Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare

Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare is just a two-minute walk from Ginza Station. This elegant tonkatsu restaurant specializes in premium Miyazaki beef cutlets and Joshu pork cutlets. The interior is clean, bright, and welcoming, creating a calm and comfortable dining atmosphere.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles, and the staff spoke English.

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch special called Anzu-zen, limited to just 20 servings each day. It features an aged pork loin cutlet served with freshly cooked rice, miso soup, carefully prepared pickles, and dried daikon radish, allowing diners to enjoy a little of everything the restaurant is known for. Unfortunately, it was already sold out by the time I arrived.

I was seated at the counter, where I had a front-row view of the open kitchen. One of the highlights was watching the rice being cooked to order in an earthenware pot over a traditional kamado stove.

I ordered the fillet katsu set, which came with freshly cooked rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage salad, pickles, and seasoned daikon radish.

The meal began with the daikon radish, which had a refreshing, lightly savory crunch that perfectly stimulated the appetite. The fillet itself was exceptionally tender and practically melted in my mouth. The coating was light, crisp, and beautifully golden without feeling greasy at all. Every bite was satisfying, and the presentation of the meal was just as impressive as its flavor.

The portions were also quite generous, making it a filling and satisfying lunch. With its attentive service, high-quality ingredients, and meticulous preparation, Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare is well worth a visit for anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional tonkatsu experience in Ginza.

Wagokoro Tonkatsu Anzu Hanare

和心とんかつ あんず はなれ

Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−3−5 小池ビル 1階

Fresh Seafood at Hamberg Fisk, Uppsala

Hamberg Fisk is a bright and spacious seafood restaurant in central Uppsala. The dining room is airy, modern, and comfortable, with plenty of seating. There’s also a takeaway counter offering freshly made seafood dishes, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with a fresh seafood section where you can buy a wide selection of fish and shellfish to take home. Everything looked incredibly fresh and beautifully displayed.

We ordered the fish soup, Arctic char, and crème brûlée.

The fish soup, made with saffron, tomato, fennel, prawns, and mussels, was warm, comforting, and full of fresh seafood. The broth was rich and flavourful without being too heavy. The prawns were plump, the mussels were fresh, and every spoonful was satisfying. It’s the kind of dish I’d happily order again.

The Arctic char came with jalapeño beurre blanc, grilled broccoli, fried rice paper, shiso, and dill. The fish was cooked beautifully. If you’ve never had Arctic char before, it has a texture similar to trout but is even more tender and delicate. It was fresh, flaky, and melted in my mouth. The jalapeño beurre blanc was slightly too salty and overpowered the delicate flavour of the fish at times. Thankfully, the other elements of the dish balanced it out nicely. The grilled broccoli had a lovely smoky sweetness, while the crispy fried rice paper added a light and enjoyable crunch.

For dessert, I had the crème brûlée, which was unfortunately disappointing. The custard was softer and runnier than I expected, lacking the rich, silky texture that makes a great crème brûlée so satisfying. The caramelized sugar topping was also quite thick, making it much sweeter than I would have liked.

Overall, Hamberg Fisk offers high-quality seafood in a relaxed and welcoming setting. While the dessert did not quite match the standard of the savoury dishes, the fresh seafood and excellent fish soup made it a worthwhile visit. If you’re visiting Uppsala and enjoy seafood, Hamberg Fisk is definitely worth adding to your list.

Hamberg Fisk

Fyristorg 8, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

A Taste of Oslo in Tokyo: Coffee at Fuglen Shibuya

Fuglen has been serving quality coffee in Oslo since 1963, and in 2012, it brought a little piece of Norway to Japan with the opening of its first Tokyo café. Today, there are two branches—Shibuya and Asakusa—and I stopped by the Shibuya location during a quiet morning in the city.

Fuglen Tokyo is a stylish and cozy café that blends Scandinavian design with Japanese hospitality. The vibe strikes the perfect balance between cozy Nordic minimalism and warm Japanese charm. I visited on a quiet morning, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a leisurely coffee.

The menu offers a wide variety of espresso-based drinks alongside pour-over coffee, tea, non-caffeinated beverages, and even cocktails later in the day.

I ordered a flat white with oat milk and Brunost on toast with butter. As someone who loves Brunost, this was an easy choice. The Norwegian brown cheese has a subtly sweet, caramel-like flavor that is unlike any other cheese. It was served on beautifully toasted bread with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Paired with the smooth, well-balanced flat white, it made for the perfect breakfast.

If you’re looking for excellent coffee and a café with plenty of character, Fuglen is definitely worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary.

Fuglen Shibuya

1 Chome-16-11 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan

A Fun Thai Dining Experience in Uppsala

I remember walking past this restaurant and noticing how busy it was, so I decided to give it a try for dinner. Located right by Dombron Bridge, Restaurang Koh Phangan is a Thai restaurant that immediately stands out with its unique atmosphere.

The moment I stepped inside, I felt like I had been transported somewhere completely different. The décor is eclectic and playful — almost like walking into a beach nightclub, but with a strong Thai island feel. Neon lights hang from the ceiling, and there is even a disco ball near the entrance.

The service was warm and friendly. A Thai lady came over to take our order, and I guessed she was either the manager or part owner. Before the meal, we were served a refreshing salad with Thai-style dressing, and rice is available as an unlimited accompaniment.

I ordered the Gang Ped Pak, a Thai red curry with coconut milk, vegetables, tofu, and sweet basil. I really enjoyed this dish — the curry was creamy, fragrant, and had just a gentle touch of spice. The tofu soaked up the curry beautifully, and the generous amount of vegetables made it a comforting meal.

The Stir-fried Morning Glory was simple but tasty, with good flavour and texture.

We also ordered the Gai Met Mamoang, a Thai wok dish with chicken, roasted cashew nuts, sugar snap peas, chilli, and garlic. The portion was very generous. The chicken pieces were a little large, and I think smaller pieces would have allowed them to absorb more of the sauce. The sauce was also slightly saltier than what I usually prefer. Later, I learned from the Thai lady that food in Uppsala tends to lean towards the saltier side, which may explain the seasoning.

Overall, Restaurang Koh Phangan was a fun dining experience.

Restaurang Koh Phangan

Fyristorg 2, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Classic British Pub Dining at St Stephen’s Tavern, Westminster

St Stephen’s Tavern is a historic Victorian pub that has been part of Westminster’s landscape since 1875. Filled with old-world charm and traditional character, it enjoys one of the best locations in London, sitting directly opposite the iconic Big Ben.

The pub has two floors as well as a terrace. We dined on the first floor, where the tables were quite small and the seating area felt a little snug. The short stools were not the most comfortable for a long meal. Service was friendly and attentive throughout our visit.

Given its prime tourist location, I was initially a little skeptical about the food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The menu features classic pub favourites, from fish and chips to hearty pies and burgers, along with a small selection of plant-based and vegetarian options.

We ordered the Salt & Vinegar Battered Fish & Chips, which came as a generous portion. The fish had a lovely golden, crispy batter that was not overly greasy, while the fries were well fried and satisfying. The fish itself was moist, tender, and cooked perfectly.

We also tried the Roasted Butternut Squash & Coconut Curry, served with rice, mango chutney, raita, and a poppadom. I was not expecting to find such a flavourful curry in a traditional pub, but this dish was surprisingly delicious. The sweetness of the butternut squash balanced beautifully with the gentle heat of the curry, creating a dish with depth and warmth.

Overall, St Stephen’s Tavern was a pleasant surprise. Despite its touristy location, the food was good, the service was friendly, and the historic atmosphere made it an enjoyable place to have a classic British pub meal.

St Stephen’s Tavern

10 Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR, United Kingdom

A Charming Bakery Café in Roppongi, Tokyo

Located in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, Bricolage Bread & Co. came highly recommended by my hairstylist, who is a Tokyo local. I had also read that it is a popular bakery and that there can often be a queue, so I was pleasantly surprised when I visited around 9am on a weekday and was able to get a table immediately.

The bakery has a lovely location and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Large glass windows fill the space with plenty of natural light. The breakfast menu and bakery selection are diverse, fresh, and beautifully presented.

There are three seating areas: the main indoor dining space, the terrace, and a smaller seating area near the bakery display. The main indoor area was already full during my visit and was quite noisy.

The ordering system was slightly confusing. The counter on the left side of the column is where you order your food and drinks. You will be given an electronic beeper and can then pick up your food from the next room, which is the main indoor dining area. Coffee orders are collected directly from the coffee bar, while the register on the right side of the column is mainly for takeaway bakery items.

The menu features a variety of breakfast favourites, including different types of toast with toppings, sandwiches with fillings such as avocado and pastrami, shakshuka, burgers, and several side dishes.

I ordered a flat white with oat milk, and I was pleasantly surprised by the coffee. It was bolder and had a richer flavour compared to many coffees I had tried in Japan, with a nice creamy foam texture that paired well with breakfast.

For food, I chose the corned beef eggs Benedict. The dish was beautifully presented, with a lovely balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavours. The eggs were complemented by the tender corned beef, and the bread underneath was soft, moist, and absorbed the sauce beautifully without becoming soggy.

Overall, Bricolage Bread & Co. was a lovely breakfast stop in Roppongi. With its bright atmosphere, quality food, and beautiful bakery selection, it is easy to see why it is popular among both locals and visitors.

Bricolage bread & co.

Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6 Chome−15−1 けやき坂テラス 1F

A Taste of the Cotswolds: Our Breakfast Experience at The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn is a charming 15th-century inn tucked away on a quiet corner of Sheep Street in the beautiful historic market town of Burford. With its honey-colored Cotswold stone walls, low wooden beams, and centuries-old character, it is exactly what you imagine a traditional English inn to be—warm, cozy, and full of history. The inn also has a stunning courtyard and walled garden, creating a beautiful setting for al fresco dining on warmer days.

We stayed here for one night, and it was the perfect place to experience the quiet charm of the Cotswolds.

Breakfast was a lovely start to the morning. There was a small buffet with juice, croissants, and yogurt, while hot dishes were cooked to order from the menu. The inn uses St. Ewe’s award-winning free-range eggs, which were featured in several dishes. The breakfast menu wasn’t extensive, but every dish felt thoughtfully put together, proving that a smaller menu can often mean greater attention to quality.

We ordered the Full Healthy, which featured Porter smoked salmon, smashed avocado, perfectly poached St. Ewe’s eggs, and toasted sourdough. It was fresh, light, and satisfying, with the rich smoked salmon pairing beautifully with the creamy avocado and runny egg yolks.

The Vegetarian Breakfast was equally enjoyable, with St. Ewe’s eggs, a veggie sausage, crispy hash browns, vine-roasted tomatoes, avocado, flat mushrooms, baked beans, and toasted Wildfarmed sourdough. It was colourful, hearty, and packed with flavour without feeling overly heavy.

The standout savoury dish was the Red Pepper Shakshuka served with preserved lemon salsa verde and sourdough toast. The tomato and pepper sauce had wonderful depth of flavour, rich and gently spiced, while the preserved lemon salsa verde added a bright, citrusy freshness that lifted the entire dish.

Of course, we couldn’t resist trying something sweet as well.

We tried the Banana Bread with whipped Illy espresso mascarpone and the Crème Brûlée French Toast with seasonal berries. The Banana Bread came with whipped Illy espresso mascarpone, adding a subtle coffee flavour that complemented the sweetness of the banana without overpowering it. The French toast was soft, fluffy, and custardy inside, with beautifully caramelised crispy edges and a lovely hint of vanilla.

Overall, The Lamb Inn was a delightful stay. Beyond its historic charm and beautiful garden setting, it offered a warm atmosphere and a breakfast that showed real care in both ingredients and preparation.

The Lamb Inn

Sheep St, Burford OX18 4LR, United Kingdom

Turf Tavern: A Historic Oxford Pub Hidden Down a Secret Passageway

Dating back to 1381, Turf Tavern is one of Oxford’s most famous historic pubs. Hidden away down the narrow St Helen’s Passage, just beyond the Hertford Bridge, finding it feels like discovering a secret. Walking through the narrow alleyway adds a sense of mystery and adventure.

We visited during dinner time, and the place was buzzing. The outdoor seating area was completely packed, with people enjoying drinks and meals in the courtyard. Inside, the décor was exactly what you’d expect from a traditional English pub—warm, rustic, and full of character. There was plenty of indoor seating as well as the outdoor area.

The menu features classic British pub fare, including Fish & Chips, Sausage & Mash, and burgers. There’s also a Sunday Roast menu available on Sundays, along with a gluten-free menu.

Ordering is straightforward—you place both your food and drink orders at the bar. Drinks are served immediately, while the food is brought to your table.

We ordered the Sea Bream, Mussels & Chorizo, served with a creamy white wine and garlic sauce alongside warm ciabatta. The sea bream was fresh, tender, and well-cooked, while the sauce was creamy, flavorful, and perfect with the bread.

The Chicken & Bacon Burger came with a breaded chicken breast, melted West Country mature cheddar, smoked streaky bacon, chipotle mayo, seasoned fries, onion rings, and a gherkin. The burger was decent, although the chicken was slightly tough and chewy. The fries, however, were excellent—crispy and well-seasoned.

The Fish & Chips was decent, with a nice crunch from the batter and flavorful mushy peas. Unfortunately, the batter was a little over-fried, and the fish was slightly dry, with some parts being tougher than expected.

Overall, while the food was a little inconsistent, visiting Turf Tavern was still a memorable experience. English pubs are such an important part of British culture, and sitting in this historic pub tucked away in a hidden corner of Oxford had a certain charm that made the visit worthwhile.

Turn Tavern

4 Bath Pl, Oxford OX1 3SU, United Kingdom

Komet Café: A Chic Café and Bakery in Stockholm

Komet Café has two locations in Stockholm, with one in Kungsholmsgatan and another in Södermalm. I visited the Kungsholmsgatan location, which is just a short walk from T-Centralen subway station.

The café has a minimalist black-and-white interior that feels chic, with a relaxed city vibe. The space is bright, clean, and surprisingly spacious, making it a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast or a slow coffee break.

Komet Café brings together the best of French and Swedish café culture, offering French favorites like croissants and pain au chocolat alongside Swedish classics such as cinnamon buns and seasonal semlor, as well as specialty coffee made with beans from local Swedish roasters.

The moment I walked in, I was drawn to the beautiful display of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and breads. Everything looked thoughtfully prepared and incredibly tempting.

I ordered a flat white with oat milk, which was excellent—bold, somewhat bitter taste with nutty and chocolatey undertones. For food, I tried their rustic bread with Comté cheese, pear, and honey, a simple but delicious combination of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors. The cardamom bun was another highlight—soft, chewy, sticky, and perfectly sweet with a wonderful aroma of cardamom.

I also tried their homemade focaccia with cacio e pepe and artichoke, which was flavorful and satisfying, showcasing the café’s attention to quality ingredients.

Komet Café quickly became one of my favorite café and bakery finds in Stockholm. With its stylish atmosphere, excellent coffee, and beautifully crafted pastries and dishes, it is definitely worth a visit.

Komet Café Stockholm

Kungsholmsgatan 10, 112 27 Stockholm, Sweden

A Waterfront Gelato Gem in Kungsholmen, Stockholm

Gelato & Chill Kungsholmen is a wonderful little gelato shop tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Kungsholmen, overlooking the waterfront. With only a few outdoor seats, it has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that makes it a lovely spot to enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the views.

The young staff were friendly and welcoming, and the shop offers a good selection of both classic and more fun flavors, including Lemon Basil and Chilli Mango. We tried the Blueberry Yogurt, Pistachio, and Coconut Vanilla, and every flavor was fantastic. The gelato was rich, creamy, smooth, and full of flavor—easily one of the best gelatos I’ve had outside of Italy.

The shop also sells freshly baked cookies, which are definitely worth trying. I first bought the Walnut Pecan cookie and loved it so much that I went back to try the other flavors—the Chocolate Chip and Triple Chocolate. All three were soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness.

I highly recommend stopping by this gem in Kungsholmen. It is worth making the trip for, especially if you’re looking for excellent gelato in a peaceful waterfront setting.

Gelato & Chill Kungsholmen

Kungsholms strand 167, 112 48 Stockholm, Sweden