S.Park Grill & Pasta

I was genuinely surprised when I stumbled upon S.Park Kitchen at a quiet corner of an Ang Mo Kio coffeeshop. At first glance, the stall looks like a typical Western food spot with its menu of chicken chops, pasta and fried sides. But right in the middle of all that, you’ll spot a sign for Fried Hokkien Mee , a hawker favourite you wouldn’t normally expect from a Western kitchen. This unexpected mix immediately piqued my curiosity.

Stall of S.Park Kitchen

At first glance, the plate of Hokkien Mee looked indulgent, a generous pour of gravy coating the noodles and a heavy scatter of golden pork lard cubes on top. Yet, despite its inviting appearance, the flavours turned out milder than expected, with the gravy and toppings coming across more subtle than they looked.

Fried Hokkien Mee 炒福建面 - $6 / 8 / 10

Nevertheless, the Hokkien Mee still offered a comforting bite. The noodles were well-soaked in the gravy and carried a gentle savouriness, while the crisp pork lard added occasional crunch. It wasn’t an intense burst of flavour, but rather a mild, easy-going rendition of the classic dish. Do note that extra chilli or additional pork lard comes at a small top-up of $0.50.

Hokkien Mee

We also tried the pork ribs featured prominently at the top of the stall’s signboard. Served with a side of fries and greens, the ribs arrived nicely caramelised on the outside, giving them an appetising sheen. 

BBQ Pork Ribs 烤排骨 - $14 

The meat itself was tender and came off the bone easily, while the flavour inside was on the lighter side, making for an easy-going meal that paired well with the accompanying sides.

Tender

Another dish we had was the braised lamb shank, served with creamy mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The meat was tender and slipped off the bone with ease, and there wasn’t much of a gamey note, making it approachable even for those who usually avoid stronger flavours.

Braised Lamb Shank 卤羊小腿配送土豆泥 - $25

Hearty chunks of tender beef stew, perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the kind of comfort food and guaranteed to fill you up!

Beef Stew - $9.80

Their fried chicken wings are golden-brown and irresistibly juicy when served hot, definitely tempting to dig into! Just a little on the saltier side, but still tasty.

Fried Chicken & Wings - $5.80

Overall, the meal was decent and satisfying, though nothing particularly stood out. The dishes were enjoyable enough, making for a straightforward, comforting meal.

S.Park Grill & Pasta
Location: First Coffeeshop, 107 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-138, Singapore 560107

The House Chungdam | Korean Restaurant & BBQ

Tucked away along the bustling stretch of Duxton Road, House of Chungdam caught me by surprise  and not just for its food. 

The House of Chungdam

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by its minimalist interior design. 

Interior

With its clean lines, muted tones, and modern aesthetic, the space felt more like a trendy café than a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant. 

Dining Area

It was a refreshing change that set the stage for a dining experience that blended style with substance.

On the Table

Once seated, we were promptly served a selection of condiments, sea salt, fresh garlic, wasabi, and more, the essential companions to elevate the BBQ experience.

Condiments

Alongside these were the usual greens: crisp lettuce, perilla leaves, and sliced green chillies, perfect for wrapping up the grilled meats later on.

Vegetables for Wraps

Of course, no Korean meal is complete without banchan, and House of Chungdam didn’t hold back. A vibrant assortment of side dishes filled the table, each small plate adding colour, texture, and variety to the setting, making the table feel both inviting and satisfyingly full.

Banchan

One standout dish for me was the cheese potato jeon,  a delightful surprise, as it was my first time encountering this at a Korean eatery. It reminded me of a stack of perfectly cooked rosti, topped with crispy bits of bacon and generously showered with grated cheese. The combination of textures, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy within, made it incredibly satisfying, and a dish I will definitely come back for.

Cheese Potato Jeon - $27

The steamed egg, at first glance, looked a tad dry, not quite the fluffy, cloud-like version I have come to expect. But as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. One spoonful in, and it was clear that looks were deceiving. It was soft, wobbly, and packed with comforting, savoury flavour, a simple dish done right.

Soy Bean Jigae & Steamed Egg

For the main event, we went with the House Feast, a set menu designed for two, priced at $129. It came with a well-balanced selection of premium cuts: boneless short rib, marinated boneless short rib, and thinly sliced brisket. 

Meat 

Each cut was beautifully presented and grilled to perfection right at our table, allowing us to savour the rich, juicy flavours and tender textures.

Meat

And then came the pork belly, three thick, generous slabs that immediately stole our attention. They looked absolutely glorious, with just the right balance of meat and fat. We could hardly wait to get them sizzling on the grill. 

Pork Belly - $29

As they cooked, the aroma was irresistible, and the end result did not disappoint: crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and packed with rich, smoky flavour. A definite highlight of the meal.

Pork Belly on the Grill

The marinated short rib, in particular, stood out with its sweet-savory glaze that caramelized slightly on the grill, adding extra depth to every bite.

So Yummy

To round off the meal, we tried the Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles, a refreshing and delicious finish, especially after all the rich grilled meats. 

Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles - $19

Served chilled with a light, tangy broth and chewy noodles, it was the perfect palate cleanser that left us feeling satisfied but not overly heavy.

Chewy Noodles

Ever since returning from Busan, South Korea, I’ve been a little addicted to Dwaeji Gukbap, the humble yet deeply comforting pork bone soup. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity: a clear, savoury broth and tender slices of pork, perfect for colder days or when you're craving something hearty.

Dwaeji Gukbap

At House of Chungdam, their version stays true to the spirit of the dish, with a slight twist, the rice comes already soaked in the broth, making it even more comforting and convenient to eat. Every spoonful brought back memories of Busan food, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was done here.

Delicious

We ended our meal on a sweet note with a bowl of Bingsu. I appreciated that it was a single-serving portion rather than the usual oversized mountain of shaved ice. Light, refreshing, and not overly sweet, it was just the right amount to cleanse the palate and finish off the feast without feeling too heavy. A thoughtful end to a well-curated dining experience.

Red Bean Shaved Ice - $10

The House Chungdam | Korean Restaurant & BBQ
Location: 72 Duxton Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089531
Website

Hungry Mee 饿了食面

 Made it through the morning madness and Causeway crawl just in time for breakfast at Eco Botanic!

Hungry Mee 饿了食面

The gang decided on this Hong Kong Char Siew spot, partly because we were drawn in by its well-lit, eye-catching menu board. The menu cover was beautifully illustrated with glistening Hong Kong-style Char Siew and what made it stand out was the unique addition of salted egg yolk in the center.

Menu

Cement screed flooring, neon signboards, and foldable chairs and tables set the scene instantly bringing back memories of a classic Hong Kong eatery. Well, minus the cramped space, thankfully! And of course, the impatient service we all remember experiencing in Hong Kong made a cameo too.

Interior

A bowl of wonton soup came first, 10 pieces to share among the crew, just right for a cold day. The wontons were snug in their wrappers, showing off those plump, tasty fillings. Total comfort food!

Wanton Soup 云吞汤 - RM 12.90 (10 Pcs)

While the others went for the wonton noodles, I decided to try their Braised Mushroom Chicken Feet. The braising sauce was mild, not too salty and quite clean-tasting. It was enjoyable, but if you're expecting those deep, intense flavors like in traditional Hokkien-style braised dishes, you might find this one a bit underwhelming.

Braised Mushroom Chicken Feet 香菇鸡脚 - RM 9.90

Tried the Hot Spring Egg Wonton Mee with white sauce, springy HK noodles, silky egg, and a light, flavorful base. Simple, but really satisfying

Hot Spring Egg Wonton Mee 温泉蛋云吞面 - $14.50

A few in the group tried the Shrimp Wonton Noodles with mee pok, and of course, added on some Char Siew for good measure. It even came with two fried wontons, extra points for that!

HK Shrimp Wonton Mee + Char Siew 港式虾仔云吞面加叉烧 - RM 12.90 + ?

To match the Hong Kong-style meal, I gave their Pineapple with 7-Up a go. Served with lemon and pineapple chunks, it was super refreshing and just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

7 Up Pineapple Ice 七喜菠萝冰 - RM 5.20

We also tried the Char Siew with Scrambled Egg served in a Pineapple Bun, a playful twist on the classic Hong Kong-style sandwich. The fluffy scrambled egg paired surprisingly well with the sweet, crumbly top of the pineapple bun, while the savory Char Siew added a rich, smoky depth. Sweet, savory, and satisfying in every bite.

Char Siew with Scrambled Egg with Pineapple Bun 叉烧滑蛋婆菠萝包 - RM 7.90

The Butter Kaya Toast was served as a long, paired set, crispy like a biscuit with a satisfying crunch. A simple yet nostalgic treat done right.

Butter Kaya with Toast 牛油咖椰面包 - RM 3.50

We also ordered their Salted Egg Char Siew (200g), which was suitable for sharing among 3–4 people. 

Salted Egg Char Siew 招牌叉烧皇 - RM 25.90

The combination of salted egg and char siew was something new to us,an interesting twist but the overall taste didn’t quite deliver a wow factor.

Close up piece of Char Siew with Salted Egg

It was nice discovering this spot in the mall. If you're ever craving Hong Kong-style cuisine, this place definitely fits the bill.

Hungry Mee 饿了食面
Location:  Eco Galleria, A0117, Blok A, Eco Galleria, 3, Persiaran Eko Botani, Taman Eco Botanic, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

Unatoto Guoco Tower

Back at Unatoto Guco Tower after my 2023 visit, and I’m excited to explore the latest additions to their menu!

Unatoto Guoco Tower

In contrast to my previous visit, the interior has been updated with faux sakura blossoms and walls fully decorated with printed menus and clippings, creating a lively and thematic atmosphere.

Environment

The updated ambiance isn’t the only change. Let’s check out the latest items they have added to the menu!

Menu

We skipped the alcohol this time, after all, someone had to be behind the wheel. Instead, we opted for a comforting cup of hot green tea, perfect for a cold and rainy day.

Green Tea - $2 (Non Refillable)

No visit to a Japanese restaurant feels complete for my dining partner without a serving of chawanmushi. This one was a standout, expertly steamed with that signature silky texture, featuring familiar favorites like Japanese fish cake and tender chicken.

Chawanmushi - $5.50

We started off with the aburi chashu as an appetizer, and it was beautifully presented. The thin slices of flame-seared pork belly were laid out like petals, each topped with a swirl of creamy mayo and a sprinkle of spring onions. Slightly charred edges added a smoky depth to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. A visually striking and delicious start to the meal!

Aburi Chashu - $7

This Umaki (half portion) stole the spotlight with its perfect texture and presentation. The soft tamago envelops a piece of grilled unagi, bringing a gentle sweetness and umami in every bite. That signature branding on top elevated the visual appeal!

Umaki (Half Size) - $5

The assorted mixed skewers set included four sticks, offering a tasty variety of grilled delights: tender chicken thigh, crispy-edged chicken wing, and a rich, savory unagi skewer. A great choice for sampling different flavors.

Assorted Mix Skewers - $12

The beef curry was a new addition to the menu and came beautifully presented. On the left, tender slices of beef were nestled in a pool of sweet Japanese curry, while a neat portion of rice sat on the right. Finely chopped green spring onions were placed right in the middle, bridging the curry and rice, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Beef Curry - $19

The starring item is none other than their unagi. The Unajyu Deluxe was a great choice for sharing, especially since we had several other dishes to enjoy. The eel still packed that delicious smoky flavor we loved from before.

Unajyu Deluxe - $23.50

The Salmon and Ikura with Tartar Sauce was another standout new item. The creamy tartar sauce brought a refreshing balance, while the ikura added bursts of umami and texture that made each bite more exciting.

Salmon and Ikura with Tartar Sauce - $15.90

We ended the meal on a refreshing note with the Matcha Warabimochi & Ice Cream served with black honey. The matcha ice cream was smooth and creamy, with none of the usual bitterness, just pure, mellow matcha flavor. The Matcha Warabimochi, on the other hand, had a slight bitter edge, but the drizzle of black honey balanced it out beautifully, tying everything together into a sweet and satisfying finish.

Matcha Warabimochi & Ice Cream with Black Honey - $7.50

On a side note, they offered a complimentary Ebi tempura for customers who left a Google review on the spot—a nice little bonus to end the meal!

Complimentary Ebi Tempura

All in all, it was another enjoyable experience at Unatoto Guoco Tower. Visiting on the weekend turned out to be a great choice, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it wasn’t as crowded as other spots. With thoughtful new menu additions and consistent quality, it’s definitely a place worth revisiting.

Unatoto Guoco Tower
Location: Guoco Tower, 7 Wallich St, #B1 - 03 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078884
Website