Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

We are back at Numb Restaurant for their new menu! Our last visit of Numb Restaurant was around April 2025, and I honestly still miss that memorable luffa dish from before. 

Numb Restaurant

The environment here remains peaceful and calm, a lovely spot to enjoy good food without the noise.

Counter

With their new menu in place, they have added a bit more fun and creativity in how the dishes are presented. 

Menu

The meal kicked off with the Sichuan Yuan Yang Hotpot with Seafood, perfectly living up to their business name — “Numb.” The dual pot featured a fiery mala soup base on one side and a green pepper broth on the other. Both sides shared similar ingredients, prawn balls, lala clams, beef tripe, luncheon meat, and vegetables — creating a thrilling mix of spice, fragrance, and that signature numbing kick.

Sichuan Yuan Yang Hotpot with Seafood - $39.80

This isn’t your usual William Shakespeare book. It’s actually part of the dining experience, a clever surprise for customers. Opening it felt almost magical, as applewood smoke gently drifted out, creating a dramatic and aromatic reveal.

Not your usual William Shakespeare Book

Inside the “book” lies a delightful surprise, Snowflake Wagyu cubes with black pepper, beautifully infused with applewood smoke. The dish is theatrically presented in a vintage Hamlet-themed book, releasing a gentle smoky aroma as it opens. 

Flaming Apple-wood Smoked Wagyu Beef Cube - $49.80

The wagyu cubes were tender, juicy, and well-coated in peppery seasoning, complemented by asparagus and cherry tomatoes that added freshness to each bite. A creative blend of flavour, aroma, and presentation.

Yummy

The Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce was a playful twist on the Sichuan classic “clothesline pork belly.” Honestly, it made us chuckle, the presentation looked just like how grandma used to hang blankets on the line! Each slice of pork belly was tender and nicely coated in that garlicky, spicy sauce, making this dish as fun to look at as it was to eat.

Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce - $19.80

The Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone & Seafood was truly laudable. Made with brown rice, the dish offered a pleasant nutty crunch that paired beautifully with the light yet flavourful broth simmered with abalone, shrimp, and assorted seafood. 

Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone & Seafood - $46.80

The balance of textures and taste was spot on, so comforting that I couldn’t resist helping myself to multiple servings, bowl after bowl.

Yummy

Both beverages were served with a thick layer of milk foam, each adorned with a Chinese stencil, “Xi” (喜喜) symbolising happiness and “Fa” (發) representing prosperity. The tea fragrance was light and refreshing, and when paired with the creamy milk foam, it reminded us of bubble tea but elevated, with a charming Chinese cultural twist.

Golden Bliss Jasmine Tea & Fortune Blossom Jasmine Matcha  - $7.80

Not all dishes here are fiery or numbing and that’s the charm. Glad to be back at Numb Restaurant, finding comfort food amidst all the heat and spice.

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

Location: Marina One West Tower, 5 Straits View, West Tower, #01-12 Marina One, Singapore 018935

Central Siam Cuisine

Another gathering with the pals, this time we headed north to Yishun’s Wisteria Mall for some comforting and flavour-packed Thai food at Central Siam.

Central Siam at Wisteria Mall

Siamese Boat Noodle

We had the cha yen, because really, what’s a Thai meal without their signature milk tea? To complete the experience, we went for both the Original Thai Milk Tea and the Thai Green Milk Tea, each offering its own distinct charm and creamy sweetness.

Thai Milk Tea & Thai Green Milk Tea - $3.90 Each

The Thai Pink Milk Tea caught my eye, it looked interesting and was definitely to my liking with its cheerful hue. On the other hand, the Thai Lemonade Green Tea brought back a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of the "Sng Bao" flavour we used to enjoy as kids.

Thai Lemonade Green Tea & Thai Pink Milk Tea - $3.90 Each

The Crispy Thai Crab Roll immediately reminded me of our local Ngoh Hiong with its golden, crunchy appearance. However, this version was packed with crab meat and other savoury fillings. A quick dip into the sweet and spicy chilli sauce made each bite even more enjoyable.

Thai Crab Roll - $18

The Deep-Fried Pork Belly had a wonderfully crispy top layer, though the meat underneath leaned on the tougher side. Still, dipping each piece into the mixed Thai sauce brought out that satisfying crackling joy with every bite.

Deep Fried Pork Belly - $10

Boat Noodle, also known as guay tiew ruea (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), has always been one of my favourites. Unlike the spoon-sized servings typically found in Thailand, this place serves a full bowl and with Kurobuta pork slices too. The broth was rich and flavourful, while the pork liver stood out for being perfectly cooked with just the right texture. It’s a comforting bowl that satisfies both the appetite and the craving for authentic Thai-style flavours.

Boat Noodle with Kurobuta Pork Slice - $13.90

Not only do they serve Kurobuta Pork Slice, but they also offer Australia Wagyu Beef Boat Noodles and it’s fantastic. 

Australia Wagyu Beef - $15.90

The portion of beef slices was generous, tender, and flavourful, soaking up the rich broth beautifully. Each mouthful was satisfying and full of depth, making it a standout choice for beef lovers.

Beef Slices

Visually pleasing with its vibrant green hue, this dessert features Pandan-flavoured Kaya paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, served atop two thick slices of golden toast and sprinkled with chopped peanuts. The combination was both savoury and irresistible, a delightful balance of local flavour and indulgent sweetness.

Thai Pandan Toast

We ended the meal with a staple Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice. The mango cubes were sweet and refreshing, bringing a nice touch to the dish. However, the block of sticky rice was rather clumpy and hard to separate, which unfortunately brought down the overall experience.

Mango Sticky Rice - $8

Central Siam Cuisine serves comforting Thai dishes with friendly Thai service staff. It’s a place I wouldn’t mind returning to again.

Central Siam Cuisine
Location: Wisteria Mall, 598 Yishun Ring Rd, #01-51/52, Singapore 768698

PPT Kopitiam

Rinse and shine! We finally made our way into Johor Bahru, kicking off the day with a hearty local breakfast at PPT Kopitiam. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast fare immediately set the tone for a day of exploring this vibrant city.

Ppt Kopitiam

Menu

Kopitiam

Their Mee Siam comes with several variations, and one of us opted for it with Ayam Goreng Berempah. The Mee Siam itself was served with cucumbers, lime, roasted peanuts, boiled egg, and chili as the baseline. Visually, the Berempah chicken looked a bit dry, but it still added a flavorful punch to the dish.

Mee Siam Ayam Goreng Berempah 米暹马来香料炸鸡 - RM15.90

We also tried the Mee Siam Otak-Otak. The photo on the menu looked quite promising, but the actual dish turned out rather different, just two small pieces of otah sitting beisde the noodles.

Mee Siam Otak-Otak 米暹乌达 - RM13.90

he Almond Polo Bun looked irresistible with a thick slice of butter sandwiched in between. Its crusty, golden top was especially appealing, made even more inviting by the almond flakes clinging all over the bun.

Almond Polo Bun 

For the dry noodles, I went with the braised chicken. The meat was evenly braised, though nothing particularly outstanding. The noodles were nicely tossed in seasoning, giving a simple yet satisfying flavor.

Braised Chicken Dry Noodle 香卤鸡肉干捞面 - RM15.90

One of us ordered the Chicken Chop with Mala Dry Noodle. The chicken appeared slightly on the dry side, though the seasoning leaned towards a bold mala flavour that might appeal to those who enjoy a numbing and spicy kick in their meal. The noodles were tossed evenly in the mala sauce, giving each bite a consistent heat and aroma.

Mala Chicken Chop Dry Noodle 麻辣炸鸡扒捞面 - RM 14.90

When it comes to the Chicken Chop with Nasi Lemak, the rice was fragrant and carried a luminous yellow hue. Its presentation resembled a Mee Siam style, served on a banana leaf base and accompanied by classic sides like peanuts, ikan bilis, sambal chilli, cucumber slices, egg, and a generous slab of chicken chop. The combination offered a familiar local comfort with a slightly creative twist.

Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken Chop 椰浆饭炸鸡扒 - RM14.90

For those who prefer rice instead of Mee Siam with their Ayam Goreng Berempah, this makes a good alternative.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah 椰浆饭马来香料炸鸡 - RM15.90

While others kickstart their morning with coffee, I went for something different, a chilled cup of Cincau Longan, or Grass Jelly with Longan.

Cincau Longon 仙草龙眼 - RM5.20

If you’re thinking about toast, eggs, nasi lemak, or mee siam for your next meal, PPt Kopitiam is the place to visit.

PPT Kopitiam
Location: 41, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Market Bistro + Elixir Coffee Stand

Market Bistro, located in the heart of Marina Bay, is a Wall Street-inspired eatery redefining quick yet satisfying meals for the fast-paced financial crowd.

Market Bistro

For sharing, we had the Prawn Al Ajillo. These juicy prawns were served with smoked paprika, creamy hummus, and aromatic garlic oil, making it rich and flavourful.

Prawn Al Ajillo - $16

The Umami Mid-joint Wings were perfect for sharing, infused with fish sauce, lime, and parsley. Loved how they were halved for easy, satisfying bites

Umami Mid-Joint Wings

The Burrata was fresh and creamy, paired beautifully with marinated tomatoes, balsamic caviar, and a touch of mint for a refreshing balance.

Burrata - $20

The Berry Kale Salad was refreshing and appetizing, featuring a wholesome mix of kale, power seeds, walnuts, blueberries, and strawberries.

Berry Kale Salad - $18

To pair with our meal, we had iced tea and a zesty yuzu drink. Both are refreshing complements to the flavorful dishes.

Beverages

For pasta, we had the Crab & Seafood Bisque, rigatoni cooked to al dente perfection, soaked in creamy seafood bisque with chunks of fresh crab claw meat.

Crab & Seafood Bisque - $28

The 36° South grass-fed ribeye came beautifully plated with chimichurri, shoestring fries, and a fresh salad. Cooked to our requested medium, the steak was uniformly tender with a glossy brown sear, each bite rich, juicy, and full of flavor.

36° South Grass Fed Ribeye - $36

Medium Doneness

The Irish Duck Leg Confit caught our eye on the menu and we were glad we did not skip it! Served with creamy mashed potato, earthy mushrooms, and rich chicken jus, every bite was absolutely delicious.

Irish Duck Leg Confit - $28

Opted for the Nipponham Angus Flat Iron this time, tenderer than the ribeye, yet just as flavorful. Served with chimichurri, shoestring fries, and a fresh salad, it hit all the right notes.

Nipponham Angus Flat Iron

Hard to say goodbye to this Tiramisu! Appearance might be a little collapsed, but don’t mind, made with BlackList Coffee Roasters espresso, not 3-in-1, it’s perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. Totally love it!

Tiramisu - $14

I don’t mind dining at Market Bistro, especially after office hours, the place gives off such a relaxing vibe compared to the usual hustle and bustle.

Market Bistro + Elixir Coffee Stand
Location: Marina Bay Link Mall, 12 Marina Boulevard #01-03, Tower 3 Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore 018982

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)

Coffee lovers would likely have heard of Craftsmen Coffee, a well-loved café brand with several outlets across the island. This time, we gathered at their outlet on the 2nd level of Jelita Mall, ready for some good coffee, food and conversation.

Craftsmen Coffee

Kicking off with the bites, we had the Sesame Chicken Wings, available in portions of 5 or 10 pieces. The wings were well-marinated and fried to a beautiful golden brown, then sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds for extra aroma. They were served with a side of kombu mayo, which added a savory umami touch to each bite.

Sesame Chicken Wings - $13 (5 Pcs)

We also had the Chicken Pops, served in a basket alongside the same kombu mayo dip. These bite-sized pieces were crispy on the outside and tender within an easy, addictive snack to share over coffee.

Chicken Pops - $12

The Cheesy Salmon Fries gave me a whole new perspective on fries. I never knew that smoked salmon, shoestring fries, mixed cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard could come together so well, a surprisingly tasty and satisfying combination.

Cheesy Salmon Fries - $13

The Messy Burger truly lived up to its name, it looked like a glorious mess, but it tasted absolutely fantastic. The juicy Angus beef patty was slathered with a generous amount of Bolognese sauce that spilled over the sides, giving it that perfectly “untidy” charm. The burger came loaded with sweet relish, gherkins, cheddar, and chipotle mayo, all tucked between a soft brioche bun, and served with a side of shoestring fries.

Messy Beef Burger - $22

The presentation of the Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns was a pleasant surprise, the entire dish was blanketed with a generous layer of Parmesan shavings.

Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns - $24

We had to gently dig in with our forks to unveil the creamy linguine hidden beneath. The dish featured a rich blend of vodka, tomato paste, fresh basil, Parmesan, cream, and linguine, creating a luscious and flavorful combination.

Yums!

This Breakfast Baked Eggs instantly reminded me of a hearty shakshuka. The dish came bubbling in a small casserole, featuring a rich housemade tomato base loaded with bacon, pork bratwurst, baked beans, and wild mushrooms. Crowned with a perfectly done sous-vide egg, it offered a comforting mix of smoky, savoury, and tangy notes. 

Breakfast Baked Eggs - $21

The side of toasted sourdough was just right for soaking up the luscious sauce, making every bite satisfyingly wholesome.

Let's dip it!

The Happy Breakfast truly lives up to its name, a perfect and complete meal that fills the tummy to the brim. Our plate came loaded with hearty favourites: crispy bacon, juicy pork bratwurst, golden hashbrown, roasted baby potatoes, wild mushrooms, and a refreshing side salad. We went with scrambled eggs and a muffin on the side, completing this wholesome and satisfying breakfast feast.

Happy Breakfast - $25

The Steak & Eggs breakfast was a real treat, hearty and indulgent in every bite. It featured tender slices of ribeye steak served alongside two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and roasted baby potatoes. Diners can choose between chimichurri or creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce; we went with the chimichurri, which added a bright, herby kick that paired beautifully with the juicy ribeye. A satisfying start for anyone who loves a meaty morning plate.

Steak & Eggs - $28

The Fish & Fries looked absolutely appetising with its golden battered sea bass resting on a bed of crispy shoestring fries. A quick squeeze of lemon brightened up the flavours, while the creamy tartar sauce made each bite even more enjoyable. Simple yet satisfying. a classic done right.

Fish & Fries - $24

The House Rosti was an interesting and delightful dish, served with a dollop of sour cream and a choice of eggs. What made it even better was the option to pair it with smoked salmon, pork bratwurst & bacon, or smoked duck and naturally, we went for the smoked duck. The crisp golden rosti, creamy sour cream, and tender slices of duck came together beautifully for a satisfying breakfast twist.

House Rosti with Smoked Duck - $22

Besides the usual coffee and tea selections, the café offers an intriguing range of Specialty Drinks and a Cloud Series, available hot or iced. The Cinnamon Bun Latte ($8) truly stood out, it tasted just like a cinnamon bun, layered with maple sea salt cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For something adventurous, the Salted Cola Coffee ($7) combined espresso and cola with a touch of sea salt, creating a fizzy yet bold fusion. The Cloud Series featured drinks like Matcha Cloud ($10), Taro Cloud ($10), and Orange Cloud ($10). Each topped with the café’s signature maple sea salt cream, giving every sip a velvety, slightly savoury finish.

We tried quite a few, Orange Cloud, Salted Cola Coffee, Roasted Almond ($7), Matcha Cloud, Taro Cloud, Acai Smoothie ($10), and Cinnamon Bun Latte. Each had its own charm, but all shared a common theme of creativity and balance, making this café’s beverage lineup a refreshing standout.

Our Beverages

Signing off with desserts, we had the Apple Compote, a delightful French toast creation topped with apple cream cheese, almond slices, and a dusting of cinnamon powder. Drizzled generously with maple syrup and crowned with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect sweet ending, warm, creamy, and comforting in every bite.

Apple Compote - $16

The Berry Bang Waffle was a vibrant and indulgent treat, a crisp buttermilk waffle topped with a colourful mix of fresh berries, roasted nuts, and coconut flakes. Drizzled with gula melaka for that local touch and crowned with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, it struck a lovely balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess in every bite.

Berry Bang Waffle - $19

The café itself was quite cosy and peaceful, a great spot for those seeking a quiet place to relax or catch up over brunch without the usual crowd and noise. However, one downside was the carpark, which can be quite expensive, so it’s worth taking note if you’re driving there.

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)
Location: 293 Holland Rd, #02-04, Singapore 278628
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