New York, New York; this post is coming four months late.. but it’s NYC, you’re always going to find yourself thinking about this city one way or another. And lately, I’ve been thinking about it a lot.
There’s something so comforting about a place that’s defined by its constant motion - the kind of energy that never really switches off. It’s chaotic… and yet, somehow familiar. Maybe it’s that Empire State of Mind feeling or maybe it’s because over the years, especially with our December visits - it’s become something more personal. My husband and I have found our own rhythm here, our own little rituals woven into the city’s big apple narrative.
It reminds me of London in certain ways but at the same time, it couldn’t feel more different. There’s an overlap in spirit but the heartbeat is distinct.
We’re always asked, “why New York again?” or “why not explore other cities while you’re there?” and truthfully, it's just become a place we return to.
Here are some of my NYC guides from previous visits in 2023 and 2024 on where we went, where we stayed and where to shop.
Here's a guide from our most recent trip in December 2025 -
This time, we stayed at the Life Hotel, New York which gave us a glimpse into a different side of the city. Being based in NoMad; so close to Koreatown and Chelsea, yet still within reach of our usual spots including where we previously stayed.
NYC hotels that are still on my list for future visits: The Ludlow, The Bowery Hotel and PUBLIC Hotel.
We also spent a night in Brooklyn for the Jonas Brothers concert at Barclays Center; we wanted to be within walking distance and since we’d never actually stayed in Brooklyn before, it felt like the perfect excuse for a change of pace. It gave us a small glimpse into what life might look like if we ever made the move. It’s something my husband and I always find ourselves talking about whenever we’re in Brooklyn or Williamsburg - how much we’re drawn to it. The cafe scenes, the quieter-more residential feel, the family-oriented neighbourhoods, the independent shops.
Everything We Ate - restaurants, desserts, groceries, coffee and matcha:
7th Street Burger: back again and again - still just as good, still hits every single time; simple, no fuss, and exactly what you want from a classic NYC burger spot.
Pantry by Madhappy: stopped by for matcha and it just feels very downtown cool from their clean space, good energy and their selection of matcha and coffee drinks.
Mimi’s Frozen Yogurt: a sweet treat moment, even in the cold - i'll never say no to froyo especially when it has a cute branding like Mimi's.
Caffè Panna: truly one of the best gelatos !! another good sweet treat. to have though it was freezing cold - flavours are thoughtful and textures are perfect.
S&P Diner: classic, old-school feel done right - we'll always make it a point to have one diner visit each time we're in the city; i went for something super simple, a grilled cheese sandwich and i don't know if it was the cold or because we were on holiday but it was the best grilled cheese.
Common Hours: good coffee in NoMad and a good place to stop at as you're making your way up to the NY Public Library, Bryant Park, Grand Central etc - they also had the friendliest team attending to us on an early Sunday morning.
Librae Bakery: had to return - the smell alone pulls you in from down the block but I just left with a coffee to go this time around; definitely a bakery spot to add to your list while you're in the NOHO area.
Butterfield Market: one of those places that makes you wish you lived nearby :') the kind of grocery store you’d romanticise your daily routine around because that was exactly what my husband and I did for 30 minutes.
Take 31: this was our Korean meal on a snowy night - warm, comforting and exactly what you want when it’s freezing outside.
Park at Kim’s: this was such a cute spot in the middle of the Nolita neighbourhood - it is a Korean-inspired specialty coffee shop and was the perfect spot to catch-up with a friend.
Fast Times at the Buck Mason store: I was already obsessed with the Buck Mason store - the clothes, the interior and the people and having a small coffee and matcha spot in the middle of the store was the top of it all. I do have to say that their matcha wasn't my favourite as it was a bit too umami for my liking (i like my matcha sweet)
La Mercerie: stopped in for their famous cookie!
Happier Grocery: truly one of my favourite places from this trip - I also managed to stock on some of the thing that I won't be able to get in London; Táche pistachio milk, Tom’s Perfect 10 granola and Ballerina Farm bits. I could spend forever here (though my wallet would say no) + their salad bar (plus smoothies, juices, coffee to go) makes it even better.
Court Street Grocers: a solid sandwich spot with so many wild options - they nailed it on creativity and mixing of ingredients.
Stumptown Coffee: this was my first time trying a Stumpton Coffee in NYC; I've only tried their coffee when I was on a work trip to Kyoto - it was good and reliable + their locations are in key spots around the city; we went to their brand near Washington Square Park.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food: our yearly Christmas night tradition at this point - queue still long but still worth it.
Magnolia Bakery: While Ashwyn queues for Adel's, I'll get the dessert and of course, a banana pudding to go from Magnolia.
Maiko Matcha Cafe: a little matcha spot if you needed one while you're at Rockefeller Center.
Salswee Bakery: came for the Mexican corn bun and honestly… I’d go back just for that. So good.
Sote Coffee Roasters: a charming coffee spot on the Upper West Side - enjoyed this to-go as we made our way to Central Park.
Le Cafe Coffee: an easy everyday coffee spot in between transits at train stations!
Juju Cafe & Deli, Brooklyn: if you're into onigiri, just like my husband and I, you'd definitely love this spot; no thrill but a variety of comforting onigiri flavours and Japanese/Korean snacks to choose from.
Butler, Brooklyn: your quick coffee to-go spot in the middle of DUMBO; your spot for a coffee before you head to Brooklyn Bridge for the views.
L’Appartement 4F: my second visit and still thinking about their everything-but-the-bagel croissant all the time! incredibly charming.
Salter House: this one feels like stepping into someone’s perfectly curated apartment - soft, romantic and the kind of place you'll find gifts from beauty, intimates and home things for yourself and for loved ones.
The Modern Chemist: tucked into DUMBO, Brooklyn - part apothecary, part lifestyle store. You'll walk out with all sorts from here.
Front General Store: a Williamsburg staple for a reason - vintage, lived-in and full of personality for your home and personal wardrobe.
The RealReal: always worth popping into for vintage designer treasures, especially in SoHo or Brooklyn.
With Jéan: she's the it-girl energy - from your basic staples to elevated pieces.
Bomi: small, curated and quietly cool - pieces and treasures for yourself and for home.
SuitSupply: for something more tailored for the men.
Buck Mason: someone's really cool apartment in the middle of SoHo, filled with wardrobe essentials for men and women and it just doesn't stop.
Printemps: a little slice of Paris in NYC - so polished and perfect for when you want that department store experience but with a European feel in New York.
Still Here NYC: denim, but done so differently.
Goods for the Study: one for the stationery lovers - you go in for a notebook and somehow leave with five.
Brut Archives: vintage and curated in a way that feels almost editorial.
Gohar World: they recently closed down their physical store in SoHo but still one to note! whimsical and artistic things for your home.
Bode: i truly enjoyed visiting their SoHo store - so fun and especially during the winter season; their cozy jumpers filled their store space.
Desert Vintage: if you’re in the mood to hunt for amazing designer goods, this is it - racks and racks but the gems are there if you take your time.
Fishs Eddy: a very New York spot for non-tacky souvenir things for your home!
BUCI: it was so hard for me to leave the store empty handed but this store was a dream; definitely a place I would go back to and next time around, I'll spend more time browsing their pieces and their selection of vintage designer kitten heels.
C.O. Bigelow: a favourite pharmacy spot and one not to miss when you're in the city and more specifically, Greenwich Village - this was said to also be CBK's place to shop her iconic headbands.
Wanderlust + Co: was so happy to see a Malaysian jewellery store on an iconic street, Bleeker Street; this was surreal and so proud of their team on this milestone.
Iconic Magazines: your corner store spot to lookout for a variety of magazines.
Until the next visit, NYC.
I vlogged my trip daily on TikTok
