Warm Up Cafe

Good news for lovers of authentic Thai food and late-night eats!  If you enjoy a Thai live band, you're in for a treat—they play Tuesdays to Sunday, 715pm to 12am

The dining area is beautifully themed under a big tree, with leaves and plants overhead, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The combination of lights and thoughtful furnishings adds to the charm, making it a delightful spot to enjoy your meal. 

Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Warm Up Cafe

We enjoyed a plate of fresh, healthy greens topped with generous chunks of crispy roasted pork. The contrast between the crispiness of the pork and the refreshing crunch of the greens made this dish a delightful and satisfying combination.

Interior

The Thai Lemongrass drink was simply refreshing when served chilled, providing a perfect way to cool down the heat from the spicy dishes. On the other hand, the warm honey lemon drink was just as enjoyable, with its balanced sweetness that perfectly suited the cold and wet weather—it was a comforting choice.

Thai Lemongrass & Honey Lemon - $3.90 Each

We were served Isan sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces resembling fish balls. The exterior was nicely charred, while the interior had a mince-like texture. Staying true to Thai traditions, the dish was accompanied by raw vegetables and chilli padi, enhancing its authentic flavours.

Isan Sausage - $11

The seafood Tom Yum clear soup we ordered came with two prawns, along with the usual seafood like squid and others. Despite its clear appearance, the soup packed a spicy punch. However, it lived up to expectations as an appetizing and flavorful dish.

Tom Yum Soup Clear - $16

The omelette was of the creamy and runny variety, generously topped with large chunks of crabmeat. While it was a tad too milky for my taste, those who enjoy watery and creamy omelettes will likely find it irresistible.

Creamy Crab Omeleete - $21

Boat Noodles are always a favourite of mine when ordering from a Thai menu. Unlike the typical one-mouthful serving, the portion was generous. The bowl was packed with meatballs, lean meat, liver, kang kong, and innards, making it incredibly hearty

Thai Boat Noodle

The broth had a rich depth of flavour and was simply delicious—comfort in every bite.

Boat Noodle

We tried their Seafood Vermicelli Salad, which was a refreshing and appetizing choice. The dish combined seafood such as mussels, squid, prawns, and minced meat with vermicelli, all tossed in a tangy and zesty sauce. The flavors came together beautifully, making it a vibrant and satisfying addition to our meal.

 

Vermicelli

We enjoyed a plate of fresh, healthy greens topped with generous chunks of crispy roasted pork. The contrast between the pork's crispiness and the greens' refreshing crunch made this dish a delightful and satisfying combination.

Kai Lan with Crispy Pork

The braised pork was served in eight generously sized chunks, with distinct layers of fat and meat. We absolutely loved how the braised flavours had infused deeply into the meat. The texture was springy yet tender, making each bite a delightful experience.

 

Braised Pork - $16

Steamed Seabass with Lime & Garlic is a must-have for me in any Thai meal. It’s served with a bowl of zesty gravy to pour over the fish as it cooks over the fire. I absolutely love how appetizing this dish is, with its perfect blend of spiciness and tangy goodness, which pairs beautifully with the tender flesh of the seabass.

Steamed Seabass with Lime and Garlic - $31

No meal is complete without dessert, and we opted for the Thai Coconut Milk Custard, also known as Kanom Tuay in Thai. This traditional dessert featured two layers—a creamy coconut layer on top of a pandan-infused base—and was served in small ceramic cups with wooden spoons, adding an authentic touch.

From the very first bite, we were captivated by its homey yet delightful taste. The salty coconut cream perfectly balanced the sweet, aromatic pandan layer, and the smooth, custard-like texture made it light and satisfying. It was the perfect way to round off our meal.

 

Thai Coconut Milk Custard

We also had Red Ruby as dessert, a delightful choice to end the meal. The mildly sweet coconut milk paired perfectly with the gelatinous coating around the crunchy water chestnut pieces of the red ruby. Adding to the experience was the natural sweetness of the jackfruit, which brought everything together beautifully and completed the meal on a satisfying note.

Red Ruby

To sum up, the Thai staff were warm and friendly, and despite the busy peak hours, our orders were served fairly quickly. The food was authentic and absolutely delicious. If you’re a fan of genuine Thai cuisine. Warm Up Café offers an impressive spread that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, they feature a live band during certain times, adding to the lively dining experience. Definitely worth checking out!

Warm Up Cafe @ Grantral Mall Macpherson
Location: Grantral Mall, 601 MacPherson Road  #01-37 Grantral Complex, 368242

Wok A.I

As AI continues to gain popularity and make its way into various aspects of our lives, from media to everyday conveniences, I was quite surprised to stumble upon a Hokkien Mee stall utilizing AI for frying. It’s fascinating to see how this technology is being adopted in such a traditional culinary craft!

With the signboard proudly proclaiming "Traditional Taste Perfected by Technology," it piqued my curiosity. Let’s give it a try!

Wok A.I

While ordering the regular portion to give it a try, I couldn’t help but observe how this AI Wok operates. The hawkers carefully input the stock, ingredients, and noodles at different stages, and the machine takes over, producing the final dish, which they then collect from a tray at the bottom. It reminded me of a "Thermomix machine," where food is effortlessly prepared by following a programmed recipe.

Hokkien Mee Regular - $5.50

To be honest, the plate of Hokkien Mee exceeded my expectations and tasted better than some hawker stalls I’ve tried. Perhaps the secret lies in their stock, which gave the dish its rich flavor. I loved the unique combination of three types of noodles—thick and thin white bee hoon along with yellow noodles—that added an interesting texture.

This was the so-called “wet” version of Hokkien Mee, generously coated with a robust stock and complemented by chives, eggs, prawns, pork belly, and squid. To top it all off, the presentation was elevated by a generous sprinkling of crispy pork lard cubes, which sealed the deal for me.

Prawn

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Wok A.I
Location: Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-34, Singapore 142038

28 Rojak

On a quiet Sunday evening, curiosity led me to the second level of Margaret Drive Hawker Centre to explore its offerings. The space exudes a cozy charm, blending a mix of new-generation stalls with those that carry on the beloved hawker traditions. The atmosphere was calm yet inviting, with families and small groups enjoying their meals. It was the perfect time to soak in the vibe and see what this nostalgic spot had to offer.

A part of my mind was already scouting for side dishes to complement our main courses, and the sight of Rojak and Popiah felt like a good calling.

28 Rojak

We went for the $5 portion and added $1 for extra Tau Pok. Admittedly, the picture on the stall was a bit misleading, as we assumed the default serving included Century Egg—it turned out to be just an illustration. Despite that, the dish hit the spot and satisfied our cravings. The ingredients were generous, and the portion was hearty, making it a satisfying choice overall.

Rojak - $5 + $1

Rating: 3.25 / 5

28 Rojak
Location: 38A Margaret Dr, #02-29, Singapore 142038

Kway Chap

 "I've been craving the kway chap from this stall run by an elderly couple, and I'm excited to finally have the chance to enjoy it again now that they've reopened."

Kway Chap

It took a little while for our food to be served, but it was well worth the wait. The platter included slices of fishcake, and the innards were impeccably cleaned, free of any gamey taste. 

Two Pax Meal - $9

Each item on the plate was beautifully braised, striking a perfect balance of savoury saltiness and subtle sweetness. 

In terms of location, my friends and I compared this Kway Chap with the one from Jalan Batu Market & Food Centre. After much discussion, we all agreed that the Jalan Batu stall is more aligned with our taste preferences, making it the one we’d return to.

Kway Chap

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Kway Chap
Location: Jalan Benaan Kapal Food Centre, 56 Jalan Benaan Kapal, #01-03, Singapore 399644

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Recently, the lunch mates spotted a new stall in Clementi, and we decided to share a meal there. It turned out to be a great choice to welcome the new year with healthy and delicious steamed food.

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Upon examining the signboard, we noticed that the stall originated from Circuit Road. They offer a good variety of seafood dishes and vegetable options, making it easy to mix and match for a well-balanced meal.

Menu

The menu features quite a number of new items, and I’m glad to see that the prices are reasonable and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Imagine enjoying a plate of fresh steamed prawns for just $8!

New On Menu

The otah and egg dish is absolutely delicious—what a fantastic combination!

Otah & Egg - $8

The lady's fingers were delicately steamed and topped with crispy fried onions. It's a straightforward dish, but the simplicity allows the natural flavours of the okra to shine through, with the fried onions adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Lady's Fingers - $6

The Thai Chilli Sotong quickly became one of our favorite dishes. The garlicky flavor, paired with a hint of spice, elevated the tender pieces of sotong. The flavorful gravy was the perfect complement, making it an irresistible match with a bowl of plain rice.

Thai Chilli Sotong - $12

The fish slices were an excellent choice for sharing among our large group. Infused with ginger and garlic, the dish effectively balanced the fish's natural flavor. The tender fish slices were delicious, and the savory gravy was a perfect accompaniment to our bowls of plain rice.

Slice Fish - $8

The freshness of the prawns was truly commendable. While peeling off the shells was required, the dish was expertly seasoned. A harmonious blend of spring onions, ginger, and chopped garlic in soy sauce enhanced the delicate flavor of the seafood, making each bite a delight.

Prawn - $8

For fish head enthusiasts, Hee Hee Hee delivers on the freshness of its seafood, making it well worth every cent spent.

Fish Head - $25

To strike a perfect balance in the meal, we had stir-fried nai bai, topped with crispy fried onions, adding both texture and flavor.

Vegetables (Nai Bai) - $6

Next up, the lala—absolutely delicious! The dish was well-prepared, with no trace of sand, making every bite enjoyable.

Lala - $8

Overall, I was impressed by how quickly the dishes were served, especially considering the number of items we ordered. They were dished out in no time, keeping the meal flowing smoothly. A return for other dishes is definitely on the cards, as we're eager to try more of what the menu has to offer

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Hee Hee Hee Steam Fish & Seafood 喜喜蒸鱼海鲜
Location: 431 Clementi Ave 3, Block 431, Singapore 120431

Chef Hainanese Western Food (海南西餐)

With so many modern Western food options in mall eateries, the old-school Western food from hawker stalls has become a nostalgic charm. It takes us back to our younger days, when we’d excitedly ask our parents for fries and chicken chop.

Chef Hainanese Western Food

The chicken chop looked appetizing, coated in a mouth-watering sauce. It was well-marinated, and the inclusion of a bay leaf on the plate hinted at its role in the seasoning. The portion was generous, making it an excellent choice if you’re feeling very hungry.

Grilled Chicken Chop - $8

Since we already had chicken chop in our order, I decided to go for the Fish & Chips. The dish came with two generous strips of breaded fish, accompanied by baked beans, crinkled fries, a baked potato, and mixed vegetables. The portion was hearty and more than enough to satisfy my appetite. There wasn’t much to rave about the breaded fish, as it tasted quite ordinary to me.

Fish & Chips - $8

Overall, the nostalgic old-school vibe remains intact for those seeking this style of Western cuisine. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it great value for money. Just keep in mind that they are only open in the evenings.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Chef Hainanese Western Food (海南西餐)
Location: Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-04, Singapore 142038

Zhi Wei Xian Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle 知味鲜

I have been wanting to try this prawn mee stall ever since I noticed the long queues during my previous visits. Today felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a go, as other stalls on my list had long lines. So, I decided to finally check out this prawn mee!

The stall caught my attention with its unique setup—live prawns in tanks and numerous media features displayed on its signage. A bowl of prawn noodles starts at $8, with other options priced at $13, $20, and even $28, which is noticeably pricier compared to other hawker centers. Still, the long queue speaks for itself, so I decided to give it a try!

Stall of Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle

The prawns were fresh, and for the $8 portion, it came with a piece of pork rib. The rib was tender, with the meat effortlessly falling off the bone. The prawns were deveined, adding to the clean and appetizing presentation of the dish.

Prawn Noodle Dry with Rib - $8

I’m not a fan of overly strong or overpowering prawn noodle broths, but theirs hit all the right notes. The broth had a pleasant umami taste, balanced without an overwhelming prawn flavor. Its natural sweetness and light prawn essence perfectly complemented my bowl of prawn noodle soup.

Prawn Noodle Soup with Rib - $8

From my personal experience, I can understand why die-hard fans join the snaking queue. While there are a few popular stalls in the food center, this one has definitely earned a spot on my list, and I’m looking forward to having it again when I’m back.

Deveined Prawn

Rating: 4 / 5

Zhi Wei Xian Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle 知味鲜

Location: 70 Zion Rd, #01-04, Singapore 247792