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36 Hours in Kyoto (food+omiyage edition)
Many visit Kyoto with a lengthy list of temples and shrines, but that’s not all Kyoto has to offer. From kaiseki meals to trendy cafes, Kyoto blends tradition with modernity. I’ve always wanted to write a 36 hours itinerary so as the Japanese say when asked for a recommendation, here are my オススメ (o-su-su-me). Friday 8 a.m. Breakfast at 進々堂 Shinshindo Nothing is more comforting...
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A Curated Food Guide to Tianzifang 田子坊
Tianzifang 田子坊 is Shanghai’s charming equivalent of New York’s Chelsea Market+Highline. Once a 市集 (traditional Chinese marketplace), Tianzifang was remodeled in 1998 to become an artsy retail complex. From small trinkets to independent art galleries, there’s no shortage of things to see and eat. The area’s biggest charm? The lines of clothes drying in random corners of the streets, reminding you that older Shanghainese...
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Seasonal Vegetarian Fine Dining at Fu He Hui 福和慧
Michelin-starred 福和慧 Fu He Hui is a gem in Shanghai’s fine dining scene. For lunch and dinner, you can select from four different vegetarian prix fixe menus (ranging 380RMB-780RMB), including a seasonal special. For first timers, I would recommend trying the ‘classic’ Fu He Hui menu. From decor to food, Fu He Hui is a gourmand’s oasis in the center of Shanghai city. Come with the expectation that you’ll...
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Spirited Away to Miho Museum
Miho Museum is nestled in a beautiful forest complex designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, only a short trip away from Kyoto. Located in Shiga Prefecture, Miho Museum is meant to mirror Shangri-La–an earthly paradise described in Chinese poet Tao Yuanming’s poem, “The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring.” Not only is the Museum itself stunning, the journey there is just as magical. Miho Museum has three exhibition sessions (Spring,...
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Discovering Tokyo’s Trendy Wine and Dine Scene: L’AS ラス
L’AS ラス is a gem of a restaurant in the quiet backstreets of Minami-Aoyama. Boasting a diverse wine list and creative Franco-Japanese menu, L’AS is an absolute must-visit with its fresh ingredients and stunning flavors. My friend Mizuha and I dined there on a Sunday night and the restaurant was buzzing with energy. The animated chatter of diners enjoying their wine pairings pleasantly echoed throughout the restaurant. After the first...
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Devour Amazing Chirashi at Ginza Sushi Marui
If you’re shopping through Ginza and suddenly crazing amazing chirashi or sushi, you don’t have to go far. Ginza Sushi-Dokoro Marui is tucked behind the main pedestrian crossing in Tokyo’s glitzy shopping district and one of my new favorite eateries. Tokyo can be overwhelming with its endless amounts of sashimi and sushi options but if you want a high quality yet affordable (and very filling!) lunch break, definitely grab a...
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Somtum Der: Isan Thai in New York City
Isan Thai Food Nestled in NYC’s East Village From the Northeastern part of Thailand, Isan Thai food is distinctly different from its sweeter central-cuisine cousin (think Pad Thai). For one, it’s SPICY and fiercly so. Isan Thai also serves up copious amounts of sticky rice, Som Tam (papaya salad), and Nam Tok (grilled meat salad). I’ve enjoyed all the trendy Southasian restaurants in New York City recently but...
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Tokyo Food Winter Guide: Spanish Tapas and French-Style Yakitori
Where did the time go, it’s Spring already! Here is Part 2 of my Tokyo Food Winter Guide, which covers everything from the insanely popular BAKE cheese tarts to delicious french-style yakitori. This post contains a bunch of the places I tried that are more fusion than my previous post, A Tokyo Winter Guide: Sushi Zanmai, Ginza Maru, and More. I visited Jiyugaoka for the first time...
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A Tokyo Food Winter Guide: Sushi Zanmai, Ginza Maru 銀座圓 and more!
Tokyo, ただいま! People say the best time to visit Japan is in the Spring for hanami, the cherry blossom viewing festival; or in the Fall, to see the country’s beautiful Autumn foliage. But a true foodie knows Winter in Japan means two things: Ramen tastes even more amazing than usual (cold weather, hot bowl of noodle, go figure). Tsukiji Fish Market in the Winter time is a...
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A Lavish Lunch Affair at Per Se
New Yorkers are spoiled by amazing food, whether it’s a simple bagel sandwich from the fantastic Tompkins Square Bagels or the endless restaurants nestled in Hell’s Kitchen. But a dining experience at Thomas Keller’s iconic three-Michelin establishment, Per Se, really sets the bar high for all my future meals. Located on the 4th floor of the Time Warner Center by Columbus Circle, Per Se...
