The Chicken Rice Shop

Despite making countless trips to JB over the years, The Chicken Rice Shop had never been on my radar. But as fate would have it, my friend decided to shortlist it for dinner this time, giving me the perfect chance to finally try it out.

The Chicken Rice Shop

Each of us went for our own individual set meal for one, which conveniently came with a 12oz drink included.

Drinks and Dessert

A wholesome, all-in-one set perfect for one person. It includes 2 pcs Nyonya Pai Tee, your choice of chicken (Steamed, Roast, Soy Sauce or Hainanese Curry), Ipoh bean sprouts or pak choy with oyster sauce, a bowl of fragrant chicken rice, soup of the day, a 12oz soft drink and a Rainbow Delight dessert.

Hainanese Chicken Rice Meal (1 Pax) - RM 19.690

Although the chicken looked appealing with its savoury seasoning and bed of cucumbers, it appeared a little underdone for our liking, showing some pinkness despite its otherwise inviting presentation.

Hainanse Chicken 

Nyonya Pai Tee also known as Kueh Pie Tee in Singapore, this version was a little lacklustre. The filling lacked aroma, and the pastry cups were soft rather than crisp, which took away from the usual crunch.

Nyonya Pai Tee

A complete and wholesome healthy meal featuring a single portion of chicken breast (choice of Steamed, Roast or Soy Sauce), one braised tofu and one braised egg, plus Ipoh bean sprouts or pak choy with oyster sauce, a bowl of chicken rice and soup of the day. The set also includes a drink (soya milk, Chinese tea or mineral water). We topped up RM3.90 to enjoy soft drinks instead.

Mighty Meal (1 Pax) - RM 21.90

If I were to compare with the Hainanese chicken, I would definitely prefer the roast. Overall, this chain’s chicken rice just didn’t fit our style, we prefer hot rice and aromatic chicken, but it was a far cry from any of our makcik’s chicken rice stalls back in Singapore.

Roast Chicken

The Chicken Rice Shop
Location: Bandar Dato Onn, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Floor 2. AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn
Website

Ju Bao Xuan

Steamed seafood dishes have been trending lately, with more stalls focusing on serving steamed fish at attractive prices. In fact, there’s been a surge of such stalls everywhere. 

Menu

Menu

Even my favourite White Bee Hoon stall has transformed into a steamed fish stall after the coffeeshop’s renovation.

Stall of Ju Bao Xuan

We ordered two sets of fish, topped up with additional clams and prawns. Each set comes with one side dish by default. It’s great that they offer a variety of sides to choose from, including refreshing cucumber sticks, Hong Kong–style bean sprouts, Hong Kong–style baby bok choy, and steamed egg.

2 Set of Dishes

The Bean Paste Steamed Seabass was fairly average. We topped up the meal with a prawn at $1.50, only to realise it was just a single piece. While the sauce did complement the seabass, the portion felt rather meagre.

Bean Paste Steamed Seabass - $7.90 + $150

We also had the Teochew-Style Steamed Seabass Set, topped up with lala for an additional $1.50. The steamed fish came with the usual Teochew staples, salted vegetables, tofu, plum, and tomato. While the ingredients were classic, I found the dish overall to be on the saltier side. Unfortunately, the lala was rather disappointing, with sand and cracked shells throughout.

Teochew Style Steamed Seabass Set - $7.90 + $1.50

For our sides, we both chose steamed egg, unfortunately, another let-down. The eggs turned out hard rather than soft and silky, falling short of the texture we expected. Overall, it wasn’t a good experience compared with similar offerings from other competitors in the market.

Steamed Egg

Compared to what I’ve had from other stalls, this would be my least preferred so far. I don’t see myself returning anytime soon.

Ju Bao Xuan
Location: Happy Hawkers, 632 Bukit Batok Central, Singapore 650632

Le Gruyérien

 We settled at a restaurant near our hotel for dinner, and fortunately it could accommodate all 10 of us. The place is called Le Gruyérien. At first we thought the server wasn’t too pleased with our big table, as we were greeted with a rather stern, sulky expression. We were seated right beside the pizza-preparation counter, which gave us a good view of the action. For a small town, the number of diners in the eatery was actually quite good, creating a lively atmosphere.

In Le Gruyérien

We ordered the Funghi Pizza, made to order with a tomato sauce base, champignons, mozzarella and ham. The pizza turned out really tasty and satisfying. From our seats, we could watch the pizza chef busily taking orders and sliding pizzas in and out of the large oven, a nice touch that added to the experience.'

Funghi Pizza - 21 CHF

While cheese fondue is a must-try for anyone visiting Switzerland for the first time, I decided to tick it off my list. I ordered a Half Bread, Half Potatoes Fondue (230 g) and it was served in the traditional pot over a fondue burner to keep the cheese perfectly melted throughout the meal.

Half Bread Half Potatoes Fondue By J. Romanens 230g - 26 CHF

The cheese was served in a heavy pot set over the fondue burner. It was thick, luscious and wonderfully aromatic, just like a Swiss fondue should be.

Cheese

Looking at the half loaf of bread (I assumed) and the generous portion of potatoes served alongside, my Asian stomach was already hinting that I might be full. It felt like a lot of carbohydrates for one sitting. The bread came in a basket, neatly cut into slices, ready for dipping into the rich, cheesy fondue.

Bread

The boiled potatoes were baby-sized with clean skins, served in a basket lined with a cloth to keep them warm.

Potatoes 

With a gentle press of the fork, they pierced through easily, perfect for dipping straight into the pot of molten cheese.

Dipping in Cheese

It was a wonderful experience finally trying authentic cheese fondue, but the portion was definitely heavy for one person. Unless it’s for sharing, I don’t think I will order such a rich, hearty meal on my own again.

Le Gruyérien
Location: Grand-Rue 1, 1630 Bulle, Switzerland
Website

Allauddin's Briyani (West Coast)

Haven’t had biryani in a while, and Allauddin’s at Ayer Rajah Hawker hit my cravings. No queues here as stall owner busy with takeaway orders.

Stall of Allauddin's Briyani

We decided to try Allauddin’s Biryani at Ayer Rajah Hawker and went for the Fried Chicken and Chicken Curry set. The biryani rice was fluffy and aromatic, accompanied by a perfectly boiled egg, crispy papadum, and refreshing sides of cucumber and onions.

Fried Chicken - $7

 A small bowl of flavorful gravy added an extra layer to the meal. While the disposable utensils were convenient, they were a bit flimsy, cutting into the chicken sometimes caused the spoon or fork to bend or break. Even as a Michelin Guide-recommended spot, Allauddin’s still serves a comforting, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes for the stomach.

Curry Chicken - $7

Overall, Allauddin’s Biryani hits the mark for a hearty, comforting meal. If a biryani craving strikes, I wouldn’t hesitate to go back for more.

Allauddin's Briyani (West Coast)
Location:  Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 503 West Coast Dr, Singapore 120503

Sake+ Orchard Somerset

Visited Sake+ at 313@Somerset, known for its vibrant Japanese-fusion fare and extensive sake selection. We headed up to the second level, greeted by a contemporary space with warm, sentimental lighting.

Interior

Craving swordfish sashimi, I ended up with their beautifully arranged assorted sashimi platter instead. Perfect for sharing, it featured glistening slices of tuna, salmon, scallop, swordfish, seabream and yellowtail, each fresh and tender, accompanied by wasabi and soy sauce for that classic dip.

Sashimi Moriawase - $20

The Yuzu Squash was a delightful blend of soda and yuzu, refreshingly cool and citrusy with every sip.

Yuzu Squash - $6

Wow! The chawanmushi’s steamed egg was silky-smooth, topped with generous slices of mushrooms that made every spoonful more satisfying.

Chawanmushi - $8

We tried the whole grilled squid, beautifully charred and tender, served with a punchy spicy-coriander sauce. 

Grilled Squid with Spicy Sauce ピリ辛イカ焼き - $14

A rare but delightful twist you don’t often find in Japanese cuisine.

Dipping into Spicy Sauce

Stir-fried thick noodles with pork belly, cabbage, carrots, and green capsicum, coated in a savoury-sweet yakisoba sauce. Finished with bonito flakes, seaweed powder, and a touch of red pickled ginger for that classic Japanese street-food flavour.

Yakisoba 焼きそば - $16

Among the three okonomiyaki options on the menu, we played it safe with the classic ‘sauce’ okonomiyaki. 

Sauce Okonomiyaki - $17

This savoury Japanese pancake came loaded with cabbage and pork, generously drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce, simple, comforting and full of umami.

Okonomiyaki

We also had the crispy deep-fried oysters wrapped in smoky bacon, a decadent bite served alongside fresh mixed salad and drizzled with tangy Lemosco, a zesty lemon-infused hot sauce that cut through the richness perfectly.

Fried Oyster Wrapped with Bacon 牡蠣ベーコンフライ - $16

The breaded pork cutlet, marinated in shio koji, is deep-fried to a crisp golden brown and paired with tangy tonkatsu sauce and a fresh side salad, simple yet irresistible.

Pork Tonkatsu 豚カツ - $15

This bowl of oden was warm and stomach-comforting, featuring tender turnip, assorted fishcakes and a hard-boiled egg. The broth was subtly sweet, though I found it lacked the deeper punch of bonito flakes I was hoping for.

Oden - $14

Creamy pasta laced with bacon and sliced onions, crowned with a soft-boiled onsen egg and parsley. While the flavours were comforting, the pasta was unfortunately overcooked and not quite to my liking.

White Cream Pasta ホワイトクリームパスタ - $16

A generous serving of Salmon Seafood Rolls sits on a rustic grey plate, each bite-sized piece coated with a luscious layer of creamy orange sauce. The drizzle glistens under the light, hinting at a tangy, spicy kick. In the background, a small mound of wasabi and a curl of pickled ginger wait to cleanse the palate between bites. This inviting presentation makes it perfect for sharing at the table.

Salmon Seafood Roll - $15

A single Salmon Seafood Roll held between chopsticks, showing off its fresh salmon and crisp cucumber filling wrapped in soft sushi rice. A touch of creamy orange sauce clings to the outside, adding a hint of spice and richness to the bite.

Close Up Bite of the Salmon Seafood Roll

We went with much anticipation, but the food turned out to be just average. While the Salmon Seafood Roll looked appetising, the overall taste didn’t quite live up to our expectations.

Sake+ Orchard Somerset
Location:  313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #01 - 27, Singapore 238895

Sen Ryo

I have passed by Sen-ryo numerous times while at Suntec City, and I couldn’t help but notice its beautifully designed exterior. With its sleek, elegant look, it gives off the impression of an upscale, fine-dining Japanese restaurant, the kind that immediately draws your attention and invites curiosity.

Sen Ryo's Menu

Stepping inside, the atmosphere did not disappoint. The clean, modern interior, paired with a warmly lit sushi counter and neatly arranged bar seating, reinforces the feeling of refined sophistication.

The menu at Sen-ryo is extensive, offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from delicate sushi and fresh sashimi to crispy tempura, smoky yakitori, and more. Known for its commitment to quality, Sen-ryo sources its seafood directly from various regions across Japan, ensuring freshness in every bite.

Environment

Upon being seated, we were warmly welcomed with refillable green tea, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the meal.

We began with a comforting chawanmushi, a delicate, steamed egg custard with a silky, wobbly texture. Topped with a succulent prawn and thinly sliced mushrooms, it was light yet flavorful, the perfect appetizer to ease us into the sushi courses that followed.

Chawanmushi - $5.50

This eye-catching roll is generously coated in roasted sesame seeds, giving it a nutty crunch with every bite. Inside, it’s packed with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and grilled eel, all brought together by a rich, savory sauce. A vibrant topping of orange egg roe adds a burst of flavor and color, making this maki as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Dragon Maki - $4.80

Sen-ryo’s Deluxe Sushi Platter is a masterfully curated selection of Japan’s finest cuts. This elegant assortment features sweet aka ebi (red shrimp), buttery hotate (scallop), rich and indulgent chutoro (medium fatty tuna), lean akami (tuna loin), silky salmon, and tender tako (octopus). Each slice is served at its peak freshness, highlighting the natural flavors and textures of premium sashimi.

Sen Ryo Deluxe Sushi Platter - $68

We ended the meal on a sweet and satisfying note with a beautifully plated Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp. The ice cream was rich and nutty, with the deep, earthy flavor of roasted black sesame shining through. It was served atop a delicate mochi crisp shell, paired with chewy shiratama dango (rice flour dumplings) and a generous spoonful of sweet red bean paste. A well-balanced dessert,  not overly sweet, but indulgent in its own subtle way. A lovely finale to a well-executed Japanese meal.

Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp - $5.80

We also enjoyed the Matcha Mochi Ice Cream, a delightful treat where the soft, chewy mochi acts as a delicate blanket, wrapping around a smooth scoop of earthy matcha ice cream. The contrast between the pillowy mochi and the creamy, slightly bitter green tea center created a harmonious balance of texture and flavor, a simple yet elegant dessert that matcha lovers will surely appreciate.

Matcha Mochi Ice-Cream - $5.80

Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience at Sen-ryo. From the refined ambiance to the well-executed dishes, everything felt thoughtfully curated. Judging from the positive reviews, their weekday lunch menu seems like a great value too. If I get the chance, I would love to return and give that a try next time.

Sen Ryo
Location: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-434 Singapore 038983

L32 Handmade Noodles

Throwing back to my earlier post on L32 Handmade Noodles from years ago even after all this time, their style still hits the spot for me, which is why I’m back again today.

Old-school handmade noodles with pork still suit me best. This style truly floats my boat. Over the years, the stall has remained popular and even featured on social media, proudly displaying the coverage on their signboard.

Stall of L32 Handmade Noodles

The noodles seem thicker in diameter now, yet they still taste just as good. The stock is wonderfully comforting with a natural sweetness, elevated by the fragrance of fried anchovies on top. Simple ingredients like vegetables, egg, and pork come together to make this a truly joyful bowl.

Handmade Noodles with Pork - $5.50

While my friend went a little more adventurous, ordering the handmade noodles with clams, I couldn’t get enough of their chilli, it brings back the nostalgic flavour I’ve longed for. Over the years, they have even opened another outlet in Tampines.

Handmade Noodles With Clam - $7.80

This has to be one of my best finds and I’m absolutely loving it.

L32 Handmade Noodles
Location: 558 Geylang Road, Lor 32 Geylang, Singapore 389509