Bendemeer Market and Food Centre @ Boon Keng MRT

 Singapore - A midday food hunt brought me to the ever-busy Bendemeer Market & Food Centre, located at Blk 29 Bendemeer Road, just a short walk from Boon Keng MRT Station. Known for its authentic hawker fare and steady stream of regulars, this spot has long been a favourite among locals. 

Blk 27

With two rows of food stalls spread across Blk 27 and Blk 29, the area offers a wide variety of choices, making it an ideal destination for a satisfying and affordable lunch.

I started my food trail at Blk 27, where the buzz was already noticeable even before the lunch crowd peaked. One stall in particular caught my attention—Ann Chin Handmade Popiah. 

This humble yet popular stall gained recognition in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Their handmade popiah was packed with flavour, from the fresh vegetables to the well-balanced fillings. What truly stood out, however, was the signature housemade crispy bits that added a delightful crunch to every bite. The contrast of textures made it incredibly satisfying, and it set a high bar for the rest of my lunch adventure.

After that delicious start, I made my way over to Blk 29 to explore more options. Feeling curious, I decided to try the One Ton Mee, a variation of the classic wanton mee. Unfortunately, this dish didn’t quite meet expectations. The noodles used were thicker, more like koko mee and resulting in a soggy texture that lacked the springiness typically associated with good wanton noodles. Despite requesting for less chilli, the dish turned out much spicier than expected, overpowering the overall taste. It was a reminder that even in a place filled with great food, not every dish will hit the mark.

in need of relief from the lingering heat, I quickly ordered a cold soya bean drink for just $1.20. The refreshing, lightly sweet beverage was exactly what I needed to cool down. Simple yet effective, it brought immediate comfort and balanced out the spice from the previous dish.

Still feeling peckish, I couldn’t resist trying the min jiang kueh from AA Pancake. I ordered the $1.20 peanut filling min jiang kueh. While the filling was decent, the dough itself lacked the fragrance and softness that usually define a good pancake. It was slightly underwhelming, especially compared to the earlier popiah. Nevertheless, it was still part of the overall experience—exploring both the hits and misses of a hawker centre.

Determined to end the meal on a high note, I joined the long queue at Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle. The line was impressively long, a clear indication of the stall’s popularity and reputation. As I waited, I watched plates of glossy soy sauce chicken being served, which only heightened my anticipation.

When it was finally my turn, I ordered the $4 soy sauce chicken rice and it did not disappoint. The chicken was tender, juicy, and richly flavoured with a savoury soy-based marinade. Each bite was satisfying, with the meat practically melting in the mouth. The rice, equally important in such a dish, was fragrant and well-seasoned, complementing the chicken perfectly. It was a comforting and fulfilling dish that more than made up for the earlier disappointment. 

Sitting there and enjoying the meal, I took a moment to appreciate what makes places like Bendemeer Market & Food Centre so special. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the variety, the authenticity, and the sense of community. You see people from all walks of life sharing the same space, united by their love for good, affordable food.

After finishing my meal, feeling both full and content, I made my way back to Boon Keng MRT Station and took the train home. It was a simple yet memorable lunch outing; one that had its highs and lows, but ultimately delivered a satisfying experience.

Bendemeer may not be the most famous food destination in Singapore, but it certainly holds its own with a mix of hidden gems and well-loved favourites. From the Michelin-recognised popiah to the ever-popular soy sauce chicken rice, it’s a place worth revisiting for anyone who enjoys exploring local flavours.

Ling's Patisserie @ Potong Pasir

Singapore - My morning walk from Serangoon Central to Bishan was a refreshing way to start the day. The peaceful streets and cool morning air made the journey enjoyable, especially with fewer crowds around. 

Along the way, I stopped at Ling’s Patisserie at Potong Pasir, a quaint café with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Founded by Chef Ivy Ling, the patisserie has grown from humble beginnings as a home baking business into a spacious café loved by locals. I enjoyed their toasted sourdough slice with scrambled eggs for $8.50, paired with a smooth cappuccino at $5. It was a simple yet satisfying breakfast during a pleasant morning walk.

Sourdough slice with scrambled eggs

Cuppacino

A Sunny Labrador walk with friends

Singapore - My 5pm walk with friends at Labrador Nature Reserve was a refreshing escape from the busy city. The late afternoon atmosphere was lively, with many people enjoying the outdoors despite the hot and humid weather. The skies were clear, giving us beautiful views of the southern coastline as we strolled along the waterfront paths.

One of the highlights of the walk was passing by Labrador Jetty, a popular gathering place for fishing enthusiasts. There were many people lined along the jetty, patiently waiting for a catch while enjoying the sea breeze. 

The jetty also offered stunning views of the southern sea, making it a peaceful place to pause and appreciate the scenery. Watching the fishing lines cast into the water while ships moved quietly in the distance added a calm and relaxing mood to the evening.

As we continued walking toward the other side of the park, we came across the symbolic replica of Dragon's Teeth Gate. This historical landmark represents what was once a natural granite outcrop known as “Long Ya Men,” which served as a navigational marker at the entrance of Keppel Harbour. The original formation was destroyed in 1848 to widen the shipping channel, but the replica now stands as a reminder of Singapore’s maritime history and the voyages of Admiral Zheng He.

Just beyond the monument stood the striking Red Beacon. This red steel structure once guided ships by marking the shortest route between Sentosa and mainland Singapore. Seeing these historical landmarks during our walk made the experience feel more meaningful, blending nature, friendship, and history into a memorable evening outing. 

Peacock

Squirrel

Heron

Then we went to ARC for our dinner..

Day 3: Sate lunch and Chinatown

 Semarang - After Candi Gedong Songo, we went for lunch.  Sometimes the best food experiences come from local recommendations. My driver confidently told me he knew the best satay in all of Indonesia and brought me to Sate Sapi Pak Kempleng. With such a bold claim, my expectations were naturally high.

Without hesitation, he ordered 10 sticks of beef satay for each of us, along with lontong; rice cakes wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. The setting was simple and local, giving it an authentic, no-frills dining atmosphere.

Lontong

When the satay arrived, it looked promising, freshly grilled with a nice char. However, upon tasting, the beef was not as tender as I had expected. It had a slightly tougher texture, which was a bit surprising given its reputation.

Peanut sauce

That said, what truly stood out was the peanut sauce. Served generously in a bowl, I poured it over my lontong, allowing the rice cakes to soak up the rich, nutty flavours. The sauce was thick, fragrant, and incredibly tasty and is easily the highlight of the meal.

While the satay itself may not have fully lived up to the hype, the overall experience was still enjoyable, especially thanks to the delicious peanut sauce and the local charm of the place.

Next, the driver brought me to Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong.  A Buddhist temple in Semarang one of the tallest Pagoda in Indonesia.

I asked my driver to find some semarang durians and I bought one durian for Rp100,000 and tasted like kampung durian slightly sweet, thin skin but many seeds.  I had my filled and my driver drove me back to my hotel.

At 6pm, my driver picked me up again to go to Chinatown for the the Pasar Semawis.  This is Semarang popular weekend night market claimed to offer a vast selection of local Semarang food, traditional Javanese dishes, and Chinese-influenced delicacies, ranging from halal to non-halal (such as pork dishes).  But it was so quiet with few stalls opened that I decided to go elsewhere for dinner.

Citraland Mall @ Simpang Lima is a modern mall and I had dinner at Tong Tji.  This is an Indonesian tea chain that diverisify into food and restaurant business.  I had the sate ayam and gado-gado.  The sate ayam was tender and savoury.  The gado-gado had corn mixed with the vegetables to give a sweet taste add with the belingo crackers; it was a satisfying meal.  

sate ayam

gado gado

Day 3: A Scenic Journey to Candi Gedong Songo

Semarang - About a two-hour drive from Semarang, my visit to Candi Gedong Songo was one of the most refreshing and scenic experiences of the trip. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Ungaran, this ancient temple complex offers not just history, but breathtaking views and cool mountain air and a welcome escape from the humidity of the city.

Candi Gedong Songo, which translates to “Nine Buildings,” is a collection of Hindu temples believed to have been built during the 8th–9th century, during the Mataram Kingdom. These temples are spread across the hillside, reflecting the architectural style and religious practices of early Javanese civilisation. Today, only five main temple groups remain accessible, but each one tells a story of Indonesia’s rich past.

The entrance fee was Rp75,000, and the journey began at Gedong I, the first temple complex. Sitting at an altitude of 1,208 metres above sea level, it is the easiest to reach and one of the most visited spots. Before entering, I paid a small fee of Rp3,000 to rent a cloth as a sign of respect. The temple itself is modest yet atmospheric, with misty mountain views adding to its charm.

From Gedong I, I continued the trek upward towards Gedong II. The path winds through lush greenery and offers stunning panoramic views at every turn. It’s a relatively gentle hike, but the elevation makes it feel more adventurous. Along the way, I passed locals offering horse rides; it's an alternative for those who prefer not to walk.

As one of the five restored sites (Gedong I-V), Temple II is part of the oldest Hindu structures in Java, predating Borobudur and Prambanan.

Gedong III - Gedong Songo III dates to the 8th century, with many suggesting 730-800 as the most likely date.  

my driver

One of the most interesting stops was the natural hot springs located between Gedong III and IV. Rich in sulfur, the springs have a strong, distinctive smell; somewhat like boiled eggs but they are known for their therapeutic properties. Seeing the steam rise against the cool mountain air created a surreal and almost mystical atmosphere.

hot spring swimming pool

very hot water

The highlight of the visit was reaching Gedong IV located even higher up at around 1,300 metres above sea level. These temple complexes are larger and more expansive compared to the earlier ones. At Gedong IV, there is one main temple surrounded by more than ten smaller ruins, along with another temple located about 100 metres away. The area opens into a wide field surrounded by pine forests, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the entire complex.

Gedong V - the last temple at the highest elevation of Candi Gedong Songo.

From here, the view of Mount Ungaran in the background is simply stunning. It’s no surprise that this area is popular for photography and even horseback riding. The combination of ancient ruins, open landscapes, and mountain scenery creates a truly unforgettable experience.