After years of digitally documenting micro-cultures across Southeast Asia, in the last year Wonderwhy ventured into the printed media landscape, sharing their stories through modern and design-forward publications that invite readers to explore authentic editorial takes. In October 2025, Wonderwhy published their third edition of the year, Mindful Eater, following the success of their two previous issues: City Walker (1st issue) and Childfree Neighbor (2nd issue).
Published under independent media company PT Unitri Multi Kreatif, Wonderwhy spotlights the vibrant and evolving communities of Southeast Asia, positioning itself as an essential platform for cultural insights in the region. Guided by a mission to build a cultural encyclopedia and champion Southeast Asia’s rise as a global powerhouse, the magazine invites readers to wander through the region’s dynamic streets and experience the vibrant spirit that defines Southeast Asian life today.
Wonderwhy crafts in-depth articles and human-centered investigations through narrative journalism, featuring the perspectives of more than 20 contributing writers from across Southeast Asia. The publication offers readers deeper insights into everyday life in the region, exploring how cultures shape one another, and equips businesses with the cultural intelligence needed to navigate and thrive in local markets.
After publishing City Walker (1st issue) and Childfree Neighbor (2nd issue), its latest edition, Mindful Eater, was launched on 16 October 2025 at Smiljan Makarya, Gramedia Matraman, Jakarta.
Mindful eating is on the rise, and what we discover through this issue is that many of Southeast Asia’s traditional dishes and cooking methods are naturally wholesome, even if they’ve never been marketed that way. Mindful Eater invites readers to look beyond what’s on the plate and reflect on everything behind it.
This issue highlights diverse perspectives, from the revival of fermentation techniques in the Philippines, to halal food labeling in Malaysia as a symbol of cleanliness and health, to Bangkok bars replacing cocktails with mocktails infused with dried tropical fruits and edible flowers.
From Indonesia, readers can find stories such as Bakar Batu from the Tambrauw region of Papua, a communal cooking tradition that reflects the wisdom of cooperation and slow living, embodied in the eight-hour process of preparing wild boar hunted from the forest.
Beautifully designed and priced at IDR 325,000,- Mindful Eater features 30 captivating stories across 154 pages celebrating mindful connections between food, culture, and the people who make it.
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