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Friday, April 25, 2025

My Awesome Cafe

My friend called for a gathering at My Awesome Cafe, and honestly, I had trouble locating it at first. Nestled in a former TCM hospital, there were barely any signs on the facade to hint that it was actually the “My Awesome Cafe.” Totally unexpected, but intriguing start!

My Awesome Cafe

The interior gave off a rustic charm, yet it was uniquely accented with traditional Chinese décor, like the hanging lanterns that added a nostalgic, East-meets-West vibe. Yes! It totally gives off that Xiao Ya Tou vibe with the retro Chinese elements blended into a modern café space. That quirky, nostalgic flair hits just right.

Vibes

This uniquely crafted table lamp blends rustic charm with modern tech. Made from industrial pipes and featuring a classic red valve, it gives off serious vintage vibes, yet it’s fully touch-operated, letting you switch between light modes with just a tap on the top.

Table Lamp

The cold chocolate peanut coconut ice was a total indulgence. Rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

Cold Chocolate Peanut Coconut Ice Chocolate - $12

That drinkable coconut sounds like a total showstopper! The glow from the light must’ve made it look almost magical. Plus, goji berries for that added boost, refreshing and nourishing!

Drinkable Idea Coconut - $10

The awesome tonic had a turmeric-like vibe, refreshing but a tad on the sweet side.

Awesome Tonic - $8.50

Oven-baked French Duck Confit Papillote came with two slices of smoked duck, foie gras on toast, and a refreshing salad with vinaigrette. While the presentation impressed, the duck confit itself was a bit too dry for my liking.

Oven-baked French Duck Confit Papillote - $30

The burger with chicken bacon was impressive, massive and served on a rustic wooden carving board with a side salad. Stacked tall with crispy bacon, melty cheese, juicy tomato, and hearty chicken, it was a feast on its own!

Burger with Chicken Bacon - $28.50

Cross-section of the chicken bacon burger, oozing with cheese, stacked with thick slices of tomato, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon. Seriously filling for just one person!”

Cross Section

The spicy quesadilla had a familiar kick to it, almost reminiscent of rendang chicken, wrapped within a crepe-like shell—bold, aromatic, and comfortingly satisfying.

Quesadilla Spicy (Lemongrass Mushroom) - $28

Here’s the PoZZa, Premium Parma Ham on a delightfully thin, crispy crust with a touch of Chinese flair. Unexpected combo, but awesomely good!

PoZZa (Premium Parma Ham) - $18 + $4

The texture was on point, light and crisp on the edges, yet sturdy enough to hold the toppings. The rich, cheesy base blended beautifully with the delicate saltiness of the thinly sliced Parma ham, making each bite a savoury delight.

Slice of PoZZa

Every dish had its own charm, from indulgent burgers to creative twists like the PoZZa. Thoughtful touches, from rustic lighting to fusion flavors, made this café more than just a meal spot. Definitely a gem worth revisiting!

Rating: 3.5 / 5

My Awesome Cafe
Location:
 202 Telok Ayer, Singapore, Singapore
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer (DT18)
Website

Monday, April 21, 2025

Ms Durian

 There's been plenty of buzz from media and radio stations about Ms Durian's 6th anniversary celebration and it’s no wonder why. They're going all out with a whimsical Forbidden Forest theme that’s got everyone talking. Sounds like a magical durian-filled experience not to be missed.

Ms Durian

The first swing of the door led me straight into a beautifully enchanting forest setting. What immediately caught my attention was the striking manmade durian husk bench placed right in front, alongside a charming waterfall feature created with blue LED lights and soft drapes. Scattered props on the ground mimicked rocks, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. 

Enchanting!

It was truly heartwarming to see the amount of thought and effort owner Ling Goh and her team poured into this 6th anniversary celebration.

Forbidden Forest Theme

It was such fun putting on those safety helmets, it felt like we were stepping into a durian plantation, where a durian could drop from above at any moment without warning.

Safety Helmets

It added a playful and immersive touch to the whole experience, making the themed celebration even more memorable.

Put on your helmets, durians might drop anytime!

We had our dinner tucked away in a cozy corner of the café, surrounded by the charming forest-themed setting. I loved the ambiance, with durian trees and branches thoughtfully placed around us, it felt like dining in a little durian grove.

Our Dinner Setting

The decorations were meticulously detailed, with the durian elements creatively depicted as if they had fallen onto the ground, surrounded by a puddle of water that reflected them like a mirror. It was such a thoughtful touch! I’m curious where they drew so much inspiration from for that design.

Durian Lamp

Given the amount of space, it looks like it would be a great spot for hosting parties. It seems like the kind of place that could bring a lot of fun and energy to any event!

Space

The space is so expansive that they even have a gravelled ground for a glamping theme! It must be a blast to relax in the tents and enjoy the open sky. 

Enjoy your outdoor dining

Tentages

Campfire?

It looks especially cool when the night falls, with the whole atmosphere transforming into something magical.
Glamping

For their non-airconditioned seating area, they’ve created a lovely garden-themed setting, with plants all around that make you feel completely surrounded by nature. It’s a refreshing and calming atmosphere—almost like dining in a cozy little greenhouse.

Plant

As someone who enjoys cycling, I was instantly drawn to their dessert cart when I noticed the Shimano gear shifters, it was such a delightful touch. I found out that the cart is mainly used for their events. 

Push Cart

It’s beautifully crafted, complete with an umbrella for shade and decorative durians on display. The whole setup was charming and inviting.

I just got a durian

From 22 March to 30 April 2025, every $66 spent in a single receipt earns you a spin on their sure-win gachapon machine, where you can score exclusive prizes. I’ve got my eye on those quirky Durian Bedroom Slippers, just imagine padding around the house in those!

Sure-Win Treasure Dip

We had the Sambal Mushroom for sharing. The sautéed mushrooms were packed with umami, cooked with fragrant sambal belacan, garlic, and dried prawns. Each bite delivered bold and savoury flavours that kept us going back for more.

Sambal Mushroom - $6.50

One of us ordered the salty lychee, an interesting choice! It’s got that unique balance of sweet and salty, with a refreshing lychee twist. Perfect for something a little different and cooling.

Salty Lychee - $7.50

A refreshing durian-infused drink blended with creamy oat milk, offering a smooth, rich flavor in every sip. Chewy pearls are added for a delightful bite, while a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds on top brings a subtle nuttiness and a touch of texture contrast to this velvety treat.

Durian Ice Blended with Pearl - $11.50

That's a bold and exciting move! MSW Durian Nasi Lemak going permanent on the menu! That says a lot about how well it was received. 

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing - $17.50

Durian with rice might raise eyebrows here in Singapore, but it’s definitely got deep roots in Malaysia.

Crispy Wing

 The use of Mao Shan Wang flesh within the coconut rice sounds like a clever and indulgent twist, not just durian on the side, but really infused into the core of the dish. Fragrant, rich, and creamy grains must pair beautifully with the savoury-sweet components of traditional nasi lemak.

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Batang Fish - $21.50


Beautifully Fried Batang Fish

All the classic accompaniments, sunny side up egg, crispy ikan bilis, fried peanuts, cooling cucumber slices, that housemade sambal and then a juicy protein of choice? Sounds like a feast with layers of flavor and texture.
MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Tiger Prawn - $19.50


Tiger Prawns

Just as addictive as they looked, these six pieces of house-marinated chicken wings came coated in a glossy blend of sweet honey and spicy chilli. Each bite was bursting with juicy, flavorful goodness that kept us reaching for the next one.

Hot Honey Wings - $17

Calling all cheese lovers, this one's perfect for sharing. Creamy brie is paired with a trio of berry compote, topped with fresh parsley and shavings of grana padano. A lovely mix of sweet, savoury, and creamy all in one bite.

Fried Cheese - $17

Treat yourself to a generous serving of shoestring fries tossed with aromatic truffle oil and finished with a sprinkle of grana padano. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.

Truffles Fries - $14

We shared a plate of mini hash browns, crisped up beautifully with a satisfying crunch in every bite. They were served with a side of Thousand Island sauce and a sprinkle of spring onions for a touch of freshness, simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

Tater Tots - $10

For those who enjoy kaya toast, this is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! My friend, who had tried it before, was casually singing praises for this dessert. The MSW durian was generously slathered on crispy white toast, paired perfectly with a slab of salted butter, what a decadent twist on a local classic!

MSW Durian Kaya Toast - $12.80

Introducing their Kaya Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake, a delightful fusion of rich, velvety durian and house-made durian kaya. The balance is spot on, with just the right ratio of durian kaya layered over soft, spongy cake. It’s indulgent yet not overly cloying, making each bite a satisfying treat.

Kaya Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake - $11.90 Per Slice

Here comes the Charcoal Bomb, a delectable explosion of durian goodness encased in a mochi yam crust.
MSW Durian Charcoal Bomb $13.20

 It’s a riot of textures in every bite: velvety-rich creamy MSW ice cream, wrapped in chewy mochi, and finished with crunchy biscuit bits. An indulgent treat that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying.

Ji Ba Boom! 

Ms Durian continues to impress with its creative themes, quality durian offerings, and cozy atmosphere. It's a go-to spot for durian lovers and dessert adventurers alike, always blending indulgence with imagination.

Ms Durian 
Location:
11 Kelantan Road, Singapore 208604
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar (DT22)
Website

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

When my friend gathered us again for dinner and mentioned the place, I was a little hesitant. Chuan Cai (Sichuan cuisine) has never been my go-to. It often leaves me with a burning sensation both in the mouth and the stomach. But the spontaneous side of me won, and I decided to go along for the ride. Sometimes, good meals come from unexpected turns.

numb

The business name itself was pretty creative, spelt as "numb", but with the letter “m” cleverly replaced by the Chinese character “川”, which directly points to the Sichuan (Chuan) roots of the cuisine. A smart play on words that hints at both the cuisine’s origin and its signature numbing spice. 

Even the menu had a touch of humour, with the line: “不是被辣到了,只是被麻到了”.
Literally translated, it means: “If it’s not the spiciness that gets to you, then it must be the numbing.”
A playful and clever way to sum up the bold experience of Chuan Cai, where spice and numbness go hand in hand.

Food Menu

These Australian Scallops with Celery were beautifully sliced to just the right thickness. I loved the succulent texture paired with the zesty, savoury sauce, complemented by crunchy celery and the tangy burst of cherry tomatoes. Light, refreshing, and satisfying.

Australian Scallops with Celery 凉拌澳洲带子 - $24.80

I couldn’t stop myself from picking at the crisp celery hidden at the bottom of the plate, they soaked up all the flavour and added a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Here's the Yummy Scallops

The moment I saw Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth, I knew I was sold! This comforting bowl brought together a beautiful medley of garlic, ginger, luffa, tomato, and prawns, all soaking up the rich, golden broth. 

Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth 金汤鲜虾丝瓜煲 - $35.80

The flavours were wholesome, the warmth deeply satisfying, a truly soul-hugging dish that felt right at home on the table.

I like it!

This U.S. Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn was a visual and sensory stunner. Tender slices of well-marbled beef soaked in a rich, golden broth that was aromatic, spicy, and tingling with the numbing kick of fresh green Sichuan peppercorns. The heat from red and green chillies gave the dish extra depth, making every spoonful bold, fiery, and addictive. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but oh-so-satisfying for spice lovers.

U.S Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn 金汤椒麻肥牛 - $37.80

This Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger packed a fiery punch with every bite. The beef was tender and juicy, stir-fried to perfection with a bold medley of red and green chillies, aromatic ginger strips, and whole garlic cloves. The heat from the chillies was upfront but beautifully balanced by the savory sauce and zingy ginger, making this dish irresistibly fragrant, spicy, and satisfying. A dish that ignites your taste buds from the first mouthful!

Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger 鲜椒仔姜牛肉 - $34.80

Midway through a spicy and numbing meal, a refreshing drink can make all the difference. The Blooming Roselle Soda was the perfect choice, offering a delightful blend of Chinese roselle flavor in a fizzy soda. It provided a refreshing balance to the heat, making for an ideal pairing.

Blooming Roselle Soda 洛神花气泡水 - $6.80

We also tried the Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea, which was an unexpected delight. The combination of the 'Ribena' flavour with the smoothness of Chinese oolong tea took me by surprise in the best way.

Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea 冰摇黑加仑乌龙茶 - $6.80

Next, we had a familiar dish, Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles, also known as French beans. It made for a perfect pairing with our bowl of rice, adding a nice kick to the meal.

Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles 干煸四季豆 - $19.80

The Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish was a standout, perfectly battered and coated in light, crispy crumbs. 

Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish 避风塘香脆鱼 - $36.80

The golden dory fish was ultra-crunchy on the outside, yet tender and flaky on the inside, a truly satisfying combination.

My Golden "Nugget"

Overall, the meal went wonderfully, and I'm happy I made the right decision. Imagine if I had turned down my friend’s invitation for dinner, I would have missed out on discovering such a great food place. I was pleased to find that not all the dishes were spicy or numbing. In fact, there was a perfect balance between spicy and milder options. Honestly, the food here felt really comforting

Our Dishes in a Glance

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One
Location:
 5 Straits View, West Tower, #01-12 Marina One, 018935
Nearest Station: Downtown (DT17), Marina Bay (CE2, NS27, TE20)