Sofia Hellsten's Blog, page 2

Gyoza-Boo Cho-Hakkai / 餃子坊 豚八戒

The station areas in north western Tokyo between Nakano and Kichijoji on the Chou main line has been growing in popularity with the young crowd over the past years: Both the second hand shops in Koenji and small eateries in Asagaya draws attraction. Asagaya in particular has this one dim sum place I’ve been itching to visit, unfortunatley according to Google you need to book way in advance to get a spot. I was too impatient and while in the area one day I tried my luck and were surprised to get a walk-in table for four. Small parcels of deliciousness appeared before us and it was literally hard to stop ordering. From the crispy yaki-gyoza to the boiled ones with Sichuan and I-don’t-know-what-but-it-was-great hot sauce and everything in between - Gyoza-Boo Cho-Hakkai went straight up into my top favorite dumplings in Tokyo. Can’t wait to go back.

 























  







































































  















































 

While you’re at it, just get all of the different kinds of dumplings they have.

餃子坊 豚八戒
３丁目-37-5 Asagayaminami
Suginami-ku
Tōkyō

Nohga Hotel Ueno

Two weeks ago I was invited to a trial stay at the now just opened Nohga Hotel in Ueno, north eastern Tokyo (conveniently close to Narita). Ueno is usually not an area I frequent very often, unfortunately, because the place is has a long history of crafts and is home to a range of great workshops, eateries and shops well worth visiting. Nohga hotel hase been trying to capture exactly this. It greets you with mix of modern design, well curated artwork and original products by local craftspeople, designers, and artists in the area; glassware from Kimoto glassware, brass pieces from Alloy and coffee from my favourite Kabuki Coffee, to name a few. When entering you’re initially caught by the open restaurant area next to the lobby, an open airy space with quite a few meters up to the ceiling mainly occupied by a huge wooden communal table (I would much like to have in my own house…). Here both breakfast and dinner is served and the room invites to conversations in a very gentle way.

 















































  























 















































 

Breakfast includes both a buffe with salads, breads, juice, fruit as well as an individual choice of main dish. And great coffee of course.

 







































































 







































































 

www.nohgahotel.com

Nohga Hotel Ueno | NOGHAホテル上野
2-21-10 Higashiueno
Taito, Tokyo

5 mins walk from JR Ueno Station (Hirokoji Exit)
3 mins walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Hibiya Line Ueno Station (Exit 3)