visits

Just got back from a 2½-week vacation in Hong Kong and Beijing! It had been ages since I last visited Hong Kong, but it felt almost exactly as I remembered—a little more modern, yet still full of its quirky traditions, like yelling to the minibus driver when it's your stop and rinsing your own chopsticks and bowls before eating dim sum. One big change, though, is the modern MTR system. What once required a bus ride is now a quick metro trip, connecting major cities across the region. It's easily the best way to explore more of the country—and I definitely made the most of it!

Tried Korean BBQ at the newly opened Seoul Sista in Utrecht. The food was flavorful and lived up to expectations, and while the service showed some inexperience, it was still friendly and attentive—understandable for a fresh opening. The location is super convenient, right next to the Central Station hall, making it an easy stop for a satisfying meal. Nice to finally have a solid Korean BBQ option nearby without needing to head to Rotterdam or Amsterdam.

After trying Takumi in Düsseldorf and Rotterdam, it’s time to try the newly opened Takumi in Utrecht. I gotta say—it tasted just as good as I remembered with its generous portions for an affordable price. It’s a great addition to the city!

Went to Copenhagen for the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 Major—and used it as the perfect excuse to explore another European city. The bike lanes are seriously impressive, maybe even better than the ones in the Netherlands. They're completely separated from traffic with barriers, making it one of the safest places I've ever biked through. Also, it’s wild that there's a full-on amusement park, Tivoli, right in the heart of the city!

I had the pleasure of visiting Hart Bageri, one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen—and it did not disappoint! Their pastries are some of the lightest and most delicious I’ve ever tasted. Be prepared to queue up before opening, but don’t worry—they work fast, and you can find multiple locations across the city. Well worth the wait!

Recommendations:

• Spandauer
• Cardamom Croissant

I only recently found out Kimmade also have a restaurant for dining at the Oudegracht. A great excuse to pay them a visit! The food here is just as delicious as in their Street Food restaurant.

Short trip to Paris to catch the last major tournament for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive!

A small dumpling spot serving up a dozen variations of authentic Chinese-style dumplings at an affordable price. Whether you prefer them steamed or grilled, both options are equally delicious and guaranteed to hit the spot!

Recommendations:

• Xiaolongbao (dumpling with soup inside—beware, the soup is hot!)
• Raviolis au porc, ciboulette et crevette grillé (dumplings with pork, chives and shrimp in the grilled variant)

Located in one of the old yard cellars on the Oudegracht in Utrecht lies Broadway. This steakhouse is arguably the best in the region. One of the rare places where the meat effortlessly falls off the bone and tastes truly exceptional. A must-go when visiting the city.

Recommendation:

• Tenderloin steak
• Baby ribs
• Lamsrump