
Talking Shop with Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao
When Jing Gao founded Fly By Jing in 2018, she had one goal: help people bring their favorite Asian flavors home. Prior to starting her company, she ran an underground supper club with a similar intention, and after developing a handful of sauce bases for recipes, she started bottling them to sell. One of those sauces might be in your refrigerator or pantry right now — I practically add Fly By Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp to anything savory I eat, and use its Sichuan Gold chili oil when I really want to amp up a dish.
Of course, Fly By Jing's products are staples in her kitchen, but Gao relies on many others when hosting or cooking dinner for her family. I talked to her about the kitchen essentials she can't live without, plus the food item she used to stuff her suitcase with before flying home from Singapore.
'Zojirushi is the Rolls Royce of rice cookers,' says Gao. 'I use it pretty much every day in my kitchen, and I have a small one because it's just me, my partner and my baby. You just press a button and it makes perfect rice every single time.' Beyond using it for rice, Gao also cooks congee in it.
When she's using a wok to boil, steam, stir fry or braise ingredients, Gao's utensil of choice is long wood or bamboo cooking chopsticks. 'They give you more precision when you want to pick things up, and they're really good for separate noodles,' she says. 'Since they're so long, it prevents you from getting your hand all up in the steam and oil that might be splattering.'
'I have a lot of hot pot at home, and whenever I host, I love making it because it's the most simple yet impressive food that just looks beautiful,' says Gao. 'It's such a communal, wonderful experience where you're cooking and eating with friends, and it goes on for hours. It's a huge spread, but all you really did was wash some vegetables, chop some tofu and lay out pre-sliced meats from H-Mart or 99 Ranch.'
'With hot pot, you basically need some kind of a stove on your table,' says Gao. 'I love the Iwatani because you don't need to mess with cords since it runs off gas. You can put it in the middle of your table with your hot pot over it, and it's great for camping, too.'
Diaspora Co. Aranya Black Pepper
'I swear by and only use Dispora's black pepper,' says Gao. 'It's the best black pepper and it will make you feel like every black pepper you've had in the past is awful. It's that good.' She also uses the brand's other single-origin, ethically-sourced spices, all of which are 'beautifully packaged' so Gao recommends gifting them to the home cook in your life.
Toiro Donabe Steamer Mushi Nabe
'You can make hot pot in any type of pot, but I prefer a donabe, which is a Japanese clay vessel,' she says. 'They've been using it for thousands of years in China and Japan, and there's something about the clay that really holds the heat when you're cooking and amplifies the flavor.'
Gao's favorite donabe is from Toiro, a Los Angeles-based brand. 'Toiro's artisan-crafted clay pots are just incredible and their donabe is such a versatile vessel. I cook hot pot in it, but I also use it to cook rice, steam vegetables and make Japanese curries.' Gao has this large donabe from Toiro that comes with a steamer attachment. She often makes soup or rice on the bottom, and salmon and vegetables on top in the steamer. 'It's all about convenience,' says Gao.
'I love making fresh rice, but sometimes, I just do not have the time,' says Gao. 'Having ready-to-eat rice in a bag that you just microwave for a minute is so easy.' She often uses Lundberg's 90-second rice to make fried rice, and adds vegetables and eggs to it.
Irvins Salted Egg Salmon Skin Chip Crisps
'The most popular snack brand from Asia is Irvins, which is based in Singapore. I would literally go to Singapore and stop at the airport just to grab these chips,' says Gao. 'They're most famous for their salmon skin chips. Somehow, the way they fry it makes it super crispy and delicious, and they coat it in all kinds of flavors, like salted duck egg.'
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers topics like health, fitness, home and kitchen. I interviewed Jing Gao, founder of Fly By Jing and cookbook author, about her favorite products to cook with at home.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
5 ways to experience Marunouchi after dark
Enjoy a classy night out Marunouchi is an ideal destination for a stylish and relaxed evening. Just steps from Tokyo Station, this elegant district offers a wide range of dining and nightlife options – many of which are open until 11pm or midnight. Take your pick from casual bites, refined Japanese cuisine, bold Asian flavours, or even authentic Mexican fare. For drinks with a view, head over to one of Marunouchi's many terrace bars, perfect for a special night out. Top picks include Marunouchi(House) on the 7th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, where you can enjoy cocktails alongside panoramic views of Tokyo Station. Nearby, Marunouchi Brick Square offers a charming European-esque atmosphere with open-air seating ideal for a laid-back dinner or drink. For something more unique, make a visit to Ginza Jyuji Marunouchi, where you can enjoy an entertaining magic show while you dine. Afterwards, wind down your evening with a stroll down the art-lined Marunouchi Nakadori street. Snap a photo at Marunouchi's many scenic spots For stunning sunsets and skyline views, head to the Maru Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building – both are packed with restaurants, shops and terraces perfect for capturing golden hour and night views. On the 35th floor of Maru Building, you'll find a west-facing lounge with free entry, where you can catch the city's beautiful sunset along with sweeping views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay in the distance. If you'd like food to accompany the views, the 5th floor offers plenty of eateries and bars with terraces overlooking Tokyo Station. Over at the neighbouring Shin-Marunouchi Building, the 7th floor Marunouchi(House) features a variety of bars and restaurants, each with terrace seating offering views of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace grounds and Marunouchi. Time your visit for sunset to catch the golden hour, and don't forget to stop by the 'Marunouchi Tokyo' photo spot for a fun snapshot of the Marunouchi sign with Japan's busiest train station in the background. Dig into delicious food with an incredible view If you're looking to treat yourself, Marunouchi is home to numerous fine dining establishments where you can indulge in exceptional food with views to match. On the 36th floor of the Maru Building you'll find Breeze of Tokyo, a modern French grill and bar known for its fine wines and seasonal dishes prepared with expert grilling techniques. The panoramic cityscape provides the perfect backdrop for a stylish evening in the centre of Tokyo. Sharing the same floor is Antica Osteria del Ponte, the first overseas outpost of the Milan-based restaurant. It serves authentic Milanese cuisine in a refined setting with views stretching from Tokyo Skytree to Tokyo Bay. Window seats offer prime views and can be reserved from ¥27,500 per person for dinner course meals (table charge included). For upscale Japanese cuisine, head over to Usukifugu Yamadaya on the 35th floor of the Maru Building. Specialising in expertly prepared fugu (pufferfish), this restaurant offers multi-course meals (¥26,620-¥38,720) featuring this delicacy from Usuki City in Oita prefecture, all to be enjoyed alongside dazzling night views. Embark on a scenic night walk Marunouchi's streets are home to numerous historic buildings intermixed with upscale boutiques, making it an ideal place for a post-dinner stroll. Here are some standout spots to explore. On the way to the Imperial Palace, don't miss the beautifully illuminated Sakuradamon Gate. Designated an Important Cultural Property, the gate stands out along the inner moat and is lit up daily from sunset to 9pm, offering a stunning contrast between the traditional structure and Marunouchi's modern skyline. Originally built in 1961 to commemorate imperial weddings, Wadakura Fountain Park is a peaceful nighttime retreat beside the Imperial Palace moat. After dusk, the illuminated fountains and shimmering city lights reflect off the water, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. Marunouchi's picturesque Nakadori street is the ideal place for a quiet evening walk as it is lined with stylish boutiques and numerous public art installations. While it's a lovely spot to stroll year-round, it truly shines from November to February during the Marunouchi Illumination, when champagne-gold lights are wrapped around the trees giving the street a festive glow. Sip in style with a night of bar hopping Marunouchi offers a diverse mix of bars, from upscale lounges to casual izakaya – perfect whether you're out with friends or flying solo. Marunouchi Brick Square is a relaxing dining spot centered around a green courtyard. Enjoy terrace seating surrounded by art and nature, or head to Ginza Jyuji Marunouchi for dinner paired with an impressive magic show. For something a little more elevated, try out Café 1894 situated inside the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, which is conveniently open until 11pm. If you're in the mood for something livelier, the basement level of the building features a fun mix of izakaya and casual eateries that stay open until late into the evening. On the 7th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, you'll find Marunouchi(House), a unique space home to 12 bars and restaurants with open terraces and views of Tokyo Station. It's a great spot to unwind with a drink and try out several different venues all in one night. The atmosphere amps up on Thursday and Friday evenings when DJs and other events take the floor. Note: DJ schedules may vary depending on the event. Another fun spot is Marunouchi Base, a retro-American diner and entertainment zone spread across two floors. The first floor channels classic diner vibes, while the second level offers darts, karaoke, drinks and more. The SG Tavern offers a unique experience inspired by an 1865 voyage when 19 young samurai travelled to England to study abroad. The menu retraces this journey through a unique blend of Japanese and global flavours, all served in a British-inspired tavern setting. Don't miss their original cocktails, some of which are made with SG Group's house spirit, The SG Shochu. Since 2005, Cotton Club has brought the spirit of New York's jazz scene to Marunouchi. This classy venue pairs world-class live performances with food and drinks, making it a great choice for an elegant night out.


Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
Asian stocks slip, dollar gains as markets brace for crucial week
TOKYO, July 25 (Reuters) - Asian shares eased from highs on Friday, with Japan retreating from a record, as investors locked in profits ahead of a bumper week that includes U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff deadline and a host of central bank meetings. The dollar gained against major peers after bouncing off a two-week low on Thursday, helped by some firm U.S. economic data. Japan's currency, in particular, was weighed by political uncertainty amid media reports Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will step down. Benchmark Japanese government bond yields hovered just below the highest since 2008. Japan's broad Topix index (.TOPX), opens new tab, which has jumped more than 5% over the previous two sessions to an all-time high, pulled back 0.8%. The Nikkei (.N225), opens new tab slipped 0.9% from Thursday's one-year high. Hong Kong's Hang Seng (.HSI), opens new tab lost 0.9% and mainland Chinese blue chips (.CSI300), opens new tab declined 0.5%. Australia's equity benchmark (.AXJO), opens new tab eased 0.5%. At the same time, U.S. S&P 500 futures added 0.2%, after the cash index (.SPX), opens new tab edged up slightly to a record closing high overnight, buoyed by robust earnings from Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab. The tech-heavy Nasdaq (.IXIC), opens new tab also marked a record high. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe (.MIWD00000PUS), opens new tab edged down 0.2%, but remained just below an all-time peak from Thursday. The index is on course for a 1.3% weekly advance, buoyed in large part by optimism for U.S. trade deals with the European Union and China, following an agreement with Japan this week. "Trade agreements will help mitigate some of the downside risks to the global economic outlook. However, while the global tariff rate looks likely to be lower than previously feared, it will likely settle at a much higher level than it was at the end of 2024," Commonwealth Bank of Australia analysts wrote in a client note. "We expect higher tariff costs to raise U.S. consumer price inflation and dampen overall U.S. economic growth." Next week - in the U.S. alone - investors contend with Trump's August 1 deadline for trade deals, a Federal Reserve policy meeting, the closely watched monthly payrolls report, and earnings from the likes of Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. The Bank of Japan has its own policy announcement on Thursday, and Prime Minister Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party holds a meeting the same day. That's after the European Central Bank held rates steady on Thursday, pausing its easing campaign as it waits to assess any impact from U.S. tariffs. The euro ended the session down 0.2% against a buoyant dollar and was little changed on Friday at $1.1744 . The U.S. currency advanced 0.1% to 147.10 yen , adding to Thursday's 0.4% gain. Trump kept the pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates after a rare presidential visit to the central bank on Thursday, although he said he did not intend to fire Powell, as he has frequently suggested he would. "While growth is possibly a bit lumpy, there's little evidence for the need for immediate rate cuts from the Fed," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at U.S. 10-year Treasury yields edged down to 4.39% on Friday, effectively erasing an advance on Thursday. Equivalent Japanese government bond yields eased 1 basis point to 1.59%, just off this week's high of 1.6%, a level last seen in October 2008. JGB yields have been rising on concerns the political scale is tilting more towards fiscal stimulus, after big gains for opposition parties backing consumption tax cuts in Sunday's upper house election. Pressure is building on the more fiscally hawkish Ishiba to quit after his coalition lost its majority in the vote, after doing the same in lower house elections last October. Gold eased 0.3% to around $3,356 per ounce. Brent crude futures gained 0.5% to $69.53 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures added 0.5% to $66.36 per barrel.


Time Out
5 hours ago
- Time Out
Suvarnabhumi Airport now connects the most airlines on Earth
Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport tops the world's airports in one surprising metric: the number of airlines operating scheduled flights, according to a new ranking by FlightConnections and Brilliant Maps. The national gateway is officially the most airline-connected airport in the world, with 113 airlines flying in and out of its gates. That's more than Paris Charles de Gaulle, Dubai International and even Istanbul – some of the world's greatest aviation powerhouses. Here's what that looks like in numbers: 113 airlines operating scheduled flights 151 destinations worldwide 484 daily flights 51.6 million passengers in 2024 (expected to hit 65 million in 2025) All of this is part of a larger transformation. Suvarnabhumi climbed from 58th to 39th place in Skytrax's Top 100 Airports of 2025, thanks to recent upgrades like a new satellite terminal and revamped passenger experience zones. Once just a regional stopover, the airport is now stepping confidently into the ranks of top-tier global aviation hubs. Top five airports with the most airlines (2025) Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – 113 airlines Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris – 105 airlines Dubai International (DXB) – 97 airlines Istanbul (IST) – 93 airlines Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 92 airlines Still, growth comes with growing pains. Bigger crowds mean longer queues, busier terminals, and rising expectations. If Suvarnabhumi hopes to crack Skytrax's top 20 by 2029, big numbers alone won't be enough. The airport will need faster security checks, smoother transfers, and less congested concourses that don't feel like rush hour. According to the latest Skytrax survey, Singapore's Changi Airport reclaimed the number one spot once again, with other Asian hubs dominating the top ten. Suvarnabhumi has made impressive strides but to climb further, it must continue prioritizing passenger experience as traffic continues to surge. With momentum on its side and major upgrades underway, Bangkok's main airport is well-positioned for the next chapter. The challenge now is turning connectivity into quality.