I’m Sam, a self-professed foodie who prefers cafe-hopping with good friends to clubbing (somehow I missed that stage in college). One of the things I enjoy the most about traveling is exploring uncharted territory, discovering local cafes and eating my way through a city. This past year, a few friends and I traveled around Asia in celebration of summer. I’ll introduce you to a week’s worth of cafes that I discovered. So if you’re in town, make sure to stop by! Each cafe has its own individual charm and personality that made each place so appealing – from the food that they served to the clothes that the wait staff wore. So here’s to good friends, suitcases as closets, sleepless plane rides and traveling through the stomach.

Hit the Road, Hong Kong

The retro atmosphere of this upstairs cafe is given a quirky touch with the edges of the whitewashed walls highlighted in thick black paint for a comic book look. Match the 50s-inspired couch upholstery with a soda fountain outfit and make sure to order their house special: molten heart chocolate cake (pictured above).

Short-Sleeve Printed T-Shirt, LULUS. $25 Polka Dot Shorts, Drama. $45

Faux-Leather Vintage Satchel, Lulus. $38 Lace-Up Check Sneakers, Wifky. $42

Journal Standard Pancake Cafe, Jiyugaoka

Specializing in pancakes, Journal Standard’s Pancake Cafe is located in quaint Jiyugaoka, a district severely overlooked by tourists! The branded pancakes come in a metal skillet to enhance the American-inspired Japanese aesthetic. Look out the window from the second floor to enjoy the tree-lined boulevard and boutique shops.

Print Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, Daily Pink. $18 Cotton Long Skirt, She is. $18

Straw Hat, GRACE. $55 Belt, Sylvia. $35 Faux-Leather Tote with Cross Strap, Mango Ribbon. $92

BACK TO TOP

Oku Art Gallery & Cafe, Kyoto

Oku Gallery and Cafe is discreet in its appearance. From the outside, it resembles a typical house in Kyoto while the interiors reflect a modern minimalism. Oku predominantly serves numerous tea sets that reflects a blend of modern and traditional sweets, like its architecture.

Short-Sleeve Polka-Dot Chiffon Top, LULUS. $25 High-Waist Denim Shorts, COOLHADA. $48

3/4-Sleeve Sheer Long Knit Cardigan, yeomong. $38 Faux-Snakeskin Wedge Sandals, MICHALE PARA COLLECTION. $70

BACK TO TOP

Moph Cafe, Tokyo

For a retro American establishment in the district of Shibuya, Moph Cafe serves up a really good short stack of pancakes with caramelized bananas. Stop by the boutiques at Parco before dropping by for lunch. Since it’s located near Shibuya 109, be sure to dress to impress with the other fashion folk around.

Print Drawstring-Hem Top, Daily Pink. $18 Lace Skirt, Baba Alice. $55

Faux-Leather Cross Bag, Mikko. $72 Ankle Strap Sandals, Miss Hong. $58

BACK TO TOP

Tenpyoan, Nara

Tenpyoan is also located in Tokyo and peddles a collection of traditional Japanese sweets and others with a modern twist. This is a great pit stop before heading back to the hotel after feeding the deer in the park. I recommend their green tea and white chocolate cake!

Boatneck Dolman Sleeve Top, MoDN. $28 Flap Pocket Accent Shorts, Jessica Brook. $48

Strappy Ankle Boots, Wifky. $120

BACK TO TOP

Vero Chocolate Lounge, Hong Kong

Dark chocolate lovers, this is for you. The warm wood tones hint at the lounge’s culinary expertise in the art of chocolate. The venue is deliberately spare in decoration to heighten their products which are all made in-house. A great place just to take it slow!

Dolman-Sleeve Drawstring-Waist Top, CLICK. $33.60 Scallop Hem Shorts, Drama. $55

Straw Tote with Cross Strap, Mango Ribbon. $100

BACK TO TOP

Sweets Forest, Jiyagaoka

A food court for desserts, this woodland fantasy is tucked in the district of Jiyagaoka not far from the Pancake Café. Pink trees sprout around the different vendors. From hand-mixed ice cream to Chinese desserts to petite roll cakes, select what you want and then seat yourself where you can watch other customers wandering through the “forest”.

Short-Sleeve Chiffon Blouse, White mu. $55 Pleated Shorts, Drama. $58

Zipped Detail Wedge Pumps, Holly Shoes. $65

BACK TO TOP