“Make this world happier with chocolates” is the motto of the chocolate shop VANILLABEANS Minatomirai. Not only do they bring joy to chocolate fans, but they also make producers of cacao beans and their families happy. A unique chocolate coating machine stands at the entrance and beckons people inside where they will find a factory, gift shop and cafe. Fans of chocolate flock here from as far as China and Taiwan, frequently causing long lines on weekends. The 30 different kinds of chocolate bars called “Tablette chocolat” draw attention with colorful packaging. Staff carefully select and roast the cacao beans…
Author: Maho Watanabe
Maho Watanabe
Maho Watanabe is a singer/ writer/ English teacher based in her hometown, Yokohama.
Among all the fragrant herbs, one is known for its quite distinctive scent. Some people crave it, while some simply hate it. Today’s story is about that herb. English speakers call it coriander, in Spanish it’s cilantro, and in Thailand (here in Japan, too) it’s referred to as phak chi. On October 21st, the restaurant that phak chi fans have long waited for opened near Chinatown’s north gate. Specializing in all types of phak chi dishes, it’s the first of its kind in Yokohama. Stepping into the restaurant under a flashy green signboard reading “PHAKCHI JO’S,” I emerged into what…
Bakery Resort BLUECORNER is easy to find by its flashy blue door near a tree-lined promenade about a five-minute walk from Nakamachidai Station. The bakery is nice and cozy with the ambience of a summer resort, and you can enjoy fresh bread and coffee at its café. The owner, who introduced himself as “Hammerhead,” had a unique career as the rep of a pro-wrestling team and greeted me with a big smile and a strong handshake. BLUECORNER is a popular bakery known for over 400 selections of delicious baked goods, but you’ll be surprised to find only a limited number…
Walking under the illuminated signboard and stepping into the bright restaurant, you’re immediately treated to a pleasant blend of scents: spicy chili, sweet coconut and rich shrimp paste. The spacious and comfy dining space has 50 seats and its VIP room looked perfect for a birthday party or a gathering of friends. The staff greeted me with a big smile and paused for a moment to figure out whether to start a conversation in Japanese, Mandarin, English or Bahasa. Shibuya’s popular Malaysian restaurant, Malay Asian Cuisine opened its second shop in Yokohama in July of this year. The restaurant is…
For those who endure the infamously long and unrelenting Japanese summer with its humidity and high temperatures, the tropical yet breezy weather of Hawaii would be a welcome change. If you are feeling a sudden rush to discard your suit and dive into the blue ocean, but your vacation is still weeks away, visit Halenohea Hamabowl EAS, where you can enjoy great Hawaiian dishes made with lots of aloha spirit not far from bustling Yokohama Station. Welcomed by the totem pole of Hawaiian deity Tiki before a bright, spacious dining room with surfboards decorating the white walls, you’ll likely want…
On opening the door to On the Earth, you hear the sound of a ship whistle blowing. It makes you feel as if you’re definitely in the port of Yokohama. Insurance man-turned-bartender-owner Hirofumi Mizutani opened this hideaway-style bar in 2005, hoping to create a comfortable space for everyone to enjoy fine drinks and music. Whether you’re there for an after-work drink or a romantic date, you’ll be greeted by Mizutani’s friendly smile and feel-good music. Regulars love to sit at the wide, wooden counter to enjoy single malt whisky and bourbon, with many varieties available from ¥700 to ¥1150. Frozen…