New Asian Dog Cafes: Dining With, Not On, Pets

A new Wall Street Journal article highlights some changes afoot in the Far East. The piece, Asians Get Passionate About Pets, was not in the culinary section of the WSJ, thankfully.

In a nearby neighborhood, another type of restaurant serves a traditional Korean dish of dog soup. While Mr. Huh thinks that these days more Koreans regard dogs as pets rather than meals, eating dogs "is a part of our food culture."

Mr. Huh is the owner of one of several new establishments cropping up throughout Tokyo and elsewhere. In trendy urban areas, new cafes allow customers to dine with resident cats and dogs. The restaurants cater to those who don't want the responsibility of owning a pet, but want some feline or canine interaction.

Sounds so Upper East Side, but yet...

Pet cafes like Bau House aren't to everyone's taste. They are not, generally, the most hygienic of places. At the Bau House, the dogs poop on the floor and lick the tableware, cups and dishes, staying one step ahead of the cleaning staff, who are prompt and thorough.

Tasty!

Read the whole thing here.