Hs Cakes, Springvale

They got pandan sponge, and you're like yeah, that's good. They can put durian and cream in between, and you're like hell yeah. Then they ask would you like double durian? MIND. COMPLETELY. BLOWN.

Aronia de Takazawa, Tokyo

The coolest restaurant I've been to.  Ever.  Incentive, creative food with flashes of theatre that provides a bit of humour, invokes memories and provides plenty of smiles.  The intimacy of the venue allows the chef and his partner on the floor to interact with guests on a personal level, where you can sense their passion and warmth for the dishes and you, as if treating you like old friends.  This is what sets this place apart from other places I've been to.  Truly honoured, privileged and lucky to have been selected for a seat.  An amazing experience.

つけめん 六厘舎 (Rokurinsha), Tokyo

The most intense tsukemen I've ever had, the rich dipping sauce clings effortlessly onto the welcoming noodles.  Eating it was like a marathon through flavourtown, hitting the wall before a second wind to polish it off.  http://www.followmefoodie.com/2014/01/follow-me-foodie-to-tokyo-japan/

Tendontenya (天丼てんや 新宿東口店), Tokyo

Cheap, fast, tendon and tempura.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13054989/dtlmap/

Italian Tomato Café Jr, Sunshine City, Tokyo

It took 30 mins to wait in line, order, wait while seated, for this Hoji tea latte to arrive.  Positive?  Cheap way to rest your feet...

松六家 (Matsurokuyo), Tokyo

A slow lunch that's worth the wait.  Fine slices of flavoursome, melt in the mouth Kuroge Wagyu, in a set that's one of the best value meals ever.  http://www.tokyoeats.jp/matsurokuya/

Kyushu Jangara Ramen, Tokyo

Not my favourite char siu, but an excellent pork, chicken, veg stock ramen.  http://www.kyusyujangara.co.jp

Sushi Kanesaka, Tokyo

First Michelin star sushi restaurant.  That feeling of having been in economy all your life then getting a taste of business class.  Can't go back now..... http://www.sushi-kanesaka.com  

Toritake (鳥竹), Tokyo

If your parents were salary persons, this could have been their go to place.   http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13001702/  

Tsurutontan (つるとんたん 六本木店), Tokyo

Very good udon.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1307/A130701/13001859/

MOS Burger, Tokyo

It's boss.  MOS > Maccas

Ramen Jiro, Tokyo

OK, prefer others.  

Fancy Oriental Chinese Restaurant, Box Hill

Singapore Chilli Crab - it's all about the crispy vermicelli.

Yama No Chaya, Hakone

Atmospheric ryokan, sublime kaiseki dinners, and breakfasts make sure you start the day well.

Gionhitsujikafe (祇をん ひつじカフェ), Kyoto

Wasabon sugar crispy puff; Hoji tea ice cream ; Just the right amount of sweetness.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26019132/

Kyoto Gogyo (京都 五行), Kyoto

Burnt... miso... ramen... ?  Sounds crazy but good in a rich, bold, in your face kind of way. http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26002029/

Katsukura (名代とんかつ かつくら 京都駅ビル店（なだいとんかつ かつくら)), Kyoto

It just melts in your mouth.  http://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26001923/

Hakata Gensuke, Melbourne

Tsukemen would have been alright if I hadn't been spoilt by the standards in Japan only 2 weeks ago... Just not quite the same. Interesting idea with the hot pot option though.

Sukiya (すき家 円町店), Kyoto

Not again, but i suppose the chain of shops says it ain't that bad.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260203/26018445/

Akagakiya (赤垣屋), Kyoto

The local.   http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260302/26001072/