Tora Tora Tora – A Hidden Japanese Gem at Oxley BizHub 2

 Singapore - Hidden away in Oxley BizHub 2, Tora Tora Tora is one of those restaurants that pleasantly surprises you from the moment the food arrives. While it may not be located in a typical dining hotspot, the quality of the dishes speaks volumes about the chef's passion and attention to detail. Every plate that came out of the kitchen was beautifully presented, showcasing fresh ingredients and careful preparation.

The highlight of our dinner was undoubtedly the Sushi Mori ($38), featuring 12 pieces of assorted sushi. Each piece was exceptionally fresh, with thick cuts of premium seafood resting on perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Every bite reminded me of dining in Japan, where simplicity allows the freshness of the ingredients to shine. It was easily one of the best sushi platters I've enjoyed in Singapore.

We also ordered the Salmon Avocado Maki ($14). The four generously sized pieces were packed with fresh salmon and creamy avocado, creating a rich yet balanced flavour. The quality of the ingredients was evident, and the sushi was expertly rolled with just the right amount of rice.

To complement the meal, we shared the Avocado and Tomato Salad ($13). Sometimes the simplest dishes are the hardest to perfect, and this was a fine example. The avocado was creamy, the tomatoes were sweet and juicy, and the light dressing allowed the freshness of the ingredients to take centre stage.

There was a small hiccup during our visit when the chef accidentally forgot one of our orders. However, the attentive and friendly waitress quickly apologised and, as a thoughtful gesture, treated us to a complimentary Black Sesame Ice Cream. Rich, nutty, and wonderfully smooth, it was a delightful way to end the meal and reflected the restaurant's excellent customer service.

One tip for fellow diners—don't miss the Hojicha tea, which comes with free refills. Its warm, roasted aroma paired beautifully with the sushi and completed an already satisfying dining experience.

With outstanding food, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality, Tora Tora Tora is a hidden Japanese gem that deserves to be discovered. 

A Relaxing Evening at Gardens by the Bay and Satay by the Bay

 Singapore - It was one of those perfect afternoons to catch up with friends while enjoying one of Singapore's most beautiful attractions—Gardens by the Bay. We agreed to meet at around 4.00 pm, but I arrived a little earlier and took the opportunity to stroll around the gardens on my own. 

The peaceful lake reflected the surrounding greenery beautifully, and I was pleasantly surprised to spot a few wild chickens wandering freely along the pathways. It was a lovely reminder that nature continues to thrive even in the heart of our bustling city.

Once my friends arrived, we spent the next hour leisurely exploring the gardens, chatting and admiring the impressive landscape. Just as we were enjoying the walk, the skies suddenly darkened and a heavy tropical downpour began. 

Like many other visitors, we quickly made our way to the Gardens by the Bay Information Centre, where we waited patiently for the rain to ease. Thankfully, the shower didn't last too long, giving us the perfect excuse to continue our evening.

Our next stop was Satay by the Bay, another popular places for a casual hawker-style dinner with a scenic waterfront atmosphere. We ordered a generous spread to share—flavourful chicken and pork satay, two varieties of steamed dumplings, a plate of fresh vegetables, and my personal favourite, Har Cheong Kai (prawn paste fried chicken). 

The satay was tender and smoky with a rich peanut sauce, while the Har Cheong Kai was wonderfully crispy on the outside and juicy inside, packed with the unmistakable aroma of prawn paste.

After our satisfying dinner, we made our way back to catch the spectacular Garden Rhapsody Light Show beneath the iconic Supertrees. 

Watching the colourful lights dance in sync with the music was the perfect way to end a relaxing evening. With smiles on our faces and full stomachs, we boarded the MRT home, grateful for another memorable outing with good friends, good food, and one of Singapore's most iconic night-time experiences.

Dinner @ Galangal in Bishan - very good Thai food

 Singapore -  A beautiful walk & jog around Bishan park.....

For dinner, Edmund and I walked into Galangal Restaurant at Bishan, we couldn't help but laugh. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with an abundance of pink roses, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. For a brief moment, we joked that perhaps we had walked into the "wrong" restaurant! Nevertheless, the food was good, and we settled in for what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable Thai meal.

We started with the Green Mango Salad, and it was an excellent choice. The shredded green mango was wonderfully crisp and refreshing, with just the right balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. 

What made the dish particularly memorable was the generous sprinkling of small pieces of deep-fried beancurd on top. The crispy beancurd added a delightful crunch and subtle savoury flavour that complemented the tangy mango beautifully, creating a well-balanced and satisfying appetiser.

For the main course, we shared the Pineapple Fried Rice, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The fragrant fried rice was packed with flavour and generously filled with large, fresh prawns that were perfectly cooked. The generous cubes of sweet pineapple added bursts of natural sweetness that balanced the savoury rice wonderfully. But there were no cashew nuts, raisins or meat floss which could have provided additional texture and flavour. Every spoonful was colourful, aromatic, and delicious.

Beyond the food, Galangal's Instagram setting and food plated presentation made the dining experience even more enjoyable. Despite our initial amusement at the floral décor, we soon realised that the restaurant offers much more than just a beautiful setting—it serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared with quality ingredients and careful attention to flavour.

Yu Pavilion @ Kovan MRT

 Singapore - Yu Pavilion delivers some truly impressive dim sum, making it a place I'd happily return to for the food alone. One of the highlights was the Fish Roe Siew Mai, which tasted exceptionally fresh. The filling was juicy and flavourful, while the fish roe added a delightful burst of texture and savoury richness that elevated this classic dim sum favourite.

Another standout was the Deep Fried Beancurd Skin with Prawn. Wrapped in a delicate beancurd skin and fried until perfectly golden and crispy, each bite revealed succulent prawns packed with natural sweetness and umami. It was beautifully executed without being overly greasy.

To round off the meal, I ordered the Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts, and it was equally impressive. The paste was smooth, creamy, and wonderfully balanced, allowing the natural fragrance of the yam to shine through. Unlike some versions that rely on artificial flavourings or excessive sweetness, Yu Pavilion's rendition tasted authentic, rich, and comforting.

Unfortunately, while the food deserves high praise, the service left much to be desired. Despite having three service staff on duty and relatively few diners in the restaurant, it was surprisingly difficult to get anyone's attention. The staff appeared preoccupied with their own tasks and repeatedly walked past our table without stopping to take our order. The lack of attentiveness was disappointing and detracted from what could have been an excellent dining experience.

Overall, Yu Pavilion offers delicious, well-crafted dim sum that is certainly worth trying. However, the restaurant would benefit greatly from improving its customer service, as attentive hospitality should complement food of this quality. With better service, Yu Pavilion could easily become one of the top dim sum destinations in Singapore.

Hainanese Village Food Centre – A Taste of Heritage and Hawker Excellence in Hougang

 Singapore - Tucked away in the heart of Hougang, Hainanese Village Food Centre is more than just a neighbourhood hawker centre; it is a place steeped in history and packed with culinary treasures. Officially known as Hougang Hainanese Village Centre, and also referred to by many as Lorong Ah Soo Market, the food centre derives its name from the early Hainanese settlement that once occupied this site in the early 20th century. Although Hougang has long been recognised as a traditional Teochew enclave, this pocket of Hainanese heritage remains an enduring reminder of Singapore's multicultural roots.

My food adventure began with Beo Crescent Lor Mee, one of several outlets found across Singapore. For just $4, the bowl offered excellent value. 

The thick, silky gravy was rich with savoury flavours, coating the yellow noodles perfectly. Every mouthful was comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal start to the meal.

Next came a local favourite—Ming Jiang Kueh (和合). At only $1.30 each, the peanut pancake was one of the best I've tasted. 

Freshly made to order, it arrived piping hot with a wonderfully crispy exterior, while the inside was generously filled with fragrant crushed peanuts and sugar. The contrast between the crunchy crust and the soft, fluffy pancake made it absolutely irresistible.

The highlight of my visit, however, was the famous Punggol Noodles, renowned for its pig intestine noodles costing $5. The queue stretched well beyond 20 minutes, a clear sign of its popularity, but the wait was well rewarded. 

The noodles had a wonderful springy texture and were coated in a perfectly balanced soy-based sauce that was both aromatic and flavourful. The pig intestines were the star of the dish; tender, delightfully chewy, and completely free of any unpleasant porky odour. That's a sure sign they had been meticulously cleaned and expertly prepared.  The owner is clearly a master with the art of cooking innards, and fans of offal will certainly appreciate the care and skill behind every bowl.

Hainanese Village Food Centre may not be one of Singapore's most famous hawker centres, but it is undoubtedly one of its hidden gems. Combining a rich historical background with outstanding local food, it offers a rewarding culinary experience that is well worth exploring for both locals and visitors alike.

A Refreshing Morning Walk Through MacRitchie and a Michelin-Worthy Mee Soto & Mee Rubus

 Singapore - There's something special about starting the day with good company, fresh air, and a hearty breakfast at the end of a long walk. This morning, my friend Edmund and I met at Marymount MRT and embarked on a leisurely 6 km walk through the lush greenery of MacRitchie Reservoir.

The trail was peaceful and shaded by towering trees, with the calming sights and sounds of nature providing the perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Along the way, we passed joggers, kayakers, and families enjoying the reservoir, while occasionally catching glimpses of macaques and colourful birds hidden among the forest canopy. It was an enjoyable walk that reminded us how fortunate Singapore is to have such beautiful nature reserves so close to the city.

Our destination was the ever-popular Adam Road Food Centre, where breakfast was waiting. I had one mission in mind—to finally try the famous Warong Pak Sapari Mee Soto, which has earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for three consecutive years.

Mee Soto

The popularity of the stall was evident. I joined the queue and waited patiently for more than 20 minutes, watching bowl after bowl of fragrant Mee Soto being served to eager customers. Thankfully, the wait proved worthwhile. The rich, aromatic broth was full of flavour, the tender chicken complemented the springy noodles perfectly, and every spoonful justified the long queue.

I ordered the signature Mee Soto, while Edmund opted for the equally delicious Mee Rebus, topped with its thick, savoury gravy and garnished generously with fried shallots and fresh green chillies. Both dishes were comforting and satisfying after our morning hike.

With our appetites fully satisfied, we took a short stroll to Botanic Gardens MRT before catching the train back to Bishan.

A simple morning of walking, nature, good conversation, and exceptional local food, sometimes that's all you need for a perfect start to the day.

A Hidden Gem in Hougang – Discovering Authentic Ipoh Hor Fun at Promenade @ Pelikat

Singapore - Lunch today was a delightful discovery with my good friend Willy at Promenade @ Pelikat, a quaint mixed-use development tucked away in the Hougang district. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary residential building, but beneath the apartments lies a charming row of eateries and specialty shops that make it a destination for food lovers seeking hidden gems.

Our destination was JM (Sisters) Noodle House Traditional Ipoh Hor Fun, a modest eatery that has quietly built a loyal following for serving what many consider one of Singapore's most authentic bowls of Ipoh Hor Fun. The restaurant focuses almost exclusively on a single signature dish, a testament to its confidence in perfecting the classic.

The bowl that arrived looked deceptively simple, but the first spoonful of soup immediately revealed why so many diners make the trip here. The clear broth was incredibly rich in umami, brewed from prawns and chicken, delivering layers of sweetness and depth without being overly heavy. Every sip was aromatic and comforting, leaving a lingering savoury finish that invited another spoonful.

The silky-smooth hor fun noodles were beautifully cooked, soft yet retaining just the right amount of bite. Fresh prawns, tender shredded chicken, and fragrant fried shallots completed the dish, with each ingredient contributing to a bowl that was balanced and satisfying. It is easy to understand why food critics and regular customers alike praise the stall for its authenticity and consistency.

Over lunch, Willy and I enjoyed catching up while savouring every mouthful. Sometimes, the best dining experiences are found not in glamorous shopping malls but in quiet neighbourhood corners where passionate owners devote themselves to doing one dish exceptionally well.