Bia Mara: Sustainable fish and chips in Brussels, Belgium

The Classic Panko Fish n Chips with ling, Bia Mira, Brussels, Belgium

Bia Mara, meaning seafood in Irish, is a small sustainable fish and chips restaurant located in Brussels, Belgium. The focus here is on quality, uncommon in central Brussels, where expensive, low-quality restaurants catered to tourists are typical. The restaurant, owned by two Irishmen, differs from your typical fish and chips shop in London or Dublin. Fish here is fresh, with availability changing daily, whether cod, ling, salmon, or halibut. You will only find it on the menu if it’s fresh. …

Read more

Noordzee – Mer Du Nord: Fresh seafood in Brussels, Belgium

Grilled Shrimp (Scampi a la Plancha), Noordzee - Mer du Nord, Brussels, Belgium

Noordzee – Mer Du Nord, located in Brussels, Belgium, is popular with locals and visitors for inexpensive, tapas-like seafood plates. The restaurant in the Sainte Catherine area of Brussels is only minutes by foot from the Grand Palace. Many centuries ago, the city’s main fish market stood in the small square in front of the restaurant. And, the old fish canals survive to this day. Over the years, many excellent seafood restaurants have opened in this area. One of those …

Read more

Torikizoku: Popular yakitori chain found across Japan

Momo Kizokuyaki Tare (Chicken Thigh and Leek Skewer), Torikizoku, Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1986, Torikizoku has established itself as one of Japan’s most popular izakaya chains, with almost 700 locations nationwide. Today, the chain is well known for its affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and freshly prepared yakitori skewers. You can find Torikizoku locations in major cities including Tokyo (Shinjuku and Shibuya), Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kobe, and Hiroshima. There are many reasons to visit Torikizoku. First, they offer various yakitori skewers, including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables. Second, their prices are affordable, …

Read more

O’Reilly 304: Trendy restaurant in Havana, Cuba

O'Reilly Tacos (Tacos Mixtos), O'Reilly 304, Havana, Cuba

In 2016, I took my first trip to Havana, a city that was entirely unfamiliar to me at the time. Havana felt like a whole new world. As I walked around the city, everything seemed exotic, from the busy streets to the colorful buildings and vibrant culture. While exploring the charming streets of Havana, I stumbled upon O’Reilly 304. This trendy but casual restaurant was located in the heart of Habana Vieja, Havana’s historic Old Town. Despite its small size, …

Read more

Kura Sushi: Popular conveyor belt sushi chain in Osaka, Japan

Tuna and Green Onion, Kura Sushi, Osaka, Japan

Kura Sushi is a popular Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurant chain known for its affordable sushi dishes. Founded in 1995, Kura Sushi today has over 450 locations in Japan along with 22 in Taiwan and 47 in the United States. On my recent visit to Osaka, I stopped by the Kura Sushi Shinsekai Tsutenkaku location in the popular Shinsekai district. As mentioned before, Kura Sushi is known for its affordable sushi. Everything from salmon to tuna to shrimp starts at …

Read more

Yamamotoya Honten: Miso nikomi udon in Nagoya, Japan

The famous Miso Nikomi Udon, Yamamotoya Honten, Nagoya, Japan

With a history spanning nearly 100 years, Yamamotoya Honten has established itself as the best place to try Nagoya-style miso nikomi udon. Originating in Nagoya, miso nikomi udon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish characterized by thick udon noodles simmered in a flavorful and salty miso broth. As Yamamotoya Honten’s signature dish, the miso nikomi udon showcases every ingredient. This includes handmade noodles, a masterfully prepared broth using quality ingredients, and miso exclusively fermented for the restaurant. Over the years, …

Read more

Misokatsu Yabaton: Best pork cutlet in Nagoya, Japan

Waraji Tonkatsu Set, Misokatsu Yabaton, Nagoya, Japan

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’re likely familiar with tonkatsu, a flavorful dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork loin or fillet. It is one of my favorite foods to eat on my trips to Japan. In the city of Nagoya, you can find a unique variation of tonkatsu known as miso katsu. This local specialty is made with a deep-fried pork loin drenched in a rich and salty miso sauce. If you’re on the hunt for the …

Read more

Sekai no Yamachan: Nagoya’s Famous Tebasaki Chicken Wings

Maboroshi no Tebasaki (Chicken Wings), Sekai No Yamachan, Nagoya, Japan

During my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to visit Nagoya for the first time. Despite reading and hearing that Nagoya was less impressive than Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, I was excited to explore a new city. Whenever I travel somewhere new, one of the first things I do is research what to do and what to eat. And, through my research, I discovered Sekai no Yamachan. Sekai no Yamachan is a chain of popular izakaya restaurants that …

Read more

Pakwan Restaurant: Pakistani Indian in San Francisco

Chicken Tikka Masala, Pakwan Restaurant, San Francisco, California

Pakwan is a Pakistani Indian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for blends of Indian spices and traditional cooking techniques. When it opened in 1991, its mission was to use authentic recipes from the Indian subcontinent. Thanks to their tireless efforts and devotion, Pakwan swiftly gained a reputation as the go-to destination for authentic and traditional Pakistani Indian cuisine in the Bay Area. The restaurant attracts locals, tourists, families, and business workers alike. Today, Pakwan operates five restaurants …

Read more

Sweet Maple: Bacon and Brunch in San Francisco

Savory Soufflegg Skillet, Sweet Maple, San Francisco, California

Sweet Maple is a casual and inviting restaurant, coffeehouse, and gathering spot nestled in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. After opening in 2010, Sweet Maple quickly gained popularity as a top brunch spot in San Francisco. Over the years, the spot has gained a following with locals, tourists, and culinary enthusiasts. At Sweet Maple, simplicity is key when it comes to their menu. They opt for high-quality, locally-sourced organic ingredients to create uncomplicated yet delicious dishes. Sweet Maple is …

Read more