N&K Detour Diary

N&K Detour Diary Let's discover good food together Hey, we’re N&K, two wanderers who believe the best travel stories don’t start with a plan… but with a detour.

N&K’s Detour Diary is our little corner of the internet where we document the in-between moments, the ones not found in top 10 lists or guided tours. We’re talking lakeside benches with no one around, mountain views discovered by accident, and small villages that don’t get the spotlight but totally deserve it. We roam with curiosity, not checklists. One day, we might end up on a ferry we didn’t kn

ow existed. The next, we’re sipping hot chocolate in a bakery with the Alps as our backdrop. Whether it’s a scenic walk in Interlaken or a random bus ride that leads to a birdwatching paradise in Bönigen, we’re here for it. We're based in Singapore and Philippines, but our hearts like to wander, preferably to places with mountain air, cozy cafés, and stories waiting to be stumbled upon. If you love spontaneous adventures, underrated gems, and travel that doesn’t always follow the guidebook, you’ll fit right in here. Let’s explore the detours together.

Wandering through Shanghai’s highlights
26/12/2025

Wandering through Shanghai’s highlights

📍 Location: Jiufen, TaiwanIf you’re heading to Taipei, Jiufen is a must-visit. A bit of a trek from the city, but totall...
24/12/2025

📍 Location: Jiufen, Taiwan

If you’re heading to Taipei, Jiufen is a must-visit. A bit of a trek from the city, but totally worth it. You can either hop on a group tour via Klook or DIY your way there using public transport.

Here are some highlights we loved:

Jiufen Jie Jiao Traditional Diner – Perfect spot for xiao long bao and draft beers, with a view that’s basically a postcard. 🍜🍺

Jioufen Teahouse – For a traditional tea-brewing experience, this place hits all the right notes. 🍵

A-Gan-Yi Taro Ball – Soft, chewy taro balls paired with one of the best scenic spots in Jiufen. Sweet treat + sweet view = perfection. 🥣✨

And pro tip: stay until nightfall. When the lanterns light up, the whole village transforms into a magical, glowing wonderland.,.. totally worth the wait. 🏮🌙

📍 Location: Houtong Cat Village, TaiwanOnce a coal-mining village, Houtong has found a much fluffier calling: hundreds o...
22/12/2025

📍 Location: Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan

Once a coal-mining village, Houtong has found a much fluffier calling: hundreds of cats now rule the streets. 🐾

It’s a quirky little spot where you can wander around charming alleys, sip coffee in chill cafés, and casually pet any cat that crosses your path, basically a paradise for cat lovers and anyone who enjoys a touch of whimsy.

Just be prepared: the cats might steal your heart (and possibly your lap). 😺☕✨

📍 Location: Tian Tian Li (天天利美食坊), Taipei, TaiwanIf there’s one thing you cannot miss in Taipei, it’s Lu Rou Fan, Taiwan...
19/12/2025

📍 Location: Tian Tian Li (天天利美食坊), Taipei, Taiwan

If there’s one thing you cannot miss in Taipei, it’s Lu Rou Fan, Taiwan’s iconic pork rice bowl. At Tian Tian Li, we found one of the absolute best versions. Tender, flavorful pork over perfectly cooked rice, all in a generous bowl that costs only NT$70.

Honestly, you could eat several bowls without even flinching at the price. Delicious, filling, and wallet-friendly.. basically a Taiwanese comfort food dream come true. 🍚🥢✨

📍 Location: Tamsui Old Street, Taipei, TaiwanTamsui Old Street is a delightful mix of history and hustle. The outer stre...
17/12/2025

📍 Location: Tamsui Old Street, Taipei, Taiwan

Tamsui Old Street is a delightful mix of history and hustle. The outer street hugs the Tamsui River like a golden anchor walkway, while the inner street is classic old-town chaos—bustling shops, traditional pastry stores, quirky groceries, and even trendy outfits and toys sprinkled in for fun.

But let’s be honest.. we came for the food. And wow… the pork sausage here? Absolute perfection. Juicy, flavorful, and gone before I even thought to snap a photo. Some things are just meant to be devoured immediately. 🌭🔥

📍 Location: Yong Kang NoodlesNo. 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106This down-...
15/12/2025

📍 Location: Yong Kang Noodles
No. 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

This down-to-earth spot is all about street-food-inspired beef noodles served in a simple, no-frills dining area but don’t let the humble setting fool you. It’s officially recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and for good reason.

The beef noodles here are comfort in a bowl: savory, rich broth paired with beef so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for when you want your taste buds to throw a little party without any fancy frills. 🍜✨

📍 Location: Yong He Soy Milk (西門町永和豆漿)No. 30, Section 2, Hankou St., Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108We landed i...
12/12/2025

📍 Location: Yong He Soy Milk (西門町永和豆漿)
No. 30, Section 2, Hankou St., Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

We landed in Taipei around 7 a.m., perfect timing for a pilgrimage to Yong He Soy Milk, the go-to spot for classic Taiwanese breakfast. There’s something about stepping into a bustling breakfast shop first thing in the morning that just feels right, like your day is guaranteed to be delicious.

And would you believe all of this feast only cost NT$469?
Taiwan, never change. 🫶🇹🇼🍽️

We made the 2-hour journey to Khao Yai just to stay at this resort and honestly, it was worth every minute on the road. ...
10/12/2025

We made the 2-hour journey to Khao Yai just to stay at this resort and honestly, it was worth every minute on the road. If you’ve ever wanted to live out your “Love Story” fantasy (yes, the castle, the romance, the whole aesthetic), this is the place. The resort feels like stepping into your own fairytale castle, and the surroundings give you a soft taste of Tuscany… but in Thailand. ✨

Beyond the scenery, the staff’s hospitality was truly impressive. And the best part? You get a free golf cart to take you around different areas of the property. It adds to the fun and makes exploring feel extra whimsical.

Overall, such a magical and memorable experience, like a little European daydream tucked away in Khao Yai. 🏰🌿☀️

📍 Location: Du Pont, Oberdorfstrasse 7, 3920 Zermatt, SwitzerlandI had my very first cheese fondue at Du Pont, and hones...
08/12/2025

📍 Location: Du Pont, Oberdorfstrasse 7, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

I had my very first cheese fondue at Du Pont, and honestly? What an introduction. I went all in with their Champagne & Black Truffle Cheese Fondue, and oh my goodness... creamy, rich, and carrying that glorious truffle aroma that instantly makes you feel a little luxurious (even if you're in hiking boots).

The only plot twist? The champagne part definitely did its job. I walked out feeling slightly tipsy and had to go on an emergency quest for coffee. Worth it though. Absolutely worth it. 🫕✨☕️

📍 Location: Grindelwald, SwitzerlandGrindelwald is that picture-perfect alpine village tucked in the Bernese Alps, basic...
05/12/2025

📍 Location: Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald is that picture-perfect alpine village tucked in the Bernese Alps, basically the Jungfrau Region’s poster child. It’s famous for all things outdoors: skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and year-round jaw-dropping mountain views. The Eiger, the Jungfraujoch, and the Grindelwald First gondola with its cliff walk all call this place home.

Since it was winter, things like hiking and paragliding were out of the question (unless I suddenly developed expert-level snow survival skills). So instead, I wandered through the village, exploring little corners and scenic spots at my own cozy pace.

And honestly? Grindelwald kept surprising me. Case in point: a chapel sitting all the way up on the mountain like it was placed there just for dramatic effect. A random yet magical discovery, exactly the kind of thing that makes this village feel straight out of a fairy tale. ❄️🏔️✨

📍 Location: Interlaken, SwitzerlandInterlaken is the classic Swiss resort town... think mountains in full dramatic mode,...
03/12/2025

📍 Location: Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is the classic Swiss resort town... think mountains in full dramatic mode, glacier-blue lakes, and a valley so narrow it feels like Switzerland squeezed all its beauty into one place. Nestled between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it’s a mix of old timber houses, lush parkland, and the Aare River flowing right through the middle like it owns the place.

I wandered around the Interlaken train station area and was surprisingly greeted by… a lot of Korean and Mediterranean food options. Switzerland, but make it bibimbap and hummus. 😂

Pro tip: If you stay in a hotel in Interlaken, they’ll give you an Interlaken Guest Card, which lets you take public transport for free within the area. Absolute game changer! We ended up roaming around everywhere without spending a single extra franc. A win for the wallet and for spontaneous adventures!

📍 Location: Lucerne, SwitzerlandLucerne welcomed us with full-on gloomy skies and a steady drizzle, a very moody Switzer...
01/12/2025

📍 Location: Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne welcomed us with full-on gloomy skies and a steady drizzle, a very moody Switzerland moment. But honestly? Even the rain couldn’t dull this city’s charm. Lucerne is one of those places that stays beautiful no matter the weather, like it knows it’s photogenic from every angle.

Our photos didn’t stand a chance of capturing its real magic, but trust me: the misty mountains, the calm lake, and the old town’s charm made the whole scene feel almost cinematic. Rain or shine, Lucerne just shows up. 🌧️✨

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