Breakfast at Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam – A Taste of Old Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur -  I finally had the opportunity to experience the famous Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this traditional coffee shop has become one of the city's most popular breakfast destinations, often attracting long queues of locals and tourists alike.

Ho Kow's story dates back to the 1950s when it first opened as a humble Hainanese coffee shop serving traditional breakfast favourites. Over the decades, it built a loyal following through its commitment to preserving old-school recipes and preparation methods. In recent years, social media exposure and word-of-mouth recommendations have further cemented its reputation, making it one of Kuala Lumpur's most sought-after breakfast spots.

Despite the crowds, the atmosphere retained a nostalgic charm, with vintage décor and the bustling energy of a traditional kopitiam.

I started my breakfast with their Jade Shrimp Siew Mai. The siew mai was delicious, packed with flavour and generously filled with shrimp. Halfway through my meal, I unfortunately encountered a small bone in one piece. When I informed the waitress, she immediately apologised and promptly brought me a fresh replacement plate. It was excellent customer service and a gesture that left a positive impression.

Next, I tried their colourful roll, a steamed fish cake filled with tiny bits of vegetables. Served piping hot, it was soft, flavourful, and wonderfully fresh. The delicate texture and light seasoning made it a delightful dim sum-style dish.

No visit to a Hainanese coffee shop would be complete without kaya butter toast. Ho Kow's version was toasted over charcoal, giving the bread a crisp exterior and a subtle smoky aroma. Combined with the rich butter and fragrant kaya, it was simply outstanding.

To accompany the meal, I ordered a Teh-C Kosong. It turned out to be one of the best cups of tea I have had. The generous amount of evaporated milk gave it a creamy, rich texture while maintaining a smooth tea flavour.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable breakfast. Great food, excellent service, and a touch of nostalgia made Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam well worth the wait.

Discovering the Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore - This morning, my sister and I attended the 9:00am NParks Learning Forest guided tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning, surrounded by nature and learning about Singapore's rich biodiversity.

When we arrived, it was immediately obvious that the tour was popular. There were many participants, so the organisers divided everyone into four separate groups to make the experience more manageable. My sister and I were assigned to Group 4.

The tour was led by two enthusiastic student volunteers from National Junior College (NJC). Despite their young age, they were knowledgeable and passionate about sharing information on the various trees, plants, and ecological features found within the Learning Forest. However, what made our group's experience particularly memorable was the presence of a senior volunteer named Mr Goh.

Mr Goh joined our group with a trolley bag that appeared rather heavy. We soon discovered why. As the young volunteers explained the different trees and landscapes along the route, Mr Goh would occasionally chime in with additional information gathered from years of personal study and field experience. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his vast knowledge greatly enriched the tour.

What impressed us most was that he had brought along actual samples of wood, seeds, pods, and other plant materials in his trolley. Whenever a particular tree or plant was discussed, he would carefully take out samples and pass them around for participants to examine. Seeing and touching the real specimens made the learning experience much more engaging and memorable.

During the walk, we were introduced to several fascinating trees and plants. One of them was the Permis tree, an important native species found in Singapore's forests. We also learned about the Simpoh Air, known in Hokkien as "Te-Bak-Heok" or "Pork Leaf." The large leaves of this plant were traditionally used to wrap food, and the nickname comes from pork sellers using this broad leaves to wrapped pork with and sell to customers.

Another interesting species was the Agarwood tree. Highly valued for its fragrant resin, agarwood has been prized for centuries and is used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. Learning about its ecological and commercial significance gave us a greater appreciation of Singapore's efforts to conserve such species.

As we continued our journey through the lush greenery, dark clouds began to gather overhead. Before long, a heavy tropical downpour arrived. Fortunately, the Learning Forest is well-equipped with shelters, and our group quickly took refuge. Rather than dampening spirits, the rain created a refreshing atmosphere. Watching the rain fall among the trees while listening to discussions about plants and wildlife added a unique charm to the experience.

The tour highlighted not only the beauty of Botanical Garden's natural heritage but also the dedication of volunteers like the NJC students and Mr Goh. Their passion for conservation and education was truly inspiring.

By the end of the morning, my sister and I left with a deeper appreciation of the trees, plants, and ecosystems that surround us. The Learning Forest is more than just a beautiful green space—it is a living classroom where nature comes alive through the stories and knowledge shared by passionate volunteers.

A Refreshing Morning Walk Along the Rail Corridor: Buona Vista to Beauty World

Singapore - One of the best ways to spend a morning in Singapore is to explore the Rail Corridor, a unique green corridor that combines nature, history, and recreation. Recently, a group of friends and I embarked on a pleasant morning walk from Buona Vista MRT to Beauty World Food Centre, a journey of approximately 6 kilometres.

We gathered at Buona Vista MRT in the morning under bright blue skies. The weather forecast had predicted a warm day, and the sun was already shining strongly. Fortunately, much of the Rail Corridor is lined with mature trees that provide generous shade, making the walk far more comfortable than we had expected. The canopy of greenery created a natural shelter from the scorching tropical sun, while the occasional breeze added to the enjoyment of the journey.

The Rail Corridor itself holds a special place in Singapore's history. It was once part of the former railway line that connected Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia. Today, it has been transformed into a recreational trail while preserving many of its historical features. As we walked, it was easy to appreciate how nature has reclaimed much of the old railway route, creating a peaceful environment away from the busy city roads.

The route was relatively flat and suitable for walkers of all fitness levels. Along the way, we chatted about travel, food, and family, making the kilometres pass quickly. Walking with friends always seems easier than walking alone, and the shared conversations added to the enjoyment of the morning.

About halfway through our hike, we stopped for a well-deserved water break. The weather was warming up, and staying hydrated was important. We found a shaded spot to rest, enjoy our drinks, and take in the surrounding greenery. It was one of those simple moments that reminded us how enjoyable outdoor activities can be when shared with good company.

One of the highlights of the walk was coming across the old railway bridge. Standing on the bridge, it was easy to imagine trains once travelling along this route carrying passengers and goods between Singapore and Malaysia. 

The bridge serves as a reminder of Singapore's transportation history and has become a popular photography spot.

Not far from the bridge, we also encountered several preserved train carts. Naturally, this became another opportunity for photographs. Everyone took turns posing beside the vintage railway carriages, capturing memories of the outing. These preserved relics provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and are among the most iconic landmarks along the Rail Corridor.

As we continued towards Beauty World, the trail remained scenic and peaceful. Birds could occasionally be heard among the trees, while joggers, cyclists, and fellow hikers shared the path. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.

After completing the approximately 6-kilometre walk, we arrived at Beauty World Food Centre feeling pleasantly tired and ready for a rewarding meal. The food centre offered numerous choices, making it the perfect destination to end our morning adventure.

Looking back, the walk from Buona Vista MRT to Beauty World was a wonderful combination of exercise, history, nature, and friendship. The shaded paths, historical railway landmarks, and good company made the journey both enjoyable and memorable. For anyone looking for a scenic and accessible hike in Singapore, this section of the Rail Corridor is highly recommended.

Lunch Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre @ Sembawang MRT

 Singapore - Nestled in the northern part of Singapore, Bukit Canberra is more than just a sports and community hub. It is a thoughtfully designed 12-hectare integrated development that combines history, recreation, nature, dining, and community activities into one vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

The name "Bukit Canberra" reflects both the area's natural landscape and historical heritage. "Bukit" is the Malay word for hill, referencing the undulating terrain upon which the development sits. The name "Canberra" has deep roots in the history of Sembawang and dates back to Singapore's colonial era. Canberra Road was named in 1937 after the H.M.A.S. Canberra, a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that visited Singapore. The nearby Former Admiralty House, located atop the hill, was once the residence of senior British naval officers and was originally known as Canberra House due to its proximity to Canberra Road.

One of the highlights is the Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, which has quickly become a favourite dining destination in the north. The spacious and well-ventilated hawker centre offers a wide variety of local favourites ranging from nasi lemak and Hokkien mee to international cuisines and desserts. With its clean surroundings and ample seating, it provides a comfortable dining experience for families, fitness enthusiasts, and visitors exploring the area.

For nature lovers, Bukit Canberra also offers beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and green spaces that provide a refreshing escape from the urban environment. The elevated location offers pleasant views and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for morning walks, exercise, or simply relaxing with friends.

I found myself looking for a place to have lunch. While browsing through the food options available, I came across Pangkor Island Nasi Lemak, a hawker stall that had received quite a number of positive online reviews. Curious to find out what the buzz was about, I decided to give it a try.

The menu offered a variety of nasi lemak and Nyonya-inspired dishes. I was initially attracted to the Nyonya Curry Chicken Turmeric Rice. Unfortunately, I was informed that the turmeric rice was unavailable that day. The staff kindly offered to substitute it with blue pea rice instead, which I accepted without hesitation.

Given the price point, I had expected a reasonably high-quality meal. The presentation looked attractive enough when it arrived, with the vibrant blue rice providing a nice visual contrast against the curry chicken. However, the eating experience did not quite match my expectations.

The first disappointment was the rice. It was noticeably mushy and appeared to have absorbed too much water during the cooking process. Instead of the fluffy texture I was hoping for, the rice lacked definition and felt overly soft. While the curry itself was reasonably flavourful, the chicken pieces were less impressive. The texture suggested that the chicken had been previously frozen and then cooked, resulting in meat that lacked the tenderness and freshness I was expecting.

My dining buddy Edmund, ordered the Nasi Lemak Lemon Satay Fish Set, priced at $8.90. He was looking forward to the dish, especially since the menu description sounded promising. Unfortunately, his experience was also underwhelming. The fried fish was heavily coated in batter, to the point where there seemed to be more flour than actual fish. While the exterior was crispy, the fish itself lacked substance, leaving Edmund somewhat disappointed.

As we compared our meals, we both felt that the food was generally mediocre. Nothing was particularly bad, but neither dish stood out in a way that justified the positive reviews we had seen beforehand. The flavours were acceptable, and the portions were decent, but there was little that would motivate us to make a return visit specifically for these dishes.

I also ordered rojak from a neighbouring stall and it tasted good.

Then ordered soya bean from a drink stall.

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.