the National Gallery. In response, the museum banned all liquids inside. Ironically, you can still sip a Sunflowers Sour cocktail at Ochre, the museum’s own on-site bar—named, of course, after Van Gogh’s iconic floral series.

☕ A Long History of Culture and Cuisine
Blending food and art isn't a new trend in London. In fact, the Victoria and Albert Museum introduced the world’s first museum refreshment room in 1856. Visitors today can still sit beneath grand stained-glass windows and elaborate ceramic décor, enjoying a scone or sandwich where Victorian-era diners once did the same.
But the concept has evolved. Today, London’s “art restaurants” go far beyond gallery cafés. These are full-scale dining experiences where the atmosphere is as carefully curated as the menu. According to Dr. Christina Makris, author of Aesthetic Dining: The Art Restaurant Around the World, some chefs treat their restaurants like galleries—every detail, from artwork to plating, is intentional and expressive.

🍽️ When Dining Becomes a Gallery Experience
Dr. Makris has spent a decade researching the intersection of culinary and visual arts. She explains that these aesthetic dining spaces aren’t just about decor—they embody complex, emotional storytelling. Chefs and artists often collaborate closely, with art reflecting the roots of the cuisine, the personal passions of the owner, or broader cultural narratives.
Makris says London offers the richest landscape for this trend: “The city’s creative spirit allows chefs and artists to experiment in ways unmatched even in places like New York or Paris.” Her book features global examples—from Cairo to Turin—but credits London with the highest concentration of such immersive dining spaces.

🖼️ London's Iconic Art Restaurants
London is home to several standout examples of art-meets-dining, many of which are cultural landmarks in their own right:

Sketch (Mayfair): This five-venue Georgian townhouse launched in 2002 and quickly became an Instagram favorite thanks to its pink velvet booths and David Shrigley’s quirky artwork in The Gallery. In 2022, it underwent a transformation featuring Modern Magic, a new exhibit by Yinka Shonibare inspired by Picasso’s African masks.

The Ivy, Mr. Chow, and The Groucho Club: These legendary institutions continue to showcase rotating art collections alongside refined menus.

The Park by Jeremy King: This American-style diner with a luxe twist features works by Alex Katz, adding a contemporary U.S. flair to the dining experience.

Lolo (Southeast London): Chef José Pizarro brings not only rich Spanish flavors but also art by Tracey Emin and Norman Ackroyd to the table. Many of these venues spotlight Young British Artists (YBAs), who rose to fame in the late '80s and now shape the visual identity of modern London dining.

🧠 The Future of Dining and Art
While museums enforce boundaries between food and fine art, restaurants are doing the opposite—blurring those lines in creative ways. Dr. Makris believes this fusion is essential: “People enjoy engaging with art outside of formal spaces. The more we encounter art in everyday life, the more accessible and powerful it becomes.”
As London’s restaurant scene continues to evolve, it's clear that food and art are no longer separate courses. Together, they’re shaping the city’s next great cultural experience—one that delights all the senses.

🍽️ Planning a Culinary Trip to London?Don't just visit museums—dine in them (or next to their influence). These art-infused restaurants are worth booking in advance, especially for design lovers and Instagram connoisseurs.