Entree Kibbles

Bintan Cabana Beach Resort Review @ Bintan Island, Indonesia

2012-01-30T23:36:00.000+08:00

Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much when i booked for a 2 days 1 night stay at Bintan Cabana beach resort in Bintan island via Groupon.sg.

But I badly needed a holiday after the stressful period at work and the deal of S$190 for two persons (includes ferry, accomodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner) proved to be too irresistible!

Anyway, it's always good to visit a new place (can blog mah) and although i have been to Batam Island countless times, this visit made it only my second time to Bintan.

The layout of the resort works in a weird way where a main road divides the resort into two areas. This imposing structure is the entrance to where i stay whereas the main entry point of the resort is disappointingly dowdy.

Most room types are classified under the villa or chalet category.

My coupon only provisioned for a pathetic clubhouse accommodation that is the furthest from the main road! In case you are under the impression that it is fifteen minutes by foot, i would like to clarify that a leisurely walk to the entrance took me three to five minutes.

Room was cozy enough for me. Note the words "for me" as i am not known to be very picky with overseas accommodation.

I would be fine so long it has a clean bed, a private shower and a working television. Oh yes, it must be fully air-conditioned; evidence of a true blue Singaporean!

Open concept reception, lobby and restaurant - all located in one place.

The plain yet main building housing the lobby, restaurants and reception. As you can see from the picture, there are more rooms available on the second floor.

However, you would not regret the spectacular scenery from the restaurant that borders the sea!

This panoramic view is worth the one hour drive from the ferry terminal. Many patrons would just pull a chair, order a drink, enjoy the scenery and take in the gentle sea breeze.

When asked on the differences between Bintan and Batam (since they are next to each other), the answers from many are straightforward; Batam for shopping and Bintan for beaches.

I totally agree!

At least from what i experienced in Bintan Cabana! The beach was spotlessly clean, the weather was fabulous and walking under such conditions is plain mental relaxation.

I should have brought along a Lesley Pearse book and read it under this small, wooden gazebo facing the sea!

The rocky terrain nearby is a beautiful photography spot and you see a lot more beachgoers in that area than anywhere else.

Even timid Alex took the challenge to climb up this sloping rock that is accessible using a secret passageway!

If he can do it, so can i (how could i bloody lose to the scaredy cat)!!! I was caught by surprise as there lies a small yet nostalgic fishing village (in the background) so well hidden by the rocks!

In this resort, there is a chance for you to walk far out into the sea. Just wait for the low tide when the seabed is exposed for at least a few hundred meters!

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Shuttle service to town is available at a nominal fee of S$10 for adults and if you prefer to travel on your own, you can also rent a car or motorbike. There is also a free shuttle to its partner resort - Bintan Agro Beach Resort which has more facilities and allows exciting sea sports activities.

Room rates and contact details for Bintan Cabana if you prefer to buy direct.

Personally, i am already looking forward to my next visit of relaxation and fireworks.

Play Fireworks in nearby Bintan Island - Something You Can Never Do in Singapore

2012-01-29T14:34:00.000+08:00

Coming from a country where fireworks are off-limits to general public unless with a permit from the relevant authority, the above rack display in a mini-mart of a beach resort in Bintan (Indonesia) attracted my curiousity instantaneously!

Since it is the period of celebration (being Chinese New Year) and Alex had never played with fireworks, we decided to purchase and try out two types of fireworks at night; Pluto (at 200,000 rupiah or S$28) and ThunderClap (at 250,000 rupiah or S$35).

It's obvious from the clear plastic packaging that Pluto has four rockets. For ThunderClap, it was indicated as 20 pcs on the box but it would be more accurate to say 20 packs as each pack has 3 mini rockets!

Before we began this unprecedented journey (at least for Alex since i did play with fireworks in my youth), there is one very important item required to get this going.

A pack of cigarettes that cost me S$3.

Just in case you thought i am going to smoke, i would like to assure you that it is definitely not the case! I have quitted casual smoking for ten years and have no intention to retake the smelly butt.

The purpose of the lighted cigarette butt is simple - we need it to light the fireworks. Matchsticks and lighters are of no use when you are facing the sea breeze and no one in their right mind will bring incense sticks on holidays!

This is yet another important component - stick this into the sand so that it can act as a launch pit for the rockets. You may stick the rocket in the sand (i did initially) but it may fail to take off into the sky. Safety is the key word here.

These are the minor injuries i got as 'presents' from playing fireworks that day.

Lighting these consumer fireworks is an easy chore although caution must be exercised in order not to hurt bystanders and yourself. For example, don't hold the fireworks in your hand!!!!

Step back at least one or two meters after the wick starts to sparkle.

Watch in amazement as it successfully shoots into the black, starry sky! Oops, i spotted a safety issue here; don't place those new, unused fireworks so near to the launching pad!

The burst from these consumer fireworks was definitely not comparable to those we catch on television but the exhilaration of firing them yourself is confirmed to be more fulfilling. And exciting!

Even scaredy-cat Alex gave it a few tries! And no doubt, he counts this part of the overseas trip as his most memorable.

This was me launching the ThunderClap which was named due to the irritating loud noise and bright spark emitted at the end. It was cheaper although not as fun and as beautiful as Pluto.

For a more entertaining experience, buy the 'wonderful' at an estimated cost of almost S$60! Only a one-time action is necessary; lighting it.

49 shots would follow shortly, each with a different effect that would mesmerise any young kid. I would strongly recommend this for families with younger children.

Chop Hean Kuan Dim Sum (点心包饺) @ People's Park Hawker Centre

2012-01-28T23:52:00.004+08:00

Despite having a main meal, our dear Alex wanted something small as a snack; for those who don't know him well, snacking is one of Alex's favourite activities!

He didn't need to search far as there is a dim sum stall just a few tables away from where we sat. Anyway, he started raving non-stop about the seafood dumpling he bought that it gave me no choice but to take a tiny bite.

Let's put it this way - it was awesome enough for me to take a special trip down to Chinatown six days later just to have the seafood dumpling and try the others items the stall have for sale.

Seafood Dumpling

(海鲜饺)

The generous filling was peppered with bits of crab sticks that tasted extremely sweet - as in sweet freshness of seafood. Add in the thin crust that cackled with every bite and i guess you don't need much imagination why i enjoyed it so much!

Chives Dumpling

(韭菜饺)

Although a notch lower than the steamed ones from Ho Kee Pau, this is still no weakling. Filled with juicy minced pork and a lower proportion of chives, this would likely attract customers who detest too much chives in their food or simply love fried products.

Lo Mai Kai

(糯米鸡)

I know - it does look like dog food, specifically from the popular (and expensive) caesar brand. Thankfully, this was for human consumption as i would not have minded a second helping!

The essence of chicken had seeped into the glutinous rice, resulting in a full flavour experience not commonly seen in many places while the chicken meat was minced and molded into a patty that was tender to the bite without tasting overly sweet.

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Location

People's Park Complex Food Centre,

Block 32, #01-1018, New Market Road

(Exit C from Chinatown MRT Station)

Price

Seafood Dumpling - S$0.80

Chives Dumpling - S$0.80

Lo Mai Kai - S$1.80

Sentosa Flowers 2012 (圣淘沙春节花会2012) - Enchanted Spring in The Dragon Year

2012-01-26T23:59:00.005+08:00

This is my annual pilgrimage every Chinese New Year! And this time, i specially brought my dad along since he is an avid flower lover and has never been to Sentosa Flowers.

Unlike in the past, the point of entry i took this year was via the cable car station. It's not hard to find the venue for Sentosa Flowers 2012 - besides the clear directional signs, there were so many people embarking on the same route as us!

Bundles of heart shaped rose bouquets hanging from the top signal the start of the theme "Sweet Love".

Couples were scrambling to take pictures in front of these supposedly love tunnels. Unfortunately, it would have looked weird to ask someone to take a photograph for my dad and myself.

It's okay; we prefer to look at brightly coloured flowers adorning the area anyway.

And i have always enjoyed taking pictures of others, especially if they are unaware of my presence! Having said that, i am no peeping tom and take no enjoyment in doing such cheap and illegal thrills!

Flower columns flanking "The Dance of The Dragon".

You would have expected something really majestic and spectacular underneath this red tent.

Frankly, i would have been more impressed if this is made of flora or at least decorated with them. This exhibit would have looked more appropriate along siloso beach.

"Tea Journey" was actually quite a good walk where the history of tea was simply explained.

There was even a small area designed to look like a tea plantation!

I heard from the radio station this morning that Sentosa Flowers 2012 has over 100,000 flowers covering 800 different species.

Beds of flowers like the above were common and if not for the crowds, i would have gladly laid down amidst the scented flowers and napped under the hot sun.

Given the tropical temperature we have in Singapore, some species, like peach blossoms, are specially imported only to last for the duration of the flora festival.

Others, like the above, are commonly found in Singapore and used typically for Chinese prayers.

"Dinoland" - not hard to know why this is necessary! Have you ever wondered why the Westerners view dragons as evil, greedy creatures whereas Chinese sees them as auspicious animals?

I like this! Period.

Thanks to television shows, i have always linked sunflowers to cheerfulness, which is one lovely attribute that should have been inbuilt to everyone's personality.

View of the towering Papa Merlion.

Tulips! I think they are real this time. Tulips were imported last year for the same event but unfortunately, all of them wilted on the fourth day.

"Spring Melodies" - hm............. it would be nice to have someone playing traditional Chinese instruments in addition to these Western musical symbols. Damn, i am such a traditionalist!

Dragon fruits artificially held by plastic strips. For me, it's quite an eyesore in spite of the efforts and should be removed. The fruits looked delicious though.

Did I mention my dad loves flowers??

My first impression when i saw this gigantic floral dragon - fungal infection with a feverish hot body and freezing cold paws! Nonetheless, it does look pretty cuddly and drew a really long queue for visitors who could not wait to take a picture with it.

Crowd on the second day of Chinese New Year! Cavin hates crowds and would have taken leave on a weekday if not for the lack of time.... :(

The area surrounding the waterfall was boring this year. Themed as "Dragonflies", it is as it is without any visible floral reference.

This is my usual starting point from Beach monorail station. For first time visitors, i would recommend you start from here as the flow to view each exhibit is smoother.

Maybe due to its proximity to the nearby beaches, this stretch is named "Sea World".

It has styrofoam corals, sea animals like clownfish and crabs adorned with flowers and even bubbles signifying air bubbles under the sea!

To control the human traffic, this stairway up to the main venue only allowed a one-way traffic. This is a fabulous move as i remember how tempers flew in the past when people stopped to take photographs every few meters!

Honestly, the zodiac sign of Dragon is not explored to its full capacity this year and i was kind of disappointed with the number of dragon exhibits using flowers. Such flower fairies would likely only attract children and are too common a feature in gardens.

However, i also wish to state that i understand it is challenging for the organisers and we all know life is never perfect and you can never please everyone.

This is a permanent water feature. And i don't understand why visitors love to touch its spit. If they wish to gain some dragon luck, they should consider opening their mouth and take in the spit at its full force! Haha.

The "Tree of Life" is yet again another permanent exhibit where visitors can write down their new year wishes and hang the charms on the branches.

Each colour has its own representation which is a money making strategy! At S$2 each (i think), I would likely buy all since i would wish for prosperity, wisdom, wealth, love and family in the new year!

Awaken the dragon in the portrait by using the huge-ass brush to light its eyes. Due to its "photographic" value, the queue to take a picture was easily fifty meters long.

The misty walk with orchids. Apart from the fact that orchid [specifically Vanda Miss Joaquim] is the national flower of Singapore, many Singaporeans do not seem to have any affinity with this species.

Dragon Gate - during the imperial times, it's a big deal to pass through the dragon gate as doing so signifies great power and prosperity for the future.

Taken at Resort World Sentosa. This huge revolving structure makes it difficult to take a close-up picture with my dad in it although on its own, it maintains a majestic presence in the sky.

Beautiful dragon near the casino's entrance. Bet there are some fengshui implications for its strategic placement.

Flower mascots were available for visitors to take pictures and i can just imagine how suffering it is to walk in stilts and wear thick, uncomfortable clothing under the hot sun!

By the way, don't assume all the mascots are female. This is a male for goodness sake!

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Location

Sentosa Island

Duration

Till 29 January 2012

Opening Hours

10am to 10pm

Map

As above

Additional Information

My post on Sentosa Flowers 2011 can be read via HERE

My post on Sentosa Flowers 2010 can be read via HERE

My post on Sentosa Flowers 2009 can be read via HERE

Jovyn's First Lunar New Year

2012-01-24T23:28:00.000+08:00

Our dear bulldog cheeks baby is celebrating her first lunar year and besides dressing nicely for this culturally important occasion, she is also expected to visit a lot of relatives to showcase her progress!

The first thing she did in my house upon arrival was to take a big dump! In order to protect her purity, we have taken steps to ensure the modesty. Jovyn wasn't sold as you can see from her pissed off face.

Nonetheless, she was still pretty excited about the dragon year! And was freaking adorable in the outfit she wore to my uncle's place for a big gathering!

What i didn't expect though was her affection for the red packets.

Best Day to Start Work in The Dragon Year - Zodiac Sign

2012-01-24T00:01:00.002+08:00

Most Chinese are superstitious and even if something has no scientific basis, we have to give it the benefit of doubt - the phrase "just in case" is always a valid excuse.

This table has been circulated via email for the past few weeks and from what i understand, there are people who stay faithful to its recommendation on when to start work in order to have a fantastic year.

For example, today is a public holiday (being the first day of the Dragon Lunar Year) but some office personnel purposely went back office to switch on the computer and reply a few emails to justify their start of work!

In their mind, there is no harm in doing so.

Speaking of which, it is already Tuesday (24 January 2012); tagged as "Good" for those under the zodiac sign of Monkey. Let me log on to my mailbox.

I am working from home.

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Not sure what is your Chinese zodiac sign?

Click HERE to find out!

My Chinese New Year's Eve (龙年除夕夜) 2012 - Reunion LUNCH (团圆饭) & Night Market in Chinatown

2012-01-23T09:18:00.002+08:00

Lunar New Year's Eve is always a busy day for Chinese and i am no exception myself especially when the past few months have been so filled with work!

Nonetheless, i managed to tidy up my room before the start of the Dragon year. [psst, shall blog on the latest state of this room in due course].

There was also the very important reunion lunch! Most Chinese have reunion dinners but our family decided to have it earlier so that my sister can have her reunion dinner at her in-laws. Nothing's wrong with that since the purpose of reunion is togetherness and you can practice it even during breakfast!

To get into the festive spirit, mom and i took to the streets of Chinatown pasar malam! As expected, it was people mountain people sea (direct translation from 人山人海).

Maybe this picture is better suited to describe the Chinese idiom. In a way, i feel that the crowd is more manageable this time - i wasn't stuck in the intersections like in the past. Must be because of the incessant rain that started from late afternoon.

Although i was in the same market a week ago [look here for the post], it was during the daytime and there were some stalls that only start their operation at night. For one, i don't even remember seeing these tins of love letters for sale!

Super absorbent (according to the lady) floor mats for the new year! I don't remember seeing this either even though these solid colour mats were easily available in a lot of places.

Self-curling hair device - frankly, the organisers should allow only vendors who are selling products related to Chinese New Year (CNY) or entrepreneurs with unique wares to offer. Common floor mats?! *roll eyes*

These are quite special; fruits that resemble gourds. I have no idea what they are and am in fact, regretting not buying any to try out!

Balloon dragon dancing to the sky!

This stall selling Taiwanese mochi and festive sweets was already slashing price at around 11.30pm, attracting customers who could not resist the good deal! I could not blame them as it's better to clear these perishable festive stocks before CNY to cover the cost.

One big bag of goodies, filled to the max, cost merely S$5 (originally, it cost S$1.80 per 100 gram)! Our two bags of achievements cost only S$10 for 3.2 kilograms!

Good deals aside, i could not stand this auntie whose hand kept reaching out to grab the goodies (we counted no less than five times) even though she had already paid, filled up and received her bags! This was indeed ugly behaviour to the max! By the way, she was captured in the previous photograph. *smirks*

This stall at another street was actually quiet initially but once the vendor dropped the price from S$10 a bag to S$5 a bag, it was swarmed with customers within five seconds!

Sometimes, it is not good to wait till the last minute as well. Some products were already sold out before midnight and mom, who loves novelty peanuts, did not manage to get any.

Flowers at only S$10 for three bouquets. Since retail stalls are generally closed for the few first days of CNY, i believe the price would drop further after midnight.

Such 'roof' is necessary in case of rain.

And it did rain heavily fifteen minutes before the clock strikes twelve! As you can see, the street was almost devoid of customers - everyone was just looking for shelter to protect their purchases.

We went to the food centre where mom can rest comfortably while looking at the performances.

The cool weather required a cup of Teh-O. A handful of hawker stalls were open to cater to the drinking crowd and it was therefore not hard to find my tea.

This was where we welcomed the Dragon year! Visitors to Singapore, who always assume that Singapore is a sanitised society, would be in for a big shock here. Dirty dishes strewn all over the place, people openly gambling in the public etc etc.

One stall vendor was already done with praying when we took the street again twenty minutes past midnight. My parents heard that the best time to pray to the Jade Emperor is 5am this Dragon Year and woke up purposely at that time to pray for the family's well-being.

This was the same stall where we bought the goodies at S$10 for 3.2 kilograms; everything was cleared out!

Boxes of mochi at hugely discounted prices. S$10 for a bag and you squeeze as many as you can. On the sideline, i heard a happy customer commenting that he managed to put in fifteen boxes into the plastic bag.

Another place where you can get massive discounts - shops that sell decorative items, especially those imprinted with the Dragon zodiac. If they don't clear it, they have to wait for the next cycle which is twelve years away.

Human jam at Chinatown MRT station. Thank god the trains didn't break down or i can imagine the amount of complaint postings on facebook overtaking those with CNY greetings.

Mom did her first praying for the lunar year at this temple beside Amoy Food Centre. There was actually a reason for it - something to do with a dream. Ask her if you are intrigued.

By the way, Happy Chinese New Year!

龙年快乐!

Lobster Porridge & Chilli Crabs @ Orchid Live Seafood Beer Garden, Yishun (off Sembawang Road)

2012-01-21T23:59:00.000+08:00

There lies, hidden along a quiet road, a seafood restaurant in Yishun that many people are not aware of despite the placement of a neon signboard at the main Sembawang road.

To be honest, i was in the vicinity five years ago but didn't even give the old fashioned, run-down restaurant a second look.

The ambience was reminiscent of seafood restaurants in Singapore before the 80s when air-conditioning was an expensive luxury, lighting came from fluorescent tubes, chairs were of plastic material and the roof was merely pieces of cheap aluminum.

But reviewers on HungryGoWhere were raving on the lobster porridge from Orchid Live Seafood! Nights in Singapore during this period can be pretty chilly, especially after thunderstorms and a bowl of steaming hot porridge sounded really tempting when i was searching for seafood restaurants in Yishun!

Lobster Porridge

(龙虾粥)

Before i start, please note that only fresh lobsters are used in the preparation of this dish. And from memory, there are at least five tanks of live lobsters in the restaurant.

This is a 'verbatim" style of serving; one look and you know what you are having without any need for beautification in terms of garnishing or serving bowl.

The order for two pax had two lobsters swimming in the broth and cost S$9 per 100 grams. The truth is - I have no idea how heavy a lobster weighs.

What's more important is that the broth was so god damn delicious; it was refreshing (no doubt the help of spicy ginger) yet managed to maximise the appetising seafood essence from the lobsters.

That, unfortunately, also meant that the real lobster meat had lost much of its original flavour. Well, you can't have the best of both worlds sometimes.

It didn't take us long to clean out the whole bowl! I should have ordered for three persons!

Chilli Crab

(辣椒螃蟹)

There is a funny regulation here - even if you are eating alone, you must order a minimum of two crabs. The only exception is when you want your crabs to be steamed.

When i slurped the first spoonful, alarm bells were ringing in my head; rich tomato base with a lack of spiciness. Ten seconds later, i had to order another bottle of drink to quench the hotness!

Alex, self proclaimed to be the Chilli Crab guru who counts no signboard chilli crabs as his favourite, said these chilli crabs from Orchid Live Seafood were only a small notch below his favourite. For me, i especially liked the generous serving of eggs that went into the frying wok for the wet chilli paste.

Buns are a must when it comes to butter and chilli crabs - as i have always insisted in my blog.

For such dark colour (usually due to over frying), i really wonder how the chef managed to keep it so soft and fluffy! By the way, they were really small.... Give me the buns from Forture any time!

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Location

No 1, Bah Soon Pah Road

(Located within Green Valley Farms)

(Next to Khatib Camp)

Price

Lobster Porridge (0.6 kg) - S$54

Chilli Crabs (1.6 kg)- S$64

Buns (6s) - S$4

No GST, No Service Charge

Additional Information

For my Muslim friends who are not very particular with Halal certification, no pork and lard is served in this restaurant. Since less salt, less oil and no msg are crossed out, am i right to assume that the food here have more salt, more oil and msg?

Weird.

Driving is preferred although there is a bus stop [B57069] nearby with bus services 167, 169, 171 and 980. There is a private carpark for diners and it is free!

Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2012 - The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

It's less than a month after Christmas and with January being a typical busy period for me at work; i find it difficult to get into the festive mood of Chinese New Year (CNY), which is at the end of this week!!!

Therefore, a decision is made to travel down to Chinatown - there's nothing more appropriate than to see an area decked in celebratory gold and red and to hear the auspicious music blaring at full volume.

The theme of every Chinese New Year is easy to predict and i can confidently give a 100% accurate prediction. Hint - knowing the zodiac animal of the year!

Dragons are in control of the zodiac realm this year and out of twelve zodiac animals, most Chinese have the greatest affection for dragons.

This gigantic dragon is the main attraction in Chinatown and was designed by students of Singapore's latest government university.

It was indeed impressive given its placement in the middle of two main roads!

As far as daytime is concerned, decorations were not excessive and frankly lacked surprises except for the dragon i mentioned in the beginning.

My usual starting point to Chinatown's main shopping street - which is also commonly known as the touristy area where you might find more foreigners than locals. And here, is where i begin my pictorial post for the temporary market in Chinatown for CNY.

In the past, there weren't many brands of peanuts and the only one i recognised was this brand with a farmer slinging a hoe behind his bag. Unlike my mom, i am not a peanut person. I prefer cashew nuts!

The vibrancy of colours was unbeatable (at least within Chinatown) for this shop's facade.

Waxed products - a delicacy amongst the Cantonese and for a Hokkien like myself, i can never understand what is the big deal about waxed food.

Befitting Singapore's reputation as a food nation, sale of edible products constituted a major proportion of stalls in this temporary market.

Once again, stalls selling jellies and mochis from Taiwan attracted the most crowds although i attribute their popularity to massive dispensing of free samples.

Plush toys featuring dragons were available but a fat dragon in this case looks just like a cross between a reindeer and goat.

The golden dragon is more realistic and bears a striking resemblance to the main character of this comic book called Gon [he or she is a dinosaur].

At 2pm on a weekday, i would say that the turnout was pretty good with heavy human traffic at most intersections.

Dried persimmons! Despite its dark yet pale outlook, this is a really delicious treat although i would not encourage you to take more than four in one sitting.

Chinese couplets were spotted in quite a few spots. Although this is a cultural thing in the Chinese community, my parents have never ever displayed Chinese couplets in the house.

At S$1 a pack, these chopsticks with Chinese surnames seemed to attract buyers very frequently! I should have bought a few in preparation for the reunion dinner this Sunday for the Teo (or Zhang) family.

Boxes of mochi with numerous flavours! To be honest, i prefer muah chee from Hougang Six Miles over this imported mochis.

Some of the mochi vendors were also 'cutting' out samples to any interested parties! Given my lack of exercises for the past few weeks (thanks to my wrist), i wasn't very keen on loading up additional calories and hence, declined all "invitations".

Big dollies on top of a shop selling festive decorations for CNY. Such unusual displays do make the shopping experience slightly more exciting.

Traditional Chinese paper cuttings and couplets on sale. I went through some basic paper cutting classes in my secondary school and it was no easy feat especially for butterfingers like me! The hands must be insanely nimble in order to cut out these elaborate designs.

The sun was merciless in showing his full prowess and i eventually decided on these honey mandarin oranges, which cost us S$2 a bag, to quench the thirst. In case you are wondering, they were slightly sour.

Iconic people's park complex in the background. Direct translation from Chinese should be pearl's square but in Singapore, it's normal to have a English translation that has no relation whatsoever to the original title.

Business was roaring as evidenced in this picture. There's actually a strategy to get really cheap buys; wait till the last second of the eve of Chinese New Year.

Once the clock strikes midnight, vendors of perishable products would try to clear all their festive stocks at dirt cheap prices. For example, a big bag of Taiwanese jellies may cost lesser than S$10!

Free engraving on supposedly lucky stones that were priced too expensive in my opinion!

Tablecloths with Southeast Asian inspired designs. Older generation Chinese may not like them due to the dull colours - to celebrate CNY, bright colours signifying prosperity, fortune and happiness are always preferred.

To quote an example, my dad absolutely loves stuff like the above and it is his hobby to decorate the living room with them whenever CNY approaches.

Taiwanese goodies have gained popularity since they entered the market a few years ago. However, given Singaporeans taste for new, novelty products, i wonder if it would be the same situation in another few more years.

Samplings could be really helpful in the decision making process.

Another icon in Chinatown - the circular Pearl Bank Apartments shown in the background of the photograph. There have been talks of en-bloc which i am hoping would not go through due to its status in Singapore's landscape.

I was looking out for this stall as my family really liked the aroma concentrate for the air revitaliser i bought last year and as you can probably see, each bottle is given a 50% discount! Me LIIIKKKKEE!

Fortune telling for the Dragon Year. Though i am curious and have been forced (thanks mom) on a few occasions to have my fortune read, i would strongly discourage friends who are superstitious to visit fortune tellers.

This old-school shop (大中国) was so crowded with people buying traditional festive biscuits and goodies! I thought it is only famous for mooncakes!?!?

Coming to traditional festive biscuits and goodies, there is a big drop in vendors this year! With supermarkets selling reputable brands, chain stores (like Mr Bean) promoting their own brand and online booking by smaller operations, i guess i should have seen the decline coming.

Pinwheels have made a comeback this year! These toys were so pleasing in the eyes of children and as a child, i remember using the fan when there was no wind.

Narrow section right beside the Buddha Tooth Temple! I can bet that the human traffic would be worse nearing CNY! If you wish to get out, utilise the covered walkways outside those permanent shops.

Flavoured peanuts and melon seeds! Feel free to grab one for a tryout and you would likely find one that suits you. Mom adores such places!

Traditional Chinese attire for children! Wearing new clothes on the first day of Chinese new year is part of our custom to signify a new beginning and i am so thankful that my nephew is damn picky with clothes whereas my niece is still a toddler.

Spring flowers to brighten up your house can also be purchased in a pretty big nursery to the left of Buddha Tooth Temple. The selection is quite comprehensive for a temporary location.

In Chinatown, this is a usual phenomenon before Chinese New Year; queuing for barbequed pork (or bak kwa as we call it) at Lim Chee Guan. My sister's record is a bloody eight hours wait!

Before i end this post, i would like to wish all of you a healthy, joyous and prosperous Dragon year!

恭喜发财，万事如意!

My Poor Wrist

2012-01-18T23:15:00.000+08:00

It has been more than two weeks since i last blogged on the pain on my left wrist and sadly, the pain persists till today and i am actually in a worse situation than before.

In order to reduce the chances of aggravating the injury, i specially bought a wrist guard from a renowned brand; Ebene. The sales assistant even passed me a few packets of cream to relieve the pain upon learning my reason for purchase.

Nothing's wrong........

Until a few days later.

Initially, i felt a slight irritation at the area where i thinly spread the white cream.

A day later, fierce looking welts appeared and the itch was god damn unbearable!!!! Maybe it was psychological but i could almost feel the itch spreading to my face!

My colleague insisted i should see the doctor - which i did. Was diagnosed to have an allergic reaction towards the cream and two medications were dispensed: steroid cream and sleep-induced antihistamine pills.

Given that Western drugs are known to treat the 'signs', i was frankly hoping for a speedy recovery.

That didn't happen!!! My wrist looks bruised now and the itchiness (and redness) is relieved by a bottle of pure basilic essential oil, not medication!

Sighs.. a double whammy for my poor wrist. And i doubt it would even recover by the Dragon Year!

Damn, the relatives are going to ask if i have a fight with someone.

Freshly Baked Buns from Bunnies Bakery @ People's Park Complex [Chinatown]

2012-01-17T21:20:00.000+08:00

When the smell of freshly baked buns hit me while walking briskly along a walkway filled with people, i know i have to stop and look for the source.

Bunnies - In China, this implies that the shop sells rabbit meat but here in Chinatown (Singapore), it is simply a bakery with bunnies as its mascots.

On the outlook, i would have discounted this shop and tagged it with any neighbourhood bakery in Singapore that is trying to gain a foothold in this competitive industry by having nicer decor, adopting a mascot etc etc.

But the delicious whiff of fresh bread proved too irresistible and i queued; just like the four customers in front of me.

There are twenty four regular flavours to choose from and i could not make up my mind immediately on what to have for takeaway! Eventually, i settled for garlic, cream cheese and egg mayo.

Sizes have already been pre-determined for you; either six mini buns in one or two buns in one. However, they are quite tiny and i could easily squeeze a few mini buns in my mouth.

The above is the box of six egg mayo mini buns. Singaporeans would have recognised this style fondly as many neighbourhood bakeries do offer this with fillings like red bean paste, lotus paste and even curry.

For me, there's no doubt on the buns' fluffiness and freshness. Pricing wise, i also thought they are in a comfortable range affordable for many people. There's always a but.

Out of the twenty four flavours, i chose three. For all three flavours, i know of other bakeries that do it better. Barcook Bakery for cream cheese, BreadTalk for garlic and well, i am not really impressed with the egg mayo.

To give the cute bunnies the benefit, i could have chosen the wrong flavours.

=====

Location

1, Park Road, #01-66

People’s Park Complex [red star on map]

(near KFC and next to the hawker centre)

Pricing

Garlic [2in1] - S$1.40

Cream Cheese [6in1] - S$1.60

Egg Mayo [6in1] - S$1.30

Geylang Ho Kee Pau (和记包) - Dim Sum Galore (点心) @ 康福 Hock Khong Coffee Shop

2012-01-16T22:38:00.000+08:00

My stomach has digested countless dim sum from Ho Kee Pau for over ten years but when asked if i have ever patronised its main teahouse in Geylang, i am ashamed to admit that my first visit was only early this month.

It's kind of amusing that it took me so long since i frequently send my mom for her massage sessions nearby, my favourite durian stall is located directly opposite, the MRT station is merely a five-minute walk away and i do drive my family car all over Singapore.

Notwithstanding the above, the point is that i am finally here.

There is no air-conditioning and the setting is kopitiam style; not exactly the teahouse with traditional Chinese decor many would have expected from the terminology.

Decor is secondary when it comes to food; one of the basic food philosophies adopted by the Gang of Four (although it is really enforced by Kon and myself since the two younglings are so bloody pampered)!

Wanton Noodles

(云吞面)

This came as a really nice surprise since i wasn't expecting much from a dim sum place.

Once you mix up all the ingredients, it's hard to believe that such a simple bowl of noodles could be so tantalising to the taste buds. Definitely worth another visit just for this.

Lotus Rice

(腐皮卷)

This is one item i would never order on my own given my past experiences with almost tasteless grains that could be put to better use as fried rice with egg.

However, this is way better than the ones i had before although it gave me the impression that i am eating savoury rice dumplings.

Beancurd Skin Dumplings

(腐皮卷)

They were not even close to Wan Dou Sek's standard. Period.

Char Siew Bun

(叉烧包)

To be honest, i find it quite difficult to find a char siew bun that tastes horrid. Either that or i have been pretty lucky in my orders for juicy Char Siew buns.

Chives Dumplings

(鲜虾韭菜饺)

Simply put, this is one item i commonly ordered from Ho Kee for takeaway and it is a must for me to squeeze a generous amount of chilli sauce to go with the dumplings.

Chives are much hated vegetable for kids and i am no exception myself. But i could never have the heart to resist these chives and prawn dumplings from Ho Kee.

====

Location

No. 43, Geylang Lorong 27

[very near to Aljunied MRT Station]

Prices

Look above for the menu (front and back)

Additional Information

This is a 24-hour establishment and i could not help but feel envious for those people living in the East! It's alright; my aim to lose weight would never materialise if i live in that region.

There was this super-crowded coffee shop two doors away! Guess another trip is a must in order to find out why there were so many diners.

nex Skygarden [Retail, KidzPlay, K9 Park and Library] @ Serangoon, Singapore

2012-01-14T23:13:00.001+08:00

Shopping centres in Singapore used to be places that serve the very purpose of women's (and some say men) favourite activity; shopping.

Time has changed and shopping complexes are no longer just squeezing as many retail outlets as they can and have instead gracefully included relaxation corners, kids' playground and in the case of nex, even a dog run.

Known as skygarden @ nex, this open space rooftop concept is one of the biggest in Singapore.

Inclusion of retail outlets is inevitable given the large area although they are limited to outlets like tuition centre and furnishing company like King and King Wong (a damn nice place to shop aside from IKEA).

The public library is also appropriately located on this quiet level; this would also help to save the taxpayers some money as prime spots on the lower levels can be so expensive in land-scarce Singapore.

Mini water park - always the kids' favourite!

The water looked so enticing!!! I can just imagine myself not wanting to go home if i am an eight year old again. There wasn't such thing when i was eight!

Nonetheless, it was still a joy seeing young children enjoying themselves. I should bring my bulldog cheeks niece and bratty nephew here in the future.

This water feature is common yet i always feel that it is the main highlight. There is a similar one in the Singapore Zoo but that one in the zoo is HUGE.

Next up is this K9 park for the canines (duh)!

Before Rubee passed away, i have frequently mentioned that i should bring him here so that he can enjoy the facilities without the grass (which is a hotpot for ticks).

Well, i didn't manage to.

Anyway, there is also a dog cafe by the name of doggie style; not exactly the best name given its sexual reference. However, the most important thing is that dogs are allowed to dine together with their owners!

In summary, the skygarden is a nice place to chill out and it's not hard to know why so many new shopping centres have incorporated the same concept.

=====

Location

23, Serangoon Central,

Level 4, Serangoon Nex

Operating Hours

As below, with a list of 'don'ts'

Oops, i think i broke one of them!

Additional Information

Both K9 park and KidzPlay are opened daily from 11am till 9pm.

Creamy Parmesan Popcorn (Halal) from Chef Tony's Gourmet Popcorn

2012-01-13T22:35:00.000+08:00

In the past, i would not have expected much from a bag of popcorn that is pre-packed. Freshness aside, they just don't taste as good and most of the times, the supposedly satisfying crunch was greeted with much disappointment.

A tub of Chef Tony's gourmet popcorn changes that perception recently.

Each individual piece of popcorn was covered with a thin layer of highly addictive parmesan cheese powder and i especially love the gentle crisp that was definitely not the result of prolonged exposure to heat.

I felt somewhat embarrassed as the tub belonged to my colleague and i was practically sticking my fingers into the tub every few minutes!!!

=====

Where to buy it?

How much is it?

What flavours are available?

The answers to the above questions are best answered by the following website set up by the importer and also retailer:

http://www.snack.sg/

Beef Lasagne & Strawberry Freeze @ Dôme Café (Singapore Art Museum)

2012-01-10T22:40:00.000+08:00

'World's Finest Coffee' - a tagline that should have enticed me a long long time ago but surprisingly, i was able to reject this temptation until last month.

The first drink i had was strangely not coffee; it was a delicious cup of frothy hot chocolate. My taste buds were sold and i resolved to return in the near future to partake on other food and beverages offered by this cafe with an old decor feel.

It took me less than a week to step into the realm of the artistic district and even though i would love to have a cup of the world's finest coffee, the hot and stuffy weather practically deterred me from doing so.

Strawberry Freeze

Nothing beats a glass of ice blended strawberry given the high temperature and weak air-conditioning.

Okay, i typed too fast - the freeze was too diluted and lacked two things; the strong flavour of fresh strawberries and the tiny strawberry seeds that come with REAL strawberries.

Beef Lasagne

This is one lasagna i would purposely make a trip for.

Many people prefer their lasange to be cheese-heavy. Not me. I like my lasagne to have a significant amount of meat that makes it extremely delectable.

Layered with patches of thin pasta, loads of minced beef and a comfortable level of cheese, this was a spoonful of pure happiness.

=====

Location

71, Bras Basah Road,

#01-01, Singapore Art Museum

Price

Strawberry Freeze - S$6.40

Beef Lasagne - S$15.90

Subject to GST and Service Charge

My "Heavy" New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-09T21:28:00.002+08:00

This is nine days overdue!

But since i just got home from work and am too lazy to start on a long post, i figure this short entry would at least create some noise. Frankly, short entries might appear quite frequently in this blog for at least a few weeks given how busy i am at work. :(

Coming back, new year's eve was spent in a very simple yet indulgent manner; a super heavy late night supper in my house for the Gang of Four coupled with a celebratory bottle of Moscato wine.

I am not kidding when i said "heavy"; there were portabello, white buttons mushroom soup, onion omelette, stir fried broccoli, mixed potatoes-onions-luncheon meat, five-spice meatballs, glutinous rice and a big plate of salmon sashimi for the four of us!

At 500 grams, this plate was easily one of the most satisfying sashimi i ever have. Put it this way, it was good enough for us to eat another 500 grams the next morning!

Singapore Art Museum (新加坡美术馆) aka SAM - Looking at Art Through the Eyes of an Amateur

2012-01-08T23:02:00.000+08:00

This is the last post for the Museums Open House (free admission) on Christmas day!

The main reason why i took so long to post was that this visit to SAM (新加坡美术馆) is actually my very first and like an amateur, the lack of any artistic flair makes it extremely easy for procrastination.

Given my weird interpretation on 'stuff', this post on Singapore's national art museum shall be generally a pictorial one with explanation given on a personal basis.

Like many national museums in Singapore, SAM is housed in historic buildings that used to be Saint Joseph's Institution SJI). For more information, please click here.

Continuation of the elephant parade right outside the museum! The arts theme is explored here although to me, each and every elephant sculpture is a marvellous art piece on its own.

Such depiction may not sit well with some, especially children. But well, it's up to the individuals to interpret what the artist is trying to express.

Money money money! Is this about the misplacement of money in modern, developed society?

The Burning Gaze by Hyung Koo Kang - the eyes have a hypnotic, intense effect on visitors like me to stop and take a closer look.

And there were many such portraits; like this one on Vincent Van Gogh.

Lighting is extremely important and i doubt i would be able to appreciate the artworks should these be placed in a brightly lit room.

Some of the paintings are so lifelike; i originally presume they are photographs! This oil painting on Mother Theresa was done on aluminum, hence the glossy and realistic finish.

Caricatures of famous personalities - this truly reflects the versatility of Hyung Koo Kang. Some people might attribute it to simple art although i feel that caricatures have in many ways, make it easier for identification and interpretation when the name is not to be spoken.

In the eyes of the recently deceased north Korean dictator - Kim Jong-il.

Gallery decked out with face sculptures.

I prefer caricatures over these. Just a thought - it would be pretty scary if they start to move their lips and talk! Haha.

Doubt you need an answer for the question "who is she?" Sadly, the Hyung Koo Kang exhibition has ended on 25 December 2012 (the day i was there) after a two and half months run.

Sculpture on Abraham Lincoln that exaggerates the length of his neck. Forgive me for saying this - it looks like an ostrich. Is Abraham Lincoln renowned for burying his head whenever trouble beckons? Thought he is one of the great American leaders of all time! Anyway, my incoherent thought as usual.

This wall display with hundreds of flowers and grass patches may seem normal. Until everyone of them starts to move from left to right like a pendulum!

The old chapel of SJI. Minus all the religious items.

There were some children activities that day. Frankly, those with children should really explore the museums on weekends. There are so many interesting activities that could make it extremely memorable for your child.

Dome of SAM. Personally, i like exploring old buildings and it's exciting to see what you can find when you stray from the normal route.

Indoor elephant parade! I am just wondering if all the elephant sculptures will eventually congregate in one main site for visitors to marvel their beauty.

Surprise! This is part of the elephant parade as well and it is aptly named; white elephant. There's of course some meaning to it and i thought it best for you to check it out yourself.

East Meets West by Justin Lee - a fusion of traditionalism and modernism. I think this playful portrayal of modern wants versus cultural needs is exactly the balance the society requires.

A simple yet gigantic 'portrait" of our most esteemed statesman; Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

What's interesting is the material used to generate this picture - thousands of open and closed lids.

Another play of traditionalism and modernism. Can you spot the difference from the door gods we often see in temples. Hint - Macdonald's fries and mobile phone.

With the rise of internet and fall of actual verbal communication, this seems right.

From far, this painting by Aida Mokoto looks like mountains of paper wasteland.

Take a closer look and you will realise that the supposedly wastepaper is made up of apparently dead humans; working professionals to be exact. The corporate culture in Japan is famous for being the driving force for high suicide rate and such depiction is true to reality.

Like the above, this fascinating technological artpiece is part of the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 exhibition for finalists.

By Bùi Công Khánh, this charcoal backdrop is a real scene taken from the artist's hometown. A wooden bench is placed right in front for visitors to use the backdrop for photo taking.

My personal favourite is this contemporary artwork by Kim Jongku. Illegible words 'written' with steel powder on a huge canvas would not have made any impression if not for the pull down screen in the middle projecting a bottom-up Lilliputian landscape for humans.

The same projection is also screened on the first level so be careful on what you do!

This signature art prize exhibition is spread over two levels and there's a pretty good selection for everyone with varying artistic taste.

To me, these are just piles of secondhand books placed on both sides of a room with blue tinge light. There's more to that of course! Something about water.

Due to time limitation (dad needed to use the car), we did not manage to explore all the galleries but it's alright; we could always be back soon (guess there will be another open house for the upcoming Chinese new year)!

=====

Location

71 Bras Basah Road

(Exit from Bras Basah Mrt Station)

Additional Information

For ticketing and other information on exhibitions and programmes, please visit SAM official website at

http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/

Black Carrot Cake (黑菜头粿) @ 156 Eating House [Shun Li Carrot Cake (顺利菜头粿)]

2012-01-07T23:59:00.013+08:00

More than five years ago, i could easily satisfy my craving for black carrot cake by walking less than two hundred meters from my housing block.

That short distance was lengthened to a few kilometers (all the way to Ang Mo Kio) when the owner decided to close shop indefinitely to take care of her grandchild.

I didn't bother giving any chance to the new tenant and it was therefore a stroke of good luck that my elder sister happened to order the carrot cake from Shun Li Carrot Cake!

The smell of freshly pan-fried carrot cake was captivating enough for me to pick a piece and i must say it was beyond expectation! Since then, i have patronised the stall no less than three times and the standard has remained top-notch.

Given my preference for additional black sauce and smaller pieces of carrot cake (the resulted crunch is so addictive); my plate of carrot cake might deviate a bit from the norm from a visual point of view.

Honestly, the taste of Shun Li carrot cake fails to topple the current top stall for carrot cake; Changi Village Carrot Cake. But its close proximity to my house means it would remain a top choice whenever i crave for carrot cake.

=====

Location

156 Eating House,

Block 156, Yishun Street 11

Price

S$3 a plate

(S$2.50 option is available)

Toasted Kaya Buns @ YY Kafei Dian (喜园咖啡店) - Corner of Purvis Street and Beach Road

2012-01-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

What would you do if you happen to walk along a street and coincidentally chance upon a pretty crowded coffeeshop with a plate of toasted buns on most of the tables?

Mind you, it was 4.30pm; way past breakfast time when such fare is common and normal.

Faced with such a situation, the Gang of Four would not hesitate to find a table immediately, sit down and then order those seemingly popular items on other patrons' tables.

First to come was the coffee that i desperately needed to perk me up! It was aromatic and despite its lack of sweetness, there wasn't any tardiness to it.

Whenever Alex eats toast, an order for half boiled eggs is customary and in his opinion; a must given his expertise in trying half boiled eggs from many other kopitiams.

The above is the reason why we stepped into YY Kafei Dian! I am not sure if i mention this before but i have always preferred my toasts to be two slices of bread instead of a bun split into half.

Although reviews on hungrygowhere were raving about the toasted kaya buns in YY, i can only comment that there was no surprise in the texture and taste of the bun (it was way too normal).

Even the dark kaya (i initially thought it was peanut butter) paled in comparison to the one at Chin Mee Chin; it was just not flavoursome enough to impress me.

=====

Location

37 Beach Road, #01-01

(Corner of Purvis Street and Beach Road)

(Diagonal to Shaw Tower)

Price

Unknown - Mr Kon's Treat!

Thanks Kon!

Cut The Rope Original [Perfect 3-star Completion] for Om Nom (iPhone)

2012-01-04T23:59:00.000+08:00

It's not hard to work out the reasons contributing to the acute wrist pain i am experiencing recently - one of which is my addiction to iPhone games (played BEFORE and AFTER office hours), especially during this super stressed period!

My recent purchase was this app titled "Cut The Rope" - thanks to Matthew!

The story began with a suspicious looking box that was dumped outside your door. Two things make it all the more mysterious; a hole that is big enough to put in your hand and a note with the words "feed with candy"!

Initially, the box was made of a low quality cardboard material but as you advance further into other episodes, there will be changes in material although this may not necessarily mean that the levels are harder.

By the way, the purpose of the game is to feed the green creature by the name of Om Nom.

Game play wise, it is simple; the sweet is usually hanging away from Om Nom and you are required to cut the rope (or string) attached to the sweet so that Om Nom can satisfy his hunger.

That is not too difficult except for one issue; it is strongly recommended to collect the three stars for each level. These three stars will determine if you are eligible to play later episodes.

To be honest, although the levels can be tricky, they are not as frustrating as Angry Birds. At times, i am surprised that a level can be cleared so easily despite the many hurdles on screen.

So what makes me so devoted to this game?

It's the super-duper adorable Om Nom! I have no idea what it is, could be a cross between a frog and an iguana, but who cares when he (or she) has such cute expressions!

Like this one when it is anticipating the sweet!

Or this anxious, panting look when the sweet was near yet far from his/her reach.

It will even signal to you that it needs to eat!

And give a disappointed, puppy-eyed look when the meal is lost.

Frankly, how not to love this green monster!?

=====

Purchase the game (I bought it for US$0.99) via App Store or iTunes!

As expected, try to beat my record.

Wahahahahhaha.

[*gosh, i must be really stressed*]

Taste of Thailand (泰国小食) @ Yishun Industrial Park (used to be at Sembawang Shopping Centre)

2012-01-03T22:52:00.000+08:00

In the past, there was only one air-conditioned shopping complex in the far northern side of Singapore; Sembawang Shopping Centre (SSC).

And when the Northerners (residents of Yishun, Woodlands, Sembawang) talked about food in SSC, there is no escaping this popular outlet called Taste of Thailand (泰国小食).

Alas, the change of times cannot be stopped and the old Sembawang Shopping Centre was eventually demolished.

Fortunately for its loyal customers, the owners of Taste of Thailand decided to move its operation to a coffee shop in Yishun Industrial Park, a five-minute drive from the old premise.

It was a long delayed trip for the Gang of Three but late is always better than never. :)

Tom Yam Soup

This could have been a classic tom yam soup; the optimal balance of spiciness and sourness with an endearing seafood flavour. "Could have been" as the squid meat had a damn fishy taste.

Kang Kong with Cuttlefish

Sambal belachan (fried shrimp chilli) was not spared in making this dish and although i found this to be a bit too spicy for my tongue, i totally enjoyed the crunchy cuttlefish.

Pineapple Fried Rice

A far cry from its glory days, this plate of pineapple fried rice was a great disappointment.

It was no longer served in a half sliced pineapple husk and the rice lacked the essential pineapple infusion which was not surprising given the little amount of pineapple meat i picked out.

Deep Fried Cuttlefish

Hot and fresh from the boiling oil, the cuttlefish was naturally flavoured and had a solid bite that made eating its parts so damn addictive! If only the chef can fry it with salted egg and butter....

Sweet and Sour Pork

The right word to describe the sweet and sour pork here is traditional and it was like a walk down memory lane for me as my teeth slowly bit through the still crispy crust despite the layer of savoury sauce.

Thai Deep Fried Fish Delight

Besides the pineapple fried rice, this is another customer-favourite order.

And the main protagonist is not the fish; the small bowl of chilli sauce plays an equally important role as a dressing and flavour enhancer.

The taste was still as good as i remember over ten years ago! Amusingly, my threshold for chilli products has actually increased over the years and i thought the spiciness of this three-flavour fried fish was a tad too mild now.

=====

Location

Block 1001, #01-1001,

Yishun Industrial Park A

(Huat Li Eating House)

Contact

6758-9121

Map

Look above.

Price

Tom Yam Soup - S$4

Kang Kong with Cuttlefish - S$6

Pineapple Fried Rice - S$5

Deep Fried Cuttlefish - S$6

Sweet and Sour Pork - S$6

Thai Deep Fried Fish Delight - S$13

No GST, No Service Charge.

Additional Information

For their extensive menu, please click the above picture.

Pain on the Wrist Bone

2012-01-02T23:18:00.000+08:00

For the past two weeks, i kept experiencing a sharp pain on my left wrist whenever i moved the thumb. Thinking it was a minor sprain, i didn't think too much of it except to put a temporary stop to my daily push-ups and dumb-bell liftings.

To alleviate the pain, this pack of menthol plaster came in handy on a nightly basis.

There's a problem though; not only did the pain get worse, i started losing strength in that particular hand and there are moments when i have no holding control over the item i am carrying.

Visiting a reputable Chinese sinseh is the next step for such ailment!

He managed to identify the problematic area, assure me that it is minor at this stage, and after massaging the wrist with some medicated oil, dress up the area and advise me to come back if the pain persists after four days.

At this moment, the pain has not subsided and typical of Chinese ancient tuina (推拿), redness of the affected area is common and it's unwise to give an outright conclusion within a day or two.

Let's give the herbal medication a few more days although the lack of exercise has been contributing to a steady increase of weight gain over the festive holidays!

There goes my target to attain an optimal weight for the upcoming Chinese New Year....

Understanding the Nonya and Baba @ Peranakan Museum (Singapore)

2012-01-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

The popularity of Little Nonya (小娘惹), a Singapore-made drama, has generated a lot of interest in the Peranakan culture that has its origins from Southeast Asia.

To be honest, before the drama was screened on TV, i knew almost nothing about this non-official ethnic group except for its appetising desserts that have influences from the Chinese and Malay/Indonesian.

Thankfully, we have in Singapore a museum specially dedicated to this unique culture and in view of the museums (under National Heritage Board) open house during the festive holiday, the Gang of Three (Alex was again busy with his work) happily made their way down to Peranakan Museum.

Housed within the Old Tao Nan School building built between 1910 and 1912, the museum has ten permanent galleries that are comprehensive enough for any Little Nonya fans to indulge themselves in the culture that is similar yet different from official ethnic groups.

Gallery One

Origins

For some Singaporeans, they have no idea what differentiate a Peranakan from (for example) any Singaporean Chinese as they look the same, talk the same and eat the same kind of food in school.

Basically, the term "Peranakan" means a person of mixed ethnic groups (need not necessarily be Chinese and Malay) and according to what i understand, anybody with the Chinese surname "Ooi" or "Wee" is usually Chinese Peranakan.

Gallery Two to Five

Wedding

All this while, i thought Chinese wedding is the most cumbersome ceremony in the world as it involves too much preparation and meticulous planning.

It turns out that Peranakan wedding is worse and last for twelve long days! I suspect this practice may not be so common in this contemporary age when time never seems to be enough and convenience is preferred.

Giving a raw leg of pork to the bridegroom implies that his family is receiving a virgin bride (purity is highly regarded decades ago).

Only a small portion was kept by the bridegroom. Reasons? Visit the museum for the answers! :P

Golden headdress and jewellery for the bride.

Wedding trays with elaborate carvings and tiny statues.

Yet another wedding item; silver teapot set (looks golden to me). Gold and silver, as with Chinese, signify status and prosperity for which Peranakans are well known for in the past due to their elite standing during the colonial period.

Peranakan beadwork embroidery is a damn beautiful artwork (no doubt painstakingly hard to make as well); this tablecloth is made up of a million glass beads that sparkle brightly under the spotlight.

Another picture of a beadwork wallet with birds and flowers.

To make things interesting, the two portraits will start talking to each other every hour. I didn't manage to catch their conversation this time although i remember it to be quite entertaining and informative the first time i was at the museum.

An enactment of the wedding procession. Some people might find this to be a bit eerie but this is seriously nothing compared to the gallery on religion.

Traditional bed for the newlyweds.

Gallery Six

Nonya

Like many Chinese women before the modern age, nonyas were required to learn the basics on cooking, sewing andembroideryto prepare them for married life.

Nonya dressing, even till now, is commonly worn on the streets and i am not surprised even if it manages to gain the same level of foothold as cheongsam in the future.

Amazingly, these batik sarongs and laced kebayas have a relatively short history and were adopted by the Peranakan Chinese only in the 1920s.

Peranakan clothings are on hand if you want to dress like a Baba or Nonya for a short while. A self-service photo taking machine (with options on backgrounds etc) is available close by.

Gallery Seven

Religion

Ethnic Peranakans are not known for their grasp of the Chinese language. However, they adopt almost the same traditional religious practices like the Chinese.

Due to their close relationships with the colonial masters, some Peranakans started switching to Christianity and as taken from the information plaque, this Victorian bell jar probably celebrated such a religious conversion.

Ancestral altar - yet another traditional Chinese practice displayed in a different way. The two big Chinese characters were also prominently featured in Little Nonya.

Funerals for Peranakans are also mentioned in this gallery. Death is almost a taboo subject in Asian museums due to its inauspicious inference and i am glad this museum features this.

There's even a mock up coffin located behind the main altar and a tape recording with wailing voices of the family members! It would be interesting to find out from the night keeper if there's any weird happening after dusk.

Gallery Eight

Public Life

For native Singaporeans who have gone through Singapore history in Secondary one and two, you might be able to identify some of these prominent Peranakans.

Gallery Nine

Food and Feasting

Warning: There's no food here so don't expect sampling of authentic Nonya cuisine when there are ample restaurants and eateries located in Katong to serve the purpose.

Instead, visitors are educated on the dining customs and tableware. Kam Cheng, the picture above, is a porcelain serving container for food, desserts and water. I used to think its purpose is to contain ashes of the dead.. Choy!

An elaborate set up of dinner ware of a wealthy Peranakan family.

This set of dinner ware, with motifs of butterflies and flowers, was specially made for Yap Ah Loy, founder of Kuala Lumpur, the current capital of Malaysia.

Gallery Ten

Conversations

The picture above is not related to the gallery (just the staircases leading to the different levels)! In a nutshell, gallery ten touches on the evolution of Peranakan culture over the years and its future.

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Location

39, Armenian Street

Opening Hours

As above.

Additional Information

For admission charges and other information, please visit

http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg/

Ruam Jai Thai Food @ MS136 Food House (Marsiling Road)

2011-12-30T23:59:00.001+08:00

If not for the Great Kon, i doubt i would ever venture into this neighbourhood in Marsiling. There are way too many such neighbourhoods in Singapore and just in Yishun (where i live); i can count no less than four.

The above is the purpose of our visit - food; in particular affordable yet authentic Thai food that left a memorable impression on the Kon. In his opinion, the Thai fried glass noodles at ABC market is still a notch below the one served by Ruam Jai Thai Food!

We are seldom satisfied with just one type of food in a coffee shop or hawker centre and it is almost customary that extra dishes be ordered either from a stall that has a longer than average queue or dishes that appear on most tables.

Thai Fish Cake

Question: disregarding the appearance, what's the difference between the common fish cake and a Thai fish cake?

Answer: as far as taste is concerned, Thai fish cake is like a blend between a spicy Otah and a common fish cake. I have to say i like this more than the common fish cake and would have gladly popped a few more!

Phad Thai

This Thai style fried noodles is a must-order in any Thai eatery as this national dish is synonymous with Thailand.

Sadly, the noodles were too soggy for my liking and it didn't help that the taste was too watered down despite the generous servings of eggs and prawns.

Tom Yam Seafood Soup

Ask any Tom Yam guru and they will tell you that a delicious bowl of tom yam must have a balance of spiciness and sourness with a numbing effect at the end.

This bowl failed the balance check but i enjoyed it because the savoury broth was rich in ocean's flavour and the intense spiciness had a rather shiok after effect.

Fried Tang Hoon

I love it when chefs are not stingy with their ingredients! Having said that, the glass noodles tasted relatively light and was in fact, a disappointment.

Kon did comment that the taste was not in its usual robustness - likely one of those rare occasions when consistency fails.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Fried rice in a pineapple husk would have made this pleasing to the eyes but my eyes were hooked on the layer of golden pork floss.

Each spoonful into my mouth was simply a trip to heaven and i could not imagine that it has been so long since i last had such delicious pineapple rice!

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Location

136, Marsiling Road

#01-2188, MS136 Food House

Price

Thai Fish Cake - S$2 for 5 pieces

Phad Thai - S$3.50

Tom Yam Seafood Soup - S$4.00

Fried Tang Hoon - S$3.50

Pineapple Fried Rice - S$3.50