Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang

“Kin Kao Mai?”, a familiar Thai phrase meaning “Have you eaten yet?”  is more than just a question. It’s a warm invitation rooted in Thai culture, one that I experienced firsthand during my visit to Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro at their Sembawang Yacht Club branch. 

Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Johor Strait bordering Malaysia, the evening offered more than just authentic Thai cuisine. 

From the open dining area, the sunset skyline painted the horizon with breathtaking colours, making the meal even more memorable.

View from Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

While waiting for our dishes, nothing beat a chilled glass of lemongrass drink in hand. Light, fragrant, and subtly sweet, it was the perfect refresher to cool down from the lingering heat of the afternoon sun.

Lemongrass Drink - $4.80

The first dish to arrive was the glass noodles with seafood, a savory, flavor-packed plate that immediately caught our attention. The noodles were springy and well-seasoned, tossed with plump prawns, squid, and vegetables. What stood out were the charming star-shaped carrot cuts, adding a playful touch to the presentation. The vibrant colors made the dish as visually enticing as it was delicious. Every bite was a delightful mix of textures and umami, truly satisfying.

Fried Glass Noodles with Seafood - $14

Next came the Seafood Tom Yum Soup served in a less spicy version, yet no less flavorful. The broth leaned toward the sweeter side, striking a comforting balance between tangy and aromatic. It was incredibly addictive, especially with the generous portion of plump, succulent prawns that soaked up all the zesty goodness. Each spoonful warmed the soul without overwhelming the palate, making it perfect for those who enjoy tom yum with a gentler kick.

Seafood Tom Yum - $15

We also had the Breaded Thai Fish Cakes, a plate of four golden, crispy pieces that were just the right size for sharing. Each bite revealed a springy, flavorful interior, rich with herbs and spices. Dipping them into the accompanying sweet plum sauce added a lovely contrast of sweet and savoury, making the experience totally indulgent. Simple, satisfying, and undeniably tasty.

Thai Fish Cakes - $12

The Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs were a hit as well. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, they were infused with the aromatic depth of Thai herbs that added an extra layer of flavor. Each wing was satisfying and well-seasoned , a great finger food that paired perfectly with the rest of the meal.

Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs - $10

The Crackling Pork Knuckle was another standout , perfectly deep-fried to a golden brown with a shatteringly crisp skin that lived up to its name. Hearty and bold, it was a great addition to our spread and ideal for sharing.

Crackling Pork Knuckle - $30

The Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce was thoughtfully prepared, the fish was already portioned into battered, bite-sized chunks, making it incredibly easy to enjoy without the hassle of bones. The sweet chilli sauce was mild and complemented the crisp, golden exterior without overpowering the delicate flavour of the fish. It was a well-executed dish that balanced convenience with taste.

Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce - $35

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll by the water and stumbled upon a quirky surprise, a tree adorned with a pair of oversized rolling eyes. Its playful look made it instantly Instagram-worthy, standing cheerfully against the scenic straits and twilight sky. It was the perfect light-hearted end to an already delightful evening at Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro.

Playful Tree

Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang
Location: Sembawang Yatch Club, 43 Admiralty Rd West, #02-01 Singapore 759962

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon

After making a few rounds around Bukit Timah Interim Hawker Centre, I finally decided on the Hor Fun from Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon, I couldn't resist after seeing the table next to me tucking into a plate that looked incredibly tempting.

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon

I went with the smallest portion and was pleasantly surprised by the presence of wok hei that coveted smoky aroma in the Hor Fun. The dish was generously coated in a savoury, semi-starchy eggy sauce that clung to every strand of noodle. The ingredients were kept simple but satisfying: fresh fish slices, prawns, tender meat, and a good mix of vegetables rounded it out nicely.

Mixed Hor Fun 杂锦河粉 - $5.50

While it may not be something to shout about, it still served as a comforting and decent meal to fill the stomach especially satisfying on a casual day at the hawker centre.

Yummy

Rating: 3 / 5

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon
Location: Bukit Timah Wet Market & Food Centre (Interim), 2A Jln Seh Chuan, #01-040, Singapore 599213

Red House Seafood Dim Sum Buffet

The buzz around Corpthorne Hotel's Seafood Dim Sum Buffet drew me in, my past fondness for Red House Seafood was an experience I enjoyed so much, I even brought a friend along this time! Stepping into the calm and peaceful daytime atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the usual bustle, promised a leisurely indulgence. We were both eager to discover how Corpthorne Hotel's seafood dim sum would measure up to the delightful memories I have of Red House Seafood.

Refer to Red House Seafood Dim Sum & Champagne Buffet Menu

Champange

The complimentary Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce with fresh crab meat and Golden Crab Mantou was an immediate highlight. 

Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce with Fresh Crab Meat & Golden Crab Mantou

The rich, flavorful sauce, brimming with sweet crab, paired perfectly with the crisp yet fluffy mantou for soaking up every last bit. 

* Complimentary on Weekends & PH

Dipping the Mantou

The Jellyfish in Mild Spicy Sauce provided a unique, slippery texture that was quite interesting. The mild spiciness added a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the jellyfish.

Jellyfish in Mild Spicy Sauce 香辣海蜇头 

I was particularly intrigued to spot Satay Cuttlefish Kang Kong, a less common offering in the realm of dim sum and touted as a signature dish. Eager to experience this unique combination, I ordered it, and it was indeed incredibly satisfying, a testament to its signature status.

 Satay Cuttlefish Kang Kong 沙嗲鱿鱼蕹菜

he Salt & Pepper Eggplant arrived in an unexpected yet appealing presentation – cut into the shape of fries.

Salt & Pepper Eggplant 椒盐茄子 

We also sampled the Prawn Paste Calamari Tentacles, which featured tender calamari encased in a flavorful, battered exterior infused with rich prawn paste.

Prawn Paste Calamari Tentacles 虾酱魷鱼须 

We also enjoyed the deep-fried Prawn Dumplings, which achieved a satisfying crispness. A drizzle of the recommended Salad Sauce elevated them to another level, resulting in a truly yummy bite.

 Salad Prawn Dumpling 沙律明虾角 (3 pcs)

The Siew Mai offered an interesting twist on the classic, featuring sweet crab meat instead of the usual pork or chicken. It was certainly something special and a unique take on a familiar dim sum staple. While we appreciated the novelty and delicate flavour of the crab, we both agreed that our preference still leaned towards the traditional pork or chicken filling.

 Crab Meat ‘Siew Mai’ 蟹肉烧卖 (3 pcs)

Now, let's talk about the Chilli Wontons. These were a revelation! Each delicate wonton was enveloped in a truly exceptional chilli sauce that had me practically humming with delight.

Chilli Oil Wonton (3 pcs) 红油抄手 

The BBQ Pork Rice Roll, or Chee Cheong Fun as we fondly call it, was executed beautifully. The exterior was wonderfully silky smooth, giving way to tender cuts of savoury BBQ pork nestled within. Drizzled with a fragrant soy sauce dressing, the entire dish came together in a harmonious and utterly yummy experience.

BBQ Pork Rice Roll 叉烧肠粉

The dessert course offered a surprising and inventive rendition of Bubur Cha Cha. Eschewing the usual cubed ingredients, this version featured fried and shredded yam and sweet potato as a textural topping. The chilled dessert, presented in nostalgic tableware, offered a unique and memorable end to the meal.

Bubur Cha Cha 摩摩喳喳 

A classic done right, the Mango Pomelo Sago was not overly sweet and served wonderfully chilled, making for a light and satisfying dessert.

Mango Pomelo Sago (Cold) 杨枝甘露 (冷) 

Hold on a moment! Just when we thought the sweet desserts marked the grand finale, the allure of a few more savoury selections proved too strong to resist. Our buffet session wasn't quite over yet!

Moving on to the classic Hainanese Chicken, the meat itself was remarkably tender. The accompanying Bentong ginger and scallion sauce was fragrant, though we found the overall dish leaned a little on the salty side for our taste.

Hainanese Chicken with Bentong Ginger & Scallion Sauce 翡翠葱姜海南鸡 

The Minced Black Pork and Century Egg Congee was a study in smooth textures, each spoonful gliding down effortlessly. The addition of crispy fried fritters and fresh spring onions provided a delightful textural contrast and a burst of flavour to the creamy congee.

Minced Black Pork and Century Egg Congee 皮蛋黑豚瘦肉粥 

Concluding our extended buffet journey, we opted for the intriguing Ice Plant Salad with Sesame Dressing. Another unique find on the dim sum menu, this salad proved to be both refreshingly crisp and surprisingly satisfying, a light and delightful way to round off the meal.

Ice Plant Salad with Sesame Dressing 胡麻冰菜沙拉 

In conclusion, our exploration of Corpthorne Hotel's Seafood Dim Sum Buffet proved to be a worthwhile culinary adventure. With its relaxed daytime ambiance and a mix of familiar favorites and intriguing innovations, there was much to appreciate. While we might still hold a soft spot for our Red House Seafood memories, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Corpthorne Hotel for a future dim sum gathering with friends or family.

Red House Seafood
Location: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Rd, Level 2,  Singapore 169663
Website

87 Just Thai Killiney

Just Thai is a humble eatery that delivers bold, authentic Thai flavors without the frills. Whether you're craving classic dishes like pad thai, tom yum soup, or lesser-known street food gems, this cozy spot offers a comforting taste of Thailand in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. The aroma of herbs and spices hits you the moment you walk in, setting the tone for a satisfying and fiery meal ahead.

87 Just Thai Killiney

The Stir-Fried Kang Kong Belachan had just the right amount of heat — aromatic and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it an easy favourite at the table.

Stir-Fried Kang Kong Belachan - $8

The Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns was a comforting and satisfying dish, the glass noodles absorbed the rich, savoury sauce beautifully, while the prawns were fresh, plump, and juicy. Served bubbling hot in a metal claypot, it had that warm, hearty appeal perfect for sharing.

Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns - $15

The Seabass with Thai Spicy Lime Sauce was absolutely addictive, tender, fresh fish perfectly soaked up the zesty, tangy sauce, which delivered a kick of heat and brightness in every bite. A must-try for lovers of bold Thai flavours.

Seabass with Thai spicy lime sauce - $29

The Stir-Fried Minced Chicken with Hot Basil Leaves was absolutely yummy, fragrant with basil, packed with flavour from shallots, and delightfully textured with long beans and juicy minced meat. A classic Thai comfort dish done right.

Stir-Fried Minced Pork with Hot Basil Leaves - $9

Tom Yum Soup (Red) at Just Thai offers a variety of options, seafood, vegetables, chicken, prawns, or fish. We opted for chicken, and the soup delivered a comforting tang with its signature lemongrass aroma. It struck a nice balance between spicy and sour, making it a satisfying and hearty start to the meal.

Tom Yum Soup (Red) - $9

Just Thai’s Black Olive Fried Rice with Minced Chicken is a flavour-packed dish with wok-fried rice, earthy olives, and tender chicken. Served with lime, chili, shallots, and crunchy cashews, every bite is a mix of bold and refreshing notes.

Black Olive Fried Rice with Minced Chicken - $9

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) is easily one of my favourite Thai street foods,  juicy, slightly charred, and marinated to perfection with a sweet-savory glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) - $8

87 Just Thai at Killiney truly delivers an authentic and satisfying Thai dining experience with its well-executed classics and bold flavors. From comforting rice and noodle dishes to tangy soups and addictive sides, the variety and quality of the food impressed us from start to finish. Whether you're craving hearty mains or crave-worthy street snacks like Moo Ping, this spot checks all the boxes for a fulfilling Thai meal.

Our Meal

For those living in the west, good news, they also have another branch at Holland Village, bringing the same great taste closer to you.

87 Just Thai Killiney
Location: 57 Killiney Rd, Singapore 239520 
Nearest Station: Somerset (NS23)
Website

Nonya Delicatessen

It’s not my usual choice to start the day with curry noodles, but I went for it anyway. The bowl came with a big, meaty curry chicken drumstick and a piece of fried beancurd. The curry was aromatic, rich, and clearly soaked up with all its essential spices — a bold, satisfying start.

Curry Chicken Noodle - $8.90

I had the Nonya Laksa with rice vermicelli in a spicy, fragrant coconut gravy. The ingredients were pretty standard fish cake slices, tau pok, hard-boiled egg, and beansprouts but they came together in that familiar, comforting way that hits the spot.

Nonya Laksa - $6.90

The Kueh Salat came neatly packed in a box, with each quarter-sized piece surprisingly filling.

Kueh Salat 

 It featured a smooth, fragrant pandan custard layer sitting atop a compact, lightly chewy glutinous rice base — subtly sweet, with just the right balance of richness and bite.

Cross Section

The shepherd’s pie was unexpectedly addictive. I loved the layers of creamy mashed potato over savoury minced meat coated in a pasta-like sauce, hearty, tangy, and totally appetising.

Shepard's Pie - $12.90

Over the years, Nonya Delicatessen has continued to draw its loyal fans and supporters. As usual, a queue was expected, a testament to its enduring appeal. I’ll still find myself coming back once in a while for their consistently yummy food.

Nonya Delicatessen
Location: 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, B1-K69/#40, Singapore 588996

Kim's Place Seafood Restaurant

 Tucked away in a corner of Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene, Kim’s Place Seafood is a beloved institution known for its hearty zi char dishes and old-school charm. With decades of history behind it, the restaurant continues to draw loyal diners with its legendary Hokkien Mee, flavour-packed seafood dishes, and a warm sense of tradition that lives on through both its food and its walls. From the moment you step in, you're not just in for a meal, you are stepping into a legacy.

Kim's Place Seafood

The restaurant still retains its old-school charm, and as we looked around, we couldn’t help but notice the walls proudly adorned with numerous awards and news articles, a testament to its legacy and reputation.

Kim is Back

The restaurant still retains its old-school charm, with walls proudly adorned with awards, news articles, and nostalgic photos that tell the story of its rich history, including touching moments featuring the owner’s late father. It’s clear that this place is built on both passion and legacy.

Media

The starter, aptly named Four Combination Platter 心肝宝贝四拼, truly lived up to its title. More than just a dish, it carried a symbolic meaning and was presented beautifully, each component delicately arranged, making it both heartfelt and visually captivating. It was a thoughtful beginning to the meal.

Four Combination Platter 心肝宝贝四拼 

 Let's break down the Four Combination Platter (心肝宝贝四拼):

The pig’s liver was thinly sliced and surprisingly tender. Well-marinated with rich flavors, its soft texture made every bite totally satisfying.

Liver

On the left, the razor clams were generously dressed in sweet Thai chili sauce, refreshing and bursting with flavour in every bite.

Razor Clams

To the right, the scrambled eggs were beautifully done, soft and flavourful, with shredded carrots, mushrooms, and chives adding a lovely texture and earthiness.

Egg

Moving to the fourth item on the platter, the smoked duck. It had a pleasant, subtle smokiness and was thankfully not overly salty, making it an easy favourite.

Smoked Duck

The orange roughy was beautifully presented in two styles, its head deep-fried to a golden crunch and the body delicately steamed. Served with two egg roes, the crispy portion was aromatic and satisfying, while the steamed slices were firm with a subtle, clean flavour. If not told, one might easily mistake it for cod.

Duo Flavour Orange Roughy Fish 双味纽西兰长寿鱼 

The Tea Fragrance Smoked Salted Chicken had a delightfully crispy layer, with its aromatic smokiness and seasoning infused deep into the tender meat.

Tea Fragrance Smoked Salted Chicken 茶叶香薰盐鸡 

Elevate the flavour by dipping the chicken into the accompanying seasoning, it enhances the smokiness and adds an extra savoury punch.

Seasoning

Yet another dish that left a strong impression, the Hot Plate Oyster Omelette arrived bubbling hot, drenched in a tangy, appetizing sauce. 

Hot Plate Oyster Omelette 铁板鲜蚝蛋 

The eggs were perfectly runny, making each bite a rich and satisfying pairing with the plump oysters.

I'm Drooling Over This

Another standout dish on the table was the Crispy Leaves Hong Kong Kai Lan. The dish featured a crispy, golden top paired with crunchy stalks that absorbed the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying combination of textures.

Crispy Leaves Hong Kong Kai Lan 脆叶香港芥兰 

We literally screamed when the Stewed Black Pepper Crab in Hot Pot (2pcs) was served. As the pot cover was lifted, the peppery fragrance burst into the air, and it was simply irresistible. The crab meat was plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making every bite a true delight.

Stewed Black Pepper Crab in Hot Pot (2pcs) 自制铁板卤烧黑胡椒螃蟹煲 (两只)

 

Don't let that irresistible peppery sauce go to waste, just add a bowl of white rice for a dollar and let it soak up all that savory goodness. Toss it all together, and trust me, it's absolutely da bomb!

Rice with Leftover Black Pepper Sauce

The Cheese Crab is equally alluring. The presentation alone had me sold—it was visually stunning and definitely set the stage for what was to come!

Cheese Crab 乳酪焗螃蚧

We felt truly blessed as the boss personally cooked and served us his infamous plate of Hokkien Mee straight from the kitchen. It was a special treat we didn’t see coming!

Boss in Action

Here’s the legendary Hokkien Mee that everyone has been talking about. The noodles had beautifully soaked up the stock, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish packed with ingredients like prawns and squid. The portion was just right for sharing around the table without feeling too heavy or gelat. We even tossed in extra pork lard for that irresistible boost of flavor!

Kim’s Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 金记炒福建虾面 

Like many traditional Chinese meals, it all ended with a dessert to wrap things up. The Lemongrass Jelly with Lemon Sorbet was a refreshing finale,light, zesty, and it absolutely hit the spot.

 Lemongrass Jelly with Lemon Sorbet 香茅冻柠檬冰糕

Kim’s Place Seafood isn’t just about good food, it’s about tradition, heart and flavors that stand the test of time. A true gem worth revisiting.

Kim's Place Seafood Restaurant
Location: 62B Jln Eunos, Singapore 419510