A Comforting Lunch at The Braised House @Kovan MRT

Singapore - One of the joys of exploring Singapore's food scene is discovering eateries that specialize in doing one thing exceptionally well. Recently, I visited The Braised House, a casual dining establishment known for its hearty braised meat dishes and comforting rice and noodle bowls.

Located along Upper Serangoon Road, The Braised House has built a reputation for its flavorful braised pork, chicken, and smoked duck dishes. The restaurant focuses on traditional Chinese-style braising, where meats are slowly cooked in aromatic sauces until they become tender and infused with rich flavours. Their signature braised pork bowls remain one of their most popular offerings.

Upon arriving, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of braised meats simmering in their signature sauce. The menu was straightforward, featuring a variety of rice bowls, knife-cut noodles, smoked duck dishes, and side items. Sometimes simplicity is best, and The Braised House embraces that philosophy well.

I decided to try their Signature Braised Pork Bowl. The dish arrived beautifully presented with generous portions of braised pork belly, minced pork, a braised egg, fresh vegetables, and rice. The first thing that caught my attention was the glossy sheen of the braising sauce coating the pork.

The pork belly was wonderfully tender, with the fat and lean meat balanced perfectly. Each bite delivered a rich, savoury flavour without being overly salty. The braising sauce had a deep umami character that complemented the rice beautifully. The minced pork added another layer of texture and flavour, while the braised egg absorbed the aromatic sauce wonderfully.

What impressed me most was how comforting the meal felt. This was not fancy fine dining. Instead, it was honest, satisfying food that reminded me why braised dishes remain so popular throughout Asia. The vegetables provided freshness to balance the richness of the meat, making the bowl feel complete and well-rounded.

As I enjoyed my lunch, I could see why The Braised House has developed a loyal following. Customer reviews frequently praise the tender meats, generous portions, and flavourful braising sauce, and after trying it myself, I could certainly understand the appeal.

After this lunch, I walked to Kovan hawker centre and had ching tng as the weather is scorching hot and then had rojak.

Kovan Rojak

A Simple Lunch @ Teck Ghee Food Centre

 Singapore - Today, I made my way to Teck Ghee Market and Food Centre, one of the well-known food centres in Ang Mo Kio. Teck Ghee is one of the six primary neighbourhoods within the Ang Mo Kio new town. Its name translates to "Virtue and Righteousness" in Hokkien and was adopted by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in the 1970s when the former rural farmlands were transformed into a modern housing estate.

With plenty of food choices available, I decided to start with a plate of Mee Siam for $3 from 341 Cooked Food. The friendly lady owner was welcoming and clearly experienced. One thoughtful touch was that she squeezed the lime for customers, ensuring the right balance of flavour without diners having to do it themselves. I also noticed how meticulously she prepared each serving. The mee siam portions were pre-portioned beforehand, allowing for consistency, and when adding the gravy, she carefully scooped and drained it twice before serving.

The result was a delicious plate of mee siam with a well-balanced flavour profile. The gravy carried a pleasant blend of assam tanginess, gentle sweetness, and a moderate level of spiciness. No single flavour dominated, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

After finishing my mee siam, I headed over to the popular Belinda's Pancake stall. I was hoping to try her much-talked-about cone-shaped Min Jiang Kueh, but the owner informed me that it was only available on alternate days. She explained that selling puttu mayam was simpler and faster.

I ordered a serving of puttu mayam and observed the preparation process. The puttu mayam had already been pre-made, with the owner simply removing it from its packaging. Even the sugar came in a pre-packed plastic sachet. The only distinctive touch was the freshly heated grated coconut, kept warm in a steamer and served alongside the dish.

While the puttu mayam was pleasant enough, there was nothing particularly exceptional about it apart from the warm coconut. Nevertheless, it rounded off an enjoyable visit to this charming neighbourhood hawker centre.

Breakfast at Weirdoughs – A Clever Name and a Delicious Burger

 Singapore - This morning walk, I decided to try Weirdoughs, located opposite Serangoon stadium @ 11 Serangoon Ave 4, #01-10.  This a café with a cheeky and memorable name that immediately caught my attention. The name is clearly a playful twist on the word "weirdo" and "dough," perfectly fitting for a café known for its baked creations and unique menu offerings.

Upon entering the café, I noticed that the seating area was surprisingly small. What stood out was the huge communal table placed right in the centre, which seemed to occupy almost half of the customer seating space. Coupled with the café's exceptionally large kitchen area, there was relatively limited room left for patrons. Despite the compact layout, the café had a cosy and intimate atmosphere, with customers quietly enjoying their meals and coffee.

After browsing the menu, I ordered the Taiwanese Breakfast Burger, one of the café's popular offerings. This dish certainly looked impressive. The burger was built around a crusty scallion focaccia bun sprinkled generously with sesame seeds. The focaccia had a lovely texture and aroma, although I found it slightly greasy. Nevertheless, the flavour of the scallions and sesame complemented the fillings beautifully.

Inside the burger was a thin slab of peppery pork chop, a fried egg, and crisp lettuce. The pork chop was lean yet surprisingly juicy, while the egg added richness and moisture. The fresh lettuce provided a satisfying crunch that balanced the overall texture of the burger.

What I enjoyed most was how clean and balanced the flavours were. Despite being a hearty breakfast item, it did not feel overly heavy or greasy. Every ingredient worked harmoniously together, resulting in a satisfying and delicious meal.

Weirdoughs may have limited seating, but the quality of its food more than makes up for it. Between its clever branding and thoughtfully crafted dishes, it is certainly a café worth visiting for a memorable breakfast experience.

A Delightful Lunch at Mommy's Corner, Potong Pasir

 Singapore - Today, I decided to have lunch at Mommy's Corner, located at 120 Potong Pasir Avenue 1. Nestled within the neighbourhood coffee shop, this humble stall serves comforting home-style dishes that attract a steady stream of regular customers.  After that it would be a short walk to meet my business partner at Ling’s Patisseries for coffee.

After looking through the menu, I decided to order the Chicken Noodle (Dry). What impressed me immediately was the care taken by the chef in presenting the dish. Unlike many hawker meals that are simply assembled and served, this plate was thoughtfully arranged, making it look both appetising and inviting.

The noodles were topped with tender slices of chicken that were moist and flavourful. Every bite of the chicken was satisfying, reflecting the attention given to its preparation. The sauce was particularly memorable. Rich and savoury, it contained black fungus and goji berries, adding both texture and subtle sweetness to the dish. These ingredients elevated what could have been an ordinary bowl of noodles into something more unique and enjoyable.

Accompanying the noodles were freshly boiled baby pak choy vegetables. The vegetables were cooked just right, retaining their vibrant colour and natural sweetness while providing a refreshing balance to the richness of the sauce.

The meal also came with a bowl of soup. Light and comforting, it complemented the dry noodles perfectly and completed the meal. Sometimes it is these simple touches that make a dining experience feel wholesome and satisfying.

As I enjoyed my lunch, I appreciated the effort that went into preparing the food. Mommy's Corner may not be a fancy restaurant, but it delivers what many diners seek; a hearty, well-prepared meal that feels home-cooked.

A Delightful Bánh Mì Lunch at Banh Mi Saigon @ AMK MRT

 Singapore - Today, I decided to try Banh Mi Saigon located at 505 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, just a short walk from AMK MRT.  This is a popular Vietnamese eatery that has built a loyal following among food lovers. Having heard positive reviews about their bánh mì, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

Upon arriving, I was impressed by the neat presentation of the food and the clean, welcoming environment. I ordered one of their signature bánh mì sandwiches and eagerly awaited my lunch.

The first thing I noticed was the bread. The baguette was wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining light and airy on the inside. Each bite delivered that satisfying crunch that is essential to a good bánh mì. The fillings were generous and well-balanced, combining fresh vegetables, herbs, pickled ingredients, and flavourful meat. The contrast of textures and flavours created a delicious harmony that kept me reaching for the next bite.

What stood out most was the freshness of the ingredients. Everything tasted carefully prepared, and the presentation reflected the attention to detail that went into the sandwich. It was evident that quality was a priority.

I must admit that the price was on the higher side. At $9.90 for a bánh mì, it is considerably more expensive than many other versions available around Singapore. However, after finishing the meal, I could understand why. The quality of the ingredients, the excellent taste, and the attractive presentation justified the premium pricing.

Overall, my visit to Banh Mi Saigon was a very enjoyable experience. While it may not be the cheapest bánh mì in town, it is certainly one of the better ones I have tasted. If you appreciate quality ingredients and authentic flavours, this is a place worth visiting when you are in Ang Mo Kio.

A Satisfying Hawker Lunch at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 @ AMK MRT

 Singapore - One of the joys of living in Singapore is the abundance of excellent hawker food available in every neighbourhood. Today, I found myself at Blk 724 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, a bustling hawker centre well known among residents for its wide variety of food stalls. As I walked around surveying the options, I was spoilt for choice. From local noodles and rice dishes to desserts and snacks, there seemed to be something for every craving.

After making a round of the hawker centre, I decided to start with one of Singapore's beloved local favourites – Hokkien Mee.

My choice was 99 Hokkien Mee (#01-44), a stall that had attracted a steady stream of customers. For just $6, I was served a generous plate of Hokkien Mee topped with four good-sized fresh prawns.

The moment the plate arrived, I could smell the rich aroma of seafood and wok hei. The noodles were beautifully cooked, absorbing the flavourful prawn stock that forms the heart and soul of a good Hokkien Mee. Every mouthful delivered a wonderful umami taste that kept me wanting more. The prawns were fresh, firm, and sweet, complementing the savoury noodles perfectly.

I've eaten Hokkien Mee at many places across Singapore, but this was easily one of the best versions I have tasted. The balance of flavours was excellent, and the stock-infused noodles were packed with depth and richness. It was one of those dishes where you find yourself slowing down just to savour every bite.

Even though the Hokkien Mee was already quite filling, curiosity got the better of me when I noticed another popular stall nearby.

I headed over to Sin Chon Braised Duck and ordered their duck rice set for only $4. Given today's food prices, it felt like excellent value.

The braised duck was tender and flavourful, with the meat absorbing the rich braising sauce beautifully. Each slice had a pleasant balance of savouriness without being overly salty. The accompanying rice paired well with the duck, making for a comforting and satisfying dish.

What stood out for me was the soup that came with the meal. It carried a distinct herbal flavour that was both warming and comforting. The light herbal notes complemented the richness of the braised duck nicely and added another dimension to the overall meal.

By this point, I was feeling pleasantly full, but no hawker centre visit feels complete without dessert.

For something refreshing, I stopped by House of Dessert (#01-05) and ordered a bowl of Cheng Tng for $2.50.

Served chilled, the dessert was exactly what I needed after the rich and savoury dishes. The bowl contained a delightful mixture of ingredients including longan, barley, white fungus, and other traditional ingredients swimming in a lightly sweetened syrup. It was cooling, refreshing, and not overly sweet — perfect for Singapore's warm weather.

As I sat enjoying my dessert, I took a moment to observe the lively atmosphere around me. Families, retirees, office workers, and students were all gathered around enjoying their meals. It reminded me why hawker centres remain such an important part of Singapore's food culture.

Sometimes, the best meals are not found in fancy restaurants, but in the humble hawker centres that continue to serve delicious food at affordable prices. This lunch was a perfect example of that.

Discovering a Singapore Classic at AMK Hub @ Ang Mo Kio MRT

Singapore - I usually fast by skipping breakfast and give my digestive system a longer rest. By the time I headed out for lunch, I had fasted for more than 12 hours and was definitely looking forward to a hearty meal.

My destination was Ang Mo Kio, one of Singapore's most established heartland towns. As I wandered through AMK Hub looking for something satisfying, I came across Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee, a brand that has been serving Singaporeans since 1954. Despite being familiar with Yong Tau Foo for most of my life, I realised that I had never actually tried Koo Kee before.

Given its long history and loyal following, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally experience what has made this brand a local favourite for more than seventy years.

Without much hesitation, I ordered their most popular offering — the Koo Kee Set Meal.

The set consisted of three components: a bowl of Yong Tau Foo with five pieces of stuffed ingredients served in a rich soup, a bowl of specialty egg noodles topped with fragrant minced chicken, and a plate of kang kong drizzled with fermented bean curd sauce.

The meal arrived looking simple yet comforting, representing the type of food that generations of Singaporeans have grown up eating.

I started with the Yong Tau Foo soup. The broth was intensely flavourful, made from a combination of soya beans and ikan bilis. It had a natural sweetness and depth that immediately stood out. The five pieces of Yong Tau Foo followed the traditional style that Koo Kee has maintained since its early days. Each piece was fresh and complemented the soup perfectly.

Next came the specialty egg noodles. The noodles were springy and well-cooked, while the minced chicken topping added a savoury richness that paired beautifully with the noodles. There was something nostalgic about the dish, reminding me of the simple yet satisfying hawker meals that have become an important part of Singapore's food culture.

The kang kong provided a refreshing balance to the meal. The fermented bean curd sauce added a unique savoury flavour that elevated what could otherwise have been an ordinary vegetable dish.

Overall, the set meal was filling, delicious, and well-balanced. It was easy to understand why this combination remains Koo Kee's signature dish and why the brand continues to attract customers from all walks of life.

After enjoying such a satisfying brunch, I decided to burn off some calories by exploring AMK Hub. I spent some time walking through the six levels of the shopping mall, browsing the various shops and enjoying the weekend atmosphere.

After my AMK Hub stroll, I walked across the coffee shop and stumbled upon a food stall selling handmade buns. The display immediately caught my attention. They offered various meat fillings.

Unable to resist, I bought a set of four buns (chives, mushroom and prawns) for just $4.50.

Freshly prepared and still warm, the buns were surprisingly delicious. with a slight crispy underside. The fillings were generous and flavourful, while the soft dough provided the perfect texture. The chive filling was aromatic, the mushroom filling earthy and savoury, and the prawn filling added a delightful seafood sweetness.

By the end of the afternoon, I had enjoyed not one but two satisfying food discoveries. From finally trying the iconic Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee to stumbling upon tasty handmade buns at AMK Hub, the outing reminded me that some of Singapore's best food experiences can still be found in our neighbourhood malls and heartland centres.