Month: May 2026

A Peaceful Afternoon at d Shokudo Kyoto

Located within the grounds of Bukkō-ji Temple, d shokudo kyoto sits quietly beside the D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO gift shop, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds of Kyoto. The calm atmosphere of the temple grounds already makes you slow down the moment you walk in.

I visited the cafe in the late afternoon and sat by the window overlooking the temple grounds. With the soft natural light coming through and the comfortable low chairs, it felt like the perfect place to rest after a busy day of exploring.

The staff were warm and friendly, spoke some English, and there was an English menu available. They offer both a lunch menu and desserts, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and simple Japanese-style comfort food.

I ordered the seasonal yuzu parfait, and it was beautifully layered with many different textures and ingredients. The first few bites were bright and tangy with a slight hint of bitterness from the yuzu, but as I worked my way down the parfait, each layer revealed something different. You could distinctly taste every element, yet all the flavors came together perfectly, creating something incredibly refreshing and balanced rather than overly sweet.

It was one of those desserts that feels thoughtful and carefully crafted, best enjoyed slowly while taking in the peaceful temple view.

D&Department Kyoto / d Shokudo Kyoto

Japan, 〒600-8084 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shinkaicho, 397 本山佛光寺内

Hidden Gluten-Free Bagel Spot

I was looking for a place to have breakfast near the hotel I was staying at and stumbled upon this cozy little café that specializes in gluten-free bagels. Their bagels are made from rice flour, which immediately caught my attention, and they also sell the bagels separately if you want to bring some back with you. The café itself was nice and clean, with a calm atmosphere and friendly staff. They spoke a little English, and there is also an English menu available, which made ordering easy.

To locate it, take the elevator next to CU Mart down to L1 — the café will be on your left.

I ordered the scallion mayo egg bagel along with a Jeju green tea latte. The bagel was light, soft, and pleasantly chewy with a subtle hint of sweetness. The egg filling was soft and rich, complemented by a creamy layer of mayo, while the scallions added a fresh and savory note that balanced everything nicely. The Jeju green tea latte paired well with the meal.

Overall, it’s a great spot for anyone looking for gluten-free options without compromising on texture or flavor. A simple but satisfying breakfast place that I’d happily return to.

Ssalbebe

89-20 Seosomun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea