Japanese in Zurich

Happy Monday, 

In the middle of a quiet neighbourhood in Zurich, there is a little Japanese joint tucked away called, Ikoo. When my friend and I got there around 7pm on a Sunday evening. It was super packed, so we made a reservation and they promised to call back as soon as there are two empty seats. Thankfully, it was not a long wait and we got a place in 20 minutes. Of course we had to share a table, but that is considered very normal. The interior of the place was minimal and basic, but the seating arrangement gave it a cosy atmosphere. The asymmetric wall paint was cool. We had the vegetarian dumplings and the vegetarian ramen noodles. The noodles was spicy, but very yummy. It the perfect kind of dinner on a Sunday or Monday evenings if you find a seat that is.   

Moroccan in Zurich

Happy Saturday! 

It seems like Zurich got it all. There is at least one restaurant from every nationality. There is a lovely Moroccan restaurant there called Maison Blunt. It is a cozy restaurant with some geometric and colourful tiled floor. It was the perfect brunch/lunch choice. It was not halal, but they had a big range of vegetarian choices (cold and warm) that were all super filling and delicious. They suggested that each person gets three plates of mezzas, but two is plenty for each. Worth trying if you are there.  

The Floating Restaurant on the Lake

Happy Friday! 

Last week when I visited Zurich, I went on a very interesting eating adventure that I will cherish for days to come. It was in a place called Herzbaracke, which happened to be a floating, moving restaurant in a little boat on the side of Lake Zurich. My friend had to book us in and tell them from the start that we wanted vegetarian options. The boat was located at the start of the lake and was really convenient to get to. The exterior was adorable and felt like a castle (first and second photos). The interior was really cozy and beautiful with red lights and wooden furniture (fifth, sixth and seventh photos). The red lights were great for the atmosphere, but not for the food photos (you can see my failed attempts below). 

The waitresses were dressed in fancy costumes. It felt like I entered another era. The tables were shared and the other people we shared the table with were really sweet. When my friend and I arrived, we were welcomed warmly and given beverage options. They instantly gave me a list of nonalcoholic choices. I thought that was really sweet and considerate of them. They served the food first and to everyone at the same time. It was a four course dinner. We started with a delicious and warming soup then it was followed by a tasty salad with the best dressing. After the filling starters, we got our mains. The vegetarian option was really nicer than I expected. Few minutes after everyone finished their meal, they started the charming live performance. They have changing performances and the one we attended was really nice. The energy of the performers was fun and enjoyable. 

The owner of the place, Federico Pfaffen (third photo), was very charming, attentive and so kind. Through out the evening, he was doing some entertaining bits and fun introductions. All were in German, but it still made me smile even though I didn't understand any of it. As I was standing by the counter getting ready to leave, he opened a box and told me to take a coin and keep it. He said the coin will bring me happiness. I completely loved that! I am such a fairy tales believer.      

Worth a visit for sure, but check their website for their times and shows. 

Pancakes in Zurich

Good morning!

I was waking up today with some serious pancake craving thanks to the lovely pancake/breakfast cafe that I tried in Zurich *yumz*. Just a short walk from where I was staying, there it was, Zum Guten Glück. A lovely local eatery where they specialised in different pancake types from savoury to sweet plus other breakfast choices. The interior was really light and felt effortless. Part of the floor was tiled in interesting patterns and that added richness to the design. My friend and I got the ricotta and almond pancakes that were covered in maple syrup. That combination was heavenly and surprisingly filling. The place is popular and it was busy and we had to share the table with complete strangers, but that's totally fine there. 

Organic Shop in Zurich

Happy Wednesday world! 

When I travel, it's not always easy to find halal** options, so I usually stay in the safe side and become a vegetarian, which is a wonderful thing to try at least for few days every once in a while. I went to a local organic store and café called Justus. It sold the most delicious vegetarian lunch. It was not strictly vegetarian, but they still cater well to vegetarians. The fact that everything they cook and sell in there is organic was a major plus. They have seatings outside for lovely sunny days and inside for a cosier atmosphere. The interior or the place was simple and basic. I liked the table by the window with all the organic goodies. Their menu is always changing. My friend and I had the salad and the pasta, which were very delicious, light and filling. If you are in Zurich, Justus is worth a visit! 

Visit Time: March 2015. 

** Halal is the way chicken and other animals (cows, goats & sheep) are killed according to the Islamic ruling. The animal has to be given water and placed in the direction of Mecca before the jugular vein is slit for the quickest way to drain the blood, so the animal is clean inside and better for us to eat. 

Zurich on Foot

Happy Tuesday! 

Following yesterday's post Monday in Zurich, I am dedicating this week's posts to Zurich and the spots I visited when I was there. Zurich is the largest town in Switzerland, but to me it was small. Walking around was the easiest option. From any point I was, it took me a max of 40 minutes to reach to the other point I wanted. To make things quicker, I took the tram few times and it was really convenient. The names of the tram stop are written on the screen and the operator says them out-loud. It really reminded me of Manchester, UK. 

I started my walking/photo tour from Goldbrunnenplatz tram stop. I started with the down town along the Limmat River. While I was walking I spotted the Grossmünster (third & fourth photos), a Roman style church and the Fraumünster, the lady's church with the pointed tower in a distinctive dark turquoise colour (fifth, sixth & eighth photos). From there I headed to the Zurich old town, which is the number one activity listed on Trip Advisor. It is a lovely part of town and it does not look that old because it is clean and neat (from the 10th to the 18th photos). Although there were some renovations taking place (photo two). I loved the simple architecture with pastel colours and big windows.  

Waking around town and discovering on a clear, dry day was lots of fun. Below are some photos I snapped. 

Visit Time: March 2015 

Monday in Zurich

Happy Monday world!

Last week, I went to Zurich for a long weekend to discover the city and enjoy some peace away from the crazy life in London *MashAllah*. I had a list of five museums to visit last Monday, but I realised that museums are closed on Mondays in most parts of Europe, so I switched my plan up and ended up spending most of the day by the beautiful Lake Zurich. I went there in the early afternoon to catch some sun and relax. That time of the day was very quiet because most people were in work. The sun was shining shyly from behind the clouds and that made it slightly warm. Unfortunately, the sky was not clear, therefore I could not see the mountains and their snowy peaks in the distance. It was still great to go. The lake was serene and picturesque. Worth a visit for sure. I heard that during the summer people swim there. I walked around, sat and took loads of photos. It was a very short walk from the point where I started (by the sculpture in the first photo) to town centre 20mins max, so I suggest taking your time and sitting and taking in the view because the closer you get to town centre the busier it gets.   

Enjoy these few snaps I took there. 

Visit Time: March 2015.