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 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 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 in Seoul

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

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.

OKDONGSIK

44-10 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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