[Kyoto] Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion

Posted on by Jamie Liew

in Kyoto, the most iconic place would definitely be the Golden Pavilion– Kinkaku-ji. but it’s really sad how Ginkaku-ji’s so under rated. it is even more beautiful than Kinkaku-ji in my honest opinion. super beautiful. it isn’t just what pictures can express; you just have to go there yourself.

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and the great thing about Kyoto, the buses. if you’re interested in traveling to Japan I bet you’d notice how crazy the transportation costs. like madness. but in Kyoto, you can purchase a bus card for 5o0yen and you can ride AS MUCH AS YOU WANT! in places like Fukuoka one way might cost you that much already >_>. Continue reading “[Kyoto] Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion” →

[Seoul: Apgujeong] tastingroom

Posted on by Jamie Liew

was recommended to come here by a friend and so I did. apparently this chain of restaurant is opened by a married couple where the husband’s an architect and the wife’s a lighting designer.

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went to the one at Sinsa located at the roof top of Galleria Shopping Mall. Continue reading “[Seoul: Apgujeong] tastingroom” →

[Osaka: Namba] MOULiN

Posted on by Jamie Liew

how ironic. I told myself to devour all the Korean food since I wouldn’t be back in Korea in 2 months, but there I was, drinking Kirin. (and I also had CHINESE food for my last dinner in Korea) with a frozen poop on top. =D. yummay.

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met up with David but that good looking American Korean friend of mine refused to let me take a picture of him so one less eye candy for you. had the Kirin beer at a place called Bee located at Itaewon if you’re wondering. great interior and ambiance by the way. Continue reading “[Osaka: Namba] MOULiN” →

[Seoul: Hyehwa] Hakrim Coffee : Popular Drama Cafe

Posted on by Jamie Liew

watched “you who came from the stars?” or 별에서 온 그대? the famous drama had definitely brought a lot of new customers to this cafe despite appearing in several dramas before. and because of its old history, this cafe was chosen to be the meet up point of “Do Minjun” and his old friend.

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so back to Hakrim Coffee, this cafe was founded in the 1960s and has been around for a longgg time. not sure if the publicity is good or not but this already popular among old folks cafe is now swarmed by young tourists especially from Asia. so do expect to wait if you’re here during peak hours. Continue reading “[Seoul: Hyehwa] Hakrim Coffee : Popular Drama Cafe” →

[Seoul: Jongro] Melon Bingsu @ Tea Oreum

Posted on by Jamie Liew

as a huge bingsu fan, I mark on my name that this bingsu’s one of the best few I’ve tried.

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the shops located near Jogyesa Temple which is near Insadong. for 16,000won, you get a whole melon to yourself and another cup filled with bingsu for you to pour in when you’re done with the first one. plus, it might seem like there aren’t a lot of melon. but they are secretly buried underneath the shaved ice. not the smoothest shave ice but taste wise? I’ll give it a 9.5 and presentation wise 10/10!!! Continue reading “[Seoul: Jongro] Melon Bingsu @ Tea Oreum” →

[Seoul: Itaewon] My Thai to satisfy your Thai cravings

Posted on by Jamie Liew

if you do not know yet. Thai food comes close to being my first place in favourite type of cuisine. maybe just a few points behind the ever so magnificent Japanese cuisine. oh, I do not consider Malaysian food because I grew up eating Malaysian food. but nonetheless Malaysian food is said to be the best in the world. still, they lack in presentation ahahahhaha.

okay enough of crapping. so in Korea, it isn’t easy to find good places for REAL whatever kind of food. because they’d tweak the dishes a little every single time so it fits the Korean’s taste buds. but My Thai at Itaewon, owned by the famous celebrity chef Hong Seok Chon, does their role in satisfying my taste buds. =3.

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but still, they’d still have a small cup of pickle because Koreans just wouldn’t like it if there weren’t pickles. I don’t eat them. not that nice really. not talking about the ones here but basically everywhere =S. it’s a very Korean thing. My Thai is located near Hamilton Hotel and it’s really easy to find. almost impossible to not walk by this restaurant if you’re visiting Itaewon. Continue reading “[Seoul: Itaewon] My Thai to satisfy your Thai cravings” →

[Seoul: Hongdae] Gelati Gelati

Posted on by Jamie Liew

there are tonnes of special ice cream shops around. but most of them will just give you a “it’s pretty not bad” feeling. but this one will just make you craving for more.

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Gelati Gelati located at Hongdae was always packed with people whenever I go there. there’s always a long line and the weirdest thing is that the shop isn’t exactly located at a strategic spot. a spot where shops nearby aren’t really open in the day. Continue reading “[Seoul: Hongdae] Gelati Gelati” →

Kyoto and Osaka in a day

Posted on by Jamie Liew

I am back here in Kyoto. again.

after 4 months. right after midterms. but the only thing was, I had REALLY LIMITED TIME. so this was what I did for a day! it might even be a good reference on where to go from AM to PM =D. I returned to Osaka since I stayed there at around 6pm though =D.

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ahhh. the streets of Gion. I actually like shopping here compared to other places because the OPA and some other malls here were actually pretty good! Continue reading “Kyoto and Osaka in a day” →

[Seoul: Gangnam Station] Bobired

Posted on by Jamie Liew

hello all!

if you’ve followed me on instagram you have probably seen pictures of this Korean fusion pasta place that I go to pretty often back then when I lived in Gangnam. even now, whenever I head to Gangnam this is always on top of my pasta list as it is not too pricey and superbly delicious.

it is called Bobired.

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located near Gangnam Station, this place is quite hidden but it is definitely not difficult to find. even so, it was always packed with people as the pasta’s.. really amazing. Continue reading “[Seoul: Gangnam Station] Bobired” →

[Seoul] Softree vs. Sweetruck

Posted on by Jamie Liew

there’s always something new in Korea.

always.

but I just have to tell you about this glorious invention

THE…

HONEY ICE CREAM!

no, the ice cream itself isn’t made out of honey but it is more like milk ice cream topped with honey/a small comb of honey.

ever since the birth of Softree, there are many “similar” knockoffs. there are some stores which copied Softree’s entire concept. but as for today, I’ll be comparing Softree and sweet truck!

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I love soft tree so much I tend/have the tendency to buy a cup every time I pass by. (the pic above is the Itaewon chain.) Continue reading “[Seoul] Softree vs. Sweetruck” →