Slow Mornings and Skyline Views at Komfortabel Namsan

Komfortabel Coffee Namsan is a short walk from the Namsan Sky Forest trail. The space feels warm and thoughtfully designed. The ambiance isn’t just peaceful; it’s a quiet escape from the city. I visited on a weekday morning, and it was calm with only a few customers. I’ve heard it gets much busier in the afternoons and around sunset, so going early is your best bet if you’re looking for a more serene experience.

The café is run by Granhand, with their showroom located on the first floor. As you move up, the space opens into an expansive, wood-toned interior with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in beautiful natural light. What I loved most is how the atmosphere shifts depending on the weather and season—each visit could feel slightly different.

The real magic, though, is the view. From the fourth floor, the massive windows frame a layered scene: Huam-dong’s picturesque tiled rooftops unfold in the foreground, with modern high-rises rising in the distance. It’s especially stunning around sunset. There’s also a spacious rooftop seating area if you want to take it all in from above.

Inside, soft jazz plays through beautiful Westminster speakers, adding another layer to the overall experience.

The menu offers a mix of classic and creative drinks, including coffee blends and cocktails like vanilla cold brew latte and espresso martini, alongside cakes and pastries. I ordered the nutty crème latte—it was smooth with a creamy mouthfeel, slightly sweet, and rich with a nutty flavor that reminded me of peanut butter ice cream.

Overall, Komfortabel Coffee Namsan is more than just a café—it’s a place you go for the full experience. Between the design, the music, and especially the view, it’s the kind of spot that lingers with you long after you leave. Perfect for a slow morning or a quiet moment above the city.

Komfortabel coffee Namsan

16-1 Yunboseon-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki at Junior

Okonomiyaki is a well-known dish in Hiroshima. Unlike Osaka-style, where everything is mixed into a batter, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is made by layering the ingredients — giving it a more distinct texture.

Junior is a tiny, unassuming, and no-frills restaurant, run by just one person. Seating is limited to 8 seats, and because each okonomiyaki is cooked fresh on the spot, the wait can be quite long.

I arrived shortly after checking into my hotel — it was just a short walk away. The restaurant opened at 12, and when I got there around 12:15, all 8 seats were already taken. I ended up waiting in line for over an hour, and from start to finish, it took about 2 hours before I finally got my food.

Was it worth the wait? I think it depends. It seems really popular with foreign tourists, and I could definitely feel the hype while standing there.

I ordered the standard okonomiyaki and beef brisket. The brisket was well-seasoned, but a bit chewy for my liking. The okonomiyaki was savory, comforting, with that classic sweet-salty sauce and lots of cabbage and noodles layered in. It was good, but not something I’d personally wait two hours for again.

It may not have been the most unforgettable meal, but it was still a nice experience. I’m glad I tried it — just maybe not something I’d queue that long for again.

Junior Okonomiyaki お好み焼きじゅにあ

3-21 Tatemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0032, Japan

Upstanding Coffee: A Hidden Gem for Coffee Lovers

Upstanding Coffee is a three-story coffee shop in Seoul’s Yongsan district. It has a chill, rustic-industrial vibe with simple, minimalist decor. This place is really all about the coffee.

Each floor has a different feel. The second floor is cozy and quiet, almost like a reading room, with a long bench, a couple of stools, a small library, and big windows. The third floor is a rooftop area, great when the weather is nice.

It might be a little hard to find the first time. The café is down a flight of stairs off the main road, with a small vegetable shop at the top. I recommend using Kakao Maps since it’s more accurate than Google Maps.

You order at the counter first, then find a seat.

The barista was really friendly and explained the espresso options to me. I got the HBC roast as a flat white. The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, with thick foam that held its latte art until the end.

A great spot if you enjoy good coffee in a calm, cozy space.

Upstanding coffee

99-11 Sinheung-ro, 용산2가동 Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

A Retro Cafe Experience at Umihiko

Tucked along a quietly preserved street lined with century-old homes, Umihiko Cafe feels like stepping into a different era. Housed in a lovingly restored 120-year-old residence—considered one of the “younger” buildings in a neighborhood where many structures date back over 140 years—the cafe leans fully into its retro charm. Inside, antique furnishings and nostalgic touches create a warm, almost cinematic atmosphere.

It’s essentially a one-man operation—just a single staff member running the entire show. There’s no hovering service here; instead, a small bell sits on each table. Need something? Just give it a gentle ring.

I ordered a yuzu tea paired with a slice of chocolate cake. The yuzu drink was bright and refreshing, with just the right balance of citrus tang—perfect for cleansing the palate. The chocolate cake, on the other hand, leaned indulgent: rich, moist, and deeply satisfying. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it struck that perfect contrast between warm decadence and cool creaminess.

Umihiko Cafe

Tomo-824 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

Hearty Gomtang at OKDONGSIK

After a full day of exploring Tokyo, I was craving something simple and comforting—ideally close to my hotel. A quick scroll through Google Maps led me to OKDONGSIK, a modest Korean spot specializing in dweji gomtang (clear pork soup), exactly what I had in mind. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully especially at night—the signage is quite subtle.

Originally founded in Seoul in 2017, OKDONGSIK has since expanded internationally, with locations in cities like Tokyo, New York, and Paris.

The menu is focused and straightforward, offering three portion sizes and a small selection of side dishes. I went with the classic pork soup: the broth was clean, warming, and deeply comforting without feeling heavy. The pork slices were tender, with a nice balance of lean meat and fat.

Overall, it was a satisfying, no-frills meal—perfect if you’re in the area and looking for something simple and hearty.

Creamy Indulgence at Pierre Hermé Marunouchi

Located along Marunouchi Naka-Dori Avenue, Made in Pierre Hermé Marunouchi is a beautiful café with a sleek, elegant, and inviting interior—perfect for a relaxed yet refined treat.

The menu offers a wide variety of soft serve toppings, along with coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even alcohol. There’s also an impressive selection of sweets, including cakes, tarts, cookies, macarons, chocolates, and baked goods. In addition, you’ll find thoughtfully curated food products from different regions, such as pickles, jams, rice, mayonnaise, and seaweed. For something more savory, light meals like delicatessen dishes and sandwiches are also available.

I tried the soft serve with espresso and caramel nuts. The ice cream was incredibly creamy and smooth, melting effortlessly in your mouth. The espresso added a slightly bitter richness with a roasted, almost chocolatey depth, while the caramel nuts brought a hint of toasted warmth and a satisfying nutty crunch.

It’s like an affogato meets a caramel sundae—absolutely delicious.

Made in Pierre Hermé Marunouchi

Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 3 Chome−2−3 二重橋スクエア 1F

A Surprise Find at Ramen Shiina

My friend and I had originally planned to visit a well-known udon spot in Shinjuku, but with a wait time of over two hours, we decided to wander the neighborhood instead in search of something else. That’s when we stumbled upon Ramen Shiina—a modest chicken ramen shop that was simple, clean, with friendly staff and prompt service.

The menu offers four main options: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), a rich, thick chicken broth, and dry noodles served with a dipping sauce.

We didn’t expect much at first—but from the very first sip, we were blown away. It easily ranks among the best ramen I’ve had. I ordered the thick chicken soup, while my friend chose the shoyu. We asked for our noodles to be cooked a little softer than al dente, and they came out perfectly to our liking.

The shoyu broth was light yet deeply savory, layered with umami. The thick chicken soup, on the other hand, was rich and creamy with a depth of flavor that lingered in the best way. Both bowls were incredibly satisfying. The chicken was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a subtle hint of smokiness. The dumplings were the perfect finishing touch—well-seasoned, juicy, and comforting.

A hidden gem we almost overlooked, but one we’ll definitely be coming back to.

Ramen Shiina

Japan, 〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 4 Chome−30−15 市川ビル 1F

Yebisuya: A Historic Sake Brewery Turned Folk House Café

Yebisuya, the oldest sake brewery in Hiroshima, was founded in 1603 and continued producing sake until 1995. Steeped in history, parts of the building date back to the Edo period, giving the space a quiet, timeless charm. Today, the restaurant doubles as a small museum, with beautifully preserved pottery sake bottles from centuries past on display—subtle reminders of its rich heritage.

I visited Tomonoura during the off-season, and the stillness made it feel like a truly personal experience. With hardly any visitors around, I felt as though I had the entire place to myself. The building is old, yet impeccably clean and well maintained—it truly feels like stepping back in time. It’s run by a lovely couple.

The menu is simple, offering just one lunch set, but every dish felt thoughtful and comforting. The meal was humble yet deeply satisfying, with each element prepared with care. To finish, I had a light and fluffy chocolate cake that wasn’t overly sweet, paired perfectly with a fragrant cup of hot yuzu tea.

At one point, the owner came over to share that the lacquer tray I was using was over 100 years old. His pride was evident, and I was genuinely surprised by how beautifully preserved it was—a small but memorable detail that made the experience even more special.

Ebisuya 胡屋

Tomo-355-1 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

A Stadium Stop for Sasebo Burger

Stamina Honpo Kaya is a great place to try a Sasebo Burger while visiting Nagasaki. This branch is located inside Peace Stadium Connected by SoftBank, making it a fun and slightly unexpected place to enjoy the burger.

The Sasebo burger originated in Sasebo after World War II, when the nearby United States Navy base introduced American-style hamburgers to the area. Local restaurants adapted the recipe, creating their own versions using fresh ingredients and cooking each burger to order. Today, Sasebo burgers are known for their generous size and handmade style.

At Stamina Honpo Kaya, you order from a ticket machine before collecting your burger. The menu offers around nine different burger variations to choose from. I went with the classic cheeseburger. Because the burgers are made to order, there was a bit of a wait before it was ready.

The burger itself was generously sized, with a soft bun that had a slight crispness on the outside. There was a large portion of fresh lettuce, which gave it a nice crunch. Flavor-wise, it was saucy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with everything tasting fresh and satisfying.

For a casual and tasty introduction to the Sasebo burger, Stamina Honpo Kaya is definitely worth a stop when you’re in Nagasaki city.

Stamina Honpo Kaya

7-1 Saiwaimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0046, Japan

Trying Nagasaki’s Famous Champon

When visiting Nagasaki, one dish that always appears on the must-eat list is Champon. This hearty noodle soup has roots in Chinese cooking and was first created at Shikairō, widely known as the birthplace of the dish.

The restaurant’s founder, Chen Ping Shun, was a Chinese chef from Fujian Province. In the late 19th century, he created champon as an affordable, filling meal for Chinese students studying in Nagasaki. Inspired by noodle dishes from Fujian cuisine, he adapted the recipe to local tastes. The result was a hearty bowl of noodles in a milky pork-and-chicken broth, topped with vegetables, pork, and seafood.

Image by: https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900302/

To try this Nagasaki specialty, I visited Lao Lee in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. The interior was dim and slightly outdated. My bowl came packed with vegetables and seafood, and the noodles were firm and pleasantly chewy, though the presentation wasn’t particularly appetizing.

Flavor-wise, it didn’t quite win me over. Compared to ramen, the broth lacked depth and tasted somewhat like a more refined instant chicken noodle broth. Perhaps other restaurants in Nagasaki serve a richer version, but it was still interesting to try this iconic local dish in the city where it was created.

Lao Lee

12-7 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0842, Japan