You could put your verification ID in a comment Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Photography

Friday, May 15, 2026

Seletar Traven

An evening well spent at Seletar Tavern for dinner and heartfelt catch-ups with friends at Seletar Country Club. Open to the public, the tavern offers live band performances every Wednesday to Saturday, creating the perfect setting to unwind after a long day.

We headed down not just for the comforting food and live music, but also to soak in the serene atmosphere as the skies slowly transitioned into the beautiful blue hour. With lush greenery, peaceful surroundings, and calming sunset views, it made for a truly relaxing and memorable evening.

Sunset view at Seletar Country Club featuring Seletar Tavern beside a winding pathway, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and a tranquil golf course under a dramatic blue and orange evening sky.
Beautiful Sunset at Seletar Country Club

What I really liked about the place was that despite being tucked away from the busy city areas, it was still bustling with people enjoying their evening. The atmosphere at the outdoor deck felt lively yet relaxing, with diners gathering over good food, conversations, and sunset views. To make it even better, parking is complimentary, making the visit much more convenient and enjoyable for everyone spending their evening there.

Outdoor dining deck at Seletar Tavern during sunset, filled with diners enjoying food and conversations under a glowing orange sky with scenic greenery in the background.
Outdoor Dining Deck at Seletar Tavern during Sunset 

Should you prefer a sheltered seating option, the indoor area offers a cosy and comfortable atmosphere with tables situated closer to the live band performances, allowing diners to better enjoy the music and vibrant evening ambience.

Indoor dining area at Seletar Tavern featuring warm wooden interiors, fairy lights, spacious seating arrangements, and a cosy atmosphere near the live band stage.
Indoor Dining  Area

Keeping things chill with ice-cold beers and refreshing beverages in hand perfectly paired with the sunset views for that laid-back, unwind kind of vibe. 

Beer & beverages
Beer & beverages 

Starting things off with some local bites before the mains, satay paired with crisp sides, best enjoyed with a cold beer in hand. Cheers to good food, great company, and soaking in the beautiful sunset views.

The satay comes with both peanut and pineapple sauces, adding a sweet-savoury twist to each bite. Paired with neatly cut ketupat, cucumber, and onions, it makes for a well-balanced and satisfying starterperfect for dipping and enjoying.


Unwinding ourselves with Beer & Satay
Beer & Pork Satay 

We enjoyed a nourishing bowl of Double-Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Baby Abalone & Ginseng Root. The soup was rich and herbal, delivering comforting flavours that suited our taste buds perfectly. Paired with tender black chicken, sweet red dates, baby abalone and ginseng root. Every sip felt hearty, wholesome and deeply flavourful with a comforting herbal potency.

Double-boiled black chicken soup served with baby abalone, red dates, and ginseng root in a ceramic bowl with clear herbal broth.
Double-Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Baby Abalone & Ginseng Root

When it comes to herbal chicken dishes, it is always hard to say no. The Herbal Steamed Spring Chicken with Chinese Wine was deeply comforting, served in a fragrant herbal broth that was pleasantly sweet rather than bitter, thanks to the use of wolfberries and carefully balanced herbs. The chicken was tender and succulent, with the rich herbal flavours beautifully infused into the meat, making every bite hearty and satisfying.

Herbal steamed spring chicken served in a rich Chinese wine herbal broth with wolfberries & coriander in a glass dish.
Wrapped Herbal Steamed Spring Chicken with Chinese Wine

Another impressive dish on our table was the Bittergourd Black Bean Fish Head in Claypot. Served bubbling hot with a rich savoury gravy, it paired exceptionally well with bowls of plain rice. Despite the use of bittergourd, the dish was surprisingly balanced and not overly bitter, allowing the deep black bean flavours to shine through. If you are looking for a more traditional zichar-style dish that is slightly less mainstream on the menu, this is definitely a worthy choice to try.

Claypot bittergourd black bean fish head dish topped with coriander, onions, and peppers in a rich savoury sauce.
Bittergourd Black Bean Fish Head

A comforting addition to the table, this simple dish of Qing Long vegetables and beansprouts lets its natural flavours shine. Lightly cooked to retain that fresh crunch, it’s clean, refreshing, and a lovely balance to the richer dishes.

Simple & Well Executed
Stir-Fried Qinglong Vegetables with Bean Sprouts

We were pleasantly surprised to spot Wadeh Wadeh on the table, a traditional snack that added a nostalgic touch to the meal. Crispy on the outside with a soft and flavourful interior, it was enjoyable on its own and even better when paired with the spicy dipping sauce and fresh green chillies. Simple yet satisfying, it turned out to be a delightful addition to the spread.

Plate of crispy Wadeh Wadeh fritters served with spicy chilli sauce and sliced green chillies on the side.
Wadeh Wadeh

Another homely favourite on the table was the Fu Yong Egg, beautifully done with a golden, well-rounded finish. Fluffy and savoury, it’s satisfying on its own or perfect to pair with a bowl of carbs.

Fu Yong Omelette

For wine and alcohol promotions, do check out Seletar Country Club – Wines of the Month Promotions

Do also follow Seletar Country Cluband their social media pages for the latest dining promotions, live band schedules, and upcoming updates!

Seletar Tavern
Location:
Seletar Country Club, 101 Seletar Club Rd, #01-00, Singapore 798273

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Bonding Kitchen

A birthday treat to Bonding Kitchen, a place I’ve always wanted to try. The modern Peranakan dining spot welcomed us with a cosy ambience and elegant interior, setting the mood for an enjoyable meal ahead.

Entrance of Bonding Kitchen restaurant decorated with red festive ribbons and modern Peranakan dining interior
Bonding Kitchen

The menu cover felt especially close to heart, capturing a tender bonding moment between parent and child. A meaningful reflection of warmth, family and togetherness, values that resonate deeply with Peranakan dining culture.

Bonding Kitchen menu featuring a heartwarming parent and child moment representing family bonding
Menu

The environment felt modern and cosy, with warm lighting and a comfortable dining ambience that made the experience feel relaxed and welcoming.

Modern and cosy interior dining environment at Bonding Kitchen with warm lighting and spacious seating
Bonding Kitchen Interior Ambience

I had their Bunga Telang Lemongrass Pandan served chilled, a homemade refreshing drink infused with blue pea flower water, lemongrass and pandan. Light, soothing and perfect for cooling down alongside the meal.

Chilled bunga telang lemongrass pandan drink made with blue pea flower water and lemon slice
Bunga Telang Lemongrass Pandan (Cold) 香茅班兰碟豆花水(冷) - $8

These homemade Kueh Pie Tee cups immediately caught our attention with their delicate shape and crisp texture. The crispy shells are filled with julienned turnips braised in rich prawn stock, along with mushrooms and pork belly. Each cup is then topped with fresh prawns, crispy pork lard, quail egg and a touch of chilli cuka for an extra tangy kick. A classic Peranakan bite-sized delight packed with flavour and texture.

Homemade crispy kueh pie tee shells filled with braised turnips, pork belly, prawns, quail egg and chilli cuka
Kueh Pie Tee (4pcs) 精美拼盘小金杯(4件) - $20 

Look at how beautifully these Kueh Pie Tee were presented aesthetically pleasing and instantly appetising. The delicate crispy cups were generously filled and carefully topped with prawns, quail egg and vibrant chilli sauce, making each bite not only flavourful but visually stunning as well.

Beautifully presented kueh pie tee topped with prawns, quail egg, chilli sauce and braised turnip filling
Elegant Kueh Pie Tee Presentation

Close-up of crispy kueh pie tee topped with prawn, quail egg, braised turnip filling and pork lard garnish in Peranakan style
Prawn Kueh Pie Tee Peranakan Appetiser

Ayam Buah Keluak, a staple dish in Nyonya cuisine. The braised local chicken leg is cooked in a rich, spicy and tangy gravy with Indonesian black nut (buah keluak), lemongrass and aromatic spices. The buah keluak nut paste was served separately in a saucer. While the presentation may appear rustic, the flavourful sauce pairs exceptionally well with rice.

Traditional Ayam Buah Keluak featuring braised chicken leg in rich spicy tangy gravy with Indonesian black nut paste served separately
Ayam Buah Keluak 黑果鸡 - $27

Who doesn’t love this classic when it comes to Nyonya cuisine? The comforting bowl of Nyonya Chap Chye features braised cabbage, mushrooms, black fungus, dried lily flowers, beancurd skin and tender pork belly simmered in a flavourful prawn broth with soybean paste. A hearty and homely dish packed with rich umami flavours.

Traditional Nyonya chap chye with braised cabbage, mushrooms, black fungus, dried lily flowers, beancurd skin and pork belly in rich prawn broth
Nyonya Chap Chye 娘惹杂菜 - $24

A bold and flavourful Nyonya favourite, this Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis features stir-fried stink beans tossed with spicy sambal, caramelised onions and crispy anchovies. The petai delivers its signature pungent bite while the ikan bilis adds a satisfying crunch and savoury umami. A gluten-free dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Sambal petai with stink beans, crispy anchovies, onions and spicy sambal sauce served on a plate
Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis 参峇臭豆江鱼仔 - $20

Bakwan Kepiting is one of the soups I always enjoy in Peranakan cuisine. This comforting bowl features handmade meatballs made with hand-chopped pork, shrimp and crab meat, served in a rich crustacean broth simmered with pork bones, trotters and chicken. The addition of bamboo shoots gives the soup an extra layer of texture and sweetness, making it both hearty and flavourful.

Bakwan Kepiting soup with handmade pork, shrimp and crab meatballs in rich pork bone and chicken broth with bamboo shoots
Bakwan Kepiting 娘惹蟹肉丸汤

A classic favourite, the Ngoh Hiang features crispy deep-fried beancurd skin rolls wrapped around a flavourful filling of hand-chopped pork, shrimp, mushrooms and crunchy water chestnuts. Seasoned with fragrant five-spice powder, the rolls are served with Bonding Kitchen’s signature sweet sauce and spicy spread for an extra punch of flavour.

Deep-fried ngoh hiang beancurd skin roll stuffed with minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms and water chestnut served with sweet spicy sauce
Ngoh Hiang 娘惹五香肉卷 - $16

An interesting and aromatic rice selection, this basmati rice was infused with fresh turmeric and fragrant spices before being steamed with coconut milk. Lightly fluffy with a subtle richness, the rice was further elevated with crispy shallots on top for added fragrance and texture.

Fragrant basmati rice infused with fresh turmeric, spices and coconut milk topped with crispy shallots
Tumeric Basmati Rice 黄姜印度香米饭 - $4

We also had the blue pea Thai jasmine rice to pair with the dishes. Naturally coloured using blue pea flowers, the rice carried a light floral fragrance and added a vibrant visual touch to the meal while complementing the rich Peranakan flavours beautifully.

Fragrant Thai jasmine rice naturally coloured with blue pea flower served in a black bowl
Blue Pea Thai Jasmine Rice 粒粒香碟豆花米饭 - $2

Ending the meal on a sweet note with a refreshing bowl of Chendol. This beloved local shaved ice dessert is topped with handmade pandan jelly, creamy coconut milk, fragrant gula melaka syrup and soft red beans, bringing together a delightful balance of sweetness and richness in every spoonful.

Bowl of traditional chendol dessert with shaved ice, pandan jelly, coconut milk, gula melaka syrup and red beans
Chendol 娘惹椰糖班兰香珍露 - $8

Enjoying the icy and satisfying bite of the Chendol. A refreshing sweet finale that ended the night perfectly.

Spoonful of chendol dessert with shaved ice, pandan jelly, red beans and gula melaka syrup
Traditional Chendol Dessert Singapore

Overall, Bonding Kitchen offers a modern take on Peranakan cuisine with a good selection of comforting dishes, including many gluten-free options for those who are more health-conscious. The flavours were hearty and satisfying, while the presentation carried a more contemporary touch. Service was decent throughout the meal, though the dining environment can get rather noisy during peak hours as conversations and laughter tend to echo across the space. Nonetheless, it remains a pleasant spot for casual gatherings and family meals over classic Peranakan favourites.

Our Spread of Delicious Dishes by Bonding Kitchen
Dishes Order


Bonding Kitchen
Location:
Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Rd, #02-18 Orchard, Singapore 238858

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Hup Hup Mee Siam・Laksa・Lor Mee

A comforting spread delivered right to our doorstep from Hup Hup’s Mee Siam, Laksa, and Lor Mee to classic bites like Chicken Ngoh Hiang, fish cakes, and braised meats. We rounded it off with their Signature Homemade Orh Nee for a warm, satisfying finish. A hearty feast made effortlessly convenient.

My Food Delivery

The local dishes were neatly packed in paper bowls, each illustrated with Hup Hup’s playful branding. Simple yet thoughtful, the packaging adds a charming local touch to the overall takeaway experience.

Packaging
Packaging

It has also been recognised as one of the Top 10 Mee Siam in Singapore, and featured across platforms such as Shin Min Daily News, Eatbook, SethLui.com, and Daniel Food Diary, reflecting its strong local following and credibility.
Packaging
Packaging

The packaging also includes a QR code for easy ordering, along with Hup Hup’s location and operating hours, making it convenient and user-friendly for both new and returning customers.

Packaging
Packaging

We poured the rich gravy over the bowl to bring everything together. Their signature Mee Siam features specially formulated bee hoon, paired with beansprouts, a tangy handmade chilli sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a hard-boiled egg. Each element comes together for a well-balanced bowl, light yet flavourful, with a satisfying sweet, sour, and spicy kick.

Mee Siam

A mouthwatering bowl of Lor Mee, topped with tender homemade braised pork, crispy ngoh hiang, fishcake, and half a braised egg, all brought together with a splash of vinegar. Rich, hearty, and wholesomely traditional, comfort in every bite.

Lor Mee

Their Laksa is a popular choice, made with fresh coconut milk delivered daily for a rich, fragrant broth. Loaded with ingredients like cockles (hum), half a boiled egg, tofu puffs, fishcake, and beansprouts, it’s all brought together by their signature gravy. A savoury, comforting bowl of traditional local goodness that hits the spot every time.

Lor Mee, Laksa & Mee Siam

Overall, Hup Hup delivers a comforting taste of familiar local favourites right to the doorstep with both convenience and quality kept in mind. From their signature Mee Siam and hearty Lor Mee to the rich, fragrant Laksa and classic sides like ngoh hiang and fishcakes, each dish carries a nostalgic and wholesome touch. Thoughtful packaging, user-friendly ordering options, and well-balanced flavours make the experience feel both satisfying and fuss-free. Ending the meal with their smooth Signature Homemade Orh Nee brings everything together nicely, making it a comforting local feast worth enjoying with family and friends.

Hup Hup Mee Siam・Laksa・Lor Mee
Location:
Circuit Road Market & Food Centre, 80 Circuit Rd, #02-14, Singapore 370080

Friday, May 8, 2026

Jia Jia Le Claypot 家家乐猪肚鸡 @ Jalan Sultan

Feeling excited on our trip to Jalan Sultan for a comforting Peppery Pork Stomach & Chicken Hotpot. The cool, chilly weather made it even more perfect as we gathered around the bubbling pot, enjoying hearty bowls of rich, peppery soup together.

Jia Jia Le Claypot 家家乐猪肚鸡 @ Jalan Sultan

The interior is simple and neat, with generous spacing between tables that makes the dining experience comfortable. Much like their layout, the service here is equally generous, warm, attentive, and welcoming.

Interior of Jia Jia Le Claypot 

Being Chinese, there’s something familiar and comforting about seeing this auspicious portrait on the wall. It adds a playful, quirky touch to the space and instantly brightens up the atmosphere.

Hanging Portrait on the Wall

I’m usually not a fan of peppery soups, as the pepper often overpowers everything else. However, this Pork Stomach & Chicken soup struck a beautiful balance. The addition of red dates and wolfberries enhanced its natural sweetness, mellowing the peppery kick nicely. 

Peppery Flavour Pork Stomach & Chicken  胡椒猪肚鸡

The pork stomach was also commendable, well-cleaned and prepared, with no gamey taste at all.

Chicken & Pork Stomach
Chicken & Pork Stomach

While the soup base was pork stomach and chicken, we added ingredients like prawn paste to elevate the hotpot experience. The prawn paste was fresh and bouncy, soaking up the rich broth beautifully with every bite.

Prawn Paste 虾滑

Alongside the hotpot ingredients, we were also served some ready-to-eat dishes like this refreshing cucumber cold dish. The cucumbers were cut into bite-sized pieces, lightly seasoned, and topped with roasted peanuts for an added crunch.

Cucumber Cold Dish 凉拌黄瓜

We had two tables, each fitted with its own stove. While one was dedicated to the Pork Stomach & Chicken soup, the other was used to keep the braised chicken with abalone sauce warm.
The dish was hearty and satisfying, with tender braised chicken complemented by onions and capsicums. 
Braised Chicken With Abalone Sauce 红烧鲍鱼鸡煲

The abalone added a nice touch for sharing, and the rich, savoury gravy paired perfectly with rice, making it especially comforting.

I'm Addicted to this
I'm Addicted to this

To round off the meal, we had the claypot rice. It was simple yet satisfying, with a decent flavour that paired well with the rest of the dishes, making it a comforting addition to the spread.

Claypot Rice 煲仔饭
Claypot Rice 煲仔饭

The aroma was incredibly inviting, especially after mixing the rice with the savoury sauce. Each whiff was rich and fragrant, instantly whetting our appetite and making every bite even more satisfying.

Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage

If you enjoy lady’s finger like I do, they serve it lightly cooked and perfect for dipping into a soy-based sauce with wasabi. 

Lady Finger 羊角豆

The combination was incredibly shiok, the sharp wasabi kick hits instantly, rushing through your nose and giving that satisfying, punchy finish with every bite.

Lady Finger with Wasabi

Wrapping up our visit, Jia Jia Le Claypot delivered a comforting and satisfying dining experience. From the well-balanced peppery pork stomach chicken soup to the hearty claypot rice and flavourful dishes, everything came together nicely for a wholesome meal. The flavours leaned towards homely and approachable, making it a great spot for gatherings, especially on cooler days when a bubbling pot of soup feels extra comforting. With its simple setting and generous portions, it’s a place worth returning to when you are craving something warm, hearty, and fuss-free.

Jia Jia Le Claypot 家家乐猪肚鸡 @ Jalan Sultan
Location:
Sultan Plaza, 100 Jln Sultan, #01-08 Singapore 199001

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Madly Good Japanese Cafe

Dinner meet-up with the foodies at Madly Good Japanese Café where cosy vibes meet comforting plates and thoughtfully crafted drinks. It’s one of those spots that makes catching up feel effortless, with a relaxed ambience and food that quietly delivers. A simple yet satisfying place to gather, unwind, and enjoy good company over a well-rounded meal.

Madly Good Japanese Cafe @ Clarke Quay
Madly Good Japanese Cafe @ Clarke Quay

Enjoying a trio of aesthetically crafted drinks, each topped with charming little pickers that add a playful touch. From fruity and refreshing to creamy and fragrant, they are as delightful to sip as they are to admire, pretty, well-balanced, and perfect for a laid-back catch-up.

Homemade Earl Grey Lychee Tea Strawberry Soda
Homemade Earl Grey Lychee Tea Strawberry Soda - $7 & $8.60

Tender Australian Beef Cheek paired with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus, all coated in a rich, savoury beef cheek sauce. Simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying, one of those plates that quietly delivers on flavour without needing any fuss.

48 HR Sous Vide Aus Beef Cheek
48 HR Sous Vide Aus Beef Cheek - $27

Grilled Iberico Pork Ribs glazed with a savoury miso sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad tossed in a light onion dressing. The ribs were juicy and flavourful with a hint of umami richness, while the sides added a refreshing balance, simple, hearty, and quietly satisfying.

Miso Iberico Pork Rib
Miso Iberico Pork Rib - $27

Pork Belly Don Set presented as a wholesome, complete meal with a variety of sides and fruits. The sous vide pork belly was tender and well-glazed in a savoury sauce, served over rice with a silky onsen egg at the centre.

Accompanied by sides like chuka wakame, creamy potato salad, lotus root, and Japanese pickles, along with a refreshing fruit of the day to round off the set. You can also top up $1 for brown rice for a slightly heartier option.

Pork Belly Don Set
Pork Belly Don Set - $21

A well-balanced bowl that brings everything together, tender, savoury-glazed pork belly, silky onsen egg, and fluffy rice beneath. Each bite is layered with umami richness, while the fresh greens and sides add a light, refreshing contrast. Simple, comforting, and quietly satisfying.

Pork Belly Don Close Up
Pork Belly Don Close Up

A cosy spread for three that feels just right comforting mains, hearty portions, and a nice variety to share. From rich, savoury plates to lighter sides and a refreshing drink, it’s one of those easy meals where good food and good company come together effortlessly.

Our Meal
Our Meal

Sweet deals are in store this Mother’s Day throughout the month of May, and this indulgent dessert is one not to be missed. The Crispy Golden Panko Toast features a beautifully crisp exterior that gives way to a smooth and fragrant taro paste filling, creating a delightful contrast in both texture and flavour. Paired with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the warm and cold combination comes together perfectly for a comforting and satisfying treat. It’s a simple yet well-executed dessert that makes for a thoughtful way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Taro Panko Toast
Taro Panko Toast - $17.60 from $22 

The Taro Milk Dream lives up to its name, offering a comforting blend of creamy milk and rich taro, gently sweetened to deliver a smooth, nutty finish in every sip. The addition of delicate flower petals not only enhanced the drink’s fragrance but also elevated its presentation, giving it a visually elegant and refreshing appeal.

Taro Milk Dream
Taro Milk Dream - $5.60 from $7

Overall, it was a comforting and satisfying dining experience, with a good mix of hearty mains, well-balanced sides, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. Nothing felt overly complicated just honest flavours done right. Paired with good company, it made for an easy, enjoyable meal that leaves you feeling content and quietly impressed.

Madly Good Japanese Cafe
Location:
Clarke Quay Central,  6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clarke Quay, #02-82/83, 059817