Tag Archives: dessert

Osaka Eats

Posted in Destinations, Favorites, Food by

Since my last two posts documents where to eat in Hong Kong and Tokyo , I figure I’ll continue this trend and document eating places in Osaka. This way, my friends (and also myself) can find it in one place.

Sushi Places

Ichibazushi (市場ずし)

https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270201/27012165/

This is one of my earlier finds when I first went to Osaka and I continue to go back when I’m in Osaka. It’s not a fancy sushi nor an expensive place. It has quality fish and is consistent every time. There’s a couple of shops within the Shinsaibashi area but the one I’ve listed is the biggest one. There’s often a line during peak hours and they don’t take reservations. They have cooked foods as well, but I haven’t tried any.

Beef Places

Kisoji 木曽路 – Sukiyaki/Shabu Shabu

http://www.kisoji.co.jp/kisoji/english/index.html (English)
http://kisoji.co.jp/kisoji/index.html (Japanese)

This is part of a chain and has locations in major cities of Japan and was a recommendation from a friend. I went to the Shisaibashi outlet, very close to the Apple Store. I went there several times and have had both their sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Both were good, but preferred sukiyaki simply because of the richness from the Sukiyaki sauce (and the beef fat that needs to be used for searing the beef!) They also offer a small selection of other dishes, like salads, toro (fatty tuna) and seared beef. I must say, for a restaurant specializing in beef, their toro is just as good as any sushi restaurant! A must have! I would recommend making reservations as the one in Shinsaibashi has limited seating.

 

Kitamura Sukiyaki House  北むら　すき焼 

http://shimizu.or.jp/kitamura/home.html

A Michelin 1 star restaurant, Kitamura has been open since 1881. Similar to other traditional and established places, they also have a butcher shop attached to the restaurant where locals can purchase their beef to have at home. This is another restaurant where reservations are recommended. This is one of my go to if I want Sukiyaki.

Other Japanese Goodies

Ajinoya 味乃家 – Okonomiyaki

http://ajinoya-okonomiyaki.com/top/

I rarely eat okonomiyaki because I find it too saucy and extremely filling. However, my opinions have slightly changed after dining at this place. It’s still saucy and filling, but the combination of the ingredients and condiments blends perfectly together and it’s not too oily, unlike other places I’ve been to. A friend took me to this famous spot where lines can be very long (no reservations) during peak hours. I was told that different regions in Japan serve their own versions. The Kansai style (ones in the Osaka area) typically have all ingredients mixed together in a thick batter, whereas other places like Hiroshima (the most famous) the batter is more crepe like and ingredients are layered on top of each piece of crepe. The taste of the sauce is slightly different too. This place is definitely worth a try, but go during off peak hours!

 

Rikuro’s Cheesecake 

http://www.rikuro.co.jp/cheesecake/

This is one of the most fluffiest, and smoothest cheesecakes I’ve had. The best part, it’s quite airy, so it’s not filling at all (which means I can have more)! In the Namba shop where I usually buy it from, there’s always a long line waiting for the freshly baked cheesecake to be available. Every time a batch of cheesecakes are ready, the staff rings a cow bell a hot iron stamp with the Rikuo’s logo is stamped on each cheesecake before it is sold. They have various stores in Osaka, but not all of them have freshly made ones. I always go to the Namba store (a very short walk from Takashimaya department store). This store has a sitting area, so after purchasing the cheesecake I can have it right away when it’s still hot! Always buy the freshly made ones, it’s so worth it!

Chain/Nationwide Spots

Hiroshino Coffee 

http://www.hoshinocoffee.com/

There’s a lot of coffee places in Osaka that’s worth going to, but for chain coffee shops, my favorite is Hiroshino Coffee. Not only are their coffees good (they have a wide offering), their food selection is also worth trying out. I’ve been there for lunch and also afternoon tea. I particularly like their thick pancakes. These ones are quite dense, but it’s has a strong egg and butter flavor, which is quite hard to find elsewhere (at least in a chain store).

 

Gozasoro 御座候- Imagawayaki Red bean dessert

http://gozasoro.co.jp/

Imagawayki, or obanyaki (in the Kansai region) is a pancake like dessert with a red bean filing. It is common dessert/snack in Japan and is readily available, but not all places make good ones. In Osaka, I found a stall in the basement level of Takashimaya department store in Namba that makes one of the best ones I’ve had in Osaka. Apparently this brand can be found throughout Japan too. The store in Takashimaya makes fresh Imagawayki  so it’s nice and hot when served. There’s two flavors, red bean and white bean. I’ve only tried the red and has the perfect amount of sweetness. There’s often a line, but every time I went, I didn’t have to wait for long as they’re pretty efficient. Locals often buy by the dozens to take home.

Tokyo Eats

Posted in Destinations, Favorites, Food, Japan by

I’ve been to Japan dozens of times and friends always ask for restaurant recommendations. While I have some favorites, my usual answer is I usually pick restaurants based on where I end up at the end of the night, rather than reserving places before arriving to Japan. This way, it wouldn’t restrict me from having to rush to the reservation if I was at the other side of town. I was told, at least in Tokyo, that there would be a charge for any cancelations regardless of reason. I know some desirable places really need reservations, so I have since limited myself to making 1 restaurant reservation on each trip so that I can try those more desirable restaurants. I do also sometimes make same day reservations for places I know may need a booking.  Also, I don’t tend to go to too fancy places, or Michelin starred restaurants. I find there’s a lot of good choices everywhere I go.

Instead of sending restaurant info emails to friends or me keeping track of business cards (which I’ve lost a lot of already), I’ve decided to list out my favorite places here. This list will be updated when necessary. Most of these places didn’t have English menus nor did their staff spoke any English, but it was still easy to communicate as their menus usually had pictures.

SUSHI PLACES

Sushi Midori 寿司の美登利

http://www.sushinomidori.co.jp/shop.php?name=shibuya

They have various locations in Tokyo but the one I usually go to is in Shibuya. They don’t take reservations and the wait can be long. During my last visit (Jan. 2017) we waited for 3 hours, but the average wait is around 1.5 – 2 hours. They now have have a ticket system, so you can walk around while you wait for the table instead of lining up (which we have done many times). Although there is a long wait, I still frequent this place at least once every time because I find the sushi to not only be of quality, but the cuts  of the fish are generous. They also have cooked items and sides. The average check per person is around HK$250 (US$31). It’s definitely value for money!

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Shibuya Shop

Uogaashi-Ichi Standing Sushi Bar 魚がし日本一 

http://www.uogashi-nihonichi.com/english/

Like sushi Midori, there are a number of outlets within Tokyo. The one I go to is in Shinjuku. This was a recent random find. As it states, it’s a standing sushi bar, so the shop (at least the one in Shinjuku) is quite small, with around 15 spots. This place usually isn’t that busy, but during peak times, there is a short line. The average check is about HK$250 (US$31).

Shinjuku Shop
Chopped Toro sushi – my favorite!
Seared shrimp with mayo
O Toro sushi

Tsukiji Sushi Ko Nagomi 築地すし好 和

http://www.tsukiji-sushiko.com/nagomi/

This was also a random find as I was in Tokyo Station on my way to take the subway. The picture of the of the tuna attracted me to go in. The location is on the lower ground of the subway passageways. It was very unassuming. Their focus is fatty tuna, so I ordered their Jo-Tekka Don (Fatty Tuna Bowl) and a crab salad. It was amazing! I didn’t have time to go back to this place, but will definitely revisit next time when I’m in Tokyo! The Don was about HK$185 (US$24) and the salad was about HK$62 (US$8). I realized they also operated a standing sushi bar restaurant directly adjacent to this place.

Crab Salad
Jo-Tekka Don. It was so good!

BEEF PLACES

Yoshizawa 銀座 吉澤 – Shabu Shabu, Sukiyaki

http://www.ginza-yoshizawa.com/index.html

Another random find after a trip to Itoya, my favorite stationary store in Ginza. The restaurant is actually within a very short walk from the back entrance of the main Itoya store. (Itoya also has an annex building across from back entrance of the main building). What attracted us to try the place was their butcher store that’s attached to the restaurant. Their beef looked very fresh and was for sale for locals to buy for Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki at home. The restaurant is authentic and is one where you have to take off your shoes and sit on the floor. Totally didn’t mind, as the food was superb! We ordered their lunch sets. I tried going back for lunch and dinner a couple of times, but they were all full. I think next time, it’ll be better to make a reservation. Lunch averaged to about HK$171 (US$22).

Kira Ginza 佐賀牛銀座季楽 – Teppanyaki

http://kira.saga-ja.jp/ginza/

I made reservations for dinner at this place before arriving to Tokyo. They served Wagyu beef that was from Saga in northwestern part of Japan.  This was recommended by a friend who thought it was worth trying. The restaurant served the beef in two ways, teppanyaki or steamed (in a wooden box with vegetables). We choose teppanyaki style. There were 4 types of teppanyaki dinner sets to choose from. The difference laid in the price, number of courses and what was included in the course. There were two types of Wagyu Saga beef – sirloin or fillet. We choose the fillet because it was less fatty. There was an English speaking staff, so we were able to ask specific questions on the menu which was helpful. Prices ranged between HK$890 (US$115) to HK$2,050 (US$265). It was definitely worth it. The beef had the perfect amount of marbling while the other courses were also cooked to perfection. Next time, I want to try the steamed version.

YAKITORI PLACES

Yakitori Hachibei 焼とりの八兵衛 

http://hachibei.com/

This place is one of my Japanese friend’s favorite and I now know why. Not only was the food outstanding, but it had great ambiance.  We went to the Roppongi outlet and was easily accessible via the subway, just a short walk from Tokyo Midtown. I was glad I had a local with me as they didn’t speak anything but Japanese. I’ll need to practice my Japanese before I go again next time!

CAFES

Dominique Ansel Bakery

https://dominiqueanseljapan.com/en

I knew of Dominique Ansel when I lived in New York. Their bakery created the cronut, one of the most sought after baked goods in the city. People would line up at 7:30am and would be sold out in minutes. I never got a chance to try them in New York, so I needed to try them in Tokyo, and I finally did. I heard there’s also usually a line, but was lucky I didn’t have to line up when I went. They change the flavors of cronuts every few months. I went there on two separate trips and was able to have strawberry cream and peach. I also tried their only savory item in the cafe, the egg sandwich. All were very good, including their coffees. In addition to the cafe on the ground floor, there’s a cafe on the second floor. The menu is different and serves salads and sandwiches. The menu wasn’t attractive, so I advise eating in their cafe on the ground floor.

Strawberry cronut
Peach cream cronut
Egg Sandwich

Blue Bottle Coffee

https://bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes#tokyo

Originated in California, Tokyo is their first destination outside of the United States. I’ve only been to the Shinjuku shop and it’s always filled with people. The lines are getting longer and longer. I think I’ll need to try other shops to see if there’s less people. Their coffee was pretty good. I appreciate the staff’s dedication on making the best cup of coffee.

CHAIN/NATIONWIDE SPOTS

The following places have outlets across Japan, so no matter if you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or whereever (I assume it’ll have to be in a major city), there should be one available.

Harbs

http://www.harbs.co.jp/harbs/eng_top.html

This place makes one of the best cream cakes I’ve had. They’re famous for their layered fruit crepe cakes (similar to Lady M), I think the ones from Harbs is better than Lady M! Their savory items are nice too, which are mostly a variety of cream pastas and small salads.

Seasonal Grape Cream Cake
Fruit Crepe – signature dish

Afternoon Tea Tea Room

http://www.afternoon-tea.net/

I was first attracted by Afternoon Tea’s flowery and girly houseware and lifestyle products. Most of their shops are attached to their tea room, which typically serves pastas, salads, cakes and of course, teas. I had tried their cafes in various locations and cities and think they’re consistent and good. A lot of the times, there’s a line for lunch and afternoon tea. They often have seasonal food items so every time I visit, I always find something new to try.

img_2223

Soup Stock Tokyo 

http://www.soup-stock-tokyo.com/

I really enjoy having soups from Soup Stock Tokyo. They have a variety of western and Japanese inspired soups. They’re great as a light snack, and for lunch, there’s option to add rice or bread rolls. They also have curries, but I haven’t tried. I hope to try some next time.

Nana’s Green Tea

http://www.nanasgreentea.com/en/

This is a great place to go for a “pick me up” in the afternoon. I particularly like the combination of green tea and red bean desserts. They also have drinks and light snacks as well.

img_1004_2

Parachutes Cold Pressed Juices

http://parachutes.jp/about/index.html

This is the best cold press juice place I’ve had in Japan. It’s a “must go” for me every time I’m in Japan. I really enjoy their green juices in particular.

Gram Cafe & Pancakes

http://www.cafe-gram.com/

They’re most famous for their ultra fluffy pancakes, which are offered in limited qualities and at specific times throughout the day. I was able to try one and they are in fact pretty good. I’ve tried similar ones in Japan and in Hong Kong and think Gram is one of the better ones. I don’t think this is a must go, but if you’re around the area and looking for a cafe for coffee and sweets, it’s worth considering. They also have regular savory and sweet pancakes if you don’t fancy the ultra fluffy ones.

Pancake with Smoked Salmon and Salad
Ultra Fluffy Pancakes

Luke’s Lobster

http://www.lukeslobster.com/location/japan/

I first came across Luke’s Lobster in Osaka, and not in the United States, where they originated. I wasn’t very impressed and wasn’t too keen on trying them again when I was in New York, read my experience here. It’s now become one of my favorite places. A good tip when going to Luke’s in Tokyo, go to the outlet in Shibuya instead of Harajuku, there’s a lot less people!

Chapter 1 – Food Finds: Hong Kong

Posted in Cuisine, Food for Thought, Tips and Tricks by

I can’t say I’m the type of person who constantly searches for the newest restaurants in town, and who will go out of their way just to try a new restaurant. I’m the type who stumbles across restaurants I haven’t tried (new or old) and if it’s convenient for me, I’ll give it a try.

The Hong Kong restaurant scene reminds me of the New York City, the strongest and fittest survives. Being the 10th anniversary since my move back to Hong Kong this year, I definitely have my favorite ‘go to’ places, but at the same time, I do get curious to try new places that I come across – whether it be a friend’s recommendation, a review, or if I just simply pass by.

I can’t say I’m an organized person, so more often than not when I try to recall the restaurant I went to last week (forget about last month!) I struggle to locate the information. More often than not, I use my Instagram page as a first reference point, but I still find it difficult. Therefore, I’ve decided to document my food finds here, on my blog! It’s a great reference point for me, and it’ll be good to share it with you too! I will share three food finds periodically focusing on different parts of the world, so be sure to check back often! I will not only share positive recommendations, but also not so great finds, which really is to remind me not to go there again! For my first post, I’ve decided to highlight my home base – Hong Kong! So here goes:

Spot 1 – Pho Vietnamese Restaurant (越色牛肉粉餐廳)

Address: G/F, 3 Lan Fong Road, Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣蘭芳道3號地下)

Pho Noodle Soup
Pad Thai
Cold Vermicelli with Minced Pork
Hainan Chicken Rice

I find that good Phở, or Vietnamese soup noodle, is extremely hard to find in Hong Kong. I’ve tried many places, from high end to ‘hole in the wall’ joints –  I haven’t been impressed, until I found this place. I came across this place about five years ago when it was at another location. Since they moved (at a more convenient location for me) about six months ago, I’ve been frequenting this place almost every other week. This place offers not only Phở, but other Southeast Asian food items such as Pad Thai, and Hainan Chicken Rice. Service is typical of Hong Kong operation – fast and efficient (at peak times, they push you out the door to turn the table for the next guest). Needless to say, I would still go back for a bowl of hot Phở any day, especially when the weather is chilly.

Spot 2 – Fleur de Sel 

Address: Shop 2J, Po Foo Building, Foo Ming Street, Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣富明街1號寶富大樓2樓J室)

Savory Crepe with Parma Ham, Artichokes, Ratatouille & Mushrooms
Savory Crepe with Fresh Scallops, Arugula & Cream Sauce

I came across this place just by simply looking up! Residential buildings in popular commercial areas in Hong Kong are often occupied by retail or restaurants. It’s one way for independent shops to make it financially feasible for their existence (rents are typically much cheaper than ground floor storefronts). I was wondering in Causeway Bay, and looked up to admire the blue sunny sky on a Saturday afternoon – it was after days of cloudy weather, then I saw this European looking balcony and intrigued me to head to the second floor of that building. This cozy French themed venue only serves crepes, savory and sweet. From their chefs to their ingredients, it’s all imported from France – yes, even the chef! Every time I go back, the food is consistently fresh and tasty. Although their management of reservations needs more work (making a booking doesn’t mean you’ll your table is secured), their staff is friendly and caring. The staff once offered me a cup of honey with hot water after seeing (and probably hearing) me cough nonstop because of a sinus infection I had. I don’t go to any other crepe places except this one!

Spot 3 – i Creameria Dolce Giapponese 

Address: Various locations in Hong Kong
Edited with Polarr Photo Editor
I became obsessed with this green tea themed dessert outlet during this past summer. The first shop started in Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay; a small standing room only locale, but within a span of a couple of months, three more shops opened, two in Causeway Bay (Sogo and World Trade Center), and one in Tsim Sha Tsui (Harbour City). The recipe to their success is simple – to have few but high quality ingredients, in their case, it’s primarily green tea soft serve, vanilla soft serve, red bean, mochi, fresh chestnut, fresh melon and grapes (both imported from Japan). Make it simple and make it good! Their green tea soft serve has a rich tea flavor, yet not bitter at all – one of the best I’ve had – definitely quality similar to ones you find in Japan! The combinations concocted by them is simply to die for!

Continue reading →

Taipei – toast a mile high…with a touch of bling

Posted in Destinations, Taiwan by

Taipei is known for street foods and snacks, but I came across a cafe that serves unique toasts – honey toast. When I think of toast, I think of the usual food item served at breakfast – thinly sliced pieces served with butter and jam.

At Dazzling Cafe, their version of toast isn’t for breakfast, but as a dessert or afternoon snack. Plus, the toast is so thick, you need help from just to correctly dismantle the concoction and a pair of tongs to serve. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from, ranging from chocolate to mango, but I decided on berries – strawberries, blueberries toped with raspberry ice cream and whipped cream on danish toast. Check this out!

Super High Toast

Super High Danish Toast with berries, whipped cream and raspberry ice cream

The staff first separates the berries and ice cream before evenly spreading the whipped cream onto the toast. The toast is then cut into individual sticks so that it can be further cut into bit-sized pieces to devour with the berries and ice cream together.

The cafe also serves savory dishes, also good, but ordering the toast is a must! For the first time, I tried their seafood pasta and truffle french fries.  The french fries had very strong taste and smell of truffle oil while the seafood pasta had strong flavors of tomatoes, olive oil and the seafood was fresh.

Truffle french fries
Seafood pasta

As you enter any of the seven outlets in Taiwan (four in Taipei, the rest in Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu), an aura of elegance coupled with bling is exemplified. Decorations at all of the outlets are different. I was told that the owner of the outlets once started off selling jewelry, loves jewelry, then in 2010, opened up their first honey toast cafe and of course incorporating ‘bling bling’ into the theme. In addition, Hello Kitty is their mascot. Several merchandizes are exclusively sold in the cafes. A must go for Hello Kitty lovers.

Dazzling cafe hello kitty
Dazzling cafe deluxe
Dazzling cafe hello kitty mini bags

A small tip. Lines at most of their outlets are very long and no reservations are allowed. I’ve waited for more than one hour to be seated. I have since found an outlet in Taipei Breeze Center (微風廣場) to be to lesser frequented outlet – Dazzling Cafe Deluxe.

For a complete list of dazzling cafe outlets, click here.