Toto Fish 多多魚

A glance at the coffeeshop from the roadside before we arrived completely took us by surprise, there was a snaky queue winding its way out. I wondered to myself, ‘Could it be Toto Fish that we will be having tonight?’”

Lo and behold, it really was Toto Fish that had drawn such a huge crowd.

Queuing for Toto Fish

We wasted no time and joined the queue, we didn’t want to miss out again. Just a day before, they had sold out by the afternoon, so we couldn’t have it for dinner.

Stall of Toto Fish ~ Chef Wai's Fish Bar

The menu featured set meals that came with steamed egg and rice, along with your choice of fish. Basically, there were two types of fish to choose from, Steamed Seafood Fish or Steamed Mangrove Jack, Fish Head or Tail and you could have them prepared in three styles: Cantonese Style, Soy Bean Sauce, or Chopped Chili.

Menu

Look! Here’s what we ordered. It made for a pretty complete meal with egg, fish, and rice.

Our Orders

The Steamed Mangrove Jack with Soy Bean Sauce was my favourite of the three options. I think not many places serve this style, and I found the taste really addictive. If you’re wondering whether it’s salty, it wasn’t, at least not for me. As for the fish itself, it was succulent with a satisfying bite.

Steamed Mangrove Jack with Soy Bean Sauce Set Meal 豆酱赤枣鱼套餐 - $9.80

We also had the Steamed Seabass in Cantonese Style. The sauce was cooked on the spot and poured over the freshly steamed fish right in front of my eyes. 

Steamed Seabass with Cantonese Style Set Meal 港蒸金目鲈套餐 - $6.50

The aroma of fried garlic and soy sauce was irresistible. The sauce paired perfectly with our bowls of white rice, and the Steamed Seabass was definitely satisfying.

Steamed Seabass Tail

Even though I’m not usually a fan of chili, the gravy was so inviting and paired beautifully with our white rice. We scraped off the chili bits, and it turned out not to be spicy at all.

Steam Seabass with Chopped Chili Set Meal 剁椒金目鲈套餐 - $7.50

All in all, I can see why Toto Fish is so popular. It’s a great option for a healthy meal at a pocket-friendly price under $10 for a fish set is quite a deal. They do offer sides like lala and prawns too, but those were sold out during our visit. So, do go early to avoid disappointment!

Toto Fish 多多魚
Location: 491 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-173, Singapore 640491

Palbong bean field 팔봉콩밭

We stumbled upon a rustic wooden hut eatery just across the road from a campsite and decided to stop for lunch. The spacious setup had a laid-back charm, seemingly popular with campers and nearby workers looking for a hearty midday meal.

Palbong Bean Field

Given the sunny weather, we opted for the air-conditioned seating, though there were also non-air-conditioned areas available for those who preferred an open-air setting.

Non-Airconditioned Seatings

Their banchan was a warm welcome, we were served six different kinds. Ordering took a bit of back-and-forth due to the language barrier, but with the help of our mobile translator, we managed. Eventually, they asked if we were okay with fermented soybean soup, which helped steer the way.”

Banchan

The Soybean Paste Stew, also known as Cheonggukjang, arrived bubbling hot in a stone pot. The rich, fermented bean soup paired perfectly with a bowl of white rice.

Cheonggukjang 청국장

I heard they even grind their own soybeans, which they farm themselves, adding a fresh, authentic touch to the dish.

Fermented Soybeans

In fact, it was the Tteokgalbi short rib patties that caught my eye the moment I stepped into the restaurant. A photo of the dish was prominently displayed, and I knew instantly, I had to have it.

Kong Tteokgalbi 콩떡갈비

Dipping the patties into the BBQ sauce elevated the flavors even more. The patties were fragrant, tender, and utterly addictive, we found ourselves finishing the entire portion quickly.

Yummy In Sauce

Enjoying a comforting bowl of hot soup and delicious patties in a quiet rural spot like this felt like a real blessing, a simple meal made memorable.

Palbong bean field 팔봉콩밭
Location: 8 Palbongan-gil, Daesowon-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Ming Li's Seafood

Visited Ming Li’s Seafood at Sims Ave for some comforting Cze Char dishes. It was nice to learn that the entire coffeeshop is run by the boss himself, from the Seafood Stall to the Roasted Meat and Handmade Noodle stalls. No sublets, just one owner keeping it all in the family.

Ming Li

The fried prawn roll was yummy and perfectly fried to a golden brown. It came served with fresh tomato, vegetables, and cucumber on the side. Just dip the prawn roll into the sauce and enjoy, simple and satisfying!

Fried Prawn Roll 虾枣 - $13 / 20 / 25

For those who enjoy “xi hum” (clams), you might want to try their fragrant fried clams too, it’s a pleasant surprise since not many Cze Char places include this on the menu. The dish was aromatic and well-executed, with just the right kick of flavour without being too spicy.

Fragrant Fried Clams 甘香炒西蛤 - $15 / $30

We also tried their Fishball with Sliced Meat Ban Mian. The highlight? The fishballs are all handmade from scratch, just like their fresh Ban Mian noodles. It was simply delicious, comforting, bouncy fishballs and hearty noodles that really hit the spot.

Fishball & Sliced Meat Ban Mian 鱼圆肉片板面

We really enjoyed the Ban Mian with Fishball Soup and sliced meat, each piece of noodle was satisfying, and the warm, flavourful broth made it such a comforting dish. Perfect for a hearty, fuss-free meal.

Ban Mian

We also had the Di Huang Miao with Dried Shrimp,  a simple stir-fry that packed a nice savoury punch from the dried shrimp. Fresh, crunchy greens with that bit of umami always make a good side to balance out the meal.

Di Huang Miao With Dried Shrimp 虾米帝王苗 - $10 / 12 /15

That’s one of those dishes people say, if you like it, you’ll love it. And yes, it definitely hit the spot! I really enjoyed the Petai with prawns and onions, super addictive, with that bold, unique flavour that kept me picking at the beans non-stop.

Sambal Chilli Beans 三峇臭豆 - $13 / 18 /25

The Curry Fish Head is here! The curry is made from scratch, not your usual off-the-shelf paste — and you can really taste the difference. We loved the distinctive flavours of the rich, thick gravy, which was robust but not gelat at all. It came loaded with ingredients like brinjal, tau pok, lady’s fingers, and beancurd skin, all bubbling away in an earthy claypot. A real treat for curry lover.

Curry Fish Head 咖喱鱼头 - $30

We also got a chance to try their century egg porridge, simple, warm, and so comforting. A classic bowl that really hits the spot, especially if you’re craving something light yet satisfying.

Century Egg Porridge皮蛋粥 - $5 

The porridge was hearty and filled with generous ingredients — tender meat and chunks of century egg in every scoop. It was the kind of comforting bowl that warms you up and leaves you feeling satisfied.

Centry Egg & Ingredients

Many swear by their Fragrant Sesame Oil Chicken and it didn’t disappoint. The alluring aroma from the fried ginger shreds and rich sesame oil was da bomb. Each piece of chicken was well-coated in the savoury sauce, making every bite extra flavourful and satisfying.

Fragrant Sesame Oil Chicken 麻油鸡 - $25 /45

The Assam Steamed Fish Head was equally inviting. Compared to the Curry Fish Head, I found myself more drawn to its tangy and spicy sauce, refreshing and appetising. It’s said that the sauce is made from scratch too, which really shows in the vibrant, well-balanced flavours.

Assam Steamed Fish Head 亚参蒸鱼头 - $30

By the time the Braised Pork Knuckle arrived, our stomachs were already filled with so much delicious food but we couldn’t resist. Even though we were full, we still managed to polish the plate clean. The texture was perfect: the meat fell apart with the slightest pressure and practically melted in the mouth. The braising was spot on, rich and flavourful, making this dish a satisfying finale to our feast.

Braised Pork Knuckle 卤猪手 - $30 

From comforting bowls of porridge to fragrant clams, hearty curry, and melt-in-your-mouth pork knuckle, every dish made our meal memorable. Good food, generous portions, and honest flavours, we left happy and will gladly be back for more.

Ming Li's Seafood
Location: 114 Sims Ave, Singapore 387438

Onggol Myeongga Ongsim and Kalguksu 옹골명가 옹심이와 칼국수

We settled in after check-in and quickly hopped into a restaurant right next to our hotel. It was quite the experience having Korean dishes like Ongsimi and Kalguksu.

Onggol Myeongga Ongsim and Kalguksu 옹골명가 옹심이와 칼국수

It was my first time trying Ongsimi, a type of soup dumpling from Gangwon Province, known for its delightfully chewy texture, thanks to a mix of potato and tapioca starch.

Kalguksu, on the other hand, is a beloved Korean noodle dish made with handmade, knife-cut wheat noodles served in a comforting hot broth hence the nickname "knife noodles.

Ramp to restaurant

The interior was exceptionally spacious almost like an industrial warehouse you would find back in Singapore. With high ceilings and concrete flooring, it had a raw, minimalist charm.

As usual, even though there was a touchscreen self-service ordering system, we ran into a few hiccups. After some struggle, we finally got our order through.

Interior

Here comes the banchan to start off the meal. We nibbled on a few while waiting for our noodles to arrive.

Pickled

They also served a some rice mixed with barley, adding a wholesome touch to the meal.

Rice

Here comes the Ongsimi Clam Kalguksu, our warm welcome into local comfort food. Sinking into the local culture, this hot bowl of noodles was just what we needed. The daily-boiled seafood broth paired beautifully with chewy handmade noodles, prawns, clams, and a refreshing soup base.

Topped with seaweed, spring onions, and roasted sesame, it was hearty and full of depth. And of course, the star, those little translucent Ongsimi balls. With a mochi-like texture, they were unique and unfamiliar to our usual noodle experience, but certainly interesting to try.

Ongsimi Clam Kalguksu 옹심이 바지락 칼국수 - ₩11,500

I have had buckwheat noodles before, but never a buckwheat Kalguksu, the knife-cut version.

The broth was thick and comforting, thanks to the richness of potato starch. It carried the earthy warmth of a daily-boiled potato base, perfectly complementing the light, easily digestible buckwheat noodles and chewy handmade Ongsimi.

The portion was generous, but I reassured myself, buckwheat is healthy, right?

Ongsim Buckwheat Kalguksu 옹심이 메밀 칼국수 - ₩10,000

Noodles felt a little too plain on their own, so we decided to share half a portion of fried chicken and we were so glad we did. The chicken was seriously awesome, perfectly crispy with a light, thin batter that didn’t overpower the meat. Every bite was juicy and delicious, making it the perfect add-on to our meal.

Half Fried Chicken 후라이드 치킨 반마리 - ₩10,000

We arrived in another humble town, peaceful and calm.

Grateful to have stumbled upon these Korean delicacies I’ve never tried before, it was a deliciously eye-opening experience.

Onggol Myeongga Ongsim and Kalguksu 옹골명가 옹심이와 칼국수
Location: 1st floor, 3498 Jungwon-daero, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

860 Bongbang-dong, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Zip code 27429

Tian Tian Lai Famous Teochew Fish Head Steamboat

A hidden gem perched atop an industrial building in Bedok. Quite a surprise, as I have always thought eateries belonged on the more prominent lower levels just like the first floor! Being on the top floor has its perks, drivers can park freely nearby!"

Tian Tian Lai Famous Teochew Fish Head Steamboat

We kicked off the meal with their signature Red Grouper Steamboat, rich with umami from the seaweed, vegetables, solefish, and generous chunks of tender red grouper. The soup was so flavorful, I could not stop going back for more!

Red Grouper Steamboat 红斑炉

Portion was great for sharing among the four of us, with plenty of fresh, chunky red grouper pieces found in the pot. Definitely satisfying!

Grouper Fish Chunk

We began the dishes with Prawn Paste Chicken, golden and crispy on the outside, with the prawn paste aroma complementing rather than overpowering the natural sweetness and juiciness of the chicken.

Prawn Paste Chicken 虾酱鸡

The speciality tofu was cut into strips and deep-fried to perfection, crispy on the outside, soft and silky inside. Dipping it into the mayonnaise took the flavour up a notch. We loved how it was prepared!

Speciality Tofu 招牌豆腐

The prawn rolls stood out to me with their unique flat shape, quite different from the usual ones, but I suppose it’s their own take on the dish. Taste-wise, it was pretty decent too.

Prawn Roll 虾枣

I have always loved this combination, deep-fried sotong served with salted egg sauce. It was absolutely addictive and, needless to say, awesome!

Salted Egg Sotong 咸蛋苏东

Another crowd favourite, the Cereal Prawn! Sweet and crispy cereal generously showered over juicy prawns. It was downright yummy.

Cereal Prawn 麦片虾

Another crowd favourite, the Cereal Prawn! Succulent prawns, well-coated with a crispy batter and topped with sweet, crunchy cereal. Absolutely yummy.

Prawn

Not many places serve this dish, so we were all screaming with joy, Cuttlefish Kang Kong! A nostalgic mix of sweet and spicy flavours, loaded with generous portions of cuttlefish and kang kong.

Cuttlefish Kang kong 鱿鱼蕹菜

Definitely nods of approval for the dishes served! If you’re craving a decent Fish Steamboat and solid Cze Char dishes, this place is worth a visit.

Our Order

Tian Tian Lai Famous Teochew Fish Head Steamboat
Location: 3018 Bedok North Street 5, #06-10, Singapore 486132

Rain Shelter 비내쉼터

If you're cycling along the Hangang Bicycle Path, this rain shelter makes a perfect rest stop,  conveniently located right beside the Binaesum Certification Centre.

Rain Shelter

Take a break here to enjoy some warm ramyeon or mandu, and refill your water bottle before the next climb along the Hangang Bicycle Path.

Self-Service Area

The place was spacious, with the kitchen and drinks counter separated by the entrance walkway. 

Spacious with Resting Area

We took advantage of the cool air conditioning, ordered some food, and recharged before heading to the next certification center.

Dining Area

There was another menu on the wall, but we were too lazy to translate it and decided to stick with the simpler English menu instead.

Menu on wall

We checked out the simple English menu, which mainly featured a variety of dumplings.

Menu

The ramyeon was absolutely yummilicious, topped with a perfectly cooked egg and a generous sprinkle of fresh spring onions. This style really floats my boat! That warm bowl of noodles was just the energy boost we needed to keep going.

Korean Noodle 'ramyun' (hot) - ₩7000

The shrimp dumplings came in a serving of six, simple, satisfying, and a real hunger-saver on our cycling break.

Shrimp Dumplings - ₩6,000

The meat dumplings were just as awesome, dip them into the sauce provided and savour each bite. We especially loved the thin, chewy skin that held everything together so well. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.

Meat Dumplings - ₩6,000

For those continuing their ride along the cycling path, brace yourselves! Refuel with some tasty bites and drinks here before taking on the next climb.

Rain Shelter 비내쉼터
Location: 295-1 Jocheon-ri, Angseong-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea