A Midday Walk to Meet Elton — and a Taste of Toa Payoh’s Famous Salted Duck Rice

 Singapore - After wrapping up my morning Zoom call, I decided to stretch my legs and make the most of the day’s sunshine with a walk to meet Elton for lunch. I laced up my jogging shoes, put on my trusty baseball cap, and set off from Serangoon MRT toward our meeting point at Blk 20, Lorong 7 Toa Payoh — a familiar place where I usually park when visiting the Toa Payoh Polyclinic. That block is more than just a landmark; it’s surrounded by an abundance of good food and nostalgic charm.

I started my walk around 11 a.m., and the plan was to reach by noon. The route was roughly 4.7 km; a moderate stroll through neighbourhoods that still retain traces of Singapore’s old-world beauty. The sun was already high and strong, but the breeze along certain stretches kept the walk pleasant. I headed through Bidadari, then continued on toward Potong Pasir, where I joined the park connector. The path was scenic, lined with blooming flowers that added splashes of colour against the green, and at one point, I spotted a proud cockerel strutting among a small brood of hens — a rare sight in the heartlands.

Crossing the CTE bridge marked the final leg of the journey, and before long, the familiar flats of Toa Payoh came into view. I reached Blk 20 at 11:50 a.m., right on time, with a bit of sweat on my brow but a sense of satisfaction from completing the walk. 

Elton arrived shortly after in his yellow Honda Jazz, cheerful as always. He suggested we drive to Blk 168 Toa Payoh for lunch — specifically to try the famous Benson Salted Duck Rice, a stall that has made quite a name for itself among local food lovers.

For those unfamiliar, Benson Salted Duck Rice is something of a hidden gem. The stall, helmed by the friendly and passionate Benson himself, has been serving up a uniquely comforting dish that stands out from the usual roast duck or braised duck rice found across Singapore. Instead of the heavier, soy-based flavours of traditional duck rice, Benson’s version features poached salted duck — tender, juicy slices of meat infused with just the right amount of salt, allowing the duck’s natural sweetness to shine.

Accompanied by a bowl of warm, aromatic rice and a light herbal soup, the meal feels homely yet refined. The salt brine used to marinate the duck gives it a subtle umami depth, while the freshness of the meat speaks to Benson’s careful preparation. According to food blogs and reviews, Benson’s recipe draws inspiration from Hokkien-style cooking, with the goal of offering a healthier and more balanced take on a classic hawker dish.

As Elton and I tucked into our plates, it was clear why this hawker stall has earned such loyal fans. Every bite of the salted duck was tender and flavourful without being overly greasy, and the combination with rice and chili sauce was simply satisfying. The place was bustling with lunchtime crowds; always a good sign and yet service remained quick and friendly.

Our lunch at Benson Salted Duck Rice was more than just a meal; it was a reminder of how Singapore’s culinary landscape continues to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. A simple walk from Serangoon to Toa Payoh had turned into a small adventure with one filled with good company, great food, and the familiar rhythm of the heartlands.

By the time I headed back, the sun had mellowed a little, and I couldn’t help but think that this might just become one of my favourite lunchtime routines. A morning walk that ends with a taste of heritage and friendship at Toa Payoh.

Walk to Coney Island and Makan

 Singapore - Today, a small group of friends and I decided to do something simple yet refreshing, an evening walk from Punggol MRT to Coney Island’s West Gate. It wasn’t a grand adventure by any means, but sometimes, the best moments come from the simplest plans. The sun was already dipping low when we started out, casting that soft golden light that makes everything look just a little more beautiful.  We met at Waterway Point Mall and it was a nice walk to Coney Island.

The walk from Waterway Point Mall to Coney Island took us about 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Along the way, we passed the familiar sights of the Punggol Waterway, the calm reflections on the canal, and families cycling or jogging past. The air carried a hint of salt from the nearby sea, mingled with the scent of wild grass and the quiet chatter of people ending their day outdoors. It reminded us of how much Singapore still offers in terms of nature; even amidst urban surroundings, there’s a pocket of calm waiting to be discovered.

When we finally reached the Coney Island West Gate, the rustic wooden sign and surrounding greenery welcomed us like an invitation to slow down. The path ahead stretched invitingly, shaded by tall casuarina trees swaying lightly in the evening breeze. We had hoped to make it all the way to the East Gate, but the gates closed at 7pm sharp. With the sky beginning to darken, we decided not to rush — instead, we took our time capturing the beauty around us.

Botanical Gardens walk with Dan and Edmund

Singapore - Just as the sun began to soften and the air turned cooler around 6 p.m., I met Edmund and Dan Hakimi for a leisurely walk through the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The park, as always, was alive with gentle chatter, the rustle of trees, and the steady rhythm of joggers tracing their usual paths. It was one of those evenings that seemed made for good company and easy conversation.

As we strolled along, Edmund turned the walk into a small journey through time. Pointing at various old buildings nestled among the greenery, he shared stories of his days studying at NIE (National Institute of Education) when it was still located within the Botanic Gardens. His stories added a nostalgic touch to the evening; it was fascinating to hear the Gardens described not just as a park but as a living classroom that had shaped part of his early career.

Halfway through our walk, Edmund suggested a quick detour. He led us to a familiar spot where he build his biceps. Without hesitation, he jumped up and began his chin-ups, counting steadily as Dan and I cheered him on. True to form, Edmund breezed past 20 repetitions, barely breaking a sweat. We laughed, joking that he was making the rest of us look bad, but it was impressive all the same. The moment added a playful energy to what was otherwise a calm, reflective evening.

From there, we continued towards our dinner destination, Westlake Restaurant. Westlake Restaurant is special for its nostalgic, old-school Chinese "zhi char" (stir-fried) food, which has been prepared with consistent quality since it opened in 1974. Its most famous dish is the Kong Bak Bao, a tender braised pork belly served in fluffy buns.

It was bustling with families and groups unwinding after work. The aroma of sizzling dishes filled the air, mingling with the sound of clinking chopsticks and lively chatter. It was one of those classic Singapore eateries that seem to hold decades of memories within their walls.

Our food choices were, admittedly, a little constrained with Edmund being vegetarian, and Dan has a seafood allergy; so we had to skip many of the house specialties. Still, the meal turned out to be more about the conversation than the cuisine. We shared stories about work, travel, and random bits of life, punctuated with laughter and teasing. It’s remarkable how simple moments like this—an evening walk, a nostalgic story, a shared meal—can feel both grounding and joyful.