A Creative Udon Experience at Oudon Hajime

Oudon Hajime is the Kyoto branch of chef Tatsuya Aoki, whose udon restaurant in Tokyo has gained quite a following. The Kyoto location opened in June 2025 and sits inside a beautifully restored kyo-machiya, just a short walk from Gojo Station.

The space blends modern dining with traditional Kyoto charm. Warm wooden accents and the preserved machiya structure give the restaurant the quiet, nostalgic feel of old Kyoto. There’s an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, with mostly counter seating and a few small tables.

Ordering is done by scanning a QR code, which makes browsing the menu simple. The menu itself features several creative udon combinations that go beyond the usual classics.

I ordered the crab leg tempura udon along with the parmesan cheese and bacon tempura udon, served kamatama-style. The crab leg tempura was perfectly fried with a crisp, delicate coating, though it left a slight oily aftertaste.

The udon noodles themselves were soft, chewy, and satisfying, with every strand coated in the rich sauce. The dish tasted surprisingly similar to a carbonara — creamy, rich, and incredibly comforting. The bacon tempura added a savory crunch that paired well with the creamy udon.

Overall, it was a unique and memorable take on udon. I would definitely recommend Oudon Hajime to anyone looking for a delicious and slightly different udon experience while visiting Kyoto.

Oudon Hajime

Japan, 〒600-8188 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Izumicho, 523-1

Matcha Café in Shibuya

A stylish, minimalist matcha café in Shibuya, Hatoya is popular spot with foreign tourists. The staff spoke English and were friendly, which made ordering easy. The open seating layout gives the space a modern, airy feel and would be perfect in warmer weather. Unfortunately, I visited in winter, and sitting on the cement seats made it quite chilly — cushions or seat mats would have been a thoughtful addition.

The café offers a variety of matcha options with different flavor profiles, allowing you to choose based on intensity and taste preference. In addition to matcha, they also serve hojicha, black tea, ice cream, and a small selection of desserts.

I ordered a hot matcha latte and matcha ice cream. I was really looking forward to the matcha, but it ended up being a bit disappointing. The matcha latte was quite light and tasted more of milk than matcha, lacking the depth and slight bitterness I usually enjoy. The ice cream had a bold matcha taste, which I enjoyed, but the texture was crumbly and slightly icy rather than smooth and creamy. The glutinous rice balls, however, were soft and chewy — easily the best part of the dessert.

Overall, it’s a beautiful space with friendly service and a strong concept, but the flavors didn’t quite live up to the aesthetic for me.

Hatoya Shibuya

Japan, 〒150-0047 Tokyo, Shibuya, Kamiyamacho, 3−8 AISKビル 1階

Hidden Behind a Parking Lot: A Coffee Gem at Weekenders

Weekenders Coffee is a specialty coffee shop tucked quietly behind a parking lot — the kind of place you’d easily miss if you weren’t looking for it. Once you step through, though, it feels like discovering a hidden gem. The space is small but beautifully aesthetic, set inside a traditional machiya with a charming Japanese front garden decorating the entrance. The greenery and wooden façade create a calm, understated atmosphere that feels very Kyoto.

They also operate a separate roastery and roast their own beans, which are available for sale at the coffee stand.

Seating is limited, with mostly standing room, so it’s more of a quick coffee stop rather than a place to linger for hours. Perfect for a morning caffeine boost or a takeaway cup before exploring the neighborhood. One thing to note: there are no non-dairy milk alternatives available.

I ordered a cappuccino. The foam was thick and smooth, holding its structure beautifully as I drank. The coffee itself had balanced flavors — rich but not overpowering, with a clean finish.

WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI

Japan, 〒604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, 560 離れ

Simple, Soulful Soba in Suwa

Soba Tomiya

A traditional soba restaurant in Suwa, a small city about two hours north of Tokyo in Nagano Prefecture. They specialize in handmade soba with a choice of 80% buckwheat or 100% buckwheat noodles — the 100% buckwheat option is an additional 1,500 yen.

The restaurant itself is simple, small, and no-frills — the kind of place that feels local and authentic. The staff were friendly and spoke some English, and there’s an English menu available, which was very helpful.

They offer both hot and cold soba options. I ordered the cold soba with tempura. The noodles had a wonderful firm bite and subtle nuttiness. The dipping sauce was light yet deeply umami, and the freshly grated daikon added a gentle sweetness and brightness that made each bite refreshing and balanced.

The tempura was exceptional — the batter light, delicate, and perfectly crisp without feeling greasy. Every piece was airy and beautifully fried.

I enjoyed the meal so much that I went back again the next day. It was one of those simple but memorable dining experiences — the kind that quietly stays with you. A truly memorable meal in Suwa.

Soba Tomiya

3 Chome-8-10 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027, Japan

Simple Korean Food with a Beach View

Anmog-Ae (안목애) is a seaweed soup specialty restaurant located by the coast. The interior is simple and spacious, with large windows that overlook the beach, creating a calm and relaxing dining atmosphere.

Orders are placed at the counter near the entrance, after which you are given a pager that buzzes when your food is ready for pickup. The restaurant has a self-service banchan (side dishes) cart offering a variety of options, and refills are available. In addition to the self-service banchan, extra side dishes are also served alongside the main dishes you order.

We ordered the seaweed tofu soup, spicy beef soup, and bibimbap.

The seaweed tofu soup had a light and refreshing broth. The tofu was soft and silky, with a gentle soy flavor that complemented the seaweed well.
The spicy beef soup was well-seasoned, with a rich, hearty broth and a satisfying level of spice.
The bibimbap was flavorful and well-balanced—spicy yet fresh from the vegetables, with umami notes from the seaweed flakes and a pleasant fermented depth from the gochujang and kimchi.

Overall, the food was delicious, comforting, and perfect for a casual meal by the sea.

Anmog-Ae 안목애

34 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

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

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

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – Oldest Restaurant in Europe

The entrance to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium felt almost mysterious, tucked away behind ornate stone archways. For a moment, I wondered if I was in the right place. The Christmas decorations were still up, lending a warm and festive charm to the setting, especially the beautifully lit entrance that made it feel like walking into a holiday dream.

This historic restaurant, with over 1200 years of history, is said to be the oldest in Europe. Once inside, I was struck by the variety of spaces. There are 11 dining rooms, each with its own distinctive character and decor. Some were classic and elegant, others leaned more avant-garde—with hints of the festive season still lingering in the details.

The service was professional and efficient, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion.

I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, and it was superb—light, thin, and tender with a delicate, well-seasoned crust that wasn’t greasy at all. The veal was of excellent quality, and it was served with soft, waxy potatoes sprinkled with fresh parsley, which complemented the dish beautifully.

For dessert, I tried the crème brûlée. It was not the traditional version I was expecting—the texture resembled a light, smooth pudding. The flavor leaned heavily toward citrus, with only a light caramelized top. While it was a generous portion and paired nicely with a scoop of ice cream that had a subtle clove aftertaste, I personally prefer the classic style of crème brûlée.

Overall, dining at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium was a memorable experience—a blend of history, atmosphere, and fine cuisine.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria