九毛 Sarawak Kolo Mee

Jiu Mao Sarawak Kolo Mee stall sits just a few stalls away from Queenstown Lontong. Since Kolo Mee is rare to find, I finally decided to give it a try this round.

Sarawak Kolo Mee

I have always enjoyed Mi Tai Mak for its distinct texture and petite noodle size. This bowl was well tossed in its savoury seasoning, each strand coated just right. It came topped with juicy marinated minced meat, tender slices of char siew, and a sprinkle of fresh spring onions to complete the dish.

Dry Kolo Mi Tai Mak - $4.50

The meal was sweet and tasty, and the char siew was tender and not too tough. Overall, it made a satisfying lunch.

Char Siew

九毛 Sarawak Kolo Mee
Location: Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-29 Singapore 142038

Chinchilla Trading

It had been a while since we heard about the chinchilla café in Johor, so we decided to make a spontaneous trip to check it out. The space was admittedly quite limited, but honestly, it was cozy enough for the experience.

Chinchilla Trading

One side of the café was dedicated to the adorable chinchillas, housed in clean, well-kept cages — and yes, they’re even available for purchase if you’re tempted to bring one home!

Meerkat

What made the visit more interactive was the option to feed the chinchillas with special feed available for purchase. It was such a unique and delightful way to spend some time up close with these fluffy little creatures.

Display

It feels oddly therapeutic being surrounded by posters and little Totoro figurines, a cozy touch that warms the space

Display

Posters Display

That’s so cute! They’ve even got the little Soot Sprites (Susuwatari) on display, such a whimsical Ghibli touch.

Soot Sprites

They have Totoro Plush too.

Totoro

We made our order next door at Chinchilla Fruit, where there were a few cakes in the chiller display.

Cake Order

Chinchilla Trading and Chinchilla Fruit

When your buzzer rings, you can head over to pick up the order.

Ordering Buzzer

They also have a transparent cage with air holes that doubles up as a dining table, allowing diners to feed the chinchilla while enjoying their meal.

Chinchilla

Looking at this cute little chinchilla, a fluffy ball of fur while dining feels surprisingly therapeutic.

Fluffy Ball of Fur

Over at the back of the café, there are numerous breeds of chinchillas waiting for someone to take them home. For those interested, the café can even arrange delivery and purchase to Singapore with all the necessary documents.

How Adorable?

Do you want to take them home?

Cutely illustrated and thoughtfully presented in a carton box with faux newspaper, the Tiramisu Totoro was a feast for the eyes. Though visually delightful, it was a little firmer than the usual tiramisu I’ve had.

Tiramisu Totoro - RM 23

The Oreo mousse caught my eye too. Even though I’m not exactly a fan of Oreo-based desserts, I have to admit it looked irresistibly cute!

Oreo Mousse 慕丝奥宝- RM 23

To pair with the desserts, we had some watermelon beverages, light, refreshing, and just perfect for beating the heat on such a warm day.

Watermelon Jasmine Tea Smoothie - RM 13

And of course, for chinchilla lovers, I think you should definitely make a visit here. Watching those fluffy little ones while dining adds such a charming and therapeutic touch to the whole experience.

Chinchilla Trading
Location: 37, Jalan Bendahara 9, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Umami 10

When I first heard about Umami 10, it immediately piqued my interest as I thought it might be another gem along Telok Ayer. Located in the bustling central area, Umami 10 stands out with its concept of European-influenced Japanese cuisine, offering a unique twist that blends refined flavors with a modern dining experience. The name itself already hinted at depth and richness, setting the stage for a meal I was curious to explore.

Umami 10

The seating area isn’t very large. At the entrance, diners are greeted with a counter bar setup, while further inside, customers are seated at high tables with stools, giving the space a modern yet cozy vibe.

Counter Bar

Truffle fries came in a basket, generously topped with grated cheese flakes. Fragrant, crispy, and addictive, a snack that’s simply hard to resist.

Truffle Fries - $12

Soft Shell Prawn Tempura, made with air-flown glass prawns were lightly dusted with gold, was visually stunning and appetising. Crispy on the outside with plump, juicy prawns inside, it paired well with the creamy salad sauce for an indulgent bite.

Soft Shell Prawn Tempura - $25

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs were simply irresistible, tender from 12 hours of braising and elevated by the rich Sangiovese veal jus.

Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs - $38

We indulged in the premium Hyogo Oysters, silky smooth and creamy with a refreshing flavor, a true highlight that made the meal unforgettable.

 Premium Hyogo Oyster - $7 Each

Writing about the premium Hyogo Oysters makes me salivate all over again, that silky, creamy freshness is simply unforgettable.

Hyogo Oysters

Salmon Sashimi Don, anyone? Mixing the rice with the runny egg lifted the flavors, while six fresh, beautiful slices of salmon crowned the bowl.

Salmon Sashimi Don - $14

It was a good experience visiting Umami 10, a cozy spot with unique European-Japanese creations that made the meal memorable.

Umami 10
Location: 163 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068616
Website

Burma Social Tras

When my friend suggested Burma Social, I was instantly excited ,  Burmese cuisine has long been on my list to explore. Located at Tras, Burma Social presents a tapestry of flavors, blending historical influences from Chinese, Laotian, Thai, Bangladeshi, and Indian cuisines.

Entrance of Burma Social

Even before stepping in, the experience begins at the entrance where this elaborate, intricate artwork greets you. Rich in color and detail, it felt almost symbolic of the cultural crossroads Burma represents  a mosaic of traditions beautifully interwoven, much like the food that awaited us inside.

Display

Near the entrance, the seating area is open-air, creating a breezy and casual vibe. It leads seamlessly to the bar, while a flight of stairs takes you to the upper deck dining area for a more elevated experience.

Bar

he upper deck dining area was a picture of warmth and sophistication. Wooden tones, rattan lampshades, and geometric wall panels came together in an elaborate yet cozy setup. 

Upper Deck Dining Area

The soft glow of pendant lights created an inviting ambiance, while the mix of leather banquettes and cushioned chairs made the space feel both modern and homely. It struck a balance between elegance and comfort, setting the stage perfectly for a leisurely dining experience.

Upper Deck Dining Area

Even the dining utensils at Burma Social carried a touch of thoughtfulness and charm. Each setting came neatly tucked in a suede-like sleeve embossed with the restaurant’s golden logo, adding a sense of refinement right from the start. The golden-hued fork, knife, and spoon gleamed under the warm lighting, paired with wooden chopsticks, a subtle nod to the cultural blend the restaurant embodies. It was a small but striking detail that set the tone for the dining experience.

Utensils

We started off with some tea, and even before the food arrived, the little details stood out. 

Since we weren’t in the mood for alcohol that day, we went with mocktails instead. I ordered the Zesty Pleasure, a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up crafted from their house lemongrass reduction, calamansi, Thai basil, fresh ginger juice, and topped with house lemongrass soda. Light yet aromatic, it struck a nice balance between citrusy brightness and warm spice. The only downside? The lime seeds tended to get stuck in the straw midway through the drink.

Zesty Pleasure - $15++

We also tried the Wulong, a creative non-alcoholic take on the classic Whiskey Sour. This version was layered with the delicate floral aroma of oolong tea, topped with a silky egg white foam and a dried orange slice for garnish. Made with fresh mandarin orange juice, oolong tea reduction, lemon juice, and egg white, it offered a refreshing balance of citrusy brightness and tea-infused depth without the alcohol.

Wulong - $15++

Feeling blessed with the drink Bless Me, a refreshing frozen blend that would be the perfect companion on sun-kissed days. Made with coconut water, fresh lime, and spearmint, it was light, cooling, and wonderfully uplifting.

Blessed Me - $15++

Among the cold plates and thoke was a refreshing medley of Burmese tea leaf salad, elevated with a creamy avocado twist that added richness to the traditional mix.

Avocado Lahpet Thoke - $22

A refreshing vegetarian roll that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. Each of the four rolls is packed with piquillo pepper, crisp asparagus, creamy avocado, cucumber, and tangy pickled radish, then finished with a lively chilli mango salsa that brightens every bite.

Piquillo Wild Roll - $14

Far from the typical Har Gao, this version takes refinement to the next level. The skin is delicate and almost translucent, encasing a generous filling of plump prawns, fresh chives, and crunchy bamboo shoots.

Gold-Dusted Prawn & Chives Har Gao - $24

What makes it stand out even more is the luxurious touch of gold dust, giving this classic dim sum a touch of elegance and surprise.

Gold-Dusted Prawn & Chives Har Gao - $24

An interesting twist on the classic Chinese steamed bun this version sandwiches a crispy soft-shell crab with tangy pickled vegetables and a fiery kick of sriracha, creating a bold East-meets-West bite.

Soft-Shell Crab Bao - $20

Three halved crispy soft-shell crabs arrive bathed in a rich, aromatic Malvani curry, paired with warm, fluffy house-made pav. 

Coastal Crab Curry & Pav - $38

Instead of the usual rolls, we were served mini toasted buns, perfect for scooping up and savoring the luscious curry. Every bite was indulgent, and it left me wanting more.

Bread

Bread & Gravy

This Burmese-styled 18-hour braised pork belly bears a comforting resemblance to the familiar Hokkien version. The cuts are noticeably thicker yet still melt-in-your-mouth soft, glazed in a sauce that leans sweeter and lighter, almost reminiscent of teriyaki. Served with a perfectly soy-cured egg, it’s a soulful dish that bridges cultures through flavor.

Braised Pork Belly - $28

The dessert turned out to be quite an interesting finale, the Velvety Rose Elixir, with its delicate floral notes, paired beautifully with Tangled Jewels in Chilled Ecstasy, a refreshing and playful creation that lived up to its poetic name.

Falooda - $21

Overall, it was a different yet casual dining experience, with food that offered both intrigue and variety. I found the flavours interesting, and with the vibrant ambience, I wouldn’t mind coming back again for another round.

Burma Social Tras
Location: 34 Tras Street, Singapore 
Website

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