Behind Clay

A hidden dining lounge behind a pizza oven? We had to see it for ourselves! Having passed by IL Clay Pizzeria many times, little did we know that tucked behind its familiar wood-fired oven is Behind Clay, an intimate 52-seat dining lounge. Hidden in plain sight, this cosy space offers a different side to the popular pizzeria. Come along as we step inside and discover what lies Behind Clay!

IL Clay Pizzeria

As we swung open the door, we were greeted by a striking oversized mask bathed in dramatic red lighting. The bold and mysterious entrance immediately set the tone for what was to come. It was certainly a unique theme that caught my attention from the moment we stepped inside!

Dramatic Entrance at Behind Clay

With the red lights illuminating the space, the atmosphere took on a whole new level of intensity, creating a mysterious and slightly suspenseful dining experience. We also spotted this striking artwork hanging on the wall, adding another interesting touch to the bold and dramatic interior.

Dramatic Artwork at Behind Clay

The intimate 52-seat dining lounge is designed with comfortable booth seating, creating a cosy yet stylish space for diners. Bathed in its signature red lighting, the setting feels dramatic and unique, offering a dining experience that is quite different from your usual restaurant ambience.

52-Seat Dining Lounge at Behind Clay

Kicking off our meal was the Shrimp Carpaccio, served cold and layered with an interesting combination of flavours. The delicate shrimp was topped with pork lard, sour cream, chilli oil, chives gremolata oil and Assam sauce, bringing together creamy, spicy and tangy notes in every bite.

Shrimp Carpaccio - $28

Another appetiser from the menu was the Chef's Selection of Seasonal Oysters. Served fresh and chilled with a squeeze of lemon, these plump oysters made for a refreshing start to the meal. They also paired wonderfully with Behind Clay's selection of cocktails and mocktails.

Seasonal Oyster

We also had the opportunity to try three of their interesting cocktail creations, each thoughtfully paired with a complementary bite.

Breathless combined gin, mint leaves, citrus and bergamot for a refreshing and aromatic drink. It was paired with a pan-seared sea scallop, served alongside green olive and peperonata purée.

Nebbia featured an interesting blend of matcha, gin, vodka and coconut water. Its accompanying bite was equally unique, a pani-puri shell filled with caramel apple jam and vanilla ice cream, offering a delightful mix of sweet flavours and textures.

Lastly, Perla brought together lychee, osmanthus and gin for a floral and fruity profile. It came paired with a savoury bite featuring mozzarella pearls, cocktail onion, basil leaf and a salami rosette.

Breathless,Nebbia & Perla - $24, $25, $27

Next up was the Foie Gras Pâté Pizza, an interesting combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The pizza came topped with creamy Fior di Latte, rich duck foie gras pâté, tangy tamarind sauce, pineapple purée and a sprinkling of pistachios. The unique mix of ingredients certainly made this pizza stand out!

Foie Gras Pate Pizza - $56

The Whole Quail certainly made an impressive entrance! Served with charred leeks and Sriracha sauce, the dish was elevated with a flambé of Chinese wine poured over it. What caught our attention was the beautiful presentation, served in an egg-shaped vessel resting on a nest, making it look both unique and theatrical.

Fried Quail - $39

The White Pear Corn Kernel was a vegetarian dish that turned out to be surprisingly addictive! Featuring chargrilled and smoked white corn kernels, parmesan, sour cream and peperonata purée, every bite was packed with creamy, smoky and savoury flavours. Honestly, the serving was so good that I wished there was more!

White Pear Corn Kernel - $19

Our Meal

The Spicy Mala Shaker Pork Belly came with a fun little twist! The pork belly was first poured into a paper bag and shaken up, just like how you would shake your favourite fast-food fries. It was served with pickled vegetables, charred leeks, Sichuan pepper and chilli flakes, giving the dish a bold and spicy mala kick. The pork belly itself was tender and savoury, while the seasoning added plenty of heat and fragrance.

Spicy Mala Shaker Pork Belly - $20

Ending on a sweet note was the Burnt Basque Cheesecake, topped with a fire-torched burrata brûlée. The combination of the creamy cheesecake and the lightly caramelised burrata topping made for an interesting and indulgent dessert to round off the meal.

Burrata Burnt Cheesecake - $19

Another dessert to end the meal was the Layered Meringue Ice-Cream Cake, served with flambé rum. The soft layers of meringue and ice cream came together beautifully, while the flambé rum added a warm and aromatic touch to the dessert.

Flambe Bombe Alaska - $26

Behind Clay certainly offers a dining experience that goes beyond just the food. From its bold and mysterious red-lit ambience to the interactive ways the dishes were presented, there was always something happening at the table. I especially enjoyed the theatrical use of fire for the dishes and desserts, as well as the fun Mala Shaker Pork Belly experience. With demonstrations and little surprises throughout the meal, dining here felt engaging and entertaining. If you are looking for somewhere with a unique ambience and an interactive dining experience, Behind Clay is definitely one to check out!

Behind Clay
Location: 3D River Valley Road, 01-04, Clarke Quay, Singapore (Accessed through II Clay)
Website

Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodles

 After being voted the Best Fishball Noodles in Singapore by Class 95, the queue at Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodles has become nothing short of outstanding. Located at Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, this humble stall now draws long lines of hungry customers eager to find out what makes its fishball noodles so special.

Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodles at Magaret Drive 

We queued for about 20–30 minutes, with the stall run by a guy and his mum. Despite the long queue, he was working at a fast pace, taking orders one after another. We went for the dry Mee Pok, which came with a bowl of soup and five fishballs. The noodles were well tossed in their seasoning, topped with chilli and pork lard, making for a simple yet satisfying bowl.

Mee Pok Dry - $5

I’m used to having my Bee Tai Mak dry with chilli and Tomato Ketchup, but this time, the stall only provided chilli. Instead, I was given a sachet of ketchup to mix in myself, my first ever DIY sauce experience! Despite its simple appearance, the noodles were well seasoned and flavourful.

Bee Tai Mak Dry - $5

The sibling simply couldn’t get enough of the five fishballs that came with our noodles and ended up ordering 10 more! I guess we have the fishballs to blame for being so addictive, bouncy, smooth and swimming in a flavourful soup. Simple, plain and comforting, just the way fishball soup should be.

Fishball Soups - $5

Worth the queue? If you are a fan of fishball noodles, I would say yes. There’s nothing overly fancy about it, just bouncy fishballs, comforting soup and well-seasoned noodles that deliver a simple, satisfying bowl.

Close up of Fish Ball

Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodles
Location: Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, 159 Mei Ling St, #02-05, Singapore 140159

Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice

We had a dinner meetup with friends at Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice, conveniently located right beside the popular Taiwanese porridge spot that I enjoy. This area is quite a foodie destination, with several eateries clustered around the same stretch.

Parking, however, can be a little tricky, especially during peak dining hours, as available lots are limited. If you’re driving over for dinner, it’s worth factoring in some extra time to find a parking space.

Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice

The barley drink had a simple, homely taste that made it an easy choice to accompany our meal. It was light and refreshing without being overly sweet. Besides barley, they also offer other drinks such as coconut, Ai-Yu Jelly and lime juice for those looking for something different.

Barley

The Quarter Kampong Chicken arrived beautifully plated, with the chicken skin glistening under the light and coated in a savoury seasoning. The meat looked tender and juicy, and even on its own, the chicken was flavourful enough to enjoy without needing much else.

Quarter Kampong Chicken

Taking a closer look at the chicken, the skin had a smooth, glossy finish while the meat underneath appeared soft and tender. Each bite carried the savoury seasoning, making it a satisfying piece of kampong chicken to enjoy on its own.

Yummy Chicken Pieces

The Quarter Salted Braised Duck did not disappoint. The duck was neatly sliced into fairly uniform pieces, with a tender texture that was easy to enjoy. The seasoning was savoury and flavourful, though some parts at the base tasted a little saltier from the accumulated seasoning. Overall, it was a satisfying dish with good texture and plenty of flavour.

Quarter Salted Braised Duck

The Cai-Poh Omelette is a classic dish and a favourite at home, but this version came with a slightly different presentation. Instead of the usual loose omelette, it was cooked into a round, pancake-like shape, neatly encasing the cai poh (pickled vegetables) within. The egg wrapped everything up nicely, giving it a presentable finish while striking a pleasant balance between the egg's mild sweetness and the savoury saltiness of the cai poh.

Cai-Poh Omelette

The Hainanese Chap Chye had that comforting, homely taste that made it a lovely accompaniment to our bowls of chicken rice. With a mix of vegetables cooked until tender and coated in a light savoury sauce, it was a simple yet satisfying dish that added some greens to the meal.

Hainanese Chap Chye

The Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup arrived bubbling hot in a traditional claypot, filled with mutton, beancurd skin, red dates and goji berries. The herbal aroma was inviting, with a comforting broth that made this a rather unique find, especially since this type of soup isn't commonly found at many eating places in Singapore.

Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup

Served generously with pieces of mutton and beancurd skin swimming in the herbal broth, this soup was both hearty and comforting. The meat was tender, while the light herbal notes in the broth made it an enjoyable dish to have alongside the rest of our meal.

Tender mutton and Beancurd skin

A spoonful of the mutton revealed tender meat that came apart easily, accompanied by beancurd skin and herbs from the soup. The mutton carried a gentle herbal flavour from the broth, making each spoonful warm, savoury and comforting.

Tender Mutton from Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup

Last but not least, the Braised Pork Trotters arrived looking incredibly tempting, drenched in a rich, glossy sauce that immediately brought out those traditional flavours. Served with chestnuts and broccoli, it was a hearty and comforting dish that rounded off our meal nicely.

Braised Pork Trotters

The close-up showed just how generous the pork trotter was, with tender meat and layers of collagen-rich skin coated in the savoury braising sauce. The chestnuts added a slightly sweet, nutty contrast, while the broccoli brought some freshness to this hearty dish.

Close-up of tender braised pork trotter with chestnuts and broccoli

What accompanied the whole spread of dishes? Of course, it had to be the fragrant chicken rice! Each grain was nicely coated with flavour and carried that savoury, aromatic taste that made it delicious even on its own. It was the perfect pairing with the chicken, duck and other dishes we had for dinner.

Chicken Rice

Overall, our dinner at Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice turned out to be a satisfying spread of comforting, traditional flavours. From the fragrant chicken rice and tender kampong chicken to the salted braised duck, homely cai poh omelette, unique claypot mutton soup and hearty braised pork trotter, there was plenty to enjoy and share with friends. With its variety of dishes and convenient location among other eateries, it is a place worth considering if you are in the area and looking for a hearty Hainanese meal.

Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: 389 Changi Rd, Singapore 419838

Neighbourly Cafe

Checking out Neighbourly, a free-parking, pet-friendly European-style artisanal café tucked away in Ulu Pandan, from the acclaimed team behind Carpenter and Cook.

neighbourly

While many guests may assume Neighbourly is a bakery café because of its connection with its sister café, Carpenter and Cook, Neighbourly is actually a food-driven café. Its kitchen is helmed by a chef with four years of experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant, bringing top-notch techniques to approachable, everyday dining.

Communal Dining

Whenever practical within the scale of their small kitchen, the team chooses to make their components from scratch, allowing artisanal quality to shine through in every dish. It’s this attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship that gives Neighbourly its own identity.

Check out this corner

Neighbourly is designed as a welcoming neighbourhood café where guests can slow down, gather and enjoy each other’s company. From the communal table and face-to-face ordering at the counter to its intentionally QR-code-free dining experience, every detail encourages genuine conversations and interactions.

Ordering Counter

 The two-storey café is connected by a spiral staircase, leading upstairs to cosy corners like this inviting lounge area, furnished with a comfortable sofa, patterned armchairs and a coffee table. With its warm interiors, greenery and charming pet-themed artwork, it makes a lovely spot to unwind, catch up and simply spend time together.

A cosy corner upstairs at Neighbourly

Beverages

The Fresh Peel Orange is a limited-portion drink made with fresh orange peel that is peeled by hand, then macerated with sugar and fermented for 2–3 days to naturally extract the fragrant orange oils. This careful process gives the drink its distinctive citrusy aroma and flavour. Available in both hot and cold versions, it’s a unique option for those looking to try something a little different.

Orange Latte 

The Sparkling Peach Earl Grey Tea was a refreshing choice, combining fruity peach notes with the fragrant character of Earl Grey and a light sparkling finish. Served chilled with a dried citrus slice and edible flowers, it was as pretty as it was refreshing.

Sparkling Peach Earl Grey Tea (Cold)

Sandwiches

I loved their English Muffin Breakfast, packed with whole-muscle ham, 4-hour house-made bacon jam, cheddar and a sunny-side-up egg, all sandwiched between toasted muffins. The combination was hearty, savoury and satisfying, with plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.

English Muffin Breakfast - $16

They bake their own focaccia, make most of their sauces in-house and use locally farmed eggs. We had the Rosette de Lyon & Stracciatella, layered with house-made artichoke cream, pesto, savoury pork and creamy stracciatella, all tucked into their freshly baked focaccia.

Rosette de Lyon & Stracciatella - $24

Open Toasts

For a Chinese-inspired vegetarian option, we had their Halloumi & Broccolini with spicy chilli crisps, whipped ricotta and a sunny-side-up egg on their house-baked focaccia. The chilli crisps added a lovely spicy kick to the creamy and savoury combination.

Chilli Crunch & Halloumi - $24

Pastas

The Tiger Prawn Pesto features grilled tiger prawns served over fusilli tossed in their house-made basil pesto. The prawns were juicy and flavourful, while the pesto coated the pasta nicely. This is a limited-portion dish, so it may be worth checking its availability when you visit.

Tiger Prawn Pesto - $22

Sweets

The Toasted House-Baked Banana Loaf comes with house-made Chantilly cream and passionfruit compote. Toasting gives the banana loaf a lovely crisp exterior while keeping the centre soft and moist, with the creamy Chantilly and tangy passionfruit adding a nice contrast. Contains nuts and dairy.

Banana Loaf - $10

Overall, we had a lovely time at Neighbourly, where the emphasis on freshly made components and quality ingredients really stood out. From the hearty English Muffin Breakfast and creative focaccia sandwiches to the pasta, drinks and banana loaf, there was a good variety to enjoy. With its cosy, pet-friendly setting, free parking and relaxed neighbourhood vibe, Neighbourly is a welcoming spot to drop by for a leisurely meal, coffee and some good company.

Neighbourly by Carpenter and Cook
Location:  Pandan Valley Condominium, 2 Pandan Valley, #01-213, Singapore 597626

Yum Cha Chinatown

Let's check this out! Yum Cha is bringing Chinese traditions beyond the dining table with Mahjong Social Fridays, Dim Sum Catering, and a Workplace Campaign, combining good food, social fun and a touch of nostalgia in a lively setting.

The mahjong-themed setup in this photo definitely sets the mood, with colorful traditional-inspired props, playful signage and plenty of photo opportunities.

Yum Cha Mahjong Social Fridays Mahjong-Themed Setup

Launching on 28 August 2026, Yum Cha’s Mahjong Social Fridays will take place every Friday from 2pm to 6pm at its Chinatown flagship at 20 Trengganu Street. Held in the restaurant’s private room, the sessions welcome both experienced players and beginners, with participants able to register with friends or individually and be matched according to their experience level. Beginners can also pick up the game with guidance from Yum Cha’s staff. Best of all, there are no monetary stakes, making it a relaxed and social way to enjoy a traditional game with friends while soaking in the atmosphere at Yum Cha.

Yum Cha Mahjong Social Fridays Table Setup

Priced at S$38++ per person, the four-hour Mahjong Social Fridays experience includes exclusive use of a mahjong table, a six-piece dim sum set, dessert and freshly brewed Chinese tea. It’s a fuss-free way to gather with friends, enjoy some dim sum and spend an afternoon playing mahjong in a relaxed setting.

Yum Cha Mahjong Social Fridays Dim Sum Sets

Choose between two delicious dim sum sets and enjoy your Mahjong Social Friday with tasty bites, refreshing Chinese tea and good company. Whether you prefer steamed favourites or crispy delights, there’s something to enjoy while you play!

Yum Cha Mahjong Social Fridays Dim Sum Sets

Besides the Social Fridays, Yum Cha is also taking “Dim Sum Beyond the Dining Room”, bringing its handcrafted dim sum experience into homes, workplaces and celebrations across Singapore. Its catering offerings range from mini buffets and full buffet spreads to canapé receptions, while larger celebrations can also enjoy live stations, where chefs prepare dishes freshly on-site and interact more closely with guests. 

Longevity Theme

They also feature auspicious classics like the Longevity Buns, or Shou Tao, a traditional Chinese symbol representing longevity, good fortune and blessings. Beautifully crafted in the shape of peaches, these buns make a meaningful addition to birthday celebrations and milestone occasions.

Longevity Buns

From safari-themed children’s birthday parties and intimate 80th birthday celebrations to corporate appreciation events and weddings, Yum Cha’s catering service is designed to suit a wide range of occasions, bringing its signature dim sum experience wherever the celebration takes place.

Safari Theme

The safari-themed setup brings a playful jungle touch to celebrations, with an adorable orangutan adding to the fun atmosphere.

Safari Theme

The safari theme continues with this adorable lion plushie, adding a cute and playful touch to the celebration setup.

Safari-Themed Lion Plushie Decoration

These adorable colourful character-shaped buns would be such a cute and playful addition to a children’s party, adding a fun touch that little ones will love.

Cute Character-Shaped Buns for Children’s Party

The Double Happiness Lotus Seed Bun is a fitting choice for weddings and joyous celebrations, featuring the auspicious “Double Happiness” symbol that represents love, harmony and marital bliss.

Double Happiness Lotus Seed Bun

Yum Cha’s Mini Buffets make celebrations easy and fuss-free, withelections tailored to different occasions. From the Kids Mini Buffet with adorable children’s baos to the Wedding Mini Buffet, Longevity Mini Buffet and Classic Mini Buffet, there’s something for birthdays, weddings, family gatherings and corporate events. I love how the menu adds a touch of tradition while still keeping things convenient, perfect when you want to spend more time enjoying the celebration and less time worrying about the food.

Mini Buffet

Yum Cha @ Chinatown
Location: 20 Trengganu Street (off Temple Street), #02-01, Singapore 058479