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.

Solo walk from Serangoon MRT to Bishan MRT

 This morning, I decided to enjoy a solo walk from Serangoon MRT to Bishan MRT, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighbourhoods along the way. I started my journey at around 8.50am under relatively pleasant weather, perfect for a long walk.

There is something refreshing about setting off early in the morning before the day gets too hot. The streets were already coming alive with residents heading to work, elderly folks doing their morning exercises, and coffee shops beginning to fill up with customers enjoying breakfast.

My first destination was Potong Pasir, where I made a stop at one of my favourite cafes, Ling's Patisseries. Whenever I am in the area, I make it a point to visit this charming bakery. Their food has never disappointed me.

This morning, I ordered a slice of sourdough toast accompanied by scrambled eggs. The sourdough had a wonderful texture with a slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. The scrambled eggs were creamy and flavourful, making for a simple yet satisfying breakfast. Sometimes the simplest meals are the most enjoyable. Sitting down with a good breakfast after a morning walk always feels rewarding, and Ling's Patisseries once again delivered a delicious start to my day.

After breakfast, I resumed my walk towards Bishan. Much of the route took me along the Park Connector Network (PCN), one of Singapore's best features for walkers and cyclists. The well-maintained pathways, greenery, and waterways provided a pleasant environment away from the busy traffic.

As I walked past Toa Payoh and continued towards Bishan, I enjoyed observing everyday life unfolding around me. Families were out exercising, joggers were making their rounds, and cyclists cruised along the paths. Singapore's extensive network of parks and connectors truly makes walking an enjoyable experience.

By the time I reached Bishan, I had worked up quite an appetite again. Earlier, I had come across positive online reviews about Good Bites a restaurant located on the second floor of Bishan Stadium, so curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a try.

One thing I noticed immediately was that the restaurant offers significantly cheaper weekday prices compared to weekends. Depending on the dish, diners could save between $6 and $8 by visiting during the week, which is quite a substantial difference.

The menu featured a wide variety of Western breakfast and lunch options. After looking through the selections, I decided to order the burger steak.

When the dish arrived, it looked reasonably appetising. The burger steak was accompanied by a generous serving of thin fries and fresh vegetables. However, upon cutting into the burger steak, I was slightly disappointed. The meat turned out to be rather dry, lacking the juicy texture that I had hoped for. There was none of the flavourful meat juices that usually make a burger steak enjoyable.

Fortunately, the side dishes helped redeem the meal somewhat. The thin fries were crispy and well-cooked, while the vegetables tasted exceptionally fresh and provided a nice balance to the plate.

After finishing lunch, I took a short 15-minute walk to Bishan MRT station. The journey home gave me time to reflect on the morning.

Overall, it had been a very enjoyable outing. From a satisfying breakfast at Ling's Patisseries to a peaceful walk along the PCN and a chance to try a new restaurant, the morning reminded me that sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones close to home. Walking allows you to slow down, observe your surroundings, and appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed in our busy daily lives.

A Delicious Lunch Adventure at Tekka Market with Edmund @ Little India MRT

Singapore - I found this new appam store in my previous trip to Tekka market and I told Edmund about.  This traditional South Indian delicacy has become one of our favourite treats, and on this particular lunch, we made our way to Tekka Market near Little India MRT specifically to satisfy our appam cravings.

Tekka Market is one of Singapore's most vibrant hawker centres. Located in the heart of Little India, it is a melting pot of cultures, aromas, and flavours. The bustling atmosphere, colourful stalls, and diverse selection of food make it a destination that both locals and tourists enjoy exploring.

Our first stop was naturally the appam stall. I ordered a set of two plain appams for $3 and another set of egg appams for $5. Freshly prepared upon order, the appams arrived piping hot. The edges were thin, crispy, and slightly lace-like, while the centre remained soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy.

The plain appams were served with sweetened coconut milk, which added a rich and creamy sweetness to every bite. The egg appams were equally delicious, with the egg adding a savoury dimension that complemented the natural flavour of the fermented rice batter.

Edmund thoroughly enjoyed his appams. 

After satisfying our appam cravings, we took a leisurely stroll around Tekka Market. One of the joys of visiting hawker centres is discovering new stalls and revisiting famous ones. As we wandered through the bustling aisles, one particular stall caught my attention — Delhi Lahori, a well-known Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.

A Michelin Bib Gourmand award recognises eateries that offer exceptionally good food at reasonable prices, and seeing the recognition immediately piqued my interest.

I decided to order their Butter Chicken Set for $8 which came with two naan breads. The dish arrived looking rich and inviting, with the butter chicken served in a creamy orange sauce that was fragrant with spices.

The first mouthful confirmed why the stall has earned such a strong reputation. The chicken was tender and flavourful, while the sauce struck a wonderful balance between creaminess, sweetness, and aromatic spices. Paired with the freshly baked naan, the meal was both comforting and satisfying. The naan was soft, warm, and perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce.

Edmund, meanwhile, wanted some dhal to accompany his meal. To our surprise, the stall charged an additional $2 for a serving. While the dhal itself was tasty, we couldn't help but compare it with other Indian eateries where similar gravies are often provided complimentary with naan or bread orders. It was a small point, but one that stood out during an otherwise enjoyable dining experience.

Despite that minor observation, the overall meal was excellent. Between the crispy appams and the rich butter chicken, our lunch at Tekka Market turned out to be both satisfying and memorable.

As we left the market, weaving through the crowds and colourful shops of Little India, we felt content and well-fed. Sometimes the best food adventures are not found in fancy restaurants but in the lively hawker centres and humble stalls that have perfected their craft over many years. Tekka Market remains one of those special places where great food, culture, and community come together beautifully.

Morning Walk with Friends at Chinese Garden and Japanese Gardens

Singapore - This morning, I had a wonderful and refreshing walk with a group of friends around Chinese Garden and the nearby Japanese Garden. It turned out to be one of those simple but meaningful mornings where good company, nature, and food all came together perfectly.

We arranged to meet at MRT Chinese Garden MRT Station at 9am. Unfortunately, just as everyone arrived, the sky suddenly opened up and it started raining cats and dogs. The heavy downpour caught many people by surprise, and instead of rushing around, we decided to wait patiently under shelter.

The rain gave us time to catch up and chat casually. Sometimes these unexpected pauses become part of the enjoyment, especially when spending time with old friends. We joked about Singapore’s unpredictable weather while watching the rain pour endlessly outside.

Fortunately, after some time, the heavy rain slowly softened into a drizzle. Seeing the weather improve slightly, we decided to continue with our planned walk.  It was great to see Gwee Koon joining us for today's walk with Kiat Leng, Carol and Heng Choo.

The cool weather after the rain made the gardens especially pleasant. The air felt fresh and clean, and the greenery looked even more vibrant with droplets of rainwater glistening on the leaves. 

One of our first stops was the beautiful Cloud Pagoda. The pagoda looked peaceful against the cloudy morning sky, surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery. Nearby, we came across the zodiac dragon sculpture and naturally stopped to take a fun group “wefie” since all of us happened to be born in the Year of the Dragon. There was plenty of laughter as we squeezed together trying to get everyone into the photo.

We then continued our walk toward the bamboo grove and waterfall area. The bamboo trees swayed gently in the cool breeze, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The sound of flowing water from the waterfall added to the relaxing environment, making it one of the nicest parts of the walk.

Along the way, we also visited the edible gardens where various herbs, fruits, and edible plants were grown. It was interesting seeing how beautifully the gardens were maintained while also serving an educational purpose. Nearby flower displays added vibrant colours throughout the pathways.

Another favourite stop for many of us was the bonsai garden. The carefully shaped miniature trees reflected years of patience and artistry. Some of the bonsai looked incredibly old and detailed despite their small size.

After exploring the Chinese Garden section, we crossed over into the serene Japanese Garden. The atmosphere there felt slightly different — quieter and more minimalist in design. We stopped for a while at the beautiful Water Lily Pavilion where the still waters reflected the surrounding greenery perfectly.

One particularly enjoyable section was walking through the forested walkways where tall trees provided shade and shelter. The cool post-rain weather made the walk especially comfortable and refreshing.

Eventually, we made our way to the Floral Garden shuttle bus point and waited for the shuttle service to bring us toward the North Car Park area. Around 11.10am, the shuttle bus finally arrived, driven by a kind and cheerful gentleman who greeted everyone warmly.

From the North Car Park, we walked toward Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre for lunch. After a good morning walk, everyone was naturally hungry.

We decided to try the famous lor mee there, and it did not disappoint. The thick, savoury gravy combined with noodles and crispy ingredients made for a satisfying local meal. After lunch, we headed to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for coffee and more conversation.  Alec managed to join us for lunch and coffee.

By the time we finally left and reached the bus stop, it was already around 1.30pm.

Although the morning began with heavy rain, it eventually turned into a very enjoyable outing filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, good food, and great companionship. Sometimes the best experiences are not about travelling far or doing anything extraordinary, but simply spending quality time outdoors with friends and appreciating the little moments together.

Tekka Market @ Little India MRT

 Singapore -  This morning I walked from Serangoon to Potong Pair MRT and got on the MRT to Little India station.  Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful and culturally vibrant districts. Easily accessible via Little India MRT Station, the area is always lively with its mix of heritage buildings, bustling markets, traditional shops, and most importantly, amazing food.

My first stop was the famous 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles at Tekka Centre, one of Singapore’s best-known hawker centres. Although the bowl cost $6, which felt slightly expensive for hawker food, this stall carries quite a reputation. It has received recognition from the Michelin Guide and was even featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown by the late Anthony Bourdain. The stall has also attracted visits from famous chefs including Massimo Bottura and Julien Royer.

I ordered the dry bee hoon mee prawn noodles, and the highlight was definitely the rich umami flavour from the prawn broth. The prawns were fresh and the noodles absorbed the savoury taste beautifully. It was easy to understand why this stall has become so popular over the years.

Next, I visited another well-loved stall, Grandma Mee Siam. What made the experience memorable was not only the food but also the owner herself; a friendly and chatty aunty running the stall all by herself. She shared that she started helping her grandmother sell mee siam at the young age of eight and still uses the same family recipe dating back to 1963.

The mee siam had a comforting homemade flavour with the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It felt like eating a dish filled with tradition and history rather than just another hawker meal.

After that, I stopped by Sri Aachi Appam to try freshly made appams. Two appams cost only $3 and were served piping hot with coconut milk. 

Unlike the usual versions topped with coconut flesh, these had a slightly different twist that made them unique and enjoyable. Soft in the centre with crispy edges, the appams made for my delicious brunch.

After satisfying my appetite, I spent some time walking around Tekka Centre itself. Beyond the busy hawker centre, the adjoining shopping complex felt surprisingly quiet compared to the energetic food section downstairs. Nearby stood Citadines Rochor Singapore, blending modern city living beside one of Singapore’s oldest cultural districts.

Continuing my walk, I visited the iconic House of Tan Teng Niah along Kerbau Road. This brightly painted Chinese villa from the early 1900s is one of the most photographed buildings in Little India. Its colourful façade stands out beautifully against the surrounding streets and provides a striking contrast within this predominantly Indian cultural district.  I was not allowed entrance to this house.

Just beside it is the Indian Heritage Centre, which I had visited previously. The museum offers fascinating multi-level exhibits showcasing the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore.

I also wandered through the Little India Arcade along Serangoon Road, where restored shophouses sell traditional sarees, jewellery, souvenirs, and henna art. The vibrant colours and lively atmosphere perfectly captured the spirit of Little India.  Just before 11.30am, I took the MRT back home.

Fuego Mesa @ Farrer Park MRT – Great Food but Service Needs Improvement

 Singapore - I visited Fuego Mesa for lunch after hearing good things about their Mexican-inspired dishes. Conveniently located just about a five-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT Exit B, the restaurant was easy to find and accessible even during the busy lunch period.

When I arrived, the restaurant was surprisingly not crowded. The atmosphere inside felt calm and relaxed, which was a pleasant change from many packed eateries during lunchtime. I was quickly shown to my seat and settled down while waiting for Joseph to arrive.

After browsing the menu, I decided to order two chorizo pork tacos and one beef burrito. The dishes arrived reasonably quickly, and the presentation looked appetising immediately.

The highlight of the meal was definitely the chorizo pork tacos. The tacos were delicious, packed with flavour, and the pork was wonderfully tender. Every bite had a nice balance of savoury meat, seasoning, and freshness. The tortillas were soft and complemented the filling well without overpowering the flavours. It was one of those dishes where you immediately know the kitchen understands how to prepare comfort food properly.

The beef burrito was also enjoyable overall. The beef itself was juicy and flavourful, with generous portions inside the wrap. However, I personally felt the filling was slightly too wet. As I ate, the moisture from the filling started soaking through the wrap, making it a little messy to handle. If the burrito had been slightly drier or better balanced in texture, it would probably have been excellent. Still, the flavours themselves were good, and the quality of the ingredients was noticeable.

In terms of food, I would say Fuego Mesa delivered a satisfying meal with strong flavours and well-cooked meats. The tacos in particular were memorable enough that I would return just to order them again.

Unfortunately, the service experience did not quite match the quality of the food.

Although there were three staff members stationed at the front counter area, service felt rather inattentive throughout the meal. At one point, when I needed a refill of water, nobody came by to check on the table despite staff standing nearby. Eventually, I had to walk up personally to the front counter to request more water.

What disappointed me more was the attitude from one of the waiters. He did not appear particularly happy to serve customers and seemed somewhat disinterested throughout the interaction. When he finally brought the jug of water over, he placed it down rather abruptly with a noticeable thud on the table. It was not rude enough to ruin the meal entirely, but it certainly left an impression.

Good service does not always require elaborate gestures or constant attention. Sometimes simple friendliness, attentiveness, and basic courtesy can significantly improve the dining experience. In this case, the contrast between the quality of the food and the lacklustre service was quite noticeable.

That said, I still enjoyed the overall lunch experience because the food itself was genuinely good. The relaxed environment and tasty tacos made the visit worthwhile despite the service shortcomings.

Day 8: Returning to Hangzhou and Visiting the Majestic Lingyin Temple, Back to Singapore

Hangzhou - After spending several memorable days exploring the ancient canals and charming streets of Wuzhen, it was finally time for us to return to Hangzhou for the next part of our journey.

We started the morning with a simple but comforting Chinese breakfast. The weather was cool and pleasant, making the warm food especially satisfying. We had silky warm tofu, tea-soaked eggs, and a bowl of warm bean soup. The breakfast was light, nutritious, and very much the type of local meal that Chinese people enjoy daily. There is something comforting about starting the day with simple traditional food instead of heavy breakfasts.

After finishing our meal, we prepared for our journey back to Hangzhou.

Originally, we had considered taking a Didi taxi combined with the High-Speed Rail, but the hotel front desk strongly recommended the direct long-distance coach bus instead. According to them, it would be cheaper, more convenient, and would avoid the hassle of changing transport between stations.

Taking their advice turned out to be a good decision.

The direct bus from Wuzhen to Hangzhou was comfortable and straightforward. Once we boarded, we simply relaxed and enjoyed the ride. The journey took approximately two and a half hours, and the experienced driver handled the roads very smoothly throughout the trip. Along the way, we passed through peaceful countryside landscapes, highways lined with greenery, and smaller towns that offered a glimpse into everyday life outside the major tourist areas.

Compared to navigating railway stations with luggage, the direct bus felt much less stressful.

Once we arrived back in Hangzhou, we headed straight to our earlier hotel and temporarily left our luggage there because our main destination for the day was the famous Lingyin Temple.  We had our graving for crab roe noodle again and one each of the famous crab before we leave Hangzhou.

After our lunch, we boarded a local public bus 5Rmb each to reach Lingyin Temple. The journey itself already hinted at how popular the attraction was. As we approached the area, crowds became noticeably larger. There were tourists from all over China as well as overseas visitors, all making their way toward the temple grounds. 

Lingyin Temple, which translates to “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” is one of the oldest and most significant Zen Buddhist temples in China. Located amidst lush mountains, forests, and bamboo groves, the temple is not only a religious site but also one of Hangzhou’s most important cultural and historical attractions.

Founded in 328 AD by the Indian monk Huili, the temple has more than 1,600 years of history and was once a major centre for Chan (Zen) Buddhism during imperial China.

The moment we entered the area, it became clear why Lingyin Temple is considered one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites.  Before even reaching the main temple, visitors must first pass through the famous Feilai Feng, also known as Flying Peak. 

This limestone hill is covered with hundreds of ancient Buddhist carvings and grottoes carved directly into the rock faces between the 10th and 14th centuries.

Walking through Feilai Feng felt like entering an open-air historical gallery. Everywhere we looked, there were intricate stone carvings of Buddhas, monks, and mythical figures weathered by centuries of history. Some statues were massive while others were hidden quietly among the rocks and vegetation. The carvings carried an incredible sense of age and spirituality.

The surrounding environment added even more beauty to the experience. Dense trees, bamboo groves, flowing streams, and misty mountain scenery created a peaceful atmosphere despite the large crowds.

Eventually, we reached the main temple complex itself.

Inside the temple halls stood one of Lingyin Temple’s greatest treasures — the enormous wooden Sakyamuni Buddha statue. Carved from camphor wood and coated in gold leaf, the seated Buddha rises almost 25 metres high and is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in China.

The sight of the giant Buddha inside the prayer hall was truly breathtaking. Worshippers quietly offered incense and prayers while monks moved calmly around the temple grounds. Despite the constant flow of visitors, the temple still retained a strong sense of serenity and spiritual calm.

One interesting aspect of the temple is its connection to the famous monk Ji Gong from the Southern Song Dynasty. Known for his eccentric personality, compassion, and unconventional habits, Ji Gong remains a beloved folk figure throughout China. The temple grounds contain a hall dedicated to him, attracting many visitors curious about his legendary stories.

Lingyin Temple is enormous, and we spent several hours walking through the various halls, courtyards, stairways, and forested pathways. The entire area felt more like a massive spiritual and cultural park than simply a temple.

By the end of our visit, we were physically tired but deeply impressed by the beauty, scale, and history of the place.

We then took the local bus back to our hotel, retrieved our luggage, and prepared for dinner. Before ending the day, I had to eat the famous Hangzhou snack — Cong Rou Bing (葱肉饼).

These savoury flatbreads are made by stuffing thin dough with minced pork and scallions before baking them directly against the hot inner walls of a cylindrical oven, similar to how Indian tandoor ovens work.

Freshly baked and piping hot, the crispy exterior combined wonderfully with the juicy pork filling inside. The snack was simple, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying after such a long day of travelling and walking.

As we enjoyed our Cong Rou Bing while looking out at the busy Hangzhou streets, I reflected on how much variety China offers within a single journey from ancient water towns and Buddhist temples to local buses, traditional breakfasts, and delicious street food.

It had been another fulfilling and memorable day of exploration in one of China’s most beautiful cultural cities.