해안미식 a tofu restaurant

해안미식 is a restaurant specializing in tofu.
The décor is clean and modern, with a minimalist, industrial design and a striking steel façade.

We first came for lunch, but the restaurant was fully booked for a company event, so we returned later for dinner.

We ordered a spicy tofu stew, black sesame tofu, and a potato pancake. The tofu was soft, fresh, and of high quality. The dishes overall were good, though some lacked a bit of depth in flavor.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience, especially since I’ve never had a meal where tofu was the main focus of every dish. Gangneung is known for its tofu made with seawater, so it’s definitely worth a try if you’re in the area.

해안미식

https://place.map.kakao.com/1227071799

2633 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Fresh Sandwiches and Great Coffee Right by Gangneung Station

Altteu is a charming café conveniently located right across from Gangneung train station, making it an ideal stop before or after a journey. The café is both quaint and spacious, featuring two floors that provide ample comfortable seating.

One of the highlights is that it opens early at 7:30 a.m., which is ideal for travelers seeking a hearty breakfast or a quiet spot to begin their day. The menu leans toward healthy options, with fresh sandwiches and salads being the main draw.

The staff were welcoming and accommodating, and I appreciated that they spoke English, which made ordering very smooth. We tried three sandwiches—the ham and cheese, basil and tomato, and chicken. Each was tightly wrapped, generously filled with vegetables, and had a fresh, wholesome taste. They were hearty enough to be satisfying yet light and refreshing at the same time.

The coffee was also a pleasant surprise—smooth, well-balanced, and easily one of the better cups I’ve had in Gangneung. Combined with the cozy atmosphere and convenient location, Altteu is definitely worth a visit whether you’re after a quick bite, a healthy meal, or just a good cup of coffee.

Altteu Cafe

171 Yongji-ro, 특별자치도 Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Bossa Nova Café, Gangneung

Bossa Nova Café is one of the many spots along Gangneung Café Street, offering beautiful sea views. It opens early, making it a great choice for those who want to start their day bright and early. This spacious café spans four floors, with jazz music playing softly in the background. Each floor provides a different perspective of the sea, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere.

There is no full food menu; instead, you can choose from a selection of breads and cakes displayed for self-service. You pick your items, place them on a tray, and then order your drink at the counter.

We chose a variety of buns — salt butter rolls, croissant, cheese basil bread, and a coffee bun — and paired them with an Americano. Most of the bread was enjoyable, though the croissant was a bit too sweet for my taste. The Americano was decent.

Overall, Bossa Nova Café offers great vibes and atmosphere, with decent food and drinks — perfect for a relaxed morning by the sea.

Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters Gangneung Branch

28 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Gelato with a Korean Twist: Discover Soontofu’s Flavorful Delights

Nestled just steps away from the famous Gangneung Café Street, Soontofu Gelato offers an unforgettable twist on the classic Italian treat — creamy gelato made with silky soft beancurd sourced locally. Using imported Italian gelato machines, this place perfectly blends Korean tradition with artisanal craft.

Spread across four floors, you’ll find cozy booths on the second floor, spacious round tables for groups on the third, and a rooftop with stunning views of the river and mountains.

The flavors are a delightful mix of Korean classics like black sesame and sweet potato, alongside international favorites such as chocolate, pistachio, and mango. They even serve gelato coffee!

On our visit, we tried black sesame with soft tofu, Nutella, and yogurt gelatos — all light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced. The black sesame paired exceptionally well with the strong, flavorful gelato coffee.

Soontofu Gelato

2642 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

A Frothy Surprise: My First Taste of Buku Buku Tea in Okinawa

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During my visit to Naha, I had the chance to try something truly unique—Buku Buku Tea at Uchina Café Buku-Buku.

Buku Buku Tea is not your typical Japanese tea. Instead of a clear, delicate brew, it is topped with a thick, airy foam, almost resembling whipped cream. The froth is made by vigorously whisking jasmine tea and roasted rice water in a large wooden bowl, a technique that has been passed down through generations in Okinawa.

When the tea arrived, I was struck by its beautiful presentation—a traditional Okinawan ceramic cup filled with tea, crowned with an impressive white, bubbly foam. The first sip was a surprise—the foam was light, airy, and slightly nutty, complementing the mild bitterness of the jasmine tea below. The roasted rice water added a subtle, toasty undertone, creating a comforting and unexpectedly rich flavor.

The cozy, rustic ambiance of Uchina Café Buku-Buku made the experience even more enjoyable. The café had traditional wooden furniture, Okinawan pottery, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It felt like the perfect place to slow down and savor this centuries-old tea tradition.

Tasting Buku Buku Tea for the first time was both a cultural and sensory experience. The unique frothy texture, combined with the fragrant jasmine tea and nutty rice undertones, made it unlike any tea I had ever tried. It was a wonderful introduction to Okinawan tea culture.

Uchina Café Buku-Buku

Website: http://bukubuku.jp/

Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. , Closed on Tuesdays

Telephone: +81989434811

Address: 1 Chome-22-35 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa 902-0065, Japan

A Taste of Kyoto Tradition: Obanzai Breakfast at Shunsai Imari

Shunsai Imari is a restaurant serving Kyoto-style Obanzai, which is a traditional style of Japanese cuisine native to Kyoto. It’s also an excellent place to try Japanese-style breakfast.

Our waiter had good English and was attentive. The menu offers an array of dishes that highlight Kyoto’s vibrant palette of colors and flavors.

We decided to go with the 5 assorted Obanzai along with a grilled trout and black wagyu.

The dishes were not only delicious but also gave us that cozy, home-cooked feeling.

Marinated Enoki mushroom with grated radish, celery and lotus root in sweet sesame sauce, tofu and green pea cooked with egg , simmered eggplant in dashi soup, and Okara (soy pulp with chicken and vegetables).

Grilled trout marinated in citrus soy sauce

Black Wagyu top round

Shunsai Imari

Website: https://www.kyoto-imari.com/

Telephone: +81752311354

Opening hours: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., 17:30 – 22:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

Address: 108 Nishirokkakucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8217, Japan

Culinary experience at MOKSA, Kyoto

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Nestled at the base of Mount Hiei, Moksa is enveloped by the tranquility of nature, with verdant greenery and crisp, fresh air enveloping the surroundings. Our stay in the Garden suite provided us with a quaint balcony offering picturesque views of the moss garden and the majestic Mount Hiei. The Japanese-style rooms boasted ample space in the living area and the expansive bathroom, allowing us to unwind and immerse ourselves in the serene ambiance.

With only one restaurant on-site, MALA, guests can savor wood-fired grill cuisine while enjoying breathtaking vistas through wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush garden and the mountainous landscape.

Our dinner consisted of a 7-course menu.

Soft-shelled turtle, green olive, Shiitake mushroom

The steamed egg custard was silky and delicate. The bread had a thin crust, fragrant with a subtle hint of nuttiness, offering a soft and chewy texture.

Local vegetable, Dried mullet roe

The salad was a delightful surprise, offering a captivating mix of flavors. Its vibrant colors made it incredibly enticing, while the addition of roe provided a rich umami flavor and added depth to the dish.

Sea bream, spring cabbage, Hassaku orange

The cabbage cooked over the grill intensified its natural sweetness, adding vibrancy and soulfulness to its taste. It’s truly the sweetest cabbage I’ve ever tasted. The sea bream was cooked to perfection, offering a fresh and delicate taste. Dressed in a light Mousseline Sauce with Hassaku oranges, it allowed the fish’s natural flavors to shine through.

Chicken, Sweet potato, Balsamic vinegar

The chicken was cooked perfectly, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a lovely, savory skin. A sweet potato with a smokey skin accompanied it, adding depth to its flavor profile. Drizzled with a balsamic dressing, each bite offered a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.

Smoked brown rice, Canola flower, Buckwheat seeds

This dish was the pièce de résistance. The smoked brown rice was exceptional. It was rich yet not unctuous, almost like a lighter risotto. The dish, in its entirety, was seasoned beautifully with an excellent depth of flavor, with the parmesan cheese adding the perfect finishing touch.

Strawberry, petit four

At the end of our meal, a thoughtful gesture awaited us: each of us received a box of Inari sushi to enjoy later as a snack in our room.

Moksa

Website: https://moksa.jp/

Telephone: 075-744-1001

Address: 601-1255 , Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Kami-Takano Higashiyama 65

One of Kyoto’s Most Scenic Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiramatsu Kodaiji

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Hiramatsu Kodaiji, a one-Michelin-star Japanese-French restaurant, sits atop a hill in the historic district of Higashimaya in a tranquil surrounding, away from the busy Nineizaka shopping street below.

When we arrived at the entrance, we were warmly greeted by staff and escorted inside. There, we were greeted by a hostess in the lobby and escorted to the 4th floor, where the restaurant is located.

I reserved a terrace seat in advance. If the weather is good, I highly recommend it. It offers a view of the Yasaka Pagoda and the beautiful Kyoto scenery.

The waiters were cordial and attentive and provided impeccable service, but they had limited English proficiency. They tried their best to communicate, using a translating app at times. I appreciate the effort.

The restaurant offers a Prix Fixe menu for lunch and dinner at three price ranges: 5,000 to 12,000 yen for lunch and 15,000 to 25,000 yen for dinner.

I opted for the 7,500. (A 10% tax and 10% service charge are not included in the price.)

The food was delicious, and I enjoyed the dining experience. Continue reading “One of Kyoto’s Most Scenic Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiramatsu Kodaiji” →

FEEKA coffee roasters

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Feeka is located in the heart of KL in a converted townhouse in Changkat Bukit Bintang. The decor is industrial rustic-themed, with a cozy patio filled with lush greenery. There was a good mix of locals and expats. The staff was polite and attentive.

The cafe has an all-day breakfast menu and some mains and pasta. Daily baked pastries such as croissants, donuts, and muffins are available. The coffee menu has a good list of coffee. You have the usual flat white and espresso, filtered coffee, cold brews, specialty coffee, and interesting coffee creations, such as coco vanilla and sticky bun lattes.

I ordered the Brulee french toast and Feeka’s breakfast.

Brulee french toast (23 ringgit) vanilla custard, orange mascarpone, fresh strawberries, orange lime jam

I loved the presentation of the dish. The bread was light and soft. The flavors were nice – sweetness from the syrup, creaminess from the mascarpone, citrusy orange, and tangy lime.

Feeka’s breakfast (34 ringgit) salted beef, potato croquet, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, sourdough toast, and two eggs any style.

The sourdough bread had a nice crust and a slightly dense texture. The greens gave a bit of freshness and crunch. However, the salted beef was chewy and tough, and the potato croquet was cold.

Overall, the presentations were beautiful, and the service was good, but the flavors were mediocre.

FEEKA coffee roasters

Website: https://www.instagram.com/feekacoffeeroasters/?hl=en

Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Telephone: +60321104599

Address: 19, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

South Indian Breakfast at Little India, Kuala Lumpur

My brother and I were looking for a place to have Dosa for breakfast and came across this Vegetarian South Indian restaurant in Brickfields—MTR 1924. This vegetarian restaurant was founded in 1924 in Bengaluru, India, hence the name. We visited on Friday morning, a work day, so the restaurant was quite empty.
The restaurant had a simple interior and was orderly and clean. Prices here are a little higher than the average Malaysian Indian breakfast. After trying the food, I knew why the prices were more expensive—good quality ingredients, and you could taste them in the food. The waiter was friendly, and the service was fast.

MTR serves quintessential South Indian dishes such as Idli, Dosa, and Vada.We ordered a plain dosa (11.28 ringgit) , rava dosa (13.63 ringgit), and an uddin vada (5.17 ringgit). Each dish came with lentil sambar and green chutney. The vada (fried lentil doughnut) was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. It was soft and fluffy with a thin, crispy outer crust. The plain Dosa was thicker than usual and, therefore, quite filling. The Rava dosa was thin, crispy, and aromatic. I’ve never had Dosa served with a side of ghee, I was hesitant at first, worried that it might make my Dosa taste oily, but instead, it elevated the flavor of the Dosa, giving it a subtle buttery taste.

If you are in the area, I recommend visiting this restaurant. I would love to go back and try other signature dishes, such as rava idli and masala dosa.