WHAT’S NEW
We just got back from 10 days in Japan and WOW, I get the hype… I’m so sad vacation is over, but I’m also so incredibly inspired by the food, culture, and slower, more intentional pace of life.
We started our trip in Bangkok for work and then hopped over to Japan - specifically, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Kyoto was my absolute favorite. Such a beautiful city with the nicest people, the most stunning temples, and of course, incredibly delicious food (and matcha!).
I enjoyed every minute in Japan and would love to go back! Because many of you asked for recommendations, these are the places we enjoyed the most:
OSAKA
Ramen Makotoya Fukushima: Our first ramen spot after landing and it did NOT disappoint. We got the Szechuan Dandan Noodles & the Chicken Ramen w/ extra green onion and egg on top.
Teppanyaki Gin Hikari: We accidentally walked into this restaurant but it was the best mistake. The sweetest chef and an amazing Teppanyaki experience. The skirt steak was our favorite!
Mon Cruller: A long line of locals attracted us to this one - the orange zest chocolate was delicious!
Happy Pancake: Not overrated at all, the Seasonal Fruit Pancakes were insanely fluffy! There are also more locations throughout Japan.
KYOTO
Gokago: Hands down the BEST matcha I had in Japan. Get the iced matcha with ice cream topping! I heard the donut is amazing as well, but they were sold out when I went.
Burger Revolution: We loved this Wagyu burger so much, we went twice!! There’s also a Tokyo location - highly recommend the Classic Burger.
Yakimeshi to Men Kyoto: Our favorite ramen in Kyoto! Beautiful presentation, delicious flavor. The crispy chicken and fried rice were also incredible.
Sunny George: A vegan cafe I fell in love with! Delicious food, coffee, and pastries. We got the avocado toast, chia pudding, and cinnamon roll - a good way to fit in a veg-forward meal.
TOKYO
Maguroy Kurogin: The most INSANE tuna flight located in Tsukiji Market - our favorite from the whole trip!
Sabasu: Recommended by a friend. I didn’t know Japan did pizza so well. The Spicy Boy was delicious!!
Ginza Haruchan Ramen: Quite possibly our favorite ramen of the trip. We got Level 4 spicy. It came with chasu and a delicious short rib.
Ginza Tsuboyaki-imo: If you love Japanese sweet potatoes, you have to give this a try! They roast them in clay pots for 3+ hours to bring out their natural sweetness.
Bombay Sizzler: Of course, we had to find great Indian food. They brought out the tandoori chicken in these little copper tandoors, and the naan was literally bigger than my head.
Teron Coffee: Sitting here wishing I were back in this cafe. We went every morning, and the barista even knew our orders (brown sugar latte with oat milk less sweet!).
The Matcha Tokyo: Really good matcha but even better matcha soft serve!!
Little Bakery Tokyo: I’m a sucker for pastries, and the chocolate chip scone here was heaven.
DISCOUNT CODES
WELLNESS
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FOOD & DRINK
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PLATEDBYPADDA15 gets you 15% off with Ryze Functional Coffee! (adaptogenic mushroom coffee for energy without the jitters)
CURRENTLY LOVING
This Remedy Hand Cream was a lifesaver on my trip to Japan. It’s a hand + cuticle butter cream that includes retinol and ceramides. Plus I just love the packaging - perfect size to throw in your purse!
I almost didn’t bring my Hokas to Japan because they were so filthy, but I knew with all the walking, I’d regret that! This Shoe Cleaning Kit brought them back to life and legit saved my feet.
TODAY’S DISH: A VALENTINE’S MENU
Don’t say I didn’t warn you if you never step foot in a steakhouse again (especially on the most chaotic day of the year)! I know steak dinners sound really hard… but I promise they’re not! And it’s well worth the effort.
This is the menu I make for Ashish and me when we want a special meal at home - it’s his favorite!
The combo of flavors is so balanced - buttery steak, bright citrus fennel salad, crispy cheesy potatoes, and nutty asparagus that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. Add a glass of Cab, and you’ve got the perfect match for both the steak and the refined-sugar-free German chocolate brownies to finish.
Shaved Fennel & Citrus Salad
Ingredients
2 large fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly shaved (use a mandoline for best results)
1 Cara Cara orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 Blood Orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ cup toasted pistachios or almonds
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together shaved fennel, orange slices, and red onion. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to coat.
Finish & serve: Sprinkle with toasted nuts and goat cheese. Serve chilled for the best flavor!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Herbs
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Flaky Maldon salt for finishing
Instructions
Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Smash & season: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a cup or a potato masher. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Roast until crispy: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Finish & serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and flaky salt.
Until next time, happy cooking!!
- Sheena
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