Besides visiting the famous tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is also home to a thriving food scene.

Known for its eclectic international mix of ethnicities, it is no surprise that food within the Bay Area often gets influenced by cuisine from all over the world. Though San Francisco does have a reputation for pricey dining, the city still has an overwhelming amount of hidden affordable food options which are just as yummy, if not better.

So, to help you plan ahead for your trip to San Fran, here are 10 affordable eats which you can factor into your itinerary.

Cafe New Honolulu

Photo Credit: Silvia Lopes Monteiro and Chen J.

If you ever find yourself craving some Chinese food when you’re in the Bay Area, Cafe New Honolulu is the place to check out.

A quaint cafe that is reminiscent of the Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong, the cafe serves up an extensive menu of delicious Cantonese fare from a simple Satay Beef Instant Noodle Soup (USD$6.95) to an elaborate plate of Beef with Scrambled Egg Chow Fun (USD$10.50).

888 Stockton Street
CA 94108
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-923-8488
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm

Golden Boy Pizza

Photo Credit: Golden Boy Pizza

Originally opened in 1978, Golden Boy Pizza is the place to get that freshly baked slice of pizza. Located in San Francisco’s North Beach, this Sicilian-style pizza is served on a pillowy focaccia with generous amounts of pizza topping at the starting price of USD$3.50 per slice.

542 Green Street
CA 94133
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-982-9738
Mon to Thu and Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 2am

Popson’s Burgers

Photo Credit: Popson’s Burgers

Though San Francisco does have a good supply of cheeseburger specialists around, Popson’s Burgers is dubbed as probably the best.

Settled nicely between the mix of fast food and fancy with an affordable price point (starting from USD$6.75), the meat patty is made from fresh Five Dot Ranch beef that’s grounded daily. Unlike ordinary burgers, the patty is thin and smashed on the griddle to form a savoury crust that goes between the buttery sesame seed bun.

998 Market Street
CA 94102
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-658-7554
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Red’s Java House

Photo Credit: Red’s Java House

Located on a pier that just about juts out into the Bay sits a small-looking shack called Red’s Java House.

Made famous after an episode of the San Francisco edition of No Reservations with the late Anthony Bourdain, the cheeseburger at this quaint little shack has become its star dish. Packed with just a few pickles and some onion chunks, the burger comes together in a classic sourdough bread at the reasonable price of USD$3.42.

Pier 30
CA 94105
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-777-5626
Mon, Wed to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Tue, Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm

Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles

Photo Credit: Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles

Situated in the food court of Westfield San Francisco Centre, Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles serves up a wide variety of delicious Korean food.

You can choose from having the classic mains such as the Spicy Beef Soup or Yuk Gae Jang (USD$10.95) or put together your own Korean mixed rice with the dishes (starting from USD$8.95) available!

845 Market Street
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Concourse Level
CA 94103
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-777-5959
Mon to Thu and Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 9.30pm

Super Duper Burgers

Photo Credit: Super Duper Burgers

Owned and operated within the Bay Area, Super Duper Burgers pride themselves in making burgers that are locally-sourced and organic.

Their burgers are always made fresh from scratch daily, ensuring the highest of quality delivered to every guest. In addition to their commitment to good food, the establishment is committed to doing their bit for the environment with their 100% compostable packaging. Burger prices start from USD$7.75.

2304 Market Street
CA 94114
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-558-5123
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Taqueria Cancun

Photo Credit: Taqueria Cancun

Dubbed as one of the more popular Mexican restaurants in San Francisco with a large and loyal following, Taqueria Cancun is known by many for producing their sumptuous chicken and vegetarian burritos (USD$9.50).

Though it may not compare in terms of appearances to the other more glamorous competition, the burritos here are definitely more wallet-friendly and worth the visit.

2288 Mission Street
CA 94110
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-252-9560
Mon, Wed and Thu: 10am – 12.30am
Fri and Sat: 10am – 2am
Sun: 10am – 1.30am
Closed on Tuesday

The Sentinel

Photo Credit: The Sentinel

Known as a pretty popular sandwich shop amongst San Francisco locals, The Sentinel serves up made-to-order sandwiches that are between USD$8.50 to USD$12, which are made quickly and are perfect if you’re looking for something on-the-go.

In addition to the range of hot and cold options, The Sentinel also has an array of specials available on different days.

37 New Montgomery Street
CA 94105
San Francisco
California
Mon to Fri: 7am – 2.30pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Tommy’s Joynt

Photo Credit: Tommy’s Joynt

This old-school cafeteria-style food service or Hofbrau is a favourite amongst locals which serves hot dinner platters that consists of a choice of meat, mashed potatoes or veggies, beans or salad, and bread and butter at just USD$12.90 each!

1101 Geary Boulevard @ Van Ness
CA 94109
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-775-4216
Daily: 10am – 1.30am

Wing Lee Bakery

Photo Credit: Anchi Li

Since San Francisco is widely known for its bustling Chinatown, a dim sum meal should definitely not be excluded from your itinerary.

Located on Clement Street and Sixth Avenue, Wing Lee Bakery is a quaint spot where you can enjoy sweet and savoury dim sum that is under USD$2!

503 Clement Street
CA 94118
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-668-9481
Mon, Wed to Sun: 7am – 6pm
Closed on Tuesday

In addition to the bright lights of the popular Japanese city, Tokyo is a city that bears more than just its rich culture and modern skyscrapers. Amongst its wide variety of hotels available, the city is home to a growing number of quirky accommodations that are beckoning to be experienced.

Instead of staying in another renowned hotel chain on your next visit to Tokyo, step out of the norm and add a bit of fun to your holiday with a memorable stay at this 5 unique themed accommodations.

Photo Credit: Book and Bed Tokyo

Book and Bed (Shinjuku Branch)

With over six outlets located in Tokyo and around Japan, Book and Bed is a known accommodation bookshop that turns a bookworm’s dream of living in a bookshop into reality.

The hostel concept is modeled after a bookshop, with four different bed types available and built in to the bookshelves. Book and Bed offers their accommodation at a low rate starting at 5,400JPY per night, which means that the amenities operate the same as those of a hostel.

Although the toilets, shower rooms, and the spacious common area may be a shared experience, this gives you an opportunity to mingle and meet other individuals to widen your social circle!

Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
Kabukicho APM Building
8th Floor 27-5 1-Chome
Kabukicho Shinjuku
Tokyo 160-0021

Photo Credit: First Cabin Atagoyama

First Cabin Atagoyama

Using the concept of different class cabins on an airplane, First Cabin Atagoyama recreates the feeling of being up in the air without actually leaving the ground.

Perhaps a little more comfortable and functional than the actual airplane cabin, First Cabin Atagoyama offers four different kinds of cabin which caters to your style. From the single First class Cabin to the suite-like double occupancy Premium Class, each offers a compact space that is reminiscent of being above ground.

Much like the functions onboard an airplane, the toilets, washroom and shower booth are shared but for 5,800JPY++ a night, it’s worth the experience!

First Cabin Atagoyama
3-10-7 Nishi-Shinbashi
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0003

Photo Credit: Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza

As a city that thrives on advanced technology, there’s no better way to capture the magic of Tokyo then at Henn na Hotel, or known internationally as the robot hotel.

Here, your experience begins when a multilingual humanoid robot welcomes you into the hotel for check-in. Located strategically within walking distance to Shintomicho station and Tsukiji station, you won’t have a problem getting around the city for shopping or sightseeing.

In addition to the unique staff at the front desk, the hotel also sees various robots which roam the premises and are open for interaction with guests. Hotel rates start at S$97 per night.

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza
104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture
Chuo-ku Tsukiji 2-2-1
Japan

Photo Credit: Nine Hours Shinjuku-North

Nine Hours Shinjuku-North

If you’ve ever wanted to spend a night at a capsule hotel, Nine Hours Shinjuku-North would be the lodging you’re looking for.

Named after the amount of time an individual takes to do three basic actions (shower, sleep and get dressed), Nine Hours is an unassuming capsule hotel that is located just a two-minute walk away from JR Shin-Okubo Station.

Although the pod may look small at first glance, it is spacious within and ensures you immense comfort throughout at S$120++ a night.

Nine Hours Shinjuku-North
1-4-15 Hyakunincho
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan

Photo Credit: Train Hostel Hokutosei

Train Hostel Hokutosei

Named after the popular limited express sleeping car train that was discontinued, Train Hostel Hokutosei revives the service in a more permanent way, providing guests with the complete overnight train experience.

Providing a dormitory type bunk bed and a private room option, guests are invited to experience the rail life in a clean and comfortable setting that is easily accessible to popular shopping areas such as Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Hostel rates start at S$29++ per night.

Train Hostel Hokutosei
103-0002 Tokyo Prefecture
Chuo-ku Nihonbashi
Bakuro-cho 1-10-12
Japan

Headed by Chef Brenda Buenviaje who grew up in New Orleans, Brenda’s French Soul Food is the place to dine at when you’re looking for some good ol’ Southern style of cooking in the West Coast.

Located on Polk Street and dubbed by some as one of the best restaurants in California, Brenda’s French Soul Food serves up an array of New Orleans-style of dishes which have been prepared using Creole cooking with French technique to invent the term ‘French soul food’.

As we arrived at a rather early time for brunch, it didn’t take long for us to get seated at a cozy table where we were handed a rather extensive-looking brunch menu which included their unique house favourites and signature beignets.

We eventually settled on a Chicken, Sausage & Okra Gumbo, Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict, the Chocolate Beignets and Grandma’s Molasses-Black Walnut Iced Coffee.

Though it looked unassuming, we had to say that we were pleasantly surprised with our cup portion of the Chicken, Sausage & Okra Gumbo (USD$6).

As the ingredients were already mixed in with the rice in the form of a stew, we had thought that there would be a disjoint in taste. However, the gumbo proved otherwise with its amazing burst of wholesome flavours.

In a simple sense, the gumbo was very much the tastier and more flavourful western version of our mui fan.

Probably the heartiest version of eggs benedict that we’ve ever tried, Our Eggs Benedict with Pulled Pork (USD$14.50) arrived with a serving of hash and two poached eggs that sat atop cream biscuits that were drenched with a layer of creole hollandaise.

Despite having the saucy pulled pork nestled on the top of the biscuits, they were still able to maintain their soft and crumbly texture. When paired together with the poached egg and pulled pork, the dish presented a good fusion of flavours which paid homage to the Creole cuisine.

While it might be possible to finish the dish on your own, the richness of the hollandaise could prove a little too filling. So, we would recommend sharing this dish with another person.

Filled with molten Ghirardelli chocolate, our beignets arrived fresh from the fryer in a plate of three. Unlike your typical jam-filled doughnuts, these beignets were a lot more doughier which did make chewing a little tougher.

Though we had a bit of a struggle with the chewy fritter, we really liked the chocolate filling within which wasn’t too sweet. We suggest that you order the beignets after you’re done with your main meal as they could be a rather filling snack.

Another winner in our book was Grandma’s Molasses-Black Walnut Iced Coffee (USD$5) which came with whipped cream on top. Unlike some potentially strong black coffee, we were pleased to find that this version of iced black coffee came slightly sweetened with a slight walnut note.

Instead of having any kind of accompanying milk, the whipped cream acted as a sort of creamer which complemented the drink, making it a good cup of medium-bodied coffee.

Brenda’s French Soul Food
652 Polk Street @ Eddy
San Francisco
CA 94102
USA
Tel: 415-345-8100
Mon to Tue: 8am – 3pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 8pm

First introduced in 1840 England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, the tradition of afternoon tea has since become a quintessential English custom commonly associated with the British. Simply do a quick Google search for afternoon tea in London and you’ll be greeted by pages of cafes and hotels with their afternoon tea offers.

Typically, a traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jams as well as some cakes and pastries to accompany the tea or coffee you’ve selected.

As the afternoon tea trend steadily grows in London, cafes and restaurants have sought to up the ante by providing a little creative spin on this age-old tradition to beat out the competition. Using inspiration from pop culture, books and even art, the idea of afternoon tea has been reinvented to reach not just the adults but even the younger demographic.

So, if you are planning a trip to London, make sure to keep some time to visit and enjoy our list of 12 non-traditional afternoon tea!

Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea

Experience a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea (£49++) at Aqua Shard as you take a journey down memory lane inspired by author P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins series.

Dive into this imaginary world through a selection of savoury sandwiches, tasty crumpets, homemade scones paired with jam and clotted cream, and a quirky array of sweet treats which includes edible imagery of one of Travers’ famous quote, ‘Strike Me Pink Sponge’!

Aqua Shard
The Shard
31 St. Thomas Street
Level 31
London SE1 9RY
Daily: 1pm – 5pm
(The Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea will run until 3 Nov)
Nearest station: London Bridge

London Afternoon Tea at The Potion Room

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, this might just be the ideal afternoon tea for you.

Created by the team of wizards at Cutter & Squidge, the London Afternoon Tea (£49.50++) at The Potion Room invites you to spend two hours away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, for a sweet and savoury afternoon tea inspired by classic British flavours with a magical twist.

Not to worry if you have some dietary requirements to adhere to as they have prepared a few supplementary menus that will take care of that.

Cutter & Squidge
20 Brewer Street
Soho
London W1F OSJ
Daily: 12pm, 3pm and 6pm
Nearest stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea

Take a tumble down the rabbit hole into the world of Alice in Wonderland at Sanderson London’s Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea (£48++).

After browsing the menus that are hidden within the pages of vintage books, you’ll get to experience tantalising savoury and sweet delights that range from the melt-in-your-mouth Stack of King of Hearts Ham and Parmesan Croque-Monsieur to the Queen of Hearts Rose and Strawberry Jammy Dodger.

Plus, you’ll also get to try the hotel’s flavourful Alice-inspired tea infusions!

The Restaurant
Sanderson Hotel London
50 Berners Street
London W1T 3NG
Mon to Sat: 12.30pm – 4pm
Sun: 1pm – 5pm
Nearest stations: Goodge Street, Oxford Circus

Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Probably a more interesting way to tour London, B Bakery’s Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour (£45++) lets you enjoy your afternoon tea on the iconic red bus around Central London.

Savour an array of delicious French-inspired sandwiches, cakes and pastries while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. This is a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss!

Victoria Coach Station
164 Buckingham Palace Road
Victoria
London SW1W 9TP
Departs daily: 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm
Nearest station: Victoria

Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea

For those that are young at heart, the Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea (£35++) at the Terrace on Piccadilly is the perfect way to enjoy this childhood story with inspired tasty treats from the novel.

The delicious selection of food comes carefully prepared to ensure a visual delight in its presentation that’s absolutely Instagram-worthy.

The Terrace on Piccadilly
Le Mériden Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly
London W1J OBH
Daily: 12.30pm – 5pm
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus

Science Afternoon Tea

Who said science can’t be enjoyed out of the classroom? Inspired by the Science Museum next door, The Ampersand Hotel’s Science Afternoon Tea (£39.50++) brings a mix of exciting and curious dishes for you to enjoy.

From jams served in Petri dishes to chocolate-shaped spacemen and dinosaur biscuits, you simply need to try out this award-winning one-of-a-kind experience!

The Drawing Rooms
The Ampersand Hotel
10 Harrington Road
London SW7 3ER
Mon to Sat: 12.30pm – 9pm
Sun: 12.30pm – 7pm
Nearest station: South Kensington

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea

Enter a world of pure imagination at One Aldwych!

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s most iconic story, come join the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea (£45++) where you’ll get to indulge your inner child with a savoury Marshmallow Meal, and scrumptious sweets such as Loompaland Lemon Floss and Whipped Strawberry Mess.

One Aldwych
1 Aldwych
London WC2B 4BZ
Mon to Sat: 12.30pm – 3pm
Sun: 12.30pm – 5pm
Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Waterloo

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea

What could be more British than having a spot of afternoon tea at the famous Shakespeare’s Globe? Come eat your way through the twists and turns of one of Shakespeare’s most famed romantic comedy at A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea (£28.50++)!

Each tea treat has been specially created to pay homage to the different iconic objects of the characters such as the Mulberry Scones, which depicts the mulberries from the lovers’ tree.

Swan Bar & Restaurant
Shakespeare’s Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London SE1 9DT
Daily: 12pm – 3pm
Nearest station: London Bridge

Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking for a really interesting take on afternoon tea, the folks at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate has just the right type for you.

In a bold and innovative twist on traditional afternoon tea, their Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea (£40++) features a delicious selection of savoury and sweet delicacies that have been crafted using the traditional spices from across India.

Kona
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
51 Buckingham Gate
Westminister
London SW1E 6AF
Daily: 12.30pm – 6pm
Nearest stations: St. James’s Park, Victoria

Van Gogh Art Afternoon Tea

Located at the Mirror Room in Rosewood Hotel London, the Van Gogh Art Afternoon Tea (£60++) allows for you to appreciate art and eat it too.

Enjoy a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, loose leaf tea and three highly instagrammable desserts inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic masterpieces — Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms and The Starry Night.

Mirror Room
Rosewood Hotel London
252 High Holborn
London WC1V 7EN
Daily: 12pm – 5.45pm
Nearest station: Holborn

 *All photo credits to the respective restaurants.

Seoul is a must-visit city for fans of all things Korean. On top of being the city known for their K-pop, K-Beauty, K-food and K-culture exports, Seoul is also home to some of the most instagrammable book stores.

Whether you’re a bookworm or not, here’s five bookstores which you can add to your itinerary for those picture perfect memories.

Photo Credit: Arc.N.Book

Arc.N.Book

Selling more than just books, Arc.N.Book is a duo concept bookstore that functions as a bookstore and a lifestyle shop.

Separated into four themed sections which are Daily, Weekend, Style and Inspiration, the Arc.N.Book aims to encourage visitors to expand their knowledge through an experiential exploration within their store.

B1F, Buying Eulji Building
29 Eulji-ro, Eulji-ro 1(il)ga
Jung-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exit 1-1)

Photo Credit: Book Park

Book Park

A combination of a bookstore, cafe and an art gallery, Book Park is the instagrammable book haven to visit.

With over more than 100,000 books displayed around the store and on the shelves that stretch from the ground floor to the highest floor, you are free to browse them all and purchase any titles that you like. Plus, did we mention that there’s a cafe on every floor?

294 Itaewon-ro
Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Nearest station: Hangangjin Station (Exit 2)

Photo Credit: Daeo Bookstore

Daeo Bookstore

With more than 60 years of history, Daeo bookstore transports visitors back in time with its lovely Hanok architecture. BTS Fans might also find the bookstore rather familiar as it is a location that RM had visited during November 2016.

Besides the weathered outlook and old books that line the shelves, the bookstore also runs a not-for-profit cafe next door which serves beverages, where the money collected will go towards the upkeep of the bookstore and its old heritage.

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil
Jongno-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 2)

Photo Credit: History Book

History Book

Though this bookstore specializes on books in history, it is still worth a visit for its clean and neat interior. Apart from the availability of books for sale, the store also has a cafe and studio, where they hold occasional lectures, exhibitions and concerts.

History Book had also recently made an appearance in the Korean drama, When the Camellia Blooms!

24 Jahamun-ro 10-gil
Tongui-dong
Jongno-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 10pm
Sun: 10.30am – 6pm
Nearest station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 3)

Photo Credit: Sung.Min.Cho.1974

Seoul Book Repository

If you’re a fan of Hotel Del Luna, your eagle-eye may have spotted the unique archway that is similar to those found in Seoul Book Repository.

Previously a warehouse, Seoul Book Repository or Seoul Book Bogo is Seoul’s first second-hand bookstore which houses around 120,000 secondhand books that are all for sale.

Supplied by 25 secondhand bookstores, the books found within the store are grouped by the store they came from, which allows for visitors to experience a mini version of the store in this shared space.

1 Ogeum-ro
Sincheong-dong
Songpa-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Tue to Fri: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: 10am – 9pm
Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Nearest station: Jamsilnaru Station (Exit 1)

If you’ve never been to Katong in Singapore, perhaps it’s time to take a trip down to the well-known Peranakan enclave in the East. Contrary to popular belief, it has a lot more than just laksa.

Although Katong has now evolved into a more modern residential and commercial area, the district is still full of Peranakan influences which can be seen in its architecture as well as the food offerings available.

For those who are not really familiar with this unique ethnicity, Peranakan refers to a locally-born individual who is typical of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage with familial origins dating from the 15th century. As Katong and Joo Chiat were once Peranakan strong districts, here are five ways to explore and experience the rich culture!

Photo Credit: Go Katong

Marvel at Peranakan Architecture

A marked conservation site and a well-known tourist attraction, you simply can’t miss the colourful houses along Koon Seng Road.

These pre-war shophouses of Koon Seng Road show hints of Peranakan heritage which bear distinct trademarks of traditional Peranakan culture, such as the floral motifs and mythical creatures, in its exteriors and facades. Plus, it is a great place to take your OOTD photos!

Koon Seng Road
(Near the intersection of Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road)

Photo Credit: The Wacky Duo and Chihiro Asano

Discover Peranakan Culture

Apart from the Peranakan Museum that’s in the city, Katong is home to two mini Peranakan Museums, which allows you to view an authentic set-up of a Peranakan home.

Located at Rumah Kim Choo and Katong Antique House, each mini museum invites you to step into the past and witness how a living quarter, decked with Peranakan-inspired furniture, would look like during their hey-day.

Rumah Kim Choo
111 East Coast Road
109
Singapore 428801
Daily: 9am – 9pm

Katong Antique House
208 East Coast Road
Singapore 428907
Call +65 6345 8544 for tours and appointments

Photo Credit: Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Dress like a Peranakan

A unique aspect of Peranakans are their traditional kebayas which often come in bright colours. An interesting way to experience the Peranakan culture is to slip into their Nonya wear.

A good place to visit is Kim Choo Kueh Chang where you can find Nonya Kebayas and heritage items. If you are interested in getting a Kebaya, the team at Kim Choo Kueh Chang offers a free fitting session where you can find a Kebaya that best represents your personality!

The shop also holds a Peranakan beadworks workshop where you can learn basic beading techniques and take home a small piece of beaded work by the end of the session.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang
111 East Coast Road
Singapore 428801
Daily: 9am – 9pm

Photo Credit: House of Peranakan

Savour Peranakan Cuisine

If you’re looking to try some of the good and authentic Peranakan dishes, set aside time for dinner at one of the oldest Peranakan restaurants around – Peranakan Inn.

Run by the House of Peranakan Group of Restaurants, this restaurant is home to a variety of old-school Peranakan fare such as the Nonya Ngoh Hiang, Ayam Buah Keluak, and Itek Sioh, at wallet-friendly prices.

Peranakan Inn
210 East Coast Road
Singapore 428909
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Hotel Indigo

Spend A Night At A Peranakan-Inspired Accommodation

Staycations are common activities that locals engage in and if you’re not living in the East, perhaps a night at a Peranakan-inspired accommodation might be right up your alley.

Located within great proximity to two different shopping malls is Hotel Indigo, a Peranakan-themed hotel that is filled with old-school fixtures and decors reminiscent of the strong Peranakan culture.

In addition to the well-designed old-school hotel rooms, Hotel Indigo also houses an all-day dining restaurant aptly named Baba Chews Bar and Eatery within the historical Old Joo Chiat Police Station Building, which pays tribute to philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat and serves up traditional and modern Strait of Malacca dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak Burger, and Chill Crab Cakes!

Hotel Indigo
86 East Coast Road
Singapore 428788

Besides taking in the sights and sounds on your next trip to London, why not consider adjusting your itinerary a little to add a few trips to their local bookstores? As a well-known literary city, there’s no better way to experience this side of London then with a trip to some of their most eye-catching bookstores.

While one could always argue that this digital age no longer requires any sort of physical trip down, there is something alluring about stepping into an architectural chic bookstore, which provides you with a bespoke shopping experience that you can’t find online.

Here are 6 bookstores in London to love.

Here are six eye-catching bookstores that you simply must visit when you’re in London.

Photo Credit: Daunt Books

Daunt Books

Probably the most popular of all bookstores in the city, the Marylebone branch of Daunt Books has been, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammed bookstores in London.

Taking up residence within a gorgeous Edwardian building, you might just think that you’ve stepped back in time when you see the astonishingly well-stocked galleried main room which holds rows and rows of books. The stained glass windows also add a nice touch, making you feel as though you’re browsing the library of an aristocrat.

The books here are sorted via a country system, which means that regardless of genre, you will definitely find a fresh and exciting read!

Daunt Books
84 Marylebone High Street
London W1U 42W
Mon to Sat: 9am – 7.30pm
Sun and Bank Holidays: 11am – 6pm
Nearest station: Baker Street or Bond Street

Photo Credit: immovingtolondon

Foster Books

Located in an 18th Century building, sits an old bookstore that’s been around since 1970. Using the original bow window, Foster Books offer the opportunity for intrigued individuals to get a glimpse into how old the bookstore really is.

The store specializes in the sale of quality classics, first editions, as well as old, rare and out-of-print books. They also sell bargain books outdoors for just a pound or two.

In addition to their daily operation, Foster Books have also worked with the film and television industry to supply their books as props for movies such as Beauty and the Beast, The Danish girl and the 2017 remake of Blade Runner 2049.

Foster Books
183 Chiswick High Road
Chiswick
London W4 2DR
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest station: Turnham Green

Photo Credit: Hatchards

Hatchards

Known as the city’s most prestigious bookstore, Hatchards was established in 1797 and have since become a landmark on Piccadilly Street, occupying their current building for over two centuries.

Bestowed with three royal warrants, which includes one from Her Majesty, The Queen, Hatchards is home to more than 100,000 rare, limited and first editions which are spread across the five levels of oak and mahogany floors.

The bookstore often holds dialogue sessions with authors, which is a great way to experience an afternoon or evening of literary exchange.

Hatchards Piccadilly
187 Piccadilly
London W1J 9LE
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 6.30pm
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus

Photo Credit: Hurlingham Books

Hurlingham Books

Opened in 1968, this independent bookstore located in South West London, is a rather quirky looking gem that houses books which are stacked from floor to ceiling.

From vintage to rare and second-hand books, Hurlingham has almost every genre imaginable. With every available space within the store occupied with books, it is not hard to spot the store by its filled windows. Though there is very limited space within the store, they do have a warehouse that houses over a million books (not too far from the store), so if you happen to be looking for a book, you just might find it there!

Hurlingham is also renowned for their irregular opening hours which are part of their charm, though it might be a little bit of a hassle since you will need to call ahead before you make a visit.

Hurlingham Books
91 Fulham High Street
London SW6 3JS
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Putney Bridge

Photo Credit: Libreria

Libreria

Designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano, Libreria is opened by the folks of Second Home to help visitors discover new books and ideas, and encourage interdisciplinary thinking.

Books here have been curated to maximize serendipity, and shelves have been arranged according to broad themes such as Wanderlust and The City, which ensures that you are constantly finding titles which you might not look for at other bookstores.

Aside from the colorful shelves and interesting variety of titles, Libreria employs the clever use of mirrors to extend the space as well as provide cozy reading nooks, for you to hideaway with a novel, or just take a break.

Libreria
65 Hanbury Street
London E1 5JP
Tue & Wed: 10am – 6pm
Thu to Sat:  10am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street

Photo Credit: Word on the Water

Word on the Water

If you’re looking for a really unconventional kind of bookstore, Word on the Water would be the store you’ve been searching for.

Housed on board a 100-year-old 1920s Dutch barge, this floating bookstore used to travel along the Regent’s Canal but is now a permanent resident by Granary Square in King’s Cross. Here, you’ll find a neat collection of new and used books that fill every nook and cranny.

Alongside the wood-burning stove (for keeping warm), friendly dog and occasional live jazz performances, Word on the Water is the ideal spot to visit when you need a little breather from the main streets of the city.

Word on the Water
York Way
Granary Square
London N1C 4AA
Daily: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras

Located at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California, Salt & Straw is a well-known ice cream brand that has been serving up scoop after scoop of delicious and uniquely-flavoured ice cream since 2011.

Set up by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, Salt & Straw has since been included on lists of America’s best ice cream, and only rightfully so for their innovative flavours which uses main ingredients that have all been locally sourced.

While we had thought that we escaped the Singapore heat, we forgot that the Californian sun could be as unrelenting during the Summer, and had been struggling to find a way to cool down when we stumbled upon Salt & Straw during our first afternoon at Disneyland California.

Joining the long queue, we browsed the flavours available and was surprised to find exotic ice cream flavours that we would never have imagined.

After a 25-minute wait, we were finally in front of the scooper who cheerfully acceded to our every request to sample their Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese, which was a little sweet and a little salty but had an overall goat cheese taste.

We eventually settled on a single scoop of Pots of Gold & Rainbows (USD$6), which was basically lucky charms with milk in frozen form, and a single scoop of the Chocolate Gooey Brownie (USD$6).

As chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Gooey Brownie blew our minds. Not only did the chocolate ice cream taste velvety smooth, it wasn’t overly sweet in any way. The bonus was the chewy chocolate brownie chunks that were mixed in with the ice cream, giving it a more texture on a whole.

The one interesting thing to note about Salt & Straw is that the flavours offered are not the same in every city. As such, no classic flavour menu is the same as the other.

To add to the variety available, Salt & Straw also comes up with seasonal monthly flavours such as the Magical Unicorn ice cream, which is a fruity swirled blue, pink and yellow ice cream that is mixed with homemade Oreos and cherries.

Salt & Straw
1550 Disneyland Drive
E-103A
Anaheim
California
Tel: 714-855-4321
Daily: 10am – 12am

Since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge made its official opening in California’s Disneyland earlier in June, it has become one of our top destinations to visit.

Having been avid fans of Star Wars since we were young, it was hard to contain the excitement we felt as we made the journey from the entrance of Disneyland into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Though Disneyland does have a way of ensuring you don’t get so jarringly thrown off when you enter into a different area of the park, it wasn’t hard to make out when you’ve actually stepped into the Star Wars Universe.

With the specially created score just for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge blaring through the speakers, and the scrap metals lining the path towards the entrance to the remote outpost planet of Batuu, it wasn’t hard to tell that we were finally in our new found second home.

Along with other fans of the franchise, we found ourselves gawking in amazement at the intricate details on the decor, buildings and even trash cans, which did not fail to act as a constant reminder that we were now theoretically a part of the Star Wars universe.

Feeling peckish from all the excitement, we decided to go on a hunt for some food. While we had innocently expected theme park foods that were served at the other areas of the park, we were surprised with the range of Star Wars-inspired foods available.

To give you an insight as to what. Kind of food you can expect when you visit, here’s five yummy treats that you have to try at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Blue & Green Milk

Quite possibly the number one must-try item on every Star Wars fan’s list, the Blue and Green Milk (USD$7.99 each) are inspired versions of the beverages that Luke Skywalker has in A New Hope and The Last Jedi respectively.

Made from a plant-based blend of coconut and rice milks, these real-world milks come in a fruity frozen form which is perfect when you’re facing the California sun. Though they are similar, they do differ in flavours with the Green Milk having a bit more of a citrus taste.

We were definitely bigger fans of the Blue Milk as it had a more light and milky taste which presented a more rounded after taste.

Where to find: Milk Stand

Smoked Kaadu Ribs

While we are not big on pork ribs, we have to say that the Smoked Kaadu Ribs (USD$16.99) had us thinking otherwise. Served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw, the smoked country sticky pork ribs were quite tender and made it really easy for us to enjoy.

Not only was the meat easy to get off the rib, it also had a melt-in-your-mouth effect which was further complemented with the tangy and spicy BBQ sauce.

Where to find: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Fried Endorian Tip-Yip

Despite its exotic namesake, the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip (USD$15.49) is really just a fried chicken dish that is served with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy. Although simple-looking, it does have its hidden qualities.

The chicken, even with the outer fried batter, was easy to cut and tasted pretty tender. As it might taste a little dry on its own, it would be good to lightly dip it in the herb gravy or pair it with some of the mash.

Where to find: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Oi-Oi Puff

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, the Oi-Oi Puff (USD$6.49) makes for an excellent dessert that’s not too sweet. Similar to a cream puff, the puff comes with a layer of passion fruit mousse on the top, and raspberry cream on the inside.

When eaten altogether, the raspberry cream gave a slightly sweet and creamy taste while the mousse rounded the whole dessert off with its refreshingly tart aftertaste.

Where to find: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Blue Bantha

Exclusively available only at Oga’s Cantina, the Blue Bantha (USD$13) is one of the house specialties that is made from a non-frozen form of the Blue Milk. It comes chilled in a tall glass together with a Bantha-inspired vanilla butter sugar cookie.

Due to its strange outlook, we were definitely a little hesitant to take a bite of the two-layer cookie but when we eventually did, we found a complementary mix of textures in one cookie.

The top was a light meringue circle, while the middle layer was an intriguing mix of flavours that included coconut, chocolate, caramel and Weetabix.

Where to find: Oga’s Cantina

Located on the fourth floor of the added wing of Plaza Singapura sits Typhoon Cafe, a Taiwanese cafe that brings the taste of Taiwan to locals in Singapore. This casual and modern cafe offers up a comfortable way to enjoy Taiwan’s street-style food without the crowd and the heat.

Their extensive menu comprises a mix of both traditional and street-style foods as well as a variety of bubble teas, fruit teas and specially curated desserts which are Instagram-worthy.

We went with the Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Fritters (S$9.90), Taiwan Sausage Omelette (S$8.90), Taiwan Lu Rou Fan (S$14.90), and the Souffle Stackers with Taiwan Milk Tea and Bubble (S$17.90).

The Taiwan Sausage Omelette was made with a good amount of mushroom, carrots and Taiwan sausage. However, as there was also a generous amount of onions included, the dish had a little bit of a sweet aftertaste which might not be ideal if you prefer to have your omelette more savoury than sweet.

Fried to a golden brown and drenched in the Salted Egg Yolk sauce, the Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Fritters were quite a delight to have as an appetizer. With the added floss on the top, the chicken piece was a mix of sweet and savoury; you really can’t stop at one with this dish!

Though simple looking, the Taiwan Lu Rou Fan packed flavours with its stewed pork belly, half a braised egg and a stalk of vegetable. The sauce of the stewed pork belly has a natural sweetness to it which gives the entire dish a comforting homely taste.

Our favourite of the dishes that we ordered was the pretty Souffle Stackers with Taiwan Milk Tea and Bubble. Paired with the sweet milk tea sauce and chewy bubbles, the taste of the soft and fluffy souffle pancakes were further enhanced into a satisfyingly good dessert which exploded with a complementary mixture of textures and flavours.

Needless to say, this dessert alone would definitely have us returning soon!

Typhoon Cafe
68 Orchard Road
#04-63/67
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm

Nestled amongst the many food options available in the Katong-East Coast area of Singapore is Doong Ji – a cosy, authentic Korean restaurant that serves up a variety of dishes from the ever-popular Army Stew to more traditional ones such as the Kimchi Stew and Seafood Pancake.

Run by a Korean lady boss, Doong Ji was established in 2008 and has since become a favourite amongst local residents and tourists who stay in the vicinity. Doong Ji also has a weekday lunch promotion with a selection of dishes priced at only S$9.90+.

On our visit, we got the Bulgogi Hot Pot (S$9.90+), Jjajangmyeon (S$9.90+) and the Pork BBQ (S$9.90+).

Almost as if it was just taken off the stove, our Bulgogi Hot Pot arrived at our table piping hot, with the strong but pleasant smell of beef in the air. We were pleasantly surprised to find generous portions of beef, glass noodles and mushrooms in the soup, in addition to the bowl of rice that came with the dish.

It seemed like the beef had been stir-fried before they were added to the soup. The glass noodles were springy and managed to retain its consistency despite being soaked in the broth. The soup itself was naturally sweet and rich.

The Pork BBQ came stir-fried with onions in a spicy-sweet sauce, set atop a bed of beansprouts, alongside a bowl of rice and soup.

On its own, the dish made for a satisfactory lunch value meal though it’s not too bad as a side dish to share either. The pork was juicy, tender, and each piece of meat was well covered with the sauce, ensuring no disjoint in flavour.

As constant hunters of good jjajangmyeon in Singapore, we have to say that Doong Ji’s definitely made it onto our list with their take on this traditional Korean favourite.

Served with three slices of radish on the side, the noodles came with a sunny side up and a generous portion of sliced cucumbers, which we quickly mixed together. The runny yolk from the egg made for a nice extra topping to the sauce, creating a nice and gooey texture – which gave the jjajangmyeon a well-rounded taste that had us wanting more.

Doong Ji Korean Restaurant
222 East Coast Road
Singapore 428919
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Nestled in the seemingly quiet Potong Pasir area is a newly opened ice cream joint that serves handcrafted gelato and coffee all day.

Since opening their doors on 19 October 2019, Sweet Cheeks has been delighting visitors with their selection of interesting gelato flavours that have been lovingly prepared in-house.

On our visit, we got a Waffle (S$5.80) served with a regular single scoop of Hazelnut with Nutella Swirl (S$3.70), and a premium single scoop of Fleur De Cao Dark Chocolate (S$4.70).

Like most ice cream shops in Singapore, the waffles are made fresh upon order. Even as we waited for our waffle to be ready, we could smell the buttery fragrance in the air which further heightened our anticipation for our dessert.

The waffle came served with the two scoops of gelato on top and honey drizzled all over the plate. We were initially worried that all the wet factors around the waffle might end up turning it soggy quicker, but we were glad that wasn’t the case.

Despite the gelato starting to melt, the waffle remained crispy and easy to cut through. The waffle was light and fluffy, and could easily pass off as a dessert on its own. However, pairing it with the accompanying gelato is just as good as it gave this sweet treat complementing textures and taste.

Of the two flavours that we ordered, we definitely liked Hazelnut with Nutella Swirl a little more than the Fleur De Cao Dark Chocolate as the flavour bore a slightly sweeter taste on a whole, which went quite well with the waffle. The Nutella swirl bits also added an interesting texture to the gelato that we haven’t tasted anywhere else.

On the other hand, Fleur De Cao Dark Chocolate would definitely be a good flavour for fans of dark chocolate as it had a slightly bitter but all-round rich taste which left a distinct, sweet aftertaste.

Sweet Cheeks
37 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347862
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am

The city of San Francisco is home to a little bit of everything. It’s a city of great tech and start-ups, diverse restaurants, fun and famous neighbourhoods, each with their unique take on the golden gate city life.

Though it’s no Los Angeles, San Francisco holds its own by giving visitors memorable experiences that they can’t really find in other cities. From their uphill streets to their ever famous Alcatraz island, here are nine things that you’ll need to see and do when you next visit this vibrant city.

THE FAMOUS (AND INFAMOUS) ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Probably one of the most famous tourist attractions in San Francisco, Alcatraz Island never fails to see a good number of visitors who embark on a learning journey that reveals stories of incarceration, justice, and common humanity in the United States.

Here, visitors will get to learn the history of the small island as it transformed from a fort to a military prison and eventual maximum-security federal penitentiary which went through a tumultuous during its time of operation.

Alcatraz Island
San Francisco
CA 94133
Departures are available every half hour throughout the day from 8.45am via Alcatraz Cruises
Closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day

Photo Credit: Angel Island State Park

THE TRANQUIL ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK

Though always overshadowed by Alcatraz, Angel Island State Park holds its own by being one of the most beautiful and historic islands in the San Francisco Bay that you simply must visit.

This hidden gem is not only a great place to have fun, but it’s also a location steeped in rich American history. Often described as the Ellis Island of the West, Angel Island was known as the first stop Asian immigrants encountered back in the 1900s where they had to be processed before being entering the United States.

Angel Island State Park
Tiburon
CA 94920
15 minutes by ferry from Tiburon and San Francisco
Daily: 8am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Stefanie C

COFFEE CULTURE IN THE MISSION DISTRICT

Described as one of the more diverse and lively neighbourhoods in San Francisco, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what to do in the Mission District. One thing for certain is that this area is known for being a caffeine fix hub, which features some of the best coffee places in SF.

One cafe to look out for is the popular Stanza Coffee which is located near the intersection of 16th and Valencia. This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop brews a mean and delicious cup of coffee, and serves a variety of pastries and small bites to go with your cup of Joe!

Stanza Coffee
3126 16th Street
Mission District
San Francisco
CA 94103
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 7pm

Photo Credit: SF Travel

GOOD OL’ CHINATOWN

Known as the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the United States, the journey through SF’s Asian pride and joy begins at the iconic Dragon’s Gate before expanding into a bustling maze of streets and alleys that covers 24 city blocks.

Almost similar to a little Hong Kong, you’ll be able to find a variety of dim sum joints, traditional Chinese eateries, as well as quaint bakeries that sell yummy baked goods such as Egg Tart, Wife Biscuit and Polo Bun.

Chinatown
Bush Street
Grant Avenue
San Francisco
CA 94108

Photo Credit: Fisherman’s Wharf

FUEL UP ON SEAFOOD AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF

If you’re someone who loves seafood, you’ll definitely need to add Fisherman’s Wharf to your list of attractions.

This famous waterfront community is home to a variety of seafood restaurants that are said to offer some of the best dining in the city. Be it the speciality Dungeness crab served fresh at the food stands outside or within an establishment, Fisherman’s Wharf has an eclectic mix of tastes that will surely hit the spot.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Jefferson Street
Between Hyde and Powell Streets
San Francisco
CA 94133

Photo Credit: SF Travel

CATCH A BALL GAME AT ORACLE PARK

Widely regarded as one of the premier ballparks in the United States, Oracle Park is home to three-time Major League Baseball World Series Champion, the San Francisco Giants.

Apart from watching a baseball game, you could join the Oracle Park behind-the-scenes tour which allows you to step onto the field, sit in the San Francisco Giants’ dugout, take a peek inside the Visitors’ Clubhouse as well as experience the Giant Vault – a museum that details the rich and storied history of the team.

Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco
CA 94107

SAY HI TO THE ADORABLE SEA LIONS AT PIER 39

Located in the heart of the San Francisco waterfront, Pier 39 is a premier entertainment destination that spans two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions.

One unique tourist attraction that Pier 39 has is their world-famous sea lions, which can often be heard as soon as you’re within range of their resting platforms at K-Dock. Having grown accustomed to human visitors, these boisterous sea lions often fight for attention especially when you’ve got your cameras out!

Pier 39
The Embarcadero
San Francisco
CA 94133

Photo Credit: SFMTA

HITCH A RIDE ON THE AGE-OLD SAN FRANCISCO CABLE CAR

Nothing quite compares to a truly unique experience on a San Francisco Cable Car, especially when you are tired of climbing the windy hills.

Invented in San Francisco nearly 150 years ago, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1964, these cable cars have been kept in tip-top shape for visitors to get around the city using their three cable car lines.

The cable car offers two kinds of experience: One where you are seated, and another (more for the brave thrill-seeker) where you’re standing on the outside of the car, holding onto the special poles provided.

San Francisco Cable Car
Powell Street and Market Street Cable Car Turn-Around

Photo Credit: The Registry SF

SHOP TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT AT UNION SQUARE

This central shopping district is a favourite amongst tourists because of the close proximity between department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops, and dining establishments. Easily accessible by foot and public transportation, don’t be surprised if you end up spending the entire day here!

Notable shopping destinations that you’ll find here are Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Nike and Victoria’s Secret.

Union Square
333 Post Street
San Francisco
CA 94108

For more recommendations, read our San Francisco travel guides to discover the best places in the city.

Looking for an alternate itinerary inspiration for your next trip to Korea? Besides Seoul, South Korea is home to many other cities that have unknowingly been added to our list of places to visit whenever we see them in our favourite Korean dramas.

While most storylines are set in Seoul, many of the locations where the leads meet for coffee are usually filmed in another city. Here’s a list of 10 notable cafes from popular dramas that you could consider adding to your itinerary!

Photo Credit: Hallie Bradley, Alex The Coffee

Alex The Coffee (Goyang Branch)

Located on a plantation in Goyang, it’s easy to spot the Goyang branch of Alex the Coffee which looks almost similar to a pristine-looking greenhouse.

Known for their simple interior where Park Seo Joon swept Park Min Young off her feet in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Alex the Coffee is a great place to unwind with fresh coffee made using coffee beans brought in daily from its headquarters in Yongin.

Drama filmed here: What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

103-30 Tongil-ro 493beonan-gil
Sinwon-dong, Deokyang-gu
Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
South Korea
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest station: Haengsin Station (by KTX)

Photo Credit: Boon Docks Cafe

Boon Docks Cafe

If you’re a fan of the hit drama SKY Castle and remember that scene where Woo Joo’s mom met up with Ye Seo’s mom to talk about the book incident, this is a cafe you wouldn’t want to miss taking a trip to.

Located about an hour away from Seoul in Chuncheon, Boon Docks Cafe provides a good place for you to rest and relax with a light meal and a cup of coffee. Though this quaint cafe may seem a little secluded from the usual ones in Seoul, the space makes way for the cafe’s interesting exterior that can be easily recognized from afar.

In addition to the cosy ambiance, you might also get a chance to meet the owner’s adorable Dalmatian!

Drama filmed here: SKY Castle

Chunghyo-ro 94, Namsan-myeon
Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
South Korea
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest station: Gimyujeong Railway Station (by ITX)

Photo Credit: Cafe Valor

Cafe Valor

If you’re in the mood for some instagrammable moments and a cup of coffee, Cafe Valor’s got you covered.

Apart from being one of the more popular filming locations in Incheon, Cafe Valor is an interesting place to spend the afternoon with their signature peanut butter and choco drink.

In addition to operating a cafe, Cafe Valor also doubles up as a furniture store and carpenter’s workplace, which gives you the opportunity to roam around and browse the items available for sale.

Dramas filmed here: A Korean Odyssey (Hwayugi), Chicago Typewriter, He is Psychometric, Romance is a Bonus Book, Welcome to Waikiki

47 Baekbeom-ro 578beon-gil
Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
South Korea
Mon to Sat: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest station: Dongam Station, Exit 2 (by Seoul Subway Line 1)

Photo Credit: Caferia

Caferia

Made famous from its role in Her Private Life as CocoMoco, a cafe run by Lee Sun Joo in Her Private Life, Caferia is a quaint cafe that’s situated in Seoul’s hip Hongdae/Mapo District.

Upon entry to the cafe, you’ll notice that the interior offers a nice, clean concept with its mainly green and white colour scheme, which makes the cafe seem roomier even on busy days. Aside from taking a break with a cup of ice cold beverage, the cafe also offers light bites in the form of cookies and delectable cakes!

Drama filmed here: Her Private Life

14 Donggyo-ro 13-gil, Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
South Korea
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Mangwon Station, Exit 1 (by Seoul Subway Line 6)

Photo Credit: Chocolatier Zino

Chocolatier Zino

Often depicted as an overseas location or the interior of a rich family’s home, you might be surprised to find out that Chocolatier is actually found within South Korea itself, about an hour away from Seoul!

Housed in a building that resembles a mansion from the past, Chocolatier Zino is a European-themed cafe which serves a variety of beverages and special eats with a touch of class. Do note that the drinks are a little on the pricey side with a cup of coffee costing about 10,000KRW.

Dramas filmed here: Clean with Passion For Now, Goblin, Her Private Life, I Wanna Hear Your Song, Memories of Alhambra, The Beauty Inside

94-5 Daedong-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon
Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
South Korea
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 7am
Closed on Monday
Nearest station: Hapjeong Station (by Seoul Subway Line 2)

Photo Credit: Hotel SEINE

Hotel SEINE

If you are still recovering from the effects Hotel Del Luna left on you, a visit to Hotel SEINE might help to cheer you up.

Featured in an episode of the show as one of the many forms that the mysterious afterlife hotel has taken, Hotel SEINE is an actual cafe which opened its doors just last November. Built just like a hotel with six floors in total, the cafe’s bright pink appearance is seemingly modeled after the Grand Budapest Hotel with instagrammable interior on every floor.

Besides coffee, pastries and cakes which are served here, the cafe has now included a special photo zone on their third floor just for fans of the show!

Drama filmed here: Hotel Del Luna

28-5 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil
Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 4 (by Seoul Subway Line 5)

Photo Credit: Milky Way Cafe

Milky Way Cafe

Helmed as a unique cafe in Hongdae that has been featured in dramas and variety shows such as Running Man, Milky Way Cafe has an ability to deliver the nostalgia of the 70’s and 80’s with their unique and antique decorations.

First made famous after being discovered as the inspiration behind popular Korean indie band 10cm’s single, ‘Love at the Milky Way Cafe’, the cafe is now a well-known spot amongst locals and tourists, serving a selection of light bites and beverages.

Dramas filmed here: He is Psychometric, My First First Love, The Third Charm

33-1 Tojeong-ro
Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest station: Hapjeong Station, Exit 7 (by Seoul Subway Line 2)

Photo Credit: Jenie Jang, Summer Zeng

Moonee Cafe

Enjoy a cup of coffee with a view just like Choi Joon Woo and Yoo Soo Bin did in Moments of Eighteen at Moonee Cafe.

This rooftop cafe not only serves good coffee and delicious bites but it also delivers on creating a magnificent ambience with a gorgeous view in an all-together reasonable price!

Drama filmed here: Moments of Eighteen

37 Sinheung-ro 20-gil
Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Sookmyung Women’s University Station, Exit 2 (by Seoul Subway Line 4)

Photo Credit: Plate B Cafe

Plate B Cafe

K-drama aficionados will probably have this one on their lists to visit since it’s first appearance as the family-owned Dobong Walnut Bakery in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

Located in a quiet neighbourhood of Yongsan-gu, the cafe mainly serves coffee, brunch and salad, though they have also included a special serving of walnut pie in their dessert menu in response to the overwhelming request from fans since the drama ended!

Drama filmed here: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

415-1 Huam-dong
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Sookmyung Women’s University Station, Exit 3 (by Seoul Subway Line 4)

Photo Credit: martasoyaa

White Birch Story Tea Cafe

This small, cozy cafe is styled after a traditional hanok and may be familiar to some as the location where Eun Tak and Sunny met to talk about past life and reincarnation in Goblin.

Unlike the more modern cafes you find in Seoul, White Birch Story Tea House has a more traditional but extensive selection of beverages which includes Omija which is a five flavour tea that brings together five different tastes (salty, sweet, sour, pungent and bitter) in one drink!

A dessert menu featuring Patbingsoo and waffles, is also available for those who would like a sweet treat with their drinks.

Dramas filmed here: Goblin, Touch Your Heart

74-15 Yulgok-ro 1-gil
Jongno-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Daily: 11am – 12am
Nearest station: Anguk Station, Exit 1 (by Seoul Subway Line 3)

Though always lumped together whenever we describe Orchard Road to friends that visit from overseas, Somerset has always held its own, providing locals and tourists alike with a plethora of shopping and dining opportunities.

Though often described by visitors as more of a youth’s hotspot, Somerset is actually home to a number of cafes and restaurants that adults and families can enjoy. We’ve curated 20 of our favourites to bring you this must-try Somerset food guide which you might find handy the next time you’re in that area!

Arteastiq

Though the name might confuse you into thinking that they are a restaurant that is all about art and tea, Arteastiq is not only a great place for you to tap into your creative side but also enjoy a nice intimate dinner with an eclectic range of creative and comforting dishes.

Arteastiq serves up an assortment of appetizers to contemporary mains which include meats, seafoods and pasta, as well as a delectable selection of reinterpreted modern desserts such as their Gaia’s Teardrop Fossil (S$12) – a pandan kaya lava cake that is served with red beans, gula melaka syrup and champagne vanilla gelato, and Old-Fashioned Romance (S$13) – an Oolong lychee sorbet that’s topped with purple crumble and chocolate sauce.

333A Orchard Road
#04-14/15
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Blue Label Pizza

Started by the same team behind Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, Blue Label Pizza & Wine offers diners a modern take on the neighbourhood pizzeria with their concise menu of premium salads, snacks and acclaimed stone-fired pizzas.

With just two outlets in Singapore, Blue Label strives to serve quality food which can be tasted in their authentic stone-fired pizzas that are made using long-ferment dough.

Noteworthy pizzas to try are the J-Dog (S$35), The Original Famous (S$28) and the Blue Label Special, which features market ingredients (market price) that are inventively made into a unique Blue Label pizza. As their mains are mainly pizzas, do note that you won’t be able to find any pastas or meat mains here!

333A Orchard Road
#03-02
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Dancing Crab

If you’re looking for some soulful and good seafood perhaps a night out at one of the best Lousiana restaurants in Singapore might do the trick!

Dancing Crab by TungLok Group serves up a mix of American style seafood together with the distinctive richness of Singapore seafood cuisine to bring you a refreshing take on our local famed preferences for seafood.

You can start off your meal with a Live Crab Combo with World Famous Signature Cajun Sauce (S$98 per bag) that includes 1 Live Sri Lankan Crab (approx. 800g), 350g of fresh prawns, 350g of clams, corn and chicken sausage, or the Dancing Crab Signature Black Pepper Crab (S$112), which includes 2 Live Sri Lankan Crab served with steamed corn.

181 Orchard Road
#07-14/15
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Glyph Supply Co

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road in the recently renovated TripleOne Somerset sits Glyph Supply Co, a fairly new kid on the block which serves up some delicious coffee and pastries that you’ll enjoy.

Despite the seemingly small selection of offerings available, the minimalist cafe offers a smooth cup of Hot White (S$5.30) that may taste slightly acidic but holds no lingering bitter aftertaste. Another notable drink is the Iced Matcha Latte (S$7), which uses hand-whisk ceremonial grade matcha powder for that grassy yet floral tasting notes.

111 Somerset Road
#01-06
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Hokkaido Marche

Experience a taste of Hokkaido without having to leave the country at Hokkaido Marche! Designed like a marketplace-style food hall, Hokkaido Marche offers diners seven different choices to choose from, all offering authentic and affordable Hokkaido fare that everyone will enjoy.

Using only the best quality ingredients which includes Hokkaido’s nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and the nation’s best meat and dairy products, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best of Japanese food right here.

Notable dishes include Kaisen Natsume’s Signature Special Kaisen Don (S$17.50), Ajisai’s Special Ramen (S$14), and Donburi Maruya’s Signature Special Oyako Don (S$10).

181 Orchard Road
#B2-11 to 29, 44 to 48
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Honolulu Cafe

Founded in the 1940s in Hong Kong, this age-old HK cafe has been serving up traditional coffee, tea and baked goods for nearly 80 years. Since opening their first branch in Singapore about three years ago, Honolulu Cafe has expanded their presence here, continuously delivering the Cha Chaan Teng experience to locals and tourists alike.

Here, you’ll enjoy savoury and popular dishes such as their Stir-Fried Beef Hor Fun (S$9.80) and Baked Rice with Chicken and Potato in Curry Sauce (S$10.50). But, do remember to leave some room for their delicious and famous egg tarts (S$1.70 each), which you can pair with a cup of hot Yuan Yang (S$3.50).

176 Orchard Road
#01-33F/G
The Centerpoint
Singapore 238843
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Hvala

Since their rebrand as an all-matcha lifestyle cafe, Hvala has recently added a second outlet to at TripleOne Somerset that boasts the same chic, zen vibe as their primary outlet at CHIJMES.

The Japanese-style minimalist interior provided for a perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy the food and drinks Hvala has to offer. As matcha is their main ingredient here, Hvala serves all-things matcha from Matcha Lattes to Matcha cakes and Matcha ice cream.

If you’re planning to spend some time here, you could opt to try the Matcha Latte (S$5.80), which is freshly whisked and gently poured over milk to create a beautiful gradient.

111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Imperial Treasure Steamboat

With over more than 20 restaurants under its names and over 50 global accolades, Imperial Treasure has always been synonymous with authentic fine Chinese cuisine.

It’s no wonder that their restaurants, especially Imperial Treasure Steamboat, are usually a little harder to get into without a reservation. In their commitment to serve only the best to customers, Imperial Treasure Steamboat use only the freshest and finest ingredients to serve an excellent steamboat.

Their diverse selection of soup bases such as the popular Sichuan spicy soup and rich Ginseng chicken soup are made daily from scratch, simmering for hours on the stove, ready for you to complete your meal with their choice cuts of meat, fresh vegetables and handmade meatballs.

111 Somerset Road
#02-14/19
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Izakaya Nijumaru

Tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza is a literal hidden gem which offers hungry diners affordable Japanese food.

Having been around for three decades, this quaint Japanese place features an extensive menu which comprises many Japanese favourites that will have you spoilt for choice. From a hearty bowl of Deep Fried Pork Filet tempura bowl (S$13) to a value-for-money Nijumaru Bento Box (S$21), this is an ideal place to dine at for fans of Japanese cuisine!

5 Koek Road
#02-10/12
Cuppage Plaza
Singapore 228796
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

I’m Kim Junior Korean Restaurant

Craving some good Korean BBQ and an Army Stew? Conveniently located at *SCAPE is I’m Kim Junior, a restaurant that effectively satisfies both your cravings in one convenient location!

A sister restaurant to I’m Kim Korean BBQ, I’m Kim Junior features the brand’s popular Korean BBQ with their generous selection of meat, seafood, vegetables, soups and cooked food as well as a D-I-Y Army Stew buffet where you’re the master of your own stew.

The best part about it is you’ll be enjoying two kinds of buffet at a single cost of starting at S$14.90++!

2 Orchard Link
#03-01
*SCAPE
Singapore 237978
Daily: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Masizzim

Opened by the same team behind the popular Korean fried chicken chain, Chir Chir, comes Masizzim, a Korean restaurant that serves up a variety of mouth-watering Korean dishes.

A play on the Korean words delicious and stew, Masizzim stands out from the other Korean restaurants with their three signature dishes which are the Beef Rib Stew (from S$18), Pork Rib Stew (from S$16), and the Spicy Chicken Stew (from S$16).

In addition to these mains, Masizzim offers an array of scrumptious side dishes which includes the mix grain rice balls which you can mix and mould on your own!

313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Nipong Naepong

The local Korean food scene has been on the rise over the last couple of years and one such brand that’s made a name for itself since it first opened its doors is none other than jjamppong specialists, Nipong Naepong.

Dedicated to offering diners the most authentic flavours and food quality, Nipong Naepong takes pride in producing each bowl authentically with their noodles, sauces and soup stocks shipped directly from the franchise’s central kitchen in South Korea.

First-timers of this Korean noodle dish should definitely try the Cha Ppong (S$15.80), which has a flavourful broth that’s made with Korean wheat noodles, mussels, squid, prawn and quail eggs. Though it does have a spicy kick, diners can choose between level 1 or 2 of the spiciness that they can handle!

313 Orchard Road
#B3-03
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Noodle Place Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for some good and authentic Hong Kong noodle and congee, Noodle Place Restaurant is the place to visit.

After relocating to Orchard Gateway from its 31-year home at Centrepoint, Noodle Place Restaurant is now situated at a more prominent spot that’s just a few steps away from the entrance of Somerset MRT.

Satisfy your Cantonese craving here with a plate of the Noodle Place Restaurant’s Signature Shrimp Wanton Noodles (S$9), which uses thin, handmade egg noodles that are served with the plump fresh shrimp wantons.

277 Orchard Road
#01-17
Orchard Gateway
Singapore 238858
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

NY Night Market

Hailing from Seoul, NY Night Market brings a taste of contemporary Western and Korean fusion in a variety of mouthwatering delights, which are mainly covered with melted cheese, cream or bacon. With an extensive menu where each dish has its own unique quirk and delicious appeal, it is going to be tough settling on the dishes to try.

Not to worry though, you can always opt for popular dishes such as the M.A.C. Feat Bacon (S$10.90), which is a twist on the classic Mac & Cheese, as well as their inventive take on the classic Budaejjigage where you’ll get a heaping mound of bulgogi beef and a jumbo pork sausage atop the usual trimmings.

313 Orchard Road
#01-29
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am -1am
Nearest station: Somerset

O’Ma Spoon

A good place to unwind after a full meal is at O’Ma Spoon, a contemporary Korean dessert franchise that serves snowflake Korean Bingsu.

Owned and operated by a Korean, O’Ma Spoon aims to give locals an option for high quality healthy Korean desserts by using major ingredients which have been imported directly from Korea. This also helps to ensure that there is still a trace of authentic Korean flavour despite tailoring the dessert to meet the local taste.

Some of their signature items include the Original Injeolmi Bingsu (S$12.90), the Mango Cheesecake Bingsu (S$18.90), and the Very Berry Bingsu (S$15.90).

313 Orchard Road
#04-20/32
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Supply & Demand

Inspired by the trattorias and pizzerias in Italy, Supply & Demand serves simple, rustic Italian cuisine in a menu brimming with classic Italian food choices that utilize high-quality ingredients and fresh produce.

Feast on thin-crust pizza such as the Truffle & Egg (S$22 for Regular, S$26 for Large), or turn it into a calzone for an additional S$3. You could also enjoy the meat mains, rich pasta and creamy risotto in addition to your pizza. The diverse drinks list also features cocktails, beers and quality international wines which will make dining here perfect for any occasion!

277 Orchard Road
#02-13/14
Orchard Gateway
Singapore 238858
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

The Alley Luxe

Having just unveiled its first-of-its-kind concept store in Cineleisure Orchard, The Alley Luxe is the famous bubble tea brand’s premium lifestyle cafe where you can unwind with friends and family.

With a line-up that includes a fine collection of beverages and an array of exquisite European bakes, you don’t have to worry about going thirsty or feeling peckish during conversations. Their iconic drinks include the Brown Sugar Deerioca Series, which comes in two flavours namely the Brown Sugar (S$5.30) and Matcha Brown Sugar (S$6.30).

8 Grange Road
#02-06A/B
Cineleisure Orchard
Singapore 819666
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison

When looking for the real-deal Japanese Tonkatsu, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison over at Mandarin Gallery is hands down, one of the best Tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Besides the usual crispy breaded pork with rice combination, the restaurant also has an expansive selection of innovative Tonkatsu dishes such as their popular Mille Feuille Truffle Katsu (S$26++) which has a massive cult following.

333A Orchard Road
#02-35/36
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

TungLok Seafood

TungLok Seafood is a concept created by the reputable TungLok Group who has made quite a name for themselves amongst locals with their exceptionally fresh Singapore-style seafood delicacies.

Known not only for their excellent service and quality seafood, you can expect a satisfying dining experience at this award-winning establishment. Enjoy a scrumptious meal with hot favourites such as the Spicy Curry Laksa Crab with Thick Rice Vermicelli (S$65++/kg), Deep-Fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk (S$24++/300gm), Mee Goreng (S$18++/small) and the best-selling TungLok Chilli Crab (S$65++/kg).

181 Orchard Road
#11-05
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and Public Holidays: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Walking on Sunshine Cafe

As a multi-concept store, Walking on Sunshine provides not only beauty services but also a dining experience with their instagrammable garden-themed cafe. With a comprehensive menu full of Korean-Western fusion dishes, Walking on Sunshine’s cafe offers a variety of Western items that have been reinvented in taste with a Korean twist.

In addition to offering an all-day brunch with dishes such as the Crab & Kimchi Pancake (S$20.50), the cafe also has main signature items which include their Coal Roasted Chicken with Miso Pesto (S$23.50), Korean-style Fried Chicken with Yangnyeom Sauce (S$23.50) and the Iberico Pork Jowl (S$22.50).

If you’re looking to end your meal on a sweet note, you’ll love the cafe’s Signature Souffle Pancake (S$20.50) that’s served with freshly cut fruits, granola and a generous dollop of sweet cream!

181 Orchard Road
#03-07
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Mon to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Having been around since 2008 in partnership with TungLok Group, the authentic Taiwanese cuisine restaurant Shin Yeh will be closing its doors at Liang Court for good end March 2020.

A renowned and established name worldwide, Shin Yeh has been serving up refined Taiwanese cuisine to locals such as their Eight Immortals Dim Sum Platter, Charcoal Grilled Pork Ribs, and Traditional Taiwan Style Rice and Noodles.

Shin Yeh is set to close its doors permanently as the mall begins its impending redevelopment.

So, if you’re craving some Taiwanese food or Taiwan-style dessert such as the Mango and Milk over Shaved Ice, do drop by Shin Yeh from now till end of March next year to savour the best of Taiwan before they say farewell!

Shin Yeh
177 River Valley Road
#02-19
Liang Court Shopping Centre
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm

Nestled in the quiet Hannam neighbourhood in Seoul, &gather Cafe has since been seeing throngs of BTS fans visit their premises for the sole reason of trying the drinks made by the boys during an episode of their VLive variety show, Run BTS.

As huge BTS fans ourselves, we knew this was the perfect opportunity to get our morning fix and start off our day right.

The walk to &gather Cafe from Hannam Station was no more than a five-minute walk and when we arrived, we were immediately greeted by the signature drinks menu which had an attached photo of BTS during their time at the cafe.

Not wasting any time, we ordered a total of four drinks which were: Hot Creamy Latte (KRW6,000), Iced Rosy Latte (KRW6,300), Iced Lemony Coke (KRW6,300) and the Iced Coco-Presso (KRW6,300).

Once brewed by Jimin, the Hot Creamy Latte tasted velvety smooth which we felt was aided by the milk which was used for the coffee.

Instead of the typical milk from a carton, the milk used was mixed together with whipped cream and sugar syrup, which created a sweet and creamy aftertaste.

Fans of all things coconut and J-Hope would thoroughly enjoy the Iced Coco-Presso which is essentially a cup of coconut coffee.

Instead of using ready-made coconut milk, &gather Cafe uses coconut powder which is mixed in with steamed milk. The result is a sweet and creamy beverage with just a hint of coconut that wasn’t too overpowering.

The Iced Lemony Coke or known by fans as Suga’s Cafe Lemoni, was an interesting concoction that surprised us in terms of taste.

Made using lemon syrup, a slice of lemon, a can of sprite and two shots of espresso, the drink was a burst of flavours that was both sweet and sour. Contrary to beliefs that the acidity in the lemon could react badly with the coffee’s acidity, we felt that the lemon helped cut the sharpness of the espresso instead.

Our favourite out of the four drinks that we ordered was the Iced Rosy Latte made famous by Jin. The drink is made with a combination of rose syrup and espresso before it is finished with a dollop of cream on top.

As rose syrup does have a potential to overshadow the other flavours it’s mixed in with, we were impressed with the rose taste coming in as a complementary flavour to the coffee. We do suggest that you mix the cream in together with the entire drink as it gives a more balanced aftertaste that’s rounded off with the hint of floral aroma.

Though we didn’t have any more liquid capacity to try the other three drinks that were made by V, Jungkook and RM, this just means that we have a valid reason to return to &gather Cafe on our next trip back to Seoul!

&gather Cafe
Hannamdong Shinseong Miso City
39 Dokseodang-ro
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
Republic of Korea
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 11am – 7pm
Nearest station: Hannam Station (Exit 1)

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s guides to discover the best places in the city.

The relatable and adorable lazy egg Gudetama Cafe in Singapore is closing on 17 November 2019, since it first opened to much fanfare on 30 November 2016.

Despite their short tenure at the cosy corner of Suntec City, the cafe has seen many supporters visit from all over the world, and have even received several accolades including the Best Cafe award from Chope Diners’ Choice 2017.

In celebration of their third and final anniversary in Singapore, Gudetama Cafe will be having a special promotion on their food and merchandise from now till their last day of operation on 17 November 2019. So, be sure to make a trip down to dine at this lazy egg cafe for the last time before they close their doors for good!

Gudetama Cafe Singapore
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-361
Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983
Daily (until 17 November): 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Esplanade

Since the announcement in late August, the much-anticipated Monga, founded by Taiwanese celebrity and comedian Nono, has finally opened its first-ever local outlet at Jem in Jurong East, serving up thick, fresh and juicy fried chicken cutlets!

If you are thinking that this is the first overseas outlet to join their more than 45 outlets in Taiwan, you’d be surprised to know that since its establishment in its home country, Monga has since expanded overseas to countries like Canada, USA, UK, Philippines and Malaysia!

Probably known as one of the more popular street snacks in Taiwan, Monga’s fried chicken further expands on the varieties offered by delivering on taste through offering gigantic slabs of fried chicken cutlets that are coated with interesting seasonings.

The ones offered in Singapore are namely The King (salt and pepper), the mildly spicy Hot Chick (chili paprika) and The Taiker (Okinawa seaweed powder) – each sold at S$6.90. On our visit, we tried the Hot Chick and The Taiker.

At first glance, the chicken cutlet may seem extra thick but that’s because Monga uses fillet cutlets that are at least a minimum of 2cm thick, in an effort to retain the meat’s juices even after it is deep-fried.

In place of the usual white sugar, honey is used to marinate and help tenderize the chicken. Each piece is then coated with an optimum amount of buttermilk batter before being double-fried for a tasty crunch with minimum grease.

Of all the Taiwanese fried chicken we’ve tasted, Monga definitely topped our list instantaneously upon first bite.

Both chicken cutlets were served to us fresh out of the fryer, and as soon as we bit into them, we could taste the juicy, succulent meat that was well-marinated and tender. It also helped that the cutlet wasn’t too greasy and didn’t leave any sort of oily after taste.

Between the two flavours that we had, we preferred the Hot Chick to The Taiker as the seasoning offered more kick and flavour, thanks to the chili paprika powder that was hand-made from Anaheim peppers.

We also paired our chicken with their impressive citrus drinks which included the refreshing Orange Green Tea (S$4.50), Grapefruit Green Tea (S$4.50), and the fragrant Osmanthus Oolong Tea (S$3.30). We particularly enjoyed the Orange Green Tea, which left a nice citrus taste after each sip.

If you’re looking to turn your fried chicken snack into a full meal, you’re in luck. Besides serving the cutlets a-la-carte, Monga also provides options for you to complete your meal.

You can choose from a selection of drink and side combo upgrades which include Seaweed Fries (S$3.50), Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Powder (S$3.50) and Fried Chicken Skin (S$3.90).

Monga Fried Chicken
#B1-K10
Jem
50 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm

While Dim Sum may be a traditional staple that you would find all around Hong Kong, it is not a form of cuisine that we are short of in Singapore.

Nestled in quiet Simpang Bedok is Enak Enak Hong Kong Tea House, a halal dim sum tea restaurant in Singapore which offers a variety of affordable halal dim sum.

On our visit, we started off with their popular Steamed Golden Sand Bun (S$3.10 for 2pcs), Har Kow (S$4.20 for 3pcs) and Siew Mai (S$3.80 for 3pcs).

Though it did look larger than usual, the Siew Mai had a generous amount of meat filling which was nicely wrapped in the wonton skin that was reminiscent of its original counterpart. While it tasted good on its own, the dipping sauce definitely made it tastier.

The Har Kow, unfortunately, didn’t impress us as much as we thought it would. Although the filling inside was good, the skin was much too thick, adding an overall starchiness to the dumpling.

We were quite disappointed with the Steamed Golden Sand Bun as well. While the salted egg yolk custard lava did present an enticing sight, the taste wasn’t as satisfying. Instead of the savoury gooey filling, we tasted a sweeter and slightly grainy custard which made the buns an overall letdown.

In addition, we also tried the BBQ Chicken Pau (S$2.60 for 2pcs), Steamed Rice Roll with Shrimps (S$4.20), and Pan Fried Carrot Cake (S$2.60 for 2pcs).

Perhaps our least favourite dish of the lot, the Steamed Rice Roll with Shrimps fell flat in terms of taste. Not only did the rice roll taste bland and break apart easily, the dish didn’t seem to have much shrimp.

We tried to add a little bit of flavour to alleviate the blandness with the chilli, but it only offered a slight improvement.

Despite the hits and misses, we felt that the saving grace of the entire meal was the Pan Fried Carrot Cake. Unlike the traditional ones that you might have seen, their carrot cake had a crispy golden outer layer which complemented the soft and chewy texture within.

While the dim sum here didn’t exactly appeal to us, Enak Enak Hong Kong Tea House kept its dim sum prices affordably and they are open until late.

Other than Simpung Bedok, Enak Enak Hong Kong Tea House also has another outlet at East Coast Parkway.

Enak Enak Hong Kong Tea House
340/342 Bedok Road
Singapore 469520
Tel: 6246 1211
Daily: 10am – 6am
Nearest station: Tanah Merah

1202 ECP, Singapore 449881
Tel: +65 6876 5911
Nearest station: Bedok