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.

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.