Drei Stuben: Where Rustic Charm Meets Comfort Food

Tucked away in a quiet part of Zurich, Drei Stuben welcomes guests with its rustic charm and cozy ambiance. The wooden interiors and intimate atmosphere make it the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease.

I started with an exceptionally good cappuccino—creamy, robust, and deeply satisfying. It had the perfect balance of rich espresso and velvety foam, a comforting prelude to the meal.

For the main course, I opted for the Cordon Bleu, which came with fries or salad. The meat itself was a little tough, and while the flavor wasn’t as bold as I’d hoped, the highlight was undoubtedly the gooey, creamy cheese oozing out with each bite. Paired with the tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, it provided a delightful contrast that cut through the heaviness of the dish.

While the execution of the Cordon Bleu could have been more refined, the overall experience at Drei Stuben was warm and enjoyable. It is a place that invites you to slow down and savor a comforting meal in a cozy setting.

Drei Stuben

Beckenhofstrasse 5, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Classic Deli Vibes at Schmaltz

Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen offers a nostalgic trip back to classic New York-style delis with their old-school charm and inviting ambiance. The black-and-white tiled floors, warm wooden furnishings, and deep green leather booths create a timeless and cozy atmosphere. Soft jazz playing in the background enhances the experience, adding to the restaurant’s effortless vintage appeal.

The meal started with a simple, light, and hearty chicken soup. While comforting, it fell a little short on the depth of flavor; a stronger broth or additional seasoning could have elevated it. However, the Comté with apricots was a standout. The nutty richness of the cheese paired beautifully with the sweet, slightly tart apricots, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Schmaltz offers a great mix of atmosphere and food. While the chicken soup could have used more flavor, the Comté with apricots was delicious. Its classic decor and cozy feel make it a great spot for anyone who enjoys a traditional deli experience.

Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen

Nybrogatan 19, 114 39 Stockholm, Sweden

A Classic Fika at Ahlströms Konditori

Located on Korsgatan, Ahlströms Konditori is Gothenburg’s oldest patisserie, serving cakes, sandwiches, and light lunches since 1901. The café offers a cozy indoor space and a charming patio for outdoor seating on nice days.

Known for its classic Swedish pastries, Ahlströms serves favorites like Princess Tårta, Semla, and their famous Cortina cake, made with pistachio marzipan, cream, and almond marzipan topping.

I ordered a chocolate truffle cake and rooibos tea. The cake had a rich chocolate flavor but was a bit dry and too sweet for my taste. The tea was smooth and comforting, balancing out the sweetness.

While the cake wasn’t my favorite, Ahlströms Konditori is a great place to experience Swedish fika. Next time, I’d love to try their Cortina cake or a classic Semla!

Ahlströms Konditori

Korsgatan 2, 411 16 Göteborg, Sweden

A Cozy Stop at Bergstrands Bageri

Near Odenplan Station in Stockholm, Bergstrands Bageri is a charming neighborhood café with a great selection of sandwiches, bread, and pastries. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

I ordered a ham and cheese croissant and a coffee. The croissant was flaky and buttery, filled with savory ham and melted cheese—simple yet delicious. The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, making for a satisfying break.

With its cozy setting, lovely service, and fresh, high-quality baked goods, Bergstrands Bageri is a great spot for a relaxed coffee break or quick breakfast near Odenplan. Definitely worth a visit!

Bergstrands Bageri

Frejgatan 46a, 113 26 Stockholm, Sweden

A Frothy Surprise: My First Taste of Buku Buku Tea in Okinawa

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During my visit to Naha, I had the chance to try something truly unique—Buku Buku Tea at Uchina Café Buku-Buku.

Buku Buku Tea is not your typical Japanese tea. Instead of a clear, delicate brew, it is topped with a thick, airy foam, almost resembling whipped cream. The froth is made by vigorously whisking jasmine tea and roasted rice water in a large wooden bowl, a technique that has been passed down through generations in Okinawa.

When the tea arrived, I was struck by its beautiful presentation—a traditional Okinawan ceramic cup filled with tea, crowned with an impressive white, bubbly foam. The first sip was a surprise—the foam was light, airy, and slightly nutty, complementing the mild bitterness of the jasmine tea below. The roasted rice water added a subtle, toasty undertone, creating a comforting and unexpectedly rich flavor.

The cozy, rustic ambiance of Uchina Café Buku-Buku made the experience even more enjoyable. The café had traditional wooden furniture, Okinawan pottery, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It felt like the perfect place to slow down and savor this centuries-old tea tradition.

Tasting Buku Buku Tea for the first time was both a cultural and sensory experience. The unique frothy texture, combined with the fragrant jasmine tea and nutty rice undertones, made it unlike any tea I had ever tried. It was a wonderful introduction to Okinawan tea culture.

Uchina Café Buku-Buku

Website: http://bukubuku.jp/

Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. , Closed on Tuesdays

Telephone: +81989434811

Address: 1 Chome-22-35 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa 902-0065, Japan

A Taste of Indonesia in Geneva: Bali Palace Indonesia

Bali Palace Indonesia serves authentic Indonesian cuisine, offering dishes such as Soto Betawi, Nasi Bali, and Ayam Penyet. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the Mandarin Oriental Geneva, the restaurant features a simple yet charming decor with Indonesian touches, including Batik tablecloths and rattan hats.

For my meal, I ordered the Nasi Padang, which came with rice, beef rendang, tofu, egg, and vegetables, along with a serving of cendol (a traditional Indonesian dessert made of tapioca jelly, coconut milk, brown sugar, and jackfruit) and Kue Lapis (layered cake).

Each dish tasted authentic, with a comforting homemade touch. The beef rendang was rich and tender, infused with deep, aromatic spices. The vegetables, tofu, and egg complemented the dish well, making for a well-balanced plate. The cendol was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, and the tapioca jelly was soft yet slightly chewy, adding a delightful texture. As for the Kue Lapis, it was moist, buttery, and had a subtle hint of vanilla—an excellent way to end the meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the food and would love to return to try other dishes if I find myself in Geneva again. Highly recommended for anyone craving an authentic Indonesian dining experience!

Bali Palace Indonesia

Rue des Corps-Saints 4, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

A Taste of Singapore in the Heart of Europe

After traveling through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland for almost two weeks, I found myself craving something different—a meal that wasn’t so meat-heavy. I also wanted a restaurant close to my hotel for a convenient and relaxing dining experience. Earlier that day, I had passed by a Singaporean restaurant called Jeck’s Place, and the thought of Southeast Asian flavors lingered in my mind. So, I decided to check it out.

Jeck’s Place has a cozy and authentic Southeast Asian feel, with décor that reflects the region’s culture. The restaurant features orchids, batik sarong-patterned tablecloths, wooden furniture, and ceiling fans, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional eatery in Singapore or Malaysia.

The restaurant is owned by a Singaporean couple, and on the day I visited, they were also serving the tables. The service was slow and somewhat lacking in warmth—a friendly demeanor would have made the experience more inviting.

The menu offers a mix of Thai, Singaporean, and Malaysian dishes, featuring a variety of familiar comfort foods. I decided to order:

Char Kuey Teow (stir-fried rice noodles)
Chicken and vegetable soup (which I appreciated because they offered individual portions)

The Char Kuey Teow was amazing—it had a deep, smoky wok hei (the distinctive charred aroma and umami flavor that comes from stir-frying over high heat). I honestly never expected to taste wok hei so authentic outside of Malaysia or Singapore, so I was impressed. The dish was packed with flavors that brought me straight back home.

However, the texture of the noodles was a bit too hard—they should have been soft and chewy. I called over the male owner and mentioned the texture issue. His stern expression and blunt response—“This is rice noodles”—made me feel as if he was dismissing my concern, which was a little frustrating. Nonetheless, he returned the dish to the kitchen, and when he returned with a new plate, the noodles were softer and much better.

The chicken and vegetable soup was delicious and hearty. It reminded me of the comforting soups served at Malaysian Chinese wedding banquets. It had a deep, rich broth with well-balanced flavors.

Despite the mediocre service, the food made up for it. The authentic wok hei in the Char Kuey Teow was rare, and the soup was deeply satisfying. While the service could be friendlier, the quality of the food makes Jeck’s Place worth visiting—especially for those longing for a taste of Southeast Asia.

Jeck’s Place

Rue de Neuchâtel 14, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

Café Sacher: A Historic Experience with Mixed Feelings

Café Sacher is renowned for its original Sachertorte, a chocolate cake layered with apricot jam at its center and served with whipped cream. This legendary dessert has a rich history dating back to 1832, when Franz Sacher created it for Prince Metternich. The café is located at Hotel Sacher, right next to the Vienna State Opera House, making it a prime spot for locals and tourists seeking a taste of Austria’s most famous cake.

The café’s interior exudes royal elegance, with chandeliers, red carpets, luxurious upholstery, and Renaissance paintings that transport you to another era. Soft jazz music plays in the background, adding to the ambiance.

The service was delightful—my waitress was young, friendly, and engaging, making the experience even more enjoyable. The menu offers a great variety of breakfast dishes and an extensive selection of drinks.

For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs with toast and ham, paired with Sacher coffee and, of course, the famous Sachertorte. The eggs were amazing—cooked to perfection—while the toast was nicely balanced between crisp and chewy.

However, the Sachertorte itself was disappointing. My first experience with a Sachertorte was at a German bakery outside Austria, where it left a lasting impression—it was moist, rich, and covered in a soft chocolate frosting. Naturally, I was eager to try the original. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. The chocolate frosting was overly sweet and hard, while the cake was dry and lacked depth in flavor. It was underwhelming, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

The experience at Café Sacher was still memorable, thanks to its beautiful setting, excellent service, and other well-prepared dishes. Gift-wrapped cakes can also be purchased at the Sacher shop just around the corner, making for a lovely souvenir.

Would I return? Perhaps for the ambiance and a different dish, but sadly, not for the Sachertorte.

Café Sacher

Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria
Floor G. Hotel Sacher Wien

The Legendary Schnitzel at Figlmüller

Figlmüller is a legendary restaurant in Vienna, famous for its iconic schnitzel. For over 115 years, the restaurant has maintained the same traditional recipe.

The restaurant is quite spacious, with an inviting atmosphere that blends history and warmth. It features exposed brick ceilings and dark wooden accents on the benches, tables, and chairs, giving it a rustic yet elegant charm. However, it’s an extremely popular spot, especially on weekends. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid long wait times.

I visited on a Sunday, and the place was packed as expected. The service was quite slow, and I waited around 20 minutes for my food to arrive. While the wait felt a bit long, I had anticipated this due to how busy they were.

Now, onto the star of the meal—the schnitzel. It was impressively thin and tender, with a beautifully crisp crust around the edges. The texture was perfect, but I found it a little on the salty side. Other than that, it was absolutely delicious. The portion was huge—definitely not for the faint of heart. I gave it my best effort and managed to finish about three-quarters of it, but I felt a little guilty for not clearing my plate entirely.

The potato salad was an excellent accompaniment. Its smooth, creamy dressing perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The potatoes had a waxy, smooth texture, and the subtle hints of chive and onion added a wonderful depth of flavor. The tanginess of the dressing helped cut through the richness of the schnitzel, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Overall, despite the slow service, Figlmüller lived up to its reputation. If you’re a fan of schnitzel, this place is an absolute must-visit. Just be sure to arrive with an appetite and a bit of patience!

Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße

Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Wien, Austria

Pistachio Delights and Matcha Moments

Karaffu is a charming café known for its delectable pistachio pastries and cakes. The space is cozy yet compact, with a few small tables inside that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For those who enjoy a scenic setting, two window seats outside offer a stunning view of the mountains, making it a perfect spot to relax with a coffee and pastry.

Given its popularity, Karaffu can get quite busy, so timing your visit wisely is key. I visited twice—once in the afternoon and once in the morning around 11 a.m. In the afternoon, the café was bustling with a line of customers, making it harder to find a seat. However, my morning visit was much more relaxed, with some seats available and a quieter ambiance, which made for a more enjoyable experience.

I ordered an oat milk matcha latte and a pistachio loaf. The matcha had a pleasant flavor, though I personally prefer a stronger matcha taste. The pistachio loaf itself was mildly sweet with a slightly dry texture, but the pistachio frosting truly tied it all together, adding a rich nuttiness and just the right amount of sweetness.

One of my favorite parts of the visit was sitting outside at the window seat, sipping my drink, and taking in the breathtaking mountain view. Whether you’re a fan of pistachio treats or simply looking for a cozy café with a beautiful backdrop, Karaffu is well worth a visit.