Tasty Hotpot 回味锅

 A visit to Johor Bahru’s Taman Eko Botani for Tasty Hotpot – a hearty meal and a perfect spot for our gathering.

Tasty Hotpot

The restaurant exudes a modern yet cozy vibe with clean wooden lines, warm pendant lights, and marble finishes. 

Interior Furnishing

Booth seating adds comfort, while calligraphy on the walls brings a touch of tradition to the stylish space.

Diner's Seating

Like most hotpot restaurants, there’s a sauce station where diners can mix their own dips. What’s helpful here is the recommended sauce guide, neatly plastered on the wall for easy reference.

Sauce Station 

Here are the sauce mixtures we put together following the sauce guide: a vibrant mix of spice, aromatics, and nutty flavours that perfectly complement the hotpot.

Sauce Mixture

The restaurant uses a service robot to deliver dishes, stacking them neatly on its four-tier trays and gliding straight to the designated table.

Robot Helper

The dried sticks of Dao Xiao Mian were quite interesting. It was my first time trying noodles in stick form!

Dao Xiao Mian - RM 8

We also had Ee Mian and Soybean Rolls to go along with the hotpot.

Soybean Roll

Alongside our hotpot, we had a platter filled with tofu, meatballs, sausage slices, black fungus, vegetables, and mushrooms.

Platter with Mushrooms & Others

For seafood, we enjoyed a plate of fresh prawns as well as scallops served in their shells.

Prawns

Scallops 

We also savored their juicy pork cheese balls, which added a rich and flavorful bite to the meal.

Pork Cheese Balls

For the soup bases, we went with Garlic Chicken Soup, Pork Stomach Soup, Red Mala Soup, and Pork Bone Soup, a comforting variety to suit every taste.

Soup Base

Watermelon Grape Juice

While waiting for the food to cook in the soup base, we tried the Mala Fried Rice. It had a fiery kick, was fragrant with seasonings, and came with simple yet satisfying ingredients like eggs.

Mala Fried Rice - RM 10

Fried Golden Tofu - RM 8

The Fried Yam Balls were crispy on the outside, soft inside, and paired perfectly with a sweet condensed milk dip.

Fried Yam Ball - RM 12

Everything ended on a sweet note with a plate of fresh fruits, watermelon and guava slices, accompanied by traditional ice cream sticks.

Ending the Meal

Tasty Hotpot 回味锅 
Location: 51&51A, Jalan Eko Botani 3/4 Taman Eko Botani Iskandar Puteri, 79100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Laifaba Authentic Wood-Fired Roast & Noodles

Decided to revisit Laifaba since my friend hasn’t tried their wanton mee yet. We started with a refreshing Fresh Honey Lemon Cooler, accompanied by some traditional sugared cream crackers. Looking back at my last write-up on Laifaba back in 2022, it feels like quite a long time since my previous visit.

Fresh Honey Lemon Cooler 冰峰密柠檬 - $5

The roasted meat was beautifully presented, with a uniform colour and perfectly browned outer layer. Served with mustard and chilli sauce for sharing.

Crispy BJT Roast Pork 脆皮烧肉 - $18

The signature noodle bowl remains as stunning as ever, a Singapore flag atop the onsen duck egg, with thin noodles, fried wanton, caramelised char siew, and veggies.

Duck Egg Signature Noodles 招牌面 - $13.80

The caramelised char siew was as savoury as ever, with its distinct fat-meat layers glazed in sweet sauce. The braised onsen egg added a perfect touch to the Wanton Mee.

Char Siew and Onsen Egg

The wantons in soup were just to my liking, juicy meat fillings snugly wrapped in delicate skin, like a perfectly tailored dress. These are the new and improved versions, now about the size of a golf ball. Previously weighing 14g each, they’ve been upgraded to 20g, which explains the reduced number of pieces in each serving.

Wanton

Our Meal

We ended the meal sweetly with a refreshing mango pudding for dessert.

Laifaba surprised us with a complimentary mini cream puff, which was such a thoughtful gesture.

Overall, if you’re looking for quality and delicious Wanton Mee, Laifaba Wood-Fired Roast is definitely worth a thumbs up.

Complimentary Cream Puff

Laifaba Authentic Wood-Fired Roast & Noodles
Location: Prestige Center, 71 Bukit Batok Cres, #02-02 Singapore 658071

Sun Kimchi

If you have ever craved authentic Korean flavours without splurging, Sun Kimchi at Fook Hai Building might just be your next go-to spot. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this humble eatery serves up comforting Korean dishes that are mostly priced under $10. From hearty stews to sizzling plates, it’s a place where you can indulge in your Korean food fix without breaking the bank.

Sun Kimchi

When I was in Korea for two weeks a few months back, I quickly grew fond of their food and drinks  and I have been missing them ever since. Thankfully, in Singapore, we are spoiled with endless choices of cuisines, and even something as simple as a Korean barley rice drink can instantly quench my thirst and bring back those memories.

Korean Drink

I have been missing Sikhye, the traditional sweet Korean rice beverage and what will be a better way to kickstart my Korean meal than with this refreshing drink?

Korean Drink 韩国饮料 - $2.50

Above all the cravings, what makes Sun Kimchi even more attractive is its straightforward pricing, no GST, no service charge, just honest and affordable Korean food.

No Hidden Cost

To be honest, during my two weeks in Korea, I only managed to try corn cheese once, so I was pretty excited to spot it on Sun Kimchi’s menu. The golden corn kernels came sizzling on a hot plate, blanketed in melted cheese and of course, we couldn’t resist having a little fun with the satisfying cheese pull before digging in.

Corn Cheese 芝士玉米 - $5.90 

Korean steamed egg, or Gyeran-jjim, is the ultimate comfort side dish. Served piping hot in a stone bowl, the eggs are whisked until fluffy and gently steamed, creating a soft, custard-like texture. Often garnished with chopped spring onions and vegetables, it’s light yet satisfying — the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

Korean Steamed Eggs 韩式蒸蛋 - $4.90

The Chive Pancake caught our attention at first sight! Unlike the usual large, round serving, these came in petite portions almost the size of a sauce dish. Bite-sized, crispy, and flavorful, they were undeniably addictive.

Chive Pancake 韭菜煎饼 - $6.90

The Smoked Duck Rice Bowl is beautifully presented with slices of succulent smoked duck fanned around a perfectly soft poached egg. Vibrant vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots add a fresh pop of color, while a generous sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and shredded seaweed on top enhances both texture and visual appeal. A feast for both the eyes and the palate!

Smoked Duck Rice Bowl - $11.90

Kimchi Chicken Soup is a hearty and fiery Korean classic, simmered to perfection with tender chicken pieces, soft tofu, and crunchy vegetables.

Kimchi Soup with Chicken 泡菜鸡肉汤饭 - $7.90

The tangy, spicy kick of fermented kimchi blends harmoniously with the rich broth, creating a bold and soul-warming flavor. Topped with fresh green onions, chili slices, and enoki mushrooms, this dish is perfect for those who love a good balance of spice, umami, and comfort in every spoonful.

Appetizing

he Beef Bulgogi Hot Plate was absolutely delicious. These tender beef slices infused with a flavorful marinade and paired with sweet, caramelized onions. A true comfort dish!

Hot Plate Beef with Rice 铁板牛肉饭 - $12.90

Another dish I miss is their Ramyeon. We had the Kimchi Ramyeon with pork, and it was so appetizing! The noodles were springy and delicious. Cravings satisfied!

Kimchi Ramyeon with Pork 泡菜牛肉拉面 - $8.90

Cravings Satisfied

Though the eatery isn’t big, the menu is more than adequate with comforting simple Korean dishes. Plus, it’s pocket-friendly and, most importantly, a pretty good eat!

Our Orders

Sun Kimchi
Location: Fook Hai Building, 150 South Bridge Road, #01-11 Singapore 058727

Old Hup Kee 老合记 (Yew Tee Square) Hokkien Mee 福建面

A visit to the food court brought us to Old Hup Kee, where they satisfy the Singaporean appetite with familiar favourites like Char Kway Teow, Fried Carrot Cake, Hokkien Mee, Fried Oysters and more. We checked out their Yew Tee outlet, though they also have branches in Marine Parade and Punggol.

Old Hup Kee in Yew Tee Square

Here's what we had ordered. A nice variety of Singapore hawker staples on the table, each with its own unique flavor profile.

Our Orders

We ordered the Yuan Yang Carrot Cake to enjoy the best of both worlds. It came beautifully presented,  the white version cooked in its classic “island” form, while the black version was served in evenly cut bite-sized pieces. The black carrot cake was garlicky with a nice coating of sweet sauce, while the white portion was fragrant and eggy, with a generous amount of eggs enhancing its flavor.

Carrot Cake (Yuan Yang) - $7

The Char Kway Teow was rich and dark, carrying that signature smoky wok hei. It was well-balanced with the usual essentials, Chinese sausage, egg, and crunchy beansprouts, all in just the right portions. The sweet sauce tied everything together nicely without being overwhelming.

Fried Kway Teow - $6.50

The Hokkien Mee came looking appetizing with its thickened gravy, and the noodles had clearly absorbed much of its essence. However, the flavors leaned on the moderate side. While still savoury, it lacked the deep umami punch and the distinct prawn-head richness that’s often associated with traditional Hokkien Mee.

Hokkien Mee - $7.50

Between fried oyster and oyster omelette, my preference leans toward the latter for its generous use of eggs. This version was neatly presented in a rectangular shape and topped with fresh coriander leaves. While I wasn’t expecting too much, it turned out to be a satisfying fix for oyster omelette cravings.

Oyster Omelette - $10

Overall, Old Hup Kee serves up a comforting variety of hawker staples. Each dish carries its own charm, making it a reliable spot when you’re craving familiar flavors and hearty, stomach-warming food.

Old Hup Kee 老合记 (Yew Tee Square) Hokkien Mee 福建面
Location: 624 Choa Chu Kang Street 62, Singapore 680624

Swatow City

Visiting Swatow again, but this time with a twist for which every Wednesday night, Swatow City @ Bukit Batok HomeTeamNS hosts open mic sessions from 6.30–9.30pm. 🎤

HomeTeamNS

Swatow City is located on the 2nd level of the club, welcoming guests with a glamorous entrance framed by warm lighting and an inviting archway. 

Entrance

We settled ourselves down and were served with the nicely packed chrysanthemum drinks packed by the restaurant in a nice bottle.

Chrysanthemum Drinks

We began with the Teochew Specialities Trio Combination Platter, a must-try at any Teochew restaurant. It featured Chilled Jellied Pork Knuckles, Crispy-Fried Handmade Prawn Roll, and the unique Crispy-Fried Pork Liver Roll, each showcasing the essence of traditional Teochew flavors. The platter was accompanied by sweet sauce and chilli sauce on the side, perfect for enhancing the flavors of each bite.

Teochew Specialities Trio Combination Platter 潮州三彩拼盘 - $32

Skipping the rice for carbs, we opted for Ee Fu Noodles instead. Despite its simplicity with mushrooms, beansprouts, and chives, the noodles were undeniably delicious, carrying that comforting wok-kissed flavor in every bite.

Ee Fu Noodle with Mushroom

Here comes a series of chef’s specials. The Braised Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd in Preserved Black Bean Sauce brought a familiar comfort, reminiscent of classic Cze Char dishes found in the heartlands. The flavors were well-balanced, not overly salty, making it enjoyable even on its own without white rice.

Braised Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd in Preserved Black Bean Sauce 鼓汁凉瓜排骨 - $23

Besides the array of tantalising dishes, the highlight is also the Open Mic Session every Wednesday, where diners can dedicate songs and sing over the microphone, adding a lively and engaging touch to the dining experience.

Open Mic Session Every Wednesday

Sichuan Chicken with Dry Red Chilli came with crunchy cashew nuts and carried a savoury kick. It wasn’t overly spicy, though the flavours could have been more deeply infused into the meat.

Sichuan Chicken with Dry Red Chilli 官保鸡球 - $23

Next up, the Prawns with Creamy Lime Sauce, juicy battered prawns, deep-fried to golden crisp, then coated in a rich, tangy lime sauce and finished with a sprinkle of roasted sesame for extra fragrance.

Prawns with Creamy Lime Sauce 西柠奶油下 - $24

Crispy Fish Coated with Sweet Golden Syrup, this dish instantly reminded me of a Chinese New Year snack. If I wasn’t told it was fish, I could have mistaken it for the familiar syrup-coated treat, with its addictive crunch and caramelised sweetness.

Crispy Fish Coated with Sweet Golden Syrup 酥烤鱼柳（四川） - $20

Stewed Eggplant with Sambal Chilli, a comforting dish that evoked a nostalgic taste of home-cooked food, with tender eggplant soaking up the spicy, savoury sambal.

Stewed Eggplant with Sambal Chilli 辣味茄子 - $18

Stewed French Beans with Minced Meat (Sichuan Style) – a delightful dish with a sweet and tangy balance, appetising with every bite.

Stewed French Beans with Minced Meat (Sichuan Style) 干扁四季豆 （四川）- $18

Overall, these were the dishes we ordered, a delightful spread with a good balance of noodles, vegetables, seafood, and meat dishes.

Dishes Order

No meal feels complete without desserts. We ended with the Teochew staple, Orh Nee with pumpkin and ginkgo nuts not too sweet, just to our liking

Teochew Orh Nee with Pumpkin & Gingko Nuts 潮州金瓜白果芋泥

We also shared the Fresh Mango & Pomelo Sago, a refreshing and satisfying way to complete the meal.

Fresh Mango & Pomelo Sago 金枝玉露

With Chef Specials featuring both Teochew and Sichuan dishes, plus an open mic on Wednesdays, it’s no wonder the place draws a crowd.

Swatow City 
Location: Bukit Batok HomeTeamNS, 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, #02-05 , Singapore 659003