The Travel Mentor - Page 2 of 15

Mediterranean Halal Food Cart in Baltimore, Maryland

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019

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

On my visit to Baltimore, I discovered the Mediterranean Halal Food Cart, a small halal food stand selling wraps, rice, and salads topped with chicken and lamb. The only reason I stumbled upon this hidden gem was 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 who was ordering food from the cart appeared to …

Nakiryu: Michelin Star Tantanmen Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020May 11, 2019

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. When you think of Michelin star restaurants, you probably think of fancy, expensive places where you have to dress in a coat and tie. And then there is Nakiryu, a small shop with ten seats located in a nondescript gray building in northern Tokyo. Nakiryu is famous for their affordable bowl of tantanmen ramen, also known as dandan noodles or dandanmian. This …

Taking a day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

January 23, 2020April 29, 2019

If you are looking to take a day trip from Fukuoka, look no further than Dazaifu, a city located less than an hour away from Fukuoka City by train or bus. Although Dazaifu wasn’t officially founded as a city until 1982, its history goes back over a thousand years. During the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185), Dazaifu played an important role as the political center of the island of Kyushu, Japan. The main reason for visiting Dazaifu is to visit …

Australia Dairy Company: Best scrambled eggs in Hong Kong

March 24, 2019March 23, 2019

Breakfast Set, Australia Dairy Company, Hong Kong

Ask any local for their favorite Hong Kong-style breakfast (cha chaan teng) and odds are their answer will be Australia Dairy Company. Since opening in 1970, this iconic Hong Kong institution has gained a reputation for its steamed pudding, scrambled eggs, and chicken soup. Dim sum, roast goose, and wonton noodles might be the kings of Hong Kong cuisine, but at any hour of the day, you’ll find a line of hungry people outside Australia Dairy Company, patiently waiting to …

What you should eat at 7-Eleven in Japan

November 19, 2019March 18, 2019

When you think of must eat foods in Japan you probably think of expensive Kobe beef, Michelin-Star ramen, sushi made by Jiro himself, and 7-Eleven? Yes, you read that right. You might be asking yourself, why would I want to eat at 7-Eleven on my visit to Japan? The answer is because the food is delicious and affordable. This isn’t your typical 7-Eleven in America. And, don’t get me started on the variety of options available at each store. It …

Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: Pork Cutlet in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020March 13, 2019

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. While there are many great options in Tokyo to sample tonkatsu, none might be more famous than Maisen. Founded in 1965, Maisen now has locations across Japan and a few international locations. On my recent visit to Tokyo, I stopped by their main store, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten. …

Ippudo Ginza: Popular ramen chain in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020March 8, 2019

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 all of Tokyo. Enter any restaurant in Ginza and you can easily walk out with a 20,000 ($179.91) yen bill. While wandering the area, I happened to stumble upon Ippudo Ginza, a chain of ramen restaurants with locations found all across Japan and …

Nishiazabu Gogyo: Burnt Miso Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020March 3, 2019

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 …

Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo: Spicy Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020February 26, 2019

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 It was a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo. As I made my …

Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi: Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

May 21, 2020February 21, 2019

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. …