The Backpack Adventures

It was only last 2018 that my wife, daughter, and I first got to visit Kyoto's famed Edo-style Starbucks . We revisited it again during the 4th day of our 2019 Japan trip .  Edo-style Starbucks For those who are still unfamiliar with the Edo Style Starbucks , this branch is the first-ever Japanese-style Starbucks in the world. That means this branch is designed using Japanese aesthetics like tatami mats and Noren curtains. Since this branch is located in the historic Ninenzaka Area where the stores and establishments were preserved and still retain the traditional machiya-style Kyoto buildings, it is not a surprise that this branch is housed in one of those traditional buildings as well.  Can you spot Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks branch? Then look for this sign. Do you see it now? Here it is! Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks ! The machiya where the Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Chaya branch (its official name) was incorporated was actually built over 100 years ago. Su

What I love about food businesses in Japan is that they are always trying to one-up each other. This leads to products that are either very eye-catching, artistic, and sometimes downright unique. The same goes for quality, servings, and taste. When all these seems tied or it's hard to really distinguish which is the best, they resort to annual national competitions. To which the winner gets recognition for his work and better sales for the year (and sometimes beyond). This applies to many of the Japanese traditional cuisines like ramen, okonomiyaki, and mochi among others.  Nakatanidou Mochi Shop Speaking of mochi , this Japanese food is an important part of Japan's culture and tradition. Since there are machine-made mochi now, those who make mochi in the mochitsuki style (mochi traditionally made in a ceremony) are still held by many in high regard and their mochi is considered higher in value and quality.  Nakatanidou Mochi Shop - Nara City, Nara Prefecture If you wish

Update 2021: This establishment is now closed Located at Niog 3 Molino Boulevard, Bacoor City in the province of Cavite, 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub is a two-floor food center that houses food stalls that sells a variety of local and foreign dishes. 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub History Also known as  Sidewalk Fud Hub / Sidewalk Food Park , 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub opened on November 30, 2018. Since its opening, it has quickly established itself as a perfect nighttime destination to eat and hang out with family and friends. I first got to visit 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub last February 2019 and it kind of reminded me of the hawker centers in Singapore that I visited a few years back. However, unlike the said hawker centers, this place was designed not just for eating but also to cater to the different needs of its patrons. 4U2C Sidewalk Food Hub Bonding time with the family! Check out this boat-slash-table Let's go! What do I mean by that? Well, solo cust