Category: Food

Posted in Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Happy Birthday Choco❣️

Posted on by sonokotchi

Choco became three (3) today.

I bought this Chicken with Sweet Potato cake at Jocker, Roppongi Hills.

It seems I was the last customer for today.

Once I stepped out from the shop, the light went off. Oops

By looking at his gesture, he likes this cake!

However, I didn’t know it takes 4 – 5 hours to defrost….. uuuuu

He likes it and tries to eat it but it’s too cold for him.

He gave me an reaction like a human.

He tried to have a bite; then his head goes back and also walks in a circle but he continues to try it again.

I took it back and put it in a refrigerator to be defrosted.

You can enjoy it better tomorrow.

Hummm

Last year, a cake was too big for you.

This year, it’s too cold for you.

Next time, I will plan it better.

I love you Choco❣️ Happy Birthday❣️

Posted in Choco-chan, Feelings, Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

boulangerie Bonheur, Roppongi Hills

Posted on by sonokotchi

In the morning, I went to the bank and walked by a cute looking shop.

It smells nice with fresh bakeries.

There are so many bakeries to choose from.

There is a kitchen in side of the shop and we can see the baking progress.

When I visited a shop, the shop serves a free coffee.

It is nice warm sunny day so I was tempted to eat them under the sun; but I hurried back home.

Choco (my doggy) is waiting for me.

I’ve decided to picnic at home balcony.

Yes, my eyes are bigger than my tummy.

Sorry, I cannot share them with you Choco.

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Setsubun was 2 February in 2021

Posted on by sonokotchi

Usually, Setsubun, New Year on Japanese old calendar, is on 3 February.

I learned this year that the Setsubun can be on different day due to the Sun calendar.

The previous Setsubun on 2 February was 124 years ago.

Luckily, I didn’t miss it this year.

We wish for good luck by throwing soy beans to attack bad luck (represented by Oni: demon) and make space for inviting good luck.

AND

We eat an Ehomaki (direct translation is good luck direction roll).

We eat a long sushi while facing this year’s good luck direction (this year, it is South South East) to pray for a good luck.

This tradition is originated in West Japan.

Today, people in Tokyo also practice.

Who doesn’t want to welcome good luck?

There were so many varieties of Ehomaki at the supermarket, Precce Roppongi.

It was difficult for me to chose.

I enjoyed following Japanese tradition at home.

Wishing for good luck: Peace, Health, Love, Happiness and Fun.

Ow I’m greedy.

Posted in Art, Daily Life, Feelings, Flower, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Tokyo, Work

Earlier New Year Celebration Ending

Posted on by sonokotchi

Town was quietly celebrating New Year

Kagami Mochi (Layers of Rounded Rice Cakes)
Kadomatsu (Bamboos at the Entrance)
Close Up of Kadomatsu

Usually we decorate these New Year decorations till 15 January.

However, I saw some were taken away this morning.

Tonight, Japanese government announced the State of Emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and China effective 8 January – 7 February 2021.

We are in high alert now; perhaps, some building owners were concerned engaging staffs to take away New Year decorations at later date.

COVID has been taking away celebrations from us.

Hopefully we can enjoy Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) this spring.

Japanese government encourages us to stay home and work from home.

Unfortunately, as at 23:30 hrs Japan time, I am yet to hear an announcement from my boss allowing us to work from home tomorrow.

I brought back office laptop and others to prepare for working from home; but I need to bring them back. Hummmm

Posted in Art, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Toranomon Hills, Toranomon, Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

The first Toranomon Hills (Tower) was opened on 11 June 2014.

This is my first visit to Toranomon Hills.

Therefore, this is my first to meet Toranomon.

The second tower, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, was recently opened on 11 June 2020 and there would be additional two Toranomon Hills tower for residential and station by 2022.

I went to Toranomon Yokocho where 26 restaurants are located in a block or one floor.

We hopped restraints to enjoy few dishes.

We had pork skewers at Torishige.

Torishige

There is a distiller for gin: Sake Shokudo Toranomon Joryusho (Liquor Restaurant Toranomon Distiller.

I had Mojito, and

Gifu Lavender Gin

If you want to have varieties of bites; this would be a place.

She is a great guide!

She also took me to one of iconic public arts: 10 m high sculpture “Roots” by Jaume Plensa.

Arigato!

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shopping

Happy 49th Birthday Cup Noodle!

Posted on by sonokotchi

I didn’t know birthday for Cup Noodle is on 18 September 1971.

I should honor and celebrate the birthday together; therefore, I decided to think these are guilty free. hahaha

Nonetheless, I thought I should buy these special birthday package Cup Noodles for a memory and trying Chili Tomato for the first time.

I am traditional for Cup Noodle.

Posted in Cooking, Feelings, Food, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

Local Instant Noodle: Maneki no Ekisoba (Maneki’s Station Soba Noodle), Himeji – City, Hyogo

Posted on by sonokotchi

Nissin is known as a major player of instant noodle maker and its product, Nissin Cup Noodle, is globally loved.

This Nissin produces locally famous and sold instant noodles.

These two are good examples, Maneki no Ekisoba: Kitsune (Fried Tofu) and Tempura (Tempura Waste – Deep Fried Tempura Batter).

Since after the WWII (year 1949), the noodle shop, Manekino innovated and started serving a noodle dish at the Himeji Station that people can enjoy quickly and deliciously by using Chinese style noodle – ramen and Japanese traditional dashi soup.

As same as other instant noodles, take out soup powder and toppings.

Open and put those back in the bowl.

Add water and wait for four minutes for this.

Tempura
Kitaune

Next time, I should try the actual Maneki no Ekisoba at the Himeji Station.

Posted in Cooking, Feelings, Friends, Work

Cooking Malaysian Food at Home

Posted on by sonokotchi

My friend started importing Malaysian food paste, Mama’s Delights, from Malaysia.

She sent me samples to me so I tried few.

First, Nonya Curry with seafood (squid, scallops and prawns) and vegetables (onions, eggplants and potatoes).

Then Malaysian Curry with chicken and vegetables (onions, eggplants and potatoes).

She told me it required efforts to change packaging and modifying taste; but I think it’s paid off.

It’s easy to prepare and delicious!

I also enjoyed these Malaysian food at office by bring it as my lunch.

Yeah

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Japan Technology, Shopping

Shiseido

Posted on by sonokotchi

My friend recommended me the followings and decided to start for health and beauty.

From Left

N.O.U Brown Rice Black Vinegar for Health (Energy with Rich of Amino Acid and Citric Acid)

N.O.U Sellsizer for Health (Slimming)

Benefique White Bloom for Beauty (Whitening)

I shall see for outcome in a month with these one month supply.