Melbourne-Inspired Coffee Culture at Ratio Coffee, Salzburg

Ratio Coffee is a cozy, hip café that opens early at 8 a.m., making it a great spot for both locals and travelers looking for a quality caffeine fix in Salzburg.

The owner, Brent Nicoll, a passionate coffee enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia, aimed to bring Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture to Salzburg. As a third-wave specialty coffee shop, Ratio focuses on high-quality, single-origin coffee and precise brewing methods to deliver a superior coffee experience. Ratio Coffee also sells a curated selection of coffee beans and brewing equipment for home brewers.

The café offers a simple yet satisfying selection of pastries and cakes to complement its coffee. The croissant was buttery and soft—lacking the classic crusty exterior but still enjoyable. The coffee itself was bold and aromatic, served in a charming ceramic cup that added to the cozy ambiance.

Ratio Coffee

Linzer G. 72A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Baristar Café: A Cozy Breakfast Spot

Baristar is a bright, cozy café that opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, making it an excellent spot for breakfast or a mid-morning coffee. Located behind the Manor department store on Rue de Cornavin, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and efficient service.

The menu at Baristar is a delightful mix of drinks and food, catering to a variety of tastes. From a good selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh juices, to a variety of food options such as pancakes, toast, and fruit bowls, there’s something for everyone. The availability of gluten-free bread further adds to the excitement, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary preferences.

I ordered the juice of the day, a flat white with oat milk, and pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. The juice was refreshing, a perfect start to the morning. The coffee had a bold flavor with slight acidity, delivering a satisfying kick. The pancakes were soft and fluffy, striking a delightful balance between savory and hearty when paired with the crispy bacon and creamy scrambled eggs.

Overall, Baristar is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed breakfast or brunch spot in a convenient location.

A Classic Parisian Experience at Brasserie Vaudeville

Brasserie Vaudeville serves traditional French cuisine and is particularly known for its seafood. The restaurant is located next to Palais Brongniart and boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, featuring plush leather banquettes and subdued lighting that create a timeless Parisian café aesthetic.

I visited during lunchtime when the restaurant was bustling with diners. Despite the busy atmosphere, the service remained efficient. It took a little while for the waiter to take my order, but once placed, the food arrived promptly. The waiter was friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

To start, I ordered a Virgin Mojito, which was refreshing and well-balanced, with the perfect hint of mint and lime. For my main course, I had the Roasted Sea Bass fillet prepared Dieppoise-style. The fish was cooked to perfection—tender and flaky—complemented by a light, fresh sauce that enhanced its delicate flavor without overpowering it.

For dessert, I indulged in a classic Crème Brûlée. Its beautifully caramelized top offered a satisfying crack with each spoonful, revealing a rich, velvety custard beneath. The contrast between the burnt sugar’s deep sweetness and the creamy texture made for a delightful ending to the meal.

Overall, Brasserie Vaudeville delivered an excellent dining experience with its well-executed dishes, charming atmosphere, and attentive service.

Vaudeville

29 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France

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