Wanton Mee near Taman Sri Tebrau (成記雲吞面) @ Johor Bahru [Malaysia]

It was another short trip with my sisters to Malaysia today and one of the key questions that popped out early in the morning was "where to have breakfast in JB?"! 

Given our poor understanding of Malaysian roads and streets, we have to limit ourselves to areas close to KSL mall. I could have requested for Ah Biao but the sisters were not keen. A friend's recommendation for prawn noodles also didn't quite excite them.

The decision was eventually made to have horfun at this coffee shop next to the shell petrol station that was beside the ever-popular Taman Sri Tebrau (大马花园). I opted for wanton mee instead since i don't really fancy horfun (except for the chicken chop hor fun at changi village)! 

I was quite shocked with the generous portion when this was placed on the table although i have recently aimed to cut down on carbohydrates! It was later that i realised my sister ordered the large portion. WHY WHY WHY!?!!?!?

The slices of char siew, a major disappointing point in Ah Biao, were much juicier despite the use of lean meat. However, the flavour was pretty bland and a lack of smokiness, so signature in good char siew, were reasons to give it a miss. 

Noodles were well-cooked with a nice, eggy flavour that satisfied both sisters who took issue with the "harder" texture in Ah Biao. Sauce used to mix up the noodles could be improved even though i think the elderly would very much prefer the simpler taste. 

=====

Location

Along Jalan Keris (within fifty nine restaurant)

Map

As above

Price

Wanton Mee (Large) - RM 5.50

10 Confessions From An Introvert - This Is So MEEE!

I have a nickname known to a few persons at work; SB. Not BS as in bullshit if that's what some of you are thinking, as i am literally and mentally quite full of shit sometimes.

SB = Social Butterfly.

Deep inside my heart, i know for certain i am a very shy person and display social awkwardness in unfamiliar environment. I am frank about it but sadly, no one actually believes me.

Now, there is an article (a confession page in fact) floating on social media recently that more or less confirm i am an introvert; read further for the details!

I hate the stigma attached to the word “introvert.”

[Original Text] That means a weird, socially awkward person we all want to avoid. To me, an “introvert” is someone who is selective about whom they surround themselves with. It’s someone who is comfortable with being by themselves without feeling insecure. We value quality over quantity.

[Cavin's Input] No, i don't hate the word and am alright with the stigma. The definition of introvert has been sculpted over a long period of time and is accepted by a majority. Just because i think otherwise doesn't mean i am correct.

I love meeting new people, but only if you approach me first.

[Original Text] If I have to make the first move, it’ll most likely never happen. I’m silently imagining every possible thing that could go wrong and by the time I work up enough courage to do it, I’ve thoroughly freaked you out by constantly glancing your way and you’ve already sprinted for the door.

[Cavin's Input] This so describes me; making the first move is a huge hurdle to cross. I would wonder on the possibilities if you are keen to talk to me, maybe you are more interested in the guy behind me, what if i ask a question and you give a one-word reply etc etc etc.

Small Talk for me is not Small Talk to a normal person.

[Original Text] I get deep real fast. I genuinely want to know your life story, what makes you happy, and what makes you angry. Don’t be surprised if I ask you how you really feel about your parents’ divorce within the first 5 minutes of meeting you. I’m not a gossip; I just genuinely want to connect with you.

[Cavin's Input] I attributed this to my curious nature! Yes, the connectivity part is part of the reason as well but i guess nosiness can take up a major proportion. 

We have a heightened sense for a fake or insincere personality.

[Original Text] Our quiet and reserved nature allows us so much time to observe. I see your fake smile and can tell you just lied to that person. I hear you repeat the same exact joke to every single person you run into. I’m onto you, extrovert.

[Cavin's Input] I am quite insensitive in this aspect even though I used to question people's motives. Eventually, I get to this juncture where I figure it is pointless to read too deep as humans are far too complicated and it doesn't help to think too much. Just maintain sincerity when dealing with people; when proven wrong by scheming, backstabbing bitches and bastards, learn from it. Period.

5. If you point out my introverted-ness, I will silently hold it against you forever and also I probably hate you.

[Original Text] As much as we try to embrace our introverted-ness, many of us are still very insecure about it. You asking an introvert why they’re so quiet only make things worse. Please stop making us all feel so awkward with this obvious observation.

[Cavin's Input] Not me, once you point out i am an introvert, i would try my best to get out of my uneasiness and be extremely talkative! So much so that you would wish i keep my mouth shut. 

6. Dear Hair Dresser: Please don’t make me talk the entire time I’m in your chair.

[Original Text] I’m sure you’re a very nice and interesting person, but after a certain point, I simply run out of things to talk to you about. I’m out of witty comments. I can’t think of any more normal questions to ask you. And my stupid comments will begin to emerge (see #9).

[Cavin's Input] On one hand, i agree with the above. On the other hand, it's strange to have absolutely no conversation. My hairdresser could bloody well be cutting hair from a mannequin. And makes some mistakes along the way! 

7. My ideal Friday night is Netflix binging with ONE or TWO friends.

[Original Text] I don’t want to be alone, but I also don’t want to exhaust myself by socializing with dozens of other people. Can’t we just throw on some sweatpants, make an ice cream run, and sit on the couch?

[Cavin's Input] Given my participation in the inseparable gang of four, i would go with the magic number of THREE friends but that's more for overseas trips. For local excursions, the more the merrier so long everyone in the group knows everyone.

8. Please never make me to go a club.

[Original Text] What is clubbing even? Why would we go somewhere where it’s so loud I can’t even hear you? I’ll be in the quiet corner trying to engage in meaningful conversation with the other introverts if you need me.

[Cavin's Input] In addition to the deafening noise, i can't even hold my liquor and it is so weird (not to mention uncool) to have a person drinking milk in a club. A friend did suggest coke as a better alternative, given its similarity to Jack Daniels. Oh well, i prefer a noisy hawker centre over a noisy club. 

9. Networking events = death.

[Original Text] There is literally nothing I hate more than having to meet new people in an environment specifically created for that purpose. I realize that’s entirely the point of networking events, but I feel so much pressure to make myself sound and look like the most interesting person you’ve ever met. I can only be charming for so long! Pass me a glass of wine and let me mentally prepare myself for this first.

[Cavin's Input] This is so ME! Since i don't drink, i would simply sit like a stiff piece of rock that has no idea how to start the conversation without asking stupid questions that i would slap myself two seconds after.

10. If I say something stupid, kindly pretend I said nothing at all.

[Original Text] Rest assured knowing that my dumb comment/question will haunt me for the rest of my life. I’ll lie awake at night replaying the entire conversation in my head. I’ll think of a million other things I could have said instead. I’ll vow never to speak again! This is where my quietness comes from. It’s a vicious cycle. 

[Cavin's Input] *nods head* in reference with my personal observation for point 9, i would actually run through the day events when i am on my bed and wonder if the awkward situation could be avoided. At times, insomnia sets in. :(

Adapted from the original article with my own personal inputs@ http://thoughtcatalog.com/laitin-amanda/2014/02/10-confessions-from-an-introvert/

Rice & Fries - Desserts Only @ 484 Changi Road [Near Kembangan MRT Station]

It was a much awaited meet up with a friend whom i have not met for close to seven years and it was only right that a filling dim sum meal at Shi Wei Xian was followed up with desserts to catch up on lost time!

Rice & Fries was eventually selected for a singular reason; its proximity to where my friend stays. Like many others, i think the basic assumption is that this place serves fusion (east meets west) food. 

The in-store concept was more cafe-like even though the operator still managed to tease out privacy corners to prevent your "neighbours" from hearing the latest office / celebrities / family gossip. 

As i mentioned, we are going to have desserts and nothing else. Hence, my review would not be comprehensive if you came to this post in search of reviews for the main offerings. 

Root Beer Float

Commanding a price tag of almost S$6, i was expecting something that required a bit more creativity and effort on the restaurant's side. Nonetheless, having to pour the can of root beer myself did allow me to control the milkiness of the eventual root beer float. Which i could also bloody do in the comfort of my own house at a fraction of the cost.

Crème Brûlée

This seldom goes wrong and as far as taste was concerned, there wasn't anything wrong with this one here in Rice & Fries; as with others, it was custardy with a thin, golden layer of burnt sugar. 

The texture was the one i had a very slight issue with; a bit too soft in my opinion, resulting in a watery makeup that didn't quite meet the sturdy cut, similar to good soya beancurd, of a good crème brûlée. Having said that, the portion given was generous!

Half Waffle with Ice Cream

Honestly, this was a great disappointment despite its supposedly tasty looking appearance. Waffle was way too crunchy; definitely overcooked and not to mention it took me some effort to cut it up. Even the New Zealand Natural Macadamia Supreme ice cream, with its ironic unnatural creaminess, failed to redress the dessert. 

To be fair, i did depend heavily on the maple syrup to clean up everything!

=====

Location

484 Changi Road

[Near Kembangan MRT Station]

Map

As above

Price

Root Beer Float - S$5.80

Crème Brûlée - S$8.80

Half Waffle with Ice Cream - S$5.80

[NO GST, NO Service Charge]

Menu

Curious to know what else Rice & Fries has to offer? 

Check out the following few menus below. 

And those not on the menu.

A Different Side of Singapore @ Seletar North Link [Singapore]

There used to be two ways for me to get back to Yishun from my sister's apartment in Sengkang; either via Tampines Expressway or through Jalan Kayu. 

With the opening of Seletar North Link, there is now a third option and it has become my favourite driving route to travel home! There's minimal traffic and the scenic drive can only be described as relaxing for the driver! 

Unwind the car window and enjoy the breeze as you drive along this short section flanked by towering trees, species of which eludes me. Not that it matters since it is the enjoyment i look forward to. 

I am really a man of simple pleasures. 

So long the weather is not a killer!!

Luckily, the haze has yet to hit the little red dot then and i can see quite a few enthusiastic anglers in that area. I could never get fishing; to me, it is similar to killing a chicken with my bare hands, something i could not do despite my love for meat. 

Another side of the river that looks out to Johor Straits. 

A family of three was just peacefully spending their afternoon away with the father anticipating for the catch of the day while the son was playing dangerously (albeit happily) by the water.

The trees made a memorable impact to the entire landscape and it is sad that construction has already started to clear the land. I could not imagine how Singapore would turn out to be another forty years from now. 

Would all the trees disappear? 

Tapioca Cake & Kueh Kosui @ Maxwell Road Hawker Centre [中国街興興 China Street Xing Xing]!

Mention the ondeh ondeh from Maxwell hawker centre and i bet many foodies would know it is a 'MUST' to go before lunch to avoid disappointment! 

I did visit before lunch but according to the polite lady manning the stall, i need to wait for another agonising ninety minutes for that first batch of delicious ondeh ondeh! :(

When life gives you lemons, suck it! 

So, i made do with the second and third best things available; the bouncy kueh kosui (as shown in the above picture) and squiggly tapioca cake. To complete the meal (three look better than two), i had to order Ubi Kayu! 

The kueh kosui had a chewy texture that didn't irritate the teeth, wasn't cloyingly sweet like many in the market yet tasted extremely heavy with palm sugar! Same goes for the tapioca cake which was easily one of the best i ever had! Again, the sweetness was just right! 

I absolutely do not know how to appreciate Ubi Kayu, which had hard pieces of unpalatable tapioca making up the base and a thin layer of sugar coated coconut shreds on top that thankfully made it slightly more edible. 

=====

Location

1 Kadayanallur Street,

#01-31, Maxwell Food Centre

[Near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station]

Map

As above

Price

Kueh Kosui - S$0.50 a piece

Tapioca Cake - S$0.40 a piece

Ubi Kayu - S$0.70 a piece

Bloody Game - Blame It for the Lack of Posts!

Sorry, i have been lazy...

No thanks to "Juice Cubes" where i have been trying to clear the level 223 for the past 3 hours! Most of my free time nowadays has been spent on completing the levels so that i can advance to the next map.

Now i finally understand why people can be so hooked to "candy crush" which featured similar game play. And the person whom i should blame is none other than Alex!!!! That bloody ass tempted me!!!!!

To be fair, i have also started watching the most popular k-drama; My Love from the Star (Hangul: 별에서 온 그대) or You Who Came from the Stars. :( 

STOP!! 

Don't tell me the ending!!!

Swanston - Your Essential Store for Cheap Toiletries! @ Chinatown [People's Park Complex Food Centre]

Right above People's Park Complex Food Centre, where you get the insanely famous yong xiang xing yong tau foo stall with a 40-person queue that i have personally encountered, are two levels of shops seldom patronised by many except the regulars.

I am one of 'those' regulars. 

And my favourite shop is none other than "Swanston"! 

Frankly, i wonder if i should even be blogging about this since there is a potential risk that i am just adding to the list and i absolutely detest the fact that the place seems to be getting more crowded recently! 

Nevertheless, i simply could not resist not sharing this good find, especially when i have a "stingy consumer" label tagged to this blog and the toiletries sold in Swanston are so cheap; i have severely cut down on trips to Metro / John Little expo sales!

Baby Johnson shower foam for only S$5.50 when competitors were selling them for as high as S$8.00 each! Reputable hair dye that could be gotten for less than S$10.00! Oral B toothbrush that was priced at a bargain! 

Every trip was a guaranteed basket of toiletries that seldom get past the S$50 mark! Saw that Darlie toothpastes? They only cost me S$3.90 for a pack of three (160g x 2 + 90g x 1)! The 580ml milk bath could be had for S$4.20 for two bags! 

For the regulars, don't get yourself frustrated when there are just way too many people! You should consider walking one level up (on the third floor) where there are similar establishments selling the toiletries at mostly the same price! 

=====

Location of Swanston

32 New Market Road

(Beside OG Chinatown)

Map

As above.