A café in Taichung’s market that opens at 8 a. m. —rare in the city. Warm wood tones and high ceilings create a relaxing atmosphere. Try the soft-shell crab tartare burger with rose pomelo sauce and crispy chips, plus the refreshing “Island” pink
A crab kaiseki restaurant in Hamamatsucho, open for less than a year, still has no Instagram. Enjoy crab dishes in a private room, from sashimi and hot pot to grilled king crab and crab porridge. Finish with lemon sorbet, then stroll around Tokyo
From Bakurocho, this udon shop was conveniently on the way to Tokyo Station. In the afternoon, there were few people, so I only waited about 10 minutes. The chef’s handmade udon could be watched up close. I ordered cold udon with grated yam and
Takamatsu’s central shopping arcade stretches for several kilometers. At the far end is a takeout café that roasts its own beans. Even when closed, the aroma of roasted coffee fills the entrance. I tried their cold brew made with lightly roasted
I passed by Wan Chai and discovered this café, which opened just a week ago. Its bright yellow storefront and eye-catching name instantly drew attention. Founded by Italian chef Fabio Bardi, winner of “Best Pastry Chef” at the 2024 Tatler Dining
I visited latte art champion Li Wei-Hsuan’s coffee shop two days in a row. Opened last October in Shinfucho, Li Wei Tokyo is a 10-minute walk straight ahead from the Tsukiji Outer Market. The blue-gray space is bright and sunny, with counter and
Takamatsu’s finest latte art café—without a doubt. The squirrel logo reflects the owner’s specialty. Cozy wooden space with limited seating, run solo. No desserts that morning, just excellent coffee, plus a beautiful white rose from the owner.
Last year, a friend living in Tokyo took me to an izakaya near her home in Togoshi Ginza. The owner had closed his 10-year-old izakaya and opened a sushi restaurant in Senzoku. The 18-course omakase was only ¥8, 800. Though it had opened less than
Blue Bottle Coffee opened a new branch at Cityplaza in mid-May. Located in the mall’s atrium, it features a highly transparent, all-silver metal interior designed by Nero & Hu. A tucked-away sofa corner is perfect for introverts to enjoy coffee and
True Coffee from Taichung opened its first overseas branch in Hong Kong in mid-July. I finally visited its Causeway Bay location after missing the chance to try it in Taiwan. The space is cozy, but soufflé pancakes weren’t available that morning,