Ben Cost

About the Author

Ben Cost is a features reporter covering everything from shark attacks to TikTokkers with Michael Jackson phobias and a man who sued Apple for a billion dollars over an iPhone malfunction. His exclusives have included a multi-course cicada tasting menu to celebrate their return to NYC after 17 years and going fishing for 450-pound sharks amid attacks in the Big Apple. Prior to working for The Post, Ben lived in Shanghai where he served as food editor, and then eventually senior editor at Shanghaiist, one of China's largest English language blogs. Ben ran a monthly column about exotic foods, testing donkey sandwiches, live drunken shrimp and cobra hotpot. After leaving Shanghaiist, he worked as a community editor for City Weekend, a Chinese lifestyle magazine owned by Swiss media giant Ringier. Following that, he served as managing editor of Shanghai Expat, a city guide and forum for foreigners living in Shanghai. Ben's hobbies include fishing, biking, making moderately amusing puns, binging "Sopranos" and plumbing the depths of NYC's boroughs for undiscovered culinary gems.

Latest Articles

Influencer’s poop face mask alarms doctors: ‘People are getting too extreme on the internet’

Doctors are pooh-poohing this feces face mask.

Flight attendants can accept tips on this airline — but others can't

Pro tip: Tipping flight attendants is not only uncommon but it's discouraged by flight experts.

Most dangerous sex acts revealed, including one common setting: 'Made me dizzy like I'd pass out'

The taboo topic came to light via a raunchy Reddit forum, in which users were asked, "What’s something sexual that you are NEVER doing again?"

‘Too fat’ husband granted divorce after wife demands a fee for 'incompetent' sex

She redefined a "transactional relationship."

Worker lands promotion — but with a pay cut: 'I need a second job now!'

This redefines failing upward.

'Massive' hair dye reaction leaves man looking like 'Megamind' villain

It was a roll of the dye.

Woman horrified after nail salon asks for minimum 75% tip: 'Out of control'

"I wouldn’t know what to say, my jaw would be on the floor."

Toco the human Collie has a 'dog' best friend: an Alaskan Malamute

Toco the human collie was spotted frolicking with a fellow canine cosplayer in a husky suit.

I thought I rented a hotel room with a seaside view — but I was royally scammed

TikTok influencer Sonja Dennig was vacation-ally "catfished" after booking what she thought was a hotel with a scenic seaside view only to discover she'd been epically scammed.

We got trapped in a sweltering 'sauna' airplane — we were so hot, we couldn't breathe

Passengers suffered from panic attacks after their plane's air conditioning malfunctioned and they were held for two hours before the flight was canceled.

Scientists reveal new theories on how 'screaming mummy' died

Wails from the Crypt? Scientists have revealed the possible cause of death for a legendary mummy whose face is frozen in a permanent "scream."

Couple finds $30K buried treasure hidden beneath home's carpet

These aren't the type of floorboards you want to hide cash under.

I was seated next to a plus-size plane passenger — I complained and the airline surprised me

They weren't going to let this space invasion slide.

Flight attendant says doing this one thing on a plane could make you seriously sick

You'll never do this on an aircraft again.

Olive Garden customer reveals hack to get 2 pastas and sides for $6.99 amid inflation

She saved a lot of dough in this garden. An Olive Garden customer became the envy of wallet-weary diners everywhere after scoring two pastas for just $6.99 amid inflation. She...

These are the most popular airplane seats everyone wants to book: survey

As a service to flyers, travel site Upgrade Points surveyed US travelers to see which seats they prefer overall and these are the literal hot seats.