[CLOSED] Myeongdong District @ Fortune Centre, Middle Road – Authentic Korean Street Food That Doesn’t Burn A Hole In Your Wallet

Update 19 Jan 2025: Myeongdong District has closed. 

The K-wave is showing no signs of slowing down, with various Korean-themed eateries and Korean-inspired cafes popping up as of late. If you’re craving an authentic Korean street food experience, Myeongdong District – not to be confused with the iconic shopping and fashion belt – recently set up shop in Fortune Centre

myeongdong-district-singapore

Like its neighbours, Myeongdong District sports a barebones interior with cozy tables set amidst a bright orange backdrop. A K-pop track playing in the background would definitely add to the “Korean street food stall” atmosphere. The eatery cum takeaway kiosk is operated by a pair of young gentlemen who prepare every dish to order. 

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When in Kyoto: Angel Library @ Higashiyama, Kyoto – Whimsical Underground Chocolate Cafe with a Daily Changing Passcode

We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.

CACAO MARKET By MARIABELLE in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is host to a couple of oddities. For one, its quintessentially Western facade stands out from its neighbours of traditional buildings in Japan’s historical capital. For another, well – it’s home to a secret underground cafe accessible only by a secret passcode.

angel-library

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When in Kyoto: Matcha Republic 抹茶共和国 宇治本店 @ Uji, Kyoto – Traditional Matcha With a Modern Twist in Perfume Bottles

We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.

What do you get when you combine a nearly thousand years old drink with a hip, modern setting and the allure of social media pictures? You get Matcha Republic!

matcha-republic

Wandering somewhat aimlessly around Uji, Kyoto and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of shops touting variations of matcha in the hometown of this marvellous, historic drink, Matcha Republic’s minimalist white storefront called out to me from the myriad traditional stores brimming with packets upon packets of matcha powder.

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[CLOSED] Gyosen @ Fortune Centre, Middle Road – Hole-In-The-Wall Japanese Donburi and Omakase

Update 19 Jan 2025: Gyosen has closed.

While Fortune Centre has established itself as a foodie haven for vegetarians and vegans, that has not stopped a handful of Japanese and Korean eateries from setting up shop in this unassuming mall. Gyosen has quietly made a name for itself with its affordable Japanese rice bowls and omaksase which are housed in two adjacent units on the third level. 

gyosen

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[CLOSED] Waga Waga Den @ South Beach Tower, City Hall – Monochromatic-Themed Kiosk Selling Japanese-Style Snacks

Update: Waga Waga Den is temporarily closed.

With several Japanese-style or Japanese-inspired cafes popping up across Singapore, it’s interesting to see what each and every joint has to offer. One such business that has recently opened its doors at South Beach Tower is Waga Waga Den. A takeaway concept by Black Carvery Group, the same group behind Japanese fine-dining brands Black Cow and Shatoburian. 

waga-waga-den

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