Restaurant Reviews

Mediterranean Halal Food Cart in Baltimore, Maryland

The massive Combo Rice Platter, Mediterranean Halal Food, Baltimore, Maryland

On my trip to Baltimore, I visited the Mediterranean Halal Food Cart, a halal food cart selling rice plates and wraps with chicken and lamb. I only stumbled upon this hidden gem because of its location on the corner of Baltimore Street and Hopkins Plaza, directly across the street from my hotel. There were a few things that stood out about this food cart. First, everyone ordering food from the cart appeared local, including students and workers from downtown businesses. …

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Nakiryu: Michelin Star Tantanmen Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Tantanmen, a dish of thin noodles in a red pepper soup, Nakiryu, Tokyo, Japan

In 2017, Nakiryu became only the second ramen restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, to be awarded a Michelin star for their spicy tantanmen ramen. When you think of Michelin-star restaurants, you might think of fancy, expensive places where you must dress in a coat and tie. And then there is Nakiryu, a small ramen shop with ten seats in a nondescript gray building in northern Tokyo. Nakiryu is famous for its affordable tantanmen ramen, also known as dandan noodles or dandanmian. …

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Australia Dairy Company: Favorite Scrambled Eggs In Hong Kong

Breakfast Set, Australia Dairy Company, Hong Kong

Dim sum, roast goose, and wonton noodles are the kings of Hong Kong cuisine. But what if I told you to add scrambled eggs to that list? Ask any local for their favorite Hong Kong-style breakfast (cha chaan teng) and odds are their answer will be Australia Dairy Company. I have to agree with them. Since opening in 1970, this iconic Hong Kong institution has gained a reputation for its steamed pudding, scrambled eggs, and chicken soup. At any hour …

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Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: Pork Cutlet in Tokyo

Kurobuta Loin Pork Cutlet Set, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Out of all the foods I have encountered while traveling in Japan, none might be more comforting and delicious than tonkatsu, a Japanese-style pork cutlet which is breaded and deep-fried to perfection. I love tonkatsu, and I never get tired of eating it. While Tokyo has many great places to try tonkatsu, none might be more delicious than Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, near Shibuya Station. Founded in 1965, Maisen now has locations across Japan and a few international locations. On …

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Ippudo Ginza: Popular ramen chain in Tokyo, Japan

The Ippudo Karaka

It was my last night in Tokyo, and I was looking for a place to eat near my Airbnb that wouldn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, I was staying in Ginza, one of the most expensive areas in Tokyo. Enter any restaurant in Ginza, and you can easily walk out with a 20,000 yen ($135) bill. While wandering the area, I stumbled upon Ippudo Ginza, a chain of ramen restaurants with locations found all across Japan and the world. Locations outside …

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Nishiazabu Gogyo: Burnt Miso Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

A ball of fire as the burnt ramen was being prepared by the chefs, Nishiazabu Gogyo, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I heard about burnt ramen at Nishiazabu Gogyo in Tokyo, Japan, I was intrigued. I knew I wanted to try their ramen but I was skeptical. How could anything that is burnt taste good? After reading endless reviews and watching YouTube videos about Gogyo, I knew it had to be great. Gogyo is owned by Ippudo, a chain of tonkotsu ramen restaurants founded in Fukuoka, Japan. There are two Gogyo locations in Japan. One is located in …

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Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo: Spicy Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Fiery red broth

If you are looking for the spiciest ramen in Tokyo, Japan, you go to Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo. At Kikanbo, fiery bowls of ramen are prepared with both chili pepper and Sichuan pepper, giving your mouth a burning, numbing sensation. While Japan might not be known for its spicy cuisine, if you are a lover of spicy foods or spicy ramen, then Kikanbo is a must. Waiting in Line at Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo It was a Sunday afternoon in …

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Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi: Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ichiran 5 Ramen Set

Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen restaurants found in Japan. This popular chain of ramen restaurants specializes in tonkotsu ramen. This type of ramen, originating in Fukuoka in southern Japan, has a rich and creamy broth made from pork bones simmered for hours. When the first stall opened in Fukuoka in 1960, it was known then as Futaba Ramen. In 1966, the stall became known as Ichiran (蘭), meaning “one orchid.” In 1993, Ichiran’s first concept store opened. …

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President Trump Set at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan

The President Trump Set featuring a Colby Jack Cheeseburger, Munch's Burgers Shack, Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Japanese food, you might think of ramen, sushi, or tempura. So why are people waiting in line at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan for over 2 hours to sample an American-style burger? Let me explain. In late 2016, President Trump kicked off his 12 day trip to Asia with a stop in Japan. On his visit to Tokyo, Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. For lunch, the pair dined on a cheeseburger from …

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Numazuko Shinjuku Honten: Conveyor Belt Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

The beautiful Soy Marinated Tuna, Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, located just outside the east exit of Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku Station, is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-zushi). While this restaurant might not be as cheap as nearby Genki Sushi or Uoebi sushi, at Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, the prices are justified by the quality of the seafood. The interior of Numazuko Shinjuku Honten was basic but bright. At the center of the restaurant, chefs dressed in white were preparing custom ordered plates of sushi. Wrapping around …

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