Bara-Ya（薔薇屋）

You know how food made with love tastes that much better? An elderly couple run this hole-in-a-wall Japanese restaurant in Azabu Juban street. The husband makes everything, whilst the wife takes orders and serves rice. It's a perfect example of team work. 

Tekka-Don 鉄火丼
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1000 yen

 The maguro in the tekka-don melted in my mouth. It was so fresh and the marinade turned each bite into a bite of heaven. Even the sides took me to cloud nine. I made sure to pretty much polish my rice bowl after this meal. -Daniel

Ten-Don 天丼
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1100 yen 

Tempura is always a hit or miss. It either comes out too oily or too dry. This ten-don amazed me though. At first I was a little sad that the amount of rice seemed a little scarce, but it was actually the perfect ratio to the amount of tempura I had. Kudos to the wife, great eye-measuring skills! Not to mention the home made taste of all the side dishes which included tofu, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), a mini salad and miso soup. It's a home away from home kind of meal. -Mari

A little London in Tokyo

It was 4:15 and we hadn't eaten all day. When we came across The Tipplers Arms, the Sunday Roast and Fish and Chips looked like they would hit the spot. The lunch menu was only served until 4pm,  but it was a few minutes past. Daniel went in and asked if we could still sit down and have their lunch- you should've seen how thrilled we were when we got a 'Yes'.

A little tinkering with the Fish Eye effect on my camera

Sunday Pork Roast
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1200 yen

When the food came out I was amazed at how much there was for the price. The plate was almost overfilled with a mountain of melt in your mouth pork, delicious caramelized onions, yorkshire pudding, steamed veggies, and roast potatoes. There was a little wasabi sauce on the side to try out on the meat, which was an enjoyable little twist. -Daniel

Fish and Chips
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1200 yen

Having lived in England before I'd like to think I know good fish and chips when I see it. I was worried I was going to have to eat defrosted fish and chips, so I was surprised when I looked over and saw the owner batter the fish and fry them himself. A wave of nostalgia hit me when I took the first bite of my fish with malt vinegar. Flashbacks of being back in Cobham and eating at their local pub hit me instantly. A problem I had though was that the plate was too small and it made my eating experience a little difficult. -Mari 

Butagumi

I can't even start on how perfect our dinner was. Who can complain about fried pork fillet? If you're ever in Tokyo and want good Tonkatsu, go to Butagumi. You'll thank us later. 

Roast Katsu Set
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1260 yen 

Being Japanese, you can't say no to crispy fried pork with all you can eat cabbage and white rice (don't forget to swallow it down with hot miso soup!) -Mari

Minced and Roast Katsu (Limited to 10 a day!)
✭✭✭✭✭
1000 yen

The roast katsu was juicy and delicious. The minced pork was amazing. Each bite of savory meat dipped in tonkatsu sauce was perfection. -Daniel

OVERALL:

We love that you can watch the chefs make the tonkatsu from scratch. Tenderizing the fillet, to carefully dropping it in the oil- every step of the process can be seen from your table. 

Tabe-Aruki

Department stores in Japan like Seibu, Tobu and Mitsukoshi always have a floor full of bento stores, bakeries, chocolatiers and confectionary. So when we went to the biggest depachika in Japan (over 250 food stores) we were in heaven. We did what we're great at, 'Tabe-Aruki' (eating while walking) and we're here today to talk about what we ate! 

Matcha Cream Taiyaki (from Aji-Saki)
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147 yen

Matcha flavored cake filled with milky cream; fluffy on the inside and crispy on the edges. Devoured in seconds. -Mari

I didn't want to share this with Mari because it was so freakin' delish. I easily could have ate 100 or more of these and not had any post-"snack" guilt.  -Daniel

Matcha Mochi Bread with White Chocolate (from Don Q)
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242 yen for 5-6 pieces

Any time I come across food labeled 'Limited Edition' I subconsciously pull my wallet out and find myself buying it. These Spring edition mochi bread with white chocolate chips were chewy and filling. They were tasty but it's not something I'd consider buying again. -Mari

These matcha mochi breads weren't bad but they didn't stick. The flavour was pretty neutral and I have to agree with Mari. -Daniel

Mini Chocolate Croissant (from Don Q)
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185 yen for 4-5 pieces

Regarding both the croissants, they are the most nostalgic things to put in my mouth. Growing up and spending my summers in Japan, Don Q's mini pastries were seriously part of my childhood. I bought 5 of each yesterday and was reluctant to share them with Daniel. -Mari

Both of the croissants were awesome. I loved how the chocolate croissants had melted chocolate in the middle. -Daniel

Mini Croissant (from Don Q)
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152 yen for 4-5 pieces

Ten-Musubi 5 pieces (from Jiraiya)
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550 yen (but we got it on time sale for 450 yen! woop woop!) 

Fried shrimp in little rice balls are seriously the bomb dot com. Perfect for the cherry blossom season picnics! -Mari

Simple and tasty. -Daniel

久楽 (ku-Ra)

One of the first things I told Daniel about Japanese eating culture is it's okay to slurp ramen. Slurping emphasizes appreciation towards the ramen, so we slurped really loud today at ku-Ra.

味噌卵らーめん (Miso-Tamago Ramen)
✭✭✭✭✭
880 yen 

The miso-tamago ramen was amazing. When I tried the first spoonful of the broth I fell in love. It had a subtle kick that added the fifth star. The meat was flavorful, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and the egg had a semi-boiled yolk that seeped into the base. I felt bad leaving broth in the bowl when I was full because it was easily the best ramen I've had. -Daniel

Slurping away.

OVERALL:

The ramen was excellent, but the atmosphere could be better. The music choice was a little odd for a ramen restaurant ('Talk Dirty to Me' but hey if the ramen did that I wouldn't mind).

Whoopi Goldburger (You heard that right)

W.P. Gold Burger was another one of the restaurants on our must-try list. We stopped by two or three times, but they were either out of burgers or closed. When we walked by and they were open we knew we had to try it.

Skate boarding videos constantly playing.

Helena Bonham Burger (with Avocado)
✭✭✩✩✩
1100 yen

The presentation, atmosphere and obviously the names of the burgers won me over, so you can imagine my disappointment when I bit into a hard, chewy and dry patty. The condiments were packed with flavor, and I imagine it would've been the perfect blend had it been paired with a moist and juicy patty as I had hoped for. -Mari

 

Kevin Bacon Burger
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1300 yen

My burger was the other side of the story. The patty, unlike Mari's, was moist, juicy, and tender.  It was seasoned well and the meat was delicious. The bacon was very thick and tasty and the cheese was perfectly sharp cheddar.  The mashed potatoes were delicious and left me wanting more even after the last bite. -Daniel

OVERALL

Whoopi Goldburger has a really chill, bro-den feeling atmosphere. The two that run the place are childhood friends, and are self-taught so the flavor is unique. When we got there they were just opening so they were still semi-preparing for the night. I think that's what caused Mari's unluckiness, and I want to give it another try someday. -Daniel

Smokehouse, Shibuya

Daniel and I always walked past the Smokehouse on our way to either Shibuya or Harajuku and we always said, "One day we'll try it out." This afternoon we decided that today was finally the day to finally see what the buzz was about. 

Anxious and hungry

Mushroom Soup and Homemade Bread Lunch Set
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950 yen

 Looking back at what I ordered I'm ashamed of myself. Who the heck orders a vegetarian soup at a BBQ restaurant?! Not that it was bad, I'm just wondering what came over me when I chose the soup set over a stack of ribs. It wasn't like me at all. The soup was creamy and the bread was toasted and warm. It's filling and great to order if you're not so hungry. -Mari

Barbeque Plate (with Coleslaw and Cornbread) Lunch Set
✭✭✭✭✩
1700 yen

Unlike Mari I went for the whole sha-bang. BBQ Chicken, Kansas City style ribs, cornbread, and coleslaw. It was awesome. The tomato-based sauce on the ribs and chicken was delicious. It was sweet, spicy and tangy. The meat was fall of the bone tender and the four additional side sauces made it even better. My personal favorite sauce for the ribs was the Voodoo Hot (sweet, tomato-based, with habanero peppers). -Daniel

OVERALL

The food was good, atmosphere was cozy, and the waiters were really nice. We'd definitely go back to eat there again.

Chil-YES!

We were trying to find shelter from the pouring rain in Tokyo when this vibrant store caught my eye in a secluded corner. We came across this little Mexican restaurant, Chiles, from making the wrong turn in Harajuku- and let me tell you all things happen for a reason. 

Guacamole Chips
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350 yen

The amount of guacamole was a little disappointing only because it was so good! The chips were warm and I couldn't help but scoff them down trying to re-energize myself from being in the rain all morning. -Mari 

Cheese Chorizo Quesadilla
✭✭✭✭✩
750 yen

This is the melt-in-your-mouth kind of quesedilla. Perfectly combined with the authentic chorizo chunks in every bite! -Mari

When Mari let me taste her quesadilla I was back in Mexico City at Gloria's stand in front of my school. These quesadillas were easily the best I've had outside of Mexico. -Daniel

Pork Carnitas Fajita Wrap
✭✭✭✭✩
880 yen

The pork in this was so tender and burst with flavour every bite. Everything went together extremely well in this wrap of perfection. -Daniel

OVERALL

The owner, Carlos, achieved his goal of bringing a small slice of Mexico City to Harajuku. This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Tokyo I've been to. The service was great, food was excellent, and the ambiance was the cherry on top. -Daniel

Afuri

Aaaaand we're back in Tokyo! Of course the first thing you have to eat when you're back in Japan is ramen.

Soy Sauce Ramen 醤油ラーメン
✭✭✭✩✩
750 yen

Afuri's ramen is more of a modern approach on one of Japan's most iconic dishes. The soup broth isn't as rich as locals might be used to, which is why it's great that you get to avoid the food coma afterwards. The char-siu (pork slice) is grilled in front of you as you order it, none of that packaged meat laying on the counter since the morning! The egg isn't completely boiled to the core either so the yolk melts into the soup and it's oh-so-great. It's definitely not heavy on the stomach so it's refreshing to the last bite. -Mari 

OVERALL

Afuri is the place to go if you're craving ramen but want to feel good about it afterwards. The service is great, the food is even better, and the atmosphere is interesting. The music is a little out there (listening to Nicki Minaj while you eat ramen), but it makes it fun. It's open until 4 a.m. so all you party goers (or night owls) could finish a great night with a great bowl of ramen. -Daniel

Le Petite 'Mazing

We celebrated Daniel's university acceptance at Le Petite Maison in DIFC. It also happened to be our last night in Dubai. As the following comments will tell you, there was no better way to end an amazing month in Dubai than Le Petite Maison. 

Calamars Frits
✭✭✭✭✭
45 Dhs 

The system at Le Petite Maison is to order a variety of dishes and share between your party. I felt reluctant to share the calamari, as I could've gone for seconds with how perfectly crisp and chewy these were. -Mari

The calamari was scrumptious. It was perfectly crispy and had a little unique twist that I've never tasted before. It was easily in the top five calamari I've ever had. -Daniel

Crevette Ti'des - l'Huile d'Olive
✭✭✭✭✩
 70 Dhs

The essence of olive oil with these plump shrimps were exquisite! -Mari

With each bite of the juicy shrimp there was a subtle hint of olive oil. Simple and delicious. -Daniel

Salad de Haricots Verts au Foie Gras
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70 Dhs

It's green beans with foie gras people. What more can I say. -Mari

Poulpe Finement Tranchés
✭✭✭✭✩
105 Dhs 

The thin sliced octopus was delicious. It wasn't chewy at all, and tasted like it was just pulled out of the water. -Daniel

Aubergine Grillée, Mozzarella et Crevettes au Pistou
✭✭✭✭✭
125 Dhs 

My absolute favorite appetizer of the night! It's literally all my favorite things (eggplant, cheese, shrimp) grilled to an absolute mouthwatering masterpiece. -Mari

Coquelet au Citron Confit
✭✭✭✭✩
120 Dhs 

I remember being a little skeptical when my dad first ordered this, as when we ordered it on a previous visit it wasn't up to its usual LPM standards. Hence I was pleasantly surprised when it was tender and juicy. -Mari

The chicken was delicious. The skin was crispy, the chicken was juicy, and the citron confit gave just the right amount of umph. -Daniel

Entrecôte Grillée
✭✭✭✭✭
265 Dhs

Perfect. -Mari

This steak was the definition of amazing. It was grilled to perfection in an awesome salt rub. It came with two sauces, but I only tried the horseradish. The steak itself was so good after one bite with horseradish I enjoyed it alone and do not regret my choice. -Daniel

Salmon Grillé
✭✭✭✩✩
185 Dhs

I wasn't able to accept the salmon as much as the other dishes. There was a distinct taste of the salmon that I wasn't so sure of.  -Mari 

The salmon was too fishy for me. -Daniel

Rigatoni aux Cépes
✭✭✭✭✩
160 Dhs 

I'm not the biggest fan of creamy pastas, but boy did this change my mind. The cream wasn't overwhelming or heavy- it melted in my mouth with every bite. -Mari 

This pasta was delicious. Each bite was extremely pleasurable, and I would love to eat it again. -Daniel

Tarte Fine
✭✭✭✭✭
40 Dhs

This is how every apple tart should be. The ratio of apple to crust should be 5:1. Warm, soft, baked apple topped with malt ice-cream, need I say more? -Mari

The apple tart was perfect. The crust was thin and wasn't the main attraction. -Daniel

Pain Perdu et sa Glace aux Epices
✭✭✭✭✭
45 Dhs 

I can't even comment about LPM's french toast without getting excited/emotional. All I can say is you have to have this simple dessert in order to understand what I'm feeling right now. -Mari

Before we went to dinner Mari was raving about the french toast. She kept saying how amazing it was, and she was right. This french toast was so simple yet so different. It's crispy on the outside but fluffy and delicious on the inside. This with spiced ice cream is divine. -Daniel

Mousse au Chocolat Chaud et Glace à l’Orge
✭✭✭✭✩
60 Dhs

Simplicity at its finest. Hot, gooey chocolate cake topped with creamy ice-cream. Who doesn't like that combo? -Mari

*NEW* Caramel Mousse
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This is one of LPM's new desserts! You know when you don't know what to expect when you try something new? The mouthgasm you experience when you first put this to your tongue is incredible. It was all the humanly divine textures possible in a small bowl. -Mari

We just want to thank everybody who's viewed our blog so far! The feedback and love we receive is what keeps us going :)

Zaroob-ing for Lunch

Today was our last day to eat whatever we wanted in Dubai. Going to Zaroob for lunch was a no brainer for us! 

Falafel 8 pc
✭✭✭✭✭
10 Dhs

 These are literally fried to perfection. Crunchy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside. They're not too oily and I couldn't help but soak them in the garlic sauce for that extra "Umph". -Mari

10/10 would eat again. Best falafels EVER. Perfect in every single way possible. -Daniel

Lebanese Hummus
✭✭✭✩✩
16 Dhs

The hummus was good, but it had a little too much olive oil and could have done with a bit more garlic.  -Daniel

Creamy perfection in every bite. Can't stop with the bread.

Fried Haloumi
✭✭✭✭✩
18 Dhs

 I'm crazy for cheese, so fried haloumi at Zaroob was a must have. It hit the spot like it always does. The saltiness mixes perfectly with the sweet grilled tomatoes. -Daniel

Chicken Shawarma Platter
✭✭✭✭✭
26 Dhs

Every ingredient of a shawarma piled generously on a huge plate. We were so full from the starters we had to take some home. Everything about this platter is amazing. The fries have an awesome paprika seasoning, the chicken is terrific for a shawarma, and the garlic butter was divine. Add in pickle, lettuce, and tomato and you have a bite of perfection. -Daniel

OVERALL

Zaroob is a must if you're visiting Dubai. It's extremely reasonable versus most restaurants, and the food quality is extraordinary. Service inside needs a little work, but the service outside is awesome (and the atmosphere is too if the weather is good). -Daniel

SAPORI di BLEGH

Bice Italian has a pretty good rep due to their amazing food, so when we saw Sapori di Bice we needed to give it a try. 

English Breakfast
✭✩✩✩✩
70 Dhs 

I ordered the American Breakfast set, but the waitress had brought out the English breakfast. I figured oh well it's been 20 minutes and it looks okay, so I said no worries. When she set it down I was saddened by the presentation. The egg yolk was popped and dried, the sausages were cold, and the food quality was not equivalent to the price. The best part of my breakfast was honestly the yogurt and cereal. -Daniel 

Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs on Toast
✭✩✩✩✩
42 Dhs

The salmon was pungent and overpowered the rest of the food. 

Belgian Waffles with Seasonal Berries
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42 Dhs

Since I wasn't able to get my Belgian waffle fix at Cafe Belge, I was excited when I saw they had it for breakfast on the menu. Sadly, not only did it take 40 min for the waitress to bring it to the table but the waffle was the most pathetic looking waffle I had ever seen in my life. The taste was bland and soggy (probably from sitting in the kitchen for 30 min before it came out). One piece of strawberry even made me gag because it tasted like the inside of a fridge. -Mari

OVERALL

The service was extremely slow and lacking (like the food). She kept making the excuse that they were extremely busy, but there were only three tables of customers. We ordered a second orange juice and it never came but was on the check. We asked if they could remove it and they brought it out when we were trying to pay to leave. The waitress also promised us syrup for our pancakes and the waffle, which, once again, never showed up.