Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

Spotted Kokoyo while I was at Jelita Mall for Craftsmen Coffee, and decided to make a return trip one day to try their Nyonya dishes at the food court. The stall is opened by a Gen Z owner, and this cosy eatery is more than just a business, it’s his heartfelt tribute to his 73-year-old grandma, whose home-cooked Peranakan meals shaped his childhood.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

These are definitely hot-selling items. I was advised to buy them while ordering our food, not after finishing, as these delicious Nyonya snacks would likely be gone by then. Lo and behold, she was right! By the time we were done eating, they were almost sold out.

We had 9-layered kueh, kueh salat, and ang ku kueh, all beautifully made and rich in authentic Peranakan flavours.

Nyonya Kueh

Instead of the usual fragrant white rice to pair with the dishes, we went for nasi lemak. We ordered the kosong version, which came with fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, egg, and a dollop of sambal chilli, simple yet satisfying.

Nasi Lemak Kosong 原味椰浆饭 - $5.80

If you’d like to make it a set with the Nasi Lemak, do check out their menu too. We had ours with Ayam Buah Keluak, though there wasn’t a physical black nut (Buah Keluak) in sight, you could definitely taste its rich, earthy essence infused into the sauce.

Ayam Buah Keluak 娘惹黑果椰浆饭

We also ordered the Babi Pongteh, and it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was rich and savoury, perfect for drizzling over the rice, while the meat was tender and flavourful without being too tough.

Babi Pongteh 娘惹香焖猪肉 - $7.80

The Custard Seafood Otak truly lives up to its name. The texture was soft and sponge-like, quite a contrast from the firmer versions we were used to. With every bite, you could see bits of fresh fish within the custard, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the dish.

Custard Seafood Otak 新鲜欧塔 - $7.80

Unfortunately, there was no Pig Stomach Soup available that day, so we went with their Fish Soup instead. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, flavourful, milky broth filled with generous chunks of fish and slices of bittergourd, making it a comforting alternative.

Fish Soup

The quintessential item in any Nyonya cuisine has to be the Chap Chye. A delightful medley of ingredients like beancurd skin, carrots, cabbage, spring onions, black fungus, and vermicelli. A comforting dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with a plate of rice.

Nyonya Chap Chye 娘惹杂菜 - $5.80 

KokoYo Nyonya Delights are decently priced for a food court setting, and with its comforting Peranakan flavours, I wouldn’t mind bringing friends back again for another round.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights
Location: Jelita Mall, 293 Holland Road 278628, #02-18, 278628

The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜

It all started when my friend brought up The Morning Catch for our next gastronomic adventure. The name had me thinking of Western seafood dishes, perhaps grilled fish or fish and chips,  something along those lines. But when we arrived at Kinex, I was in for a surprise. The Morning Catch Seafood turned out to be a Chinese seafood restaurant, a cuisine we seldom explore, making this dining experience an unexpected twist in our usual food trail.

The Morning Catch Seafood 一品鲜 活海鲜 

As we walked into the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by rows of open tanks filled with live seafood. The dining area was spacious and traditional, lined with round tables that gave off that familiar Chinese banquet-style vibe.

Entrance

Just like an excited kid, I couldn’t resist walking up to some of the tanks to “greet” the seafood. The variety on display was astonishing, from lobsters and crabs to clams and lala, everything was alive and swimming right before our eyes. It was a clear sign that freshness here wasn’t just a promise, but a guarantee.

Live Tank with Lobster and Crabs

The restaurant also offers six different private dining rooms, each beautifully designed with wooden plaques and elegant gold lettering. The names of the rooms are thoughtfully chosen to symbolize auspiciousness and prosperity, setting the tone for joyful gatherings and celebrations.

The largest room can accommodate up to 23 guests, with a minimum spending of $1,388 on weekdays and a usual spending of around $1,988. Whether it’s for a family celebration or a business dinner, the ambience of these private rooms adds a refined and exclusive touch to the dining experience.

Private Rooms

Among the private rooms, The Genting Room (云鼎) carries a meaningful name. It’s suitable for both family gatherings and business dining, symbolizing a broad and far-reaching vision much like standing atop the clouds. The name reflects an atmosphere ideal for intellectual conversations and thoughtful exchanges, making it a fitting space for meaningful discussions over a good meal.

Genting

The room itself was spacious and well-equipped, featuring an entertainment area complete with karaoke, mahjong, and even a tea-tasting setup.

Genting Room - Entertainment Area

 It’s easy to imagine how gatherings here could stretch into long, enjoyable sessions filled with laughter and good conversations. 

Genting Room Karaoke

I bet this place would make a great spot for both family celebrations and business entertaining alike.

Mahjong & Tea Area

The Good Luck Room (好运) was adorned with soft, warm lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Diners believe that enjoying a meal in such a setting will naturally attract good fortune and positive energy, making it an auspicious space to dine and celebrate.

Good Luck 好运 Room

"Complete" 圆满 Room

Private Room

如意 Private Room

The range of live seafood here was truly jaw-dropping, an impressive showcase of freshness and variety. From the moment I saw the tanks, I knew we were in for something special. Let’s scroll through the photos and take a closer look at just how many types of seafood they have!

Flower Crab

Live Lobster

Australian Lobster 澳洲龙虾

Alaska King Crab 阿拉斯加帝王蟹

Canadian Oyster

Lala

Live Tiger Prawns

\\

Mantis Shrimp 皮皮虾

Soon Hock Fish

Live Prawns

Abalone

Live Geoduck 象拔蚌

Turbot 多宝鱼

Besides the impressive range of live seafood that easily earns approving nods from diners, the restaurant also offers braised goose meat on its menu,  a dish that adds a touch of traditional Chinese flair. However, this specialty needs to be pre-ordered in advance, as it’s prepared with care and not available for walk-in orders.

Sri Lankan Crab 斯里兰卡蟹

The squid was perfectly battered and deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. We loved that the salted egg sauce came generously on the side,  perfect for drizzling or dipping as you please.

Salted Egg Sotong/ Squid 咸蛋鱿鱼

The Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns made a comforting dish, stir-fried with onions and spring onions to bring out that classic wok-hei aroma and savory kick.

Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns 椒盐活老虎虾

The Spicy Stir-Fried South African Abalone reminded me of a bold Hunan-style dish, combining tender abalone with lively chilli and green pepper. Served in its shell for aesthetic appeal, the dish carried a deep savoury-umami base with striking heat from the chilli and aromatic lift from the green capsicum. A memorable twist on premium seafood.

Spicy Stir Fried South Africa Abalone 南非中鲍鱼辣爆炒

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle. A luxurious and comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. The peppery broth, rich in collagen, pairs perfectly with the silky strands of thick bee hoon, while the fresh, succulent lobster adds sweetness and depth to every spoonful. A satisfying fusion of indulgence and comfort.

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle 波士顿龙虾（大）白胡椒胶原米粉汤

The Fried Iberico Pork was stir-fried with egg, giving the dish a natural sweetness. The red chilli and green pepper added just the right kick, complementing the flavors beautifully. Served over a gentle flame, the dish stayed warm throughout, keeping every bite aromatic and satisfying.

Fried Iberico Pork 农家一碗香 （黑猪肉）

The last dish we had was the Golden Collagen Soon Hock, served bubbling hot in an earthen pot. The broth carried a slight tang and mild spiciness, adding a refreshing twist to the rich, collagen-filled soup.

Golden Collagen Soon Hock 胶原金汤活笋壳鱼（小）

The dishes served were comforting, and for those who enjoy live seafood, this is definitely an ideal spot for gatherings where freshness meets flavor in every bite.

The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜
Location: Kinex Singapore 11 Tanjong Katong Road #02-21 Singapore 437157

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen

Spotted a ramen stall at Pasir Panjang Food Centre and thought I got lucky, there wasn’t a single person in line! I quickly placed my order, only to realise moments later that everyone around me was already holding onto their buzzers. Turns out, the real queue was invisible.

Mugiwara Tonkotsu Ramen

There was only one Tonkotsu Ramen on the menu, leaving diners with no choice but to go with that. It made me wonder,  perhaps they are focusing on perfecting this single dish, or maybe it’s due to limited manpower. Either way, I decided to give it a shot. My buzzer finally went off just as my colleagues were finishing up their meals.

Tonkotsu Ramen - $6.5

The bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen arrived steaming hot, with smooth and springy noodles soaking in a milky white broth. The broth might taste a little mild for some, but I found it comforting and well-balanced. Toppings included slices of grilled meat, fish cake, and half a soft-boiled ajitama egg, finished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. For $6.50, it’s a simple yet satisfying bowl, not one to complain about.

Noodle

Overall, the price of the ramen was attractive, especially for what you get in return. However, having it during the busy lunch hour can be a little tricky; the waiting time might stretch longer than expected, especially when the buzzers start piling up. Still, for a $6.50 bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen at a hawker centre, it’s hard to fault the experience.

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen
Location: Pasir Panjang Food Centre, 121 Pasir Panjang Rd, #01-35, Singapore 118543

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

We are back at Numb Restaurant for their new menu! Our last visit of Numb Restaurant was around April 2025, and I honestly still miss that memorable luffa dish from before. 

Numb Restaurant

The environment here remains peaceful and calm, a lovely spot to enjoy good food without the noise.

Counter

With their new menu in place, they have added a bit more fun and creativity in how the dishes are presented. 

Menu

The meal kicked off with the Sichuan Yuan Yang Hotpot with Seafood, perfectly living up to their business name — “Numb.” The dual pot featured a fiery mala soup base on one side and a green pepper broth on the other. Both sides shared similar ingredients, prawn balls, lala clams, beef tripe, luncheon meat, and vegetables — creating a thrilling mix of spice, fragrance, and that signature numbing kick.

Sichuan Yuan Yang Hotpot with Seafood - $39.80

This isn’t your usual William Shakespeare book. It’s actually part of the dining experience, a clever surprise for customers. Opening it felt almost magical, as applewood smoke gently drifted out, creating a dramatic and aromatic reveal.

Not your usual William Shakespeare Book

Inside the “book” lies a delightful surprise, Snowflake Wagyu cubes with black pepper, beautifully infused with applewood smoke. The dish is theatrically presented in a vintage Hamlet-themed book, releasing a gentle smoky aroma as it opens. 

Flaming Apple-wood Smoked Wagyu Beef Cube - $49.80

The wagyu cubes were tender, juicy, and well-coated in peppery seasoning, complemented by asparagus and cherry tomatoes that added freshness to each bite. A creative blend of flavour, aroma, and presentation.

Yummy

The Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce was a playful twist on the Sichuan classic “clothesline pork belly.” Honestly, it made us chuckle, the presentation looked just like how grandma used to hang blankets on the line! Each slice of pork belly was tender and nicely coated in that garlicky, spicy sauce, making this dish as fun to look at as it was to eat.

Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce - $19.80

The Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone & Seafood was truly laudable. Made with brown rice, the dish offered a pleasant nutty crunch that paired beautifully with the light yet flavourful broth simmered with abalone, shrimp, and assorted seafood. 

Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone & Seafood - $46.80

The balance of textures and taste was spot on, so comforting that I couldn’t resist helping myself to multiple servings, bowl after bowl.

Yummy

Both beverages were served with a thick layer of milk foam, each adorned with a Chinese stencil, “Xi” (喜喜) symbolising happiness and “Fa” (發) representing prosperity. The tea fragrance was light and refreshing, and when paired with the creamy milk foam, it reminded us of bubble tea but elevated, with a charming Chinese cultural twist.

Golden Bliss Jasmine Tea & Fortune Blossom Jasmine Matcha  - $7.80

Not all dishes here are fiery or numbing and that’s the charm. Glad to be back at Numb Restaurant, finding comfort food amidst all the heat and spice.

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

Location: Marina One West Tower, 5 Straits View, West Tower, #01-12 Marina One, Singapore 018935