Singapore - Christmas has always been a season that feels warmer because of the people around us, even when the weather (and the air-conditioning) says otherwise. This year, my Christmas lunches became little pockets of joy scattered across busy weekdays and familiar places, each meal shaped by good food and even better company.
One of the highlights was lunch with Lesley at San Ren Xing Restaurant in Bedok Mall. It was one of those meals where conversation flows easily, and the dishes arrive one after another, inviting you to slow down and savour the moment.
We shared the Bao Gong pork ribs, tender and flavourful, carrying that comforting, homestyle richness that makes you feel instantly at ease.
Another standout was the spinach in supreme stock, enriched with three types of eggs. The dish was deceptively simple, yet deeply satisfying, with the eggs adding layers of texture and depth to the light, nourishing broth. We also enjoyed chives pork dumplings, juicy and fragrant, the kind that reminds you why classic combinations never go out of style. It was a relaxed lunch, the perfect pause amid a busy festive season.
Later in the week, I caught up with Edmund and Willy at Seorae Jib, a Korean restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and generous sides.
True to form, the meal came with a free serving of four types of kimchi, fresh lettuce, and water. There’s something communal about Korean dining that makes it ideal for catching up with friends. As we talked, laughed, and shared stories, the side dishes kept coming, grounding the meal in warmth and familiarity. It wasn’t just about the food, but about being present with friends who make time together feel effortless.
Christmas, after all, is about joy and friendship, and that theme continued yesterday at Clarke Quay. I met Joseph at one of the finest supermarkets there, where we decided on teppanyaki for lunch.
The setting was quieter, almost calming, a contrast to the usual festive rush. The air-conditioning was cold, but the food and conversation balanced it perfectly. The teppanyaki in a bento was prepared and we shared that meal with beers; added a simple pleasure to the meal.
Looking back, these Christmas lunches weren’t extravagant or overly planned, but that’s what made them special. They were moments carved out of ordinary days, filled with laughter, good food, and genuine connection.
In the end, Christmas isn’t just about the date on the calendar, but about choosing to share time, stories, and meals with the people who matter most.
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