A Busy Lunch at Oriental Kopi with Willy

 Singapore - I had lunch today with Willy at Oriental Kopi, one of the fastest-growing kopi chains that’s been drawing long queues across Malaysia and Singapore. Known for blending nostalgic Nanyang coffee culture with a modern café experience, Oriental Kopi has built a strong following largely due to its consistent quality, polished branding, and crowd-pleasing menu. It’s usually packed, so we were lucky to catch a relatively short queue today.

So what’s the hype? It’s really the combination of familiar local flavours done well, comfortable seating, and that “Instagram-friendly” café vibe. Plus, their menu offers a good mix of classic kopi staples with a slightly elevated twist.

Mee Siam

For lunch, I ordered the mee siam with fried chicken. The mee siam had a nice balance of tangy and savoury flavours, and the fried chicken was crispy and satisfying. Willy went for the curry mee pok, which came rich and aromatic, with a comforting depth of flavour.

We also couldn’t resist trying their famous Portuguese egg tart. It was flaky, creamy, and just the right level of sweetness and definitely worth the hype.

Overall, it was a simple but enjoyable lunch; good food, good company, and a kopi spot that lives up to its popularity.

A Satisfying Lunch at Seorae Jib Korean Charcoal BBQ with Joseph

 Singapore - I recently caught up with Joseph, a good friend, over a hearty lunch at Seorae Jib Korean Charcoal BBQ. It turned out to be one of those meals where the side dishes were free flowing and we certainly didn’t leave hungry.

We decided on their special pork collar set, which is one of their signatures. Even before the main dish arrived, the table was already filled with an impressive spread of complimentary side dishes.  There was a buffet counter for side dishes and we helped ourself to kimchi, soup, fresh lettuce wraps, and a variety of small bites that kept us happily occupied. In fact, by the time the main course was served, we were already half full; well, at least that’s what we joked about!

The pork collar itself was beautifully prepared; meat was tender, flavourful, and perfect for grilling. Wrapped in lettuce with a bit of kimchi and sauce, each bite was satisfying and well-balanced. It’s the kind of meal that encourages slow eating and good conversation, which made it perfect for catching up.

What really stood out to me was the level of hospitality. We were served a complimentary cup of cold barley tea, which was refreshing and a nice touch. Even more surprising was the free flow of water.  This is something that’s becoming quite rare these days, as many restaurants now charge for even tap water. It’s small gestures like these that make a dining experience feel more welcoming and thoughtful.

And just when we are done and paid, we were asked to help ourself to free ice cream and ended our meal on a sweet note. It was simple, but it completed the experience nicely.

A Refreshing NParks Morning Walk at Chinese Garden with my sister

 Singapore - I spent a delightful morning reconnecting with nature and my sister during a 2-hour guided walking tour at Chinese Garden, organised by National Parks Board. My sister and I arrived just before 9am, when the air was still cool and the park was calm.  It was a perfect for a relaxing start to the day.

Our journey began from Jurong Lake Gardens, where we met our guide, Siti. From the very beginning, it was clear we were in good hands. Siti was incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it came to edible plants; something I never realised was such a big part of our local greenery.

We entered through the iconic entrance arch and crossed the elegant bridge into the Chinese Garden. The scenery immediately transported us into a tranquil, classical Chinese landscape. 

Arch entrance to Chinese Garden

Jurong Lake

One of the highlights early in the tour was visiting the air-conditioned hydroponics enclosure. This was fascinating; almost like stepping into a mini research lab within a garden.

We walked into the editable plants area and there was the cat whiskers herb, known for its medicinal properties.  Cat whiskers herb is a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal plant widely used as a natural diuretic to treat kidney disorders, urinary tract infections, and reduce water retention. Rich in antioxidants, it also helps manage high blood pressure, gout, and diabetes, often consumed as a tea for detoxification

Cat Whiskers herb

The Jujube plant or Chinese red dates are often used in traditional remedies. Jujube fruit is high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.  High in antioxidants. Jujube fruits are a rich source of compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids. Some of these compounds have antioxidant properties.

The Red Button Spiral Ginger plant stood out with its vibrant colour and unusual shape.  the Red Button Spiral Ginger is edible, particularly the red, cone-shaped bracts and the yellow flowers that emerge from them. They are often eaten raw, offering a sweet, slightly sour taste similar to green grapes or apples.

We also learned about Job’s tears, which can be processed into what we know as Chinese pearl barley.  Chinese pearl barley or Yì yǐ rén, are nutritious, gluten-free, teardrop-shaped grains popular in Asian cuisine and medicine.  

Job's tears

Another interesting discovery was the Passiflora quadrangularis Erotica plant or the Penis passion fruit. 

Along the garden there were asparagus growing in the editable garden.

As we continued our walk, we arrived at a large, serene pond filled with lotus plants. The lotus flowers were in full bloom with graceful, delicate, and truly beautiful. It was one of those moments where you just stop, take it in, and appreciate the calm.

Then we walked pass the twin pagoda

Sister and me

Siti also pointed out the fragrant Ylang-Ylang flower, which is famously used in perfumes like Chanel No.5. It was amazing to think that such a luxurious scent has its roots in a simple flower growing right here.

Ylang-ylang flower

We then made our way to the iconic 7-storey pagoda, a striking landmark that adds to the charm and cultural richness of the garden. Nearby, the 12 zodiac statues added a fun and familiar touch, with visitors stopping to find their respective zodiac signs.

Further along, we came across another pond filled with water hyacinths. Their soft purple flowers created a stunning contrast against the water, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape. Our walk concluded with a peaceful stroll through a bamboo forest, where the tall, swaying stalks created a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere.

water hyacinth flower

Overall, the tour was not just a walk. It was an enriching experience. Thanks to Siti’s insights, we saw the garden through a completely different lens, appreciating not just the beauty, but also the purpose and stories behind the plants.  

It was a wonderful way to spend a morning—learning, exploring, and simply enjoying nature with my sister.

Dinner with Classmates and Walk Among Dinosaurs

 Singapore - It had been a while since I last met my old classmates, so when we finally agreed to catch up, we decided to keep things simple; good food, good company, and a bit of adventure. We chose dinner at Saboten, a cosy Japanese restaurant known for its tonkatsu.

The evening started with the familiar warmth of reconnecting. The moment we sat down, conversations flowed naturally with updates about work, family, and of course, plenty of laughter about our school days. It’s always amazing how friendships can pick up right where they left off, no matter how much time has passed.

I ordered the large tonkatsu set, and it did not disappoint. The pork cutlet was beautifully golden and crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite had that perfect crunch, followed by the rich flavour of the meat. What made the meal even better was the free flow of fresh shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup. The cabbage was crisp and refreshing, balancing the richness of the tonkatsu, while the warm miso soup added a comforting touch to the meal.

We took our time enjoying dinner, refilling our cabbage and rice, chatting and laughing between bites. It wasn’t just about the food; it was the experience of sharing it together. To end the meal on a sweet note, we were each served a complimentary scoop of green tea ice cream. Light, slightly bitter, and refreshing, it was the perfect finish.

After dinner, we hopped on the free shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4, enjoying the short ride and continuing our conversations.

From there, we made our way to Jurassic Mile—a unique outdoor attraction that adds a fun twist to a simple walk. Stretching about 1 kilometre, it is Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs, featuring more than 20 prehistoric creatures along a cycling and jogging path.

Walking along the path felt almost surreal. Towering dinosaurs stood on both sides, some reaching up to nearly five metres tall . From the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex to giant dinosaur eggs, the displays were impressively lifelike. We couldn’t resist stopping for photos, posing, joking, and even attempting some “dinosaur encounters” for fun.

The path itself was lively, with both walkers and cyclists passing by, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. We walked at a relaxed pace, enjoying the night air and the simple joy of being together. Conversations became deeper as the night went on—less about the past, more about where we are now and where we’re heading.

By the time we reached the end of the trail, it wasn’t just about the dinner or the dinosaurs anymore. It was about reconnecting, sharing stories, and creating new memories.

Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones; good food, a pleasant walk, and the company of people who have been part of your journey for years.

A Memorable Dinner at Tansen Izakaya with Good Friends

 Kuala Lumpur - It’s always special catching up with friends, and this time, dinner with Donny and Edward turned into one of those evenings you wish could last a little longer. We decided on Tansen Izakaya, a cosy Japanese spot in Damansara Jaya that has even been highlighted by Tatler Asia as one of the go-to dining places in the area.

From the moment we stepped in, the warm, lively atmosphere set the tone. The restaurant had that authentic izakaya vibe with dim lighting, a buzzing crowd, and the comforting sight of skewers being grilled. According to Tatler, it’s known for its kushiyaki and satisfying, heartwarming Japanese fare, and I could immediately see why. 

We ordered a variety of dishes to share, turning the dinner into a feast of flavours.

We started with the Salmon Sashimi, which was incredibly fresh. The slices were thick, buttery, and smooth, almost melting in the mouth. It was a simple dish, but when done right like this, it really stands out.

Next came the Prawn Roll, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Each bite had a nice crunch followed by the natural sweetness of the prawn, making it an easy favourite at the table.

The Shishamo (grilled capelin fish) was another highlight. Lightly salted and perfectly grilled, it had that slightly smoky flavour that pairs so well with good conversation. Eating it whole added to the fun, especially as we joked about who remembered how to eat it properly.

Then there was the Saba Shioyaki, a beautifully grilled mackerel with crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat. The simplicity of salt-grilling really brought out the richness of the fish, making it one of the more satisfying dishes of the night.

Of course, no izakaya experience is complete without yakitori, and we definitely went all in. We had a variety of sticks including pineapple chicken thigh, gizzard, and shiitake mushrooms. Each skewer was grilled to perfection—smoky, slightly charred, and packed with flavour. The pineapple chicken thigh was especially memorable, combining sweet and savoury in a surprisingly delicious way.

To round things off, we shared a plate of zaru soba, served cold and refreshing. It was the perfect contrast to the grilled dishes—light, clean, and a great way to balance the richness of the meal.

What made the evening truly enjoyable wasn’t just the food; it was the company. Conversations flowed easily as we laughed about old memories, shared updates about life, and simply enjoyed being present in the moment. The lively izakaya setting made it even better, encouraging us to slow down, order more, and just keep the night going.

Looking back, it’s easy to see why Tansen Izakaya is considered one of the top dining spots in Damansara Jaya. The food was consistently good, fresh, and satisfying, and the overall experience felt warm and authentic.

A Satisfying Lunch at Crab Bro Noodle House

 Kuala Lumpur - I recently had the chance to enjoy a hearty lunch at Crab Bro Noodle House, a spot that has been gaining attention for its rich and indulgent crab roe noodles. Known for bringing a taste of Shanghai-style cuisine to Kuala Lumpur, the restaurant focuses on one star ingredient crab roe and does it exceptionally well.

I decided to go straight for their Signature Crab Roe Noodles, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. When the dish arrived, the first thing that stood out was the generous portion of crab roe sauce. Thick, rich, and glistening, it coated the noodles beautifully. The aroma alone was enough to build anticipation.

The noodles themselves were springy and well-textured, absorbing the flavourful sauce perfectly. The crab roe was the real highlight; intensely savoury, slightly creamy, and packed with umami. Each bite felt luxurious without being overly heavy. According to reviews, the sauce is made using a substantial amount of crab roe and meat, delivering that authentic, indulgent experience associated with Shanghai-style preparations.

What made the meal even more enjoyable was the free flow of noodles and rice. It’s a simple concept, but it adds so much value and flexibility to the dining experience. My initial bowl already felt quite generous, the amount of crab roe was more than sufficient and honestly quite a lot. Still, I couldn’t resist going for another helping of noodles, just to enjoy more of that delicious sauce.

The balance of the dish was impressive. Despite its richness, it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it was deeply satisfying, especially for someone who appreciates bold, seafood-forward flavours. The overall experience felt both indulgent and comforting at the same time.

A Morning of Fun at the HSBC Women’s World Golf Championship at Sentosa Cove

Singapore - Today, my family and I had the pleasure of being invited to the HSBC Women’s World Golf Championship at Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course, and what a delightful morning it turned out to be!

We were picked up at Sentosa Cove to the golf course.  From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. The crisp air, the beautifully manicured greens, and the sense of anticipation made it feel like something truly special was happening. This wasn’t just a golf event; it was a family experience filled with fun, friendly challenges, good food, drinks and memorable moments. 

While we were there to enjoy world-class golf, the entertainment spots set up by HSBC added a playful twist.  There was the golf putting challenge. Even those of us who don’t normally play golf found ourselves stepping up to give it a go. The putting area was set up in a way that made it friendly for all ages and skill levels. It was so satisfying lining up a putt and seeing it roll perfectly into the hole and equally entertaining when it didn’t quite go as planned! The joy was in the attempt, the cheers from the crowd, and the casual fun of competing with family members.

Throughout the morning, the Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course provided a stunning backdrop. The picturesque setting, with rolling greens and sea breezes, made every moment feel like a mini getaway. Walking around the course, watching the professional women golfers play, and taking in the sweeping views made for a truly memorable experience.

By the time we left, it felt like we’d spent the best kind of morning together laughing, playing, trying new things, and enjoying food and drink. The HSBC Women’s World Golf Championship wasn’t just a sporting event; it was a celebration of family fun, and the joy of spending quality time together.