A retiree’s bar in Seoul where it’s always happy hour

The husband and I pottered off to Seoul a few months ago, ostensibly for him to attend a dental conference. But we made some time to explore this sprawling city and discover its fascinating culture. We visited some must-do's including the demilitarised zone (DTZ) where we walked into the seemingly endless tunnels built by the … Continue reading A retiree’s bar in Seoul where it’s always happy hour

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Do Not Step on the Cirrus Clouds

I used to jog along East Coast beach every Sunday morning. I saw this scene on one of those days. An artist had installed this amazing piece along the beach, pointing to the open skies. It is also very near Changi where our airport is, and the planes fly over these skies frequently just after … Continue reading Do Not Step on the Cirrus Clouds

The Saturday Kitchen – Chwee Kueh for Breakfast

When I was a little kid, I used to follow my mum to the wet market on Sunday mornings. Being a chubby, greedy child, there was one thing that motivated me to accompany her to the hot, stuffy market with her--the chwee kueh stall. Growing up, we ate this traditional Chinese snack only on Sundays … Continue reading The Saturday Kitchen – Chwee Kueh for Breakfast

Ha Noi Pearl—One Fabulous Little Hotel in Hanoi

We had made a quick weekend trip to Hanoi for a much needed break. It was going to be an easy, laid-back excursion to explore the city’s food and historical sites. As with all our travels, the choice of hotel was important as where we stayed was integral to the holiday experience. It was something … Continue reading Ha Noi Pearl—One Fabulous Little Hotel in Hanoi

A Walking Tour of Hanoi’s Fabulous Street Food

The chaos of Hanoi’s streets is fascinating. Festooned overhead are vast tangles of electric cables that hang like massive, high voltage beehives, teasing you with the prospect of a sudden unexpected jolt should they decide to fall. And there’s nothing more invigorating than crossing its scooter-laden streets. Walk at a steady pace and watch the … Continue reading A Walking Tour of Hanoi’s Fabulous Street Food

The Saturday Kitchen – A Recipe for Decluttering the Vegetable Compartment

I've decided to be a little stricter with myself and the vegetable compartment of my fridge lately. I sometimes find the vegetable drawer left with bits and pieces that are threatening to expire on me. Half a capsicum here, and slice of butternut squash there, some cauliflower I have almost forgotten about. It's a mish-mash … Continue reading The Saturday Kitchen – A Recipe for Decluttering the Vegetable Compartment

Hanoi’s Coffee Culture

If there's a city with a proud cafe culture, it is Hanoi. The locals are immensely proud of their local coffee, and sip it all day in their inimitable style. I wish we in Singapore were as proud of our local coffee as they are. In nooks and crannies, tucked deep inside narrow 'tube houses' … Continue reading Hanoi’s Coffee Culture

The Saturday Kitchen – Spicy Turmeric Prawns in Coconut Milk

The cuisines of Southeast Asia are the flavours of the sun. Like the bright colours of the tropics, and the heady vibes of the cultures here, there is nothing subtle about the food of Southeast Asia. Bold, spicy, rich, they are meant to be eaten with steamed rice, our staple which also serves as a … Continue reading The Saturday Kitchen – Spicy Turmeric Prawns in Coconut Milk

The Saturday Kitchen – Sweet Potato Ubi Talam

It has been an eventful week. Singapore just celebrated its 53rd National Day on 9 August, which also happens to be the anniversary of the Nagasaki bomb, which quickly brought WWII to an end in Asia.  From the perspective of a hobby cook & history nerd, this brings to mind sweet potatoes. "Why leh?" you … Continue reading The Saturday Kitchen – Sweet Potato Ubi Talam