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

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi

Hot pot lovers are probably no strangers to Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Known for its signature tomato soup base, which is freshly simmered daily, the soup is made using premium Dutch tomato varieties alongside fresh tomatoes sourced from Cameron Highlands for a rich, naturally sweet flavour. The brand also serves hand-beaten prawn paste made without any added thickeners. Yan's Tomato Hotpot prides itself on using high-quality ingredients while offering an approachable and affordable hotpot experience that's perfect for everyday dining.

Displaying of Tomatoes at the Entrance

We were truly spoilt for choice at the DIY Sauce Bar, which offers a wide selection of sauces, condiments, herbs, and spices to customise your perfect dipping sauce. Fresh fruits are also included for a refreshing palate cleanser. If you're unsure what to mix, simply follow Yan's Signature Sauce Guide displayed above the counter, where recommended sauce combinations are provided for different flavour profiles.

Yan's Tomato Hotpot DIY Sauce Bar

We went for the signature Tomato Soup Base, made with premium Dutch tomato varieties and fresh Cameron Highlands tomatoes, paired with the nourishing Yunann Wild Mushroom Soup Base. The tomato broth was naturally sweet with a rich, tangy flavour, while the mushroom broth offered a light yet earthy taste that balanced the meal perfectly.

Our Soup Bases

One of the recommendations, the Sweet Potato Taro Balls, was a pleasant surprise. Each golden ball was crispy on the outside, giving way to a soft, chewy centre with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and taro. It's a simple yet satisfying side that's worth adding to your order.

Sweet Potato Taro Balls

The Boneless Fish Slices impressed us with both their presentation and quality. Beautifully arranged and completely boneless, they gave us confidence that the seafood was fresh. The fish remained tender, silky, and flaky after cooking, making it a great choice for the hotpot.

Fish Slices

The Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly immediately caught our attention with its beautiful presentation. It's no surprise this is one of Yan's Tomato Hotpot's sales champions and a table staple. Sourced from chestnut-fed pork, the meat has a subtle natural nutty aroma and a good balance of lean meat and fat. After just 30 seconds of cooking, it remained incredibly tender, juicy, and flavourful.

Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly

The Angus Grain-Fed Beef is a must-order for beef lovers. Grain-fed for a richer, milky aroma, the thinly sliced beef cooks in just 30 seconds, remaining tender, juicy, and beautifully marbled. It pairs exceptionally well with Yan's signature tomato soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the broth to complement the beef's rich flavour.

Angus Grain-Fed Beef

Don't miss the Pumpkin, one of the must-order vegetables at Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Naturally sweet and tender, the pumpkin becomes soft and creamy after simmering, soaking up the rich tomato broth beautifully.

Pumpkin

It's a simple ingredient that adds a comforting touch to every hotpot meal.

Pumpkin

A mixed vegetable platter is always one of our go-to orders during hotpot. It's our way of balancing out the meal while enjoying all the meats and seafood. This colourful platter comes with a generous selection of fresh vegetables, including baby corn, leafy greens, cabbage, purple sweet potato, and more, making it a wholesome addition to the feast.

Mixed Vegetables Platter

Something that immediately caught our attention was the Dragon Fruit Shrimp Paste. Its vibrant purple colour, naturally derived from dragon fruit, made it stand out from the usual shrimp paste. Beyond its eye-catching presentation, the hand-beaten shrimp paste was springy, bouncy, and packed with fresh shrimp flavour, making it as delicious as it was Instagram-worthy.

Dragonfruit Shrimp paste

We also tried the Bean Curd Skin, a hotpot classic that never disappoints. It quickly absorbed the rich tomato broth, becoming soft, silky, and full of flavour while still retaining a slight bite. It's a simple ingredient that pairs wonderfully with both the tomato and mushroom soup bases.

Beancurd Skin

Here's a look at our hotpot feast! We ordered a generous spread featuring Yan's signature tomato and mushroom soup bases, premium meats, fresh seafood, hand-beaten shrimp paste, vegetables, bean curd skin, and other hotpot favourites. Every ingredient was fresh, beautifully presented, and made for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Our Orders

End your hotpot meal on a sweet note with the complimentary free-flow desserts. During our visit, we enjoyed a selection of desserts, including grass jelly, red bean soup, and soy pudding. Guests can also help themselves to the free-flow soft serve ice cream, making it the perfect refreshing finish to a satisfying meal.

Desserts

Overall, Yan's Tomato Hotpot impressed us with its commitment to quality ingredients, from its signature tomato soup made with Dutch tomato varieties and Cameron Highlands tomatoes to its hand-beaten shrimp paste and premium meats. Coupled with the DIY sauce bar, complimentary desserts, and warm hospitality, it's an excellent choice whether you're planning a casual family dinner, gathering with friends, or simply craving a comforting hotpot experience. We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi
Location:  321 Clementi Ave 3, #02-10, Singapore 129905
Website

Sanook Kitchen - West Coast Plaza

Lunch over at Sanook Kitchen in West Coast Plaza came about thanks to a generous colleague who decided to treat us to a Thai meal. It was quite amusing because this place had been on our “to-try” list for the longest time. We have talked about it untempted times, yet never actually made our way down. This visit finally changed that, turning all those conversations into a long-awaited first experience.

Sanook Kitchen (West Coast Plaza)

While waiting for our food, we helped ourselves to the free-flow caramelised popcorn from the self-service machine, a small but fun touch that made the wait a little more enjoyable.

Popcorn

Despite dining in a group of six, we decided to go with the 4-pax set meal priced at $88.80, a rather value-for-money feast that turned out to be sufficient for sharing. The set included:

• Assorted Platter
• Choice of 1 Fish
• Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Mushrooms
• Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken
• Deep-Fried Prawns with Salt & Pepper
• 4 Thai Fragrant Steamed Rice

We felt that the four bowls of rice were just nice to share among us, so instead of adding more carbs, we decided to top up with additional dishes to make the meal more complete.

The Assorted Platter came as a great starter to the meal, featuring a mix of Thai fish cakes, crispy spring rolls, and herbed chicken. It was a well-balanced combination of textures from the crunchy exterior of the spring rolls to the slightly chewy and flavourful fish cakes, alongside the aromatic herbed chicken. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, it made for an appetising start. Fret not, we’re pretty good at dividing the food among ourselves, so everyone got a fair share of each bite 

Assorted Platter

The Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Mushrooms was a simple yet comforting addition to the spread. The greens retained a nice crunch, while the mushrooms added a subtle earthy flavour to the dish. Lightly seasoned and topped with bits of fragrant garlic, it offered a clean and balanced taste, a refreshing contrast to the richer and more indulgent items on the table.

Stir Fried Kai Lan with Mushroom 

The Deep-Fried Prawns with Salt & Pepper were easily one of the more indulgent highlights of the meal. Each prawn was coated in a light, crispy batter, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. Tossed with fragrant garlic, chilli, and herbs, the seasoning was punchy yet well-balanced, enhancing the natural sweetness of the prawns without overpowering it. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more, especially when paired with a bowl of rice.

Deep-Fried Prawn with Salt & Pepper

The Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken delivered a bold and appetising punch to the meal. The broth struck a satisfying balance of sourness and spicy heat, with a subtle hint of sweetness that made it incredibly moreish. Each spoonful was rich and invigorating, instantly whetting the appetite so much so that it had me going back for spoon after spoon without hesitation.

Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken

For the fish selection, we had a choice between the Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic and the Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Thai Chilli Sauce. Considering that we already had a few fried items on the table, we opted for the steamed version. It turned out to be a great decision, the fish was delicately steamed to a tender texture, while the tangy lime broth, infused with chilli and garlic, was incredibly appetising. The flavours were so well-balanced that I found myself going back for spoon after spoon of the broth.

Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic

The Onion Omelette was an additional order on top of the 4-pax set, added to round out the meal. Fluffy on the inside with slightly crisp edges, it was generously topped with sliced onions that lent a mild sweetness and crunch. Served with a light chilli dipping sauce on the side, it brought a simple yet comforting touch, the kind of dish that complemented the rest of the spread effortlessly.

Onion Omelette 洋葱煎蛋 

The Deep-Fried Chicken with Thai Herbs left quite an impression from the assorted platter, so much so that we decided to order an additional serving. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, the chicken was generously tossed with fragrant Thai herbs, including curry leaves that added an aromatic punch. Each bite was flavourful and addictive, making it a worthy top-up to the meal and a clear crowd favourite at the table.

Deep Fried Chicken with Thai Herb 泰国香料炸鸡 - $8.90

While lunch hours are usually quite limited for us, I was pleasantly surprised by how promptly the dishes were served, arriving in a steady flow shortly after we placed our order. It certainly made the dining experience more enjoyable and efficient. Overall, while the food may not be exceptionally mind-blowing, it was satisfying enough that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for a casual meal.

Sanook Kitchen (West Coast Plaza)
Location: West Coast Plaza, 154 W Coast Rd, #B1-04 Singapore 127371
Website

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West

My colleague had been craving Bak Chor Mee, and we made our way to Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West to satisfy that craving. The stall offers both Fishball Noodles and Bak Chor Mee, with a variety of noodle options such as Mee Sua, Mee Pok and more, allowing diners to choose their preferred combination.

Chao Yuan Noodle 

She strongly advocated for the Yuan Yang Noodle, which is a specialty of the stall and something she highly recommended trying.

Yuan Yang Noodle - $6

The noodles carried a nostalgic chilli flavour that was both familiar and comforting, further enhanced by the generous addition of fragrant pork lard. Interestingly, the noodle itself appeared to be somewhere in between Mee Pok and You Mee, offering a slightly flatter yet springy texture that made it quite enjoyable.

Yuan Yang Noodle

My colleague also ordered the Signature Liver, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The liver was cooked beautifully to a perfect texture, tender enough for the teeth to sink into, yet retaining a slight bounce that made it incredibly satisfying. Tossed with their savoury sauce and topped with fragrant pork lard, it was rich, flavourful and thoroughly enjoyable.

Signature Liver - $4

Overall, Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West delivered a satisfying bowl of Bak Chor Mee, especially with their unique Yuan Yang Noodle and well-executed Signature Liver. The nostalgic chilli flavour, springy noodles and generous pork lard made it an enjoyable meal, while the liver was a standout on its own. It is easy to see why the stall has its regular followers, and while it may require a special trip for some, it is certainly worth considering if you are in the Clementi area and craving a comforting bowl of BCM.

Our Orders

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West
Location: 727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-232, Singapore 120727

$5 Western

$5 Western? That certainly sounds like a deal, especially nowadays when a decent plate of Western food at a hawker centre easily costs $7 to $8 or more. Curious about the value, we decided to check out this Halal-certified Western food stall in Clementi, where orders can conveniently be placed via a self-service kiosk. It definitely caught our attention as an affordable option in today’s rising food price scene.

Stall of $5 Western

The execution of the Chicken Chop was definitely to my liking. It came as a complete plate with coleslaw, fries, and a buttered bun, alongside the main slab of chicken chop. Despite its very attractive $5 price tag, both the taste and portion were not compromised. The chicken chop itself was well cooked, with nicely charred edges that added a slight smokiness. Topped with herbs and a savoury sauce, it elevated the overall fragrance and made the dish feel far more value-for-money than expected.

Chicken Chop - $5

Overall, this $5 Western stall in Clementi turned out to be a pleasant and value-for-money find. In today’s rising price climate, it is rare to find a plate that delivers both satisfying portion and taste without cutting corners. The chicken chop was well executed, and it certainly proved that affordable Western food can still be enjoyable. With several other items on their menu at equally attractive prices, I will definitely be back again to try more of their offerings.

$5 Western
Location: Chang Cheng Mee Wah. WuFu Coffee Shop, 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-157  Singapore 120354

Basil King (Clementi)

I have heard quite a bit about Basil King, and after a strong recommendation from a colleague, I decided to give it a try.

Basil King (Clementi)

Basil King essentially serves rice topped with a sunny side up egg and your choice of meat, chicken, beef, pork, prawns, or pork belly. You can also select your preferred spice level, ranging from Level 1 (non-spicy) to Level 5. On top of that, diners can choose anywhere from a single egg to a rather eye-catching quadruple egg option, which definitely stands out.

Menu

I went with the double egg meal with basil pork at Level 1, playing it safe on the spice level. The eggs were skillfully done and aesthetically pleasing, with runny yolks that paired well with the white rice.

However, the disappointment came from the basil pork. It lacked the distinct fragrance and taste of basil, tasting more like stir-fried minced pork served with rice and egg rather than a basil dish.

Basil Pork - Double Eggs - $7.90

My friend also ordered the basil pork with a single egg, but the yolk had already slipped out of the egg white. This made the overall presentation look inconsistent, suggesting that the standard and consistency might not be well maintained.

Basil Pork - Single Egg - $6.90

All in all, the flavours did not quite meet my expectations, though it still makes for a filling meal. If you prefer a lighter basil fragrance, this might suit your taste.

Basil King (Clementi)
Location: 352 Clementi Ave 2, Singapore 120352

Fried Carrot Cake

Finally back for Fried Carrot Cake after months of craving! Hit the queue as early as 7am on a weekend, but this time, a petite lady was single-handedly manning both woks, no familiar faces, yet the same delicious anticipation.

Fried Carrot Cake

Old habits never die. I went straight for the small Black Fried Carrot Cake. Aweeeesome! The sweet preserved veggies, egg, and black sauce, all kissed with wok hei, truly hit the spot and crushed my long-time craving.

Fried Carrot Cake (Black) - $4

If you are a fan of the classic white-style Fried Carrot Cake, skip the black sauce and go for this eggy, and full of wok hei goodness!

Fried Carrot Cake (White) - $5

Whether you like it black or white, fried carrot cake remains a timeless local favourite, comforting, flavourful, and always worth the queue.

Fried Carrot Cake
Location: Blk 448 Clementi Ave 3, #01-45, Singapore 120448

Botanict

It's been a while since I had a vegetarian meal, but at my vegetarian friend's request, we visited Botanict, which offers an interesting array of vegetarian Nyonya dishes.

Botanict

The spicy Otah's presentation was impressive. As a non-vegetarian, I found the taste and texture surprisingly close to the usual version. Made with tau gua, it was a well-executed reinvention.

Spicy Otah - $13.30

As a petai lover, I immediately went for the Sambal Vegetable & Petai dish. It wasn’t overly spicy and had a mix of tempeh, French beans, tomatoes, and more.

Sambal Vegetable & Petai - $12

The Truffle Oyster Omelette was intriguing. Instead of oysters, they used mushrooms, and the portion was generous. The truffle aroma lingered as it was served. 

Truffle Oyster Omelette - $14.30

With egg included, I’m still amazed at how soy can work wonders in vegetarian dishes.

Mocked Oyster

The menu was quite extensive, but we only managed three dishes this time. I wouldn’t mind returning for more. The owner also mentioned they offer BBQ Chuang Chuang in the evenings!

Botanict
Location:  Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-123, Singapore 120352
Website