Ms Durian

 There's been plenty of buzz from media and radio stations about Ms Durian's 6th anniversary celebration and it’s no wonder why. They're going all out with a whimsical Forbidden Forest theme that’s got everyone talking. Sounds like a magical durian-filled experience not to be missed.

Ms Durian

The first swing of the door led me straight into a beautifully enchanting forest setting. What immediately caught my attention was the striking manmade durian husk bench placed right in front, alongside a charming waterfall feature created with blue LED lights and soft drapes. Scattered props on the ground mimicked rocks, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. 

Enchanting!

It was truly heartwarming to see the amount of thought and effort owner Ling Goh and her team poured into this 6th anniversary celebration.

Forbidden Forest Theme

It was such fun putting on those safety helmets, it felt like we were stepping into a durian plantation, where a durian could drop from above at any moment without warning.

Safety Helmets

It added a playful and immersive touch to the whole experience, making the themed celebration even more memorable.

Put on your helmets, durians might drop anytime!

We had our dinner tucked away in a cozy corner of the café, surrounded by the charming forest-themed setting. I loved the ambiance, with durian trees and branches thoughtfully placed around us, it felt like dining in a little durian grove.

Our Dinner Setting

The decorations were meticulously detailed, with the durian elements creatively depicted as if they had fallen onto the ground, surrounded by a puddle of water that reflected them like a mirror. It was such a thoughtful touch! I’m curious where they drew so much inspiration from for that design.

Durian Lamp

Given the amount of space, it looks like it would be a great spot for hosting parties. It seems like the kind of place that could bring a lot of fun and energy to any event!

Space

The space is so expansive that they even have a gravelled ground for a glamping theme! It must be a blast to relax in the tents and enjoy the open sky. 

Enjoy your outdoor dining

Tentages

Campfire?

It looks especially cool when the night falls, with the whole atmosphere transforming into something magical.

Glamping

For their non-airconditioned seating area, they’ve created a lovely garden-themed setting, with plants all around that make you feel completely surrounded by nature. It’s a refreshing and calming atmosphere—almost like dining in a cozy little greenhouse.

Plant

As someone who enjoys cycling, I was instantly drawn to their dessert cart when I noticed the Shimano gear shifters, it was such a delightful touch. I found out that the cart is mainly used for their events. 

Push Cart

It’s beautifully crafted, complete with an umbrella for shade and decorative durians on display. The whole setup was charming and inviting.

I just got a durian

From 22 March to 30 April 2025, every $66 spent in a single receipt earns you a spin on their sure-win gachapon machine, where you can score exclusive prizes. I’ve got my eye on those quirky Durian Bedroom Slippers, just imagine padding around the house in those!

Sure-Win Treasure Dip

We had the Sambal Mushroom for sharing. The sautéed mushrooms were packed with umami, cooked with fragrant sambal belacan, garlic, and dried prawns. Each bite delivered bold and savoury flavours that kept us going back for more.

Sambal Mushroom - $6.50

One of us ordered the salty lychee, an interesting choice! It’s got that unique balance of sweet and salty, with a refreshing lychee twist. Perfect for something a little different and cooling.

Salty Lychee - $7.50

A refreshing durian-infused drink blended with creamy oat milk, offering a smooth, rich flavor in every sip. Chewy pearls are added for a delightful bite, while a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds on top brings a subtle nuttiness and a touch of texture contrast to this velvety treat.

Durian Ice Blended with Pearl - $11.50

That's a bold and exciting move! MSW Durian Nasi Lemak going permanent on the menu! That says a lot about how well it was received. 

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing - $17.50

Durian with rice might raise eyebrows here in Singapore, but it’s definitely got deep roots in Malaysia.

Crispy Chicken Wing

The use of Mao Shan Wang flesh within the coconut rice sounds like a clever and indulgent twist, not just durian on the side, but really infused into the core of the dish. Fragrant, rich, and creamy grains must pair beautifully with the savoury-sweet components of traditional nasi lemak.

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Batang Fish - $21.50

Beautifully Fried Batang Fish

All the classic accompaniments, sunny side up egg, crispy ikan bilis, fried peanuts, cooling cucumber slices, that housemade sambal and then a juicy protein of choice? Sounds like a feast with layers of flavor and texture.

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak with Tiger Prawn - $19.50

Tiger Prawns

Just as addictive as they looked, these six pieces of house-marinated chicken wings came coated in a glossy blend of sweet honey and spicy chilli. Each bite was bursting with juicy, flavorful goodness that kept us reaching for the next one.

Hot Honey Wings - $17

Calling all cheese lovers, this one's perfect for sharing. Creamy brie is paired with a trio of berry compote, topped with fresh parsley and shavings of grana padano. A lovely mix of sweet, savoury, and creamy all in one bite.

Fried Cheese - $17

Treat yourself to a generous serving of shoestring fries tossed with aromatic truffle oil and finished with a sprinkle of grana padano. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.

Truffles Fries - $14

We shared a plate of mini hash browns, crisped up beautifully with a satisfying crunch in every bite. They were served with a side of Thousand Island sauce and a sprinkle of spring onions for a touch of freshness, simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

Tater Tots - $10

For those who enjoy kaya toast, this is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! My friend, who had tried it before, was casually singing praises for this dessert. The MSW durian was generously slathered on crispy white toast, paired perfectly with a slab of salted butter, what a decadent twist on a local classic!

MSW Durian Kaya Toast - $12.80

Introducing their Kaya Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake, a delightful fusion of rich, velvety durian and house-made durian kaya. The balance is spot on, with just the right ratio of durian kaya layered over soft, spongy cake. It’s indulgent yet not overly cloying, making each bite a satisfying treat.

Kaya Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake - $11.90 Per Slice

Here comes the Charcoal Bomb, a delectable explosion of durian goodness encased in a mochi yam crust.

MSW Durian Charcoal Bomb $13.20

 It’s a riot of textures in every bite: velvety-rich creamy MSW ice cream, wrapped in chewy mochi, and finished with crunchy biscuit bits. An indulgent treat that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying.

Ji Ba Boom! 

Ms Durian continues to impress with its creative themes, quality durian offerings, and cozy atmosphere. It's a go-to spot for durian lovers and dessert adventurers alike, always blending indulgence with imagination.

Ms Durian 
Location: 11 Kelantan Road, Singapore 208604
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar (DT22)
Website

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

When my friend gathered us again for dinner and mentioned the place, I was a little hesitant. Chuan Cai (Sichuan cuisine) has never been my go-to. It often leaves me with a burning sensation both in the mouth and the stomach. But the spontaneous side of me won, and I decided to go along for the ride. Sometimes, good meals come from unexpected turns.

numb

The business name itself was pretty creative, spelt as "numb", but with the letter “m” cleverly replaced by the Chinese character “川”, which directly points to the Sichuan (Chuan) roots of the cuisine. A smart play on words that hints at both the cuisine’s origin and its signature numbing spice. 

Even the menu had a touch of humour, with the line: “不是被辣到了，只是被麻到了”.

Literally translated, it means: “If it’s not the spiciness that gets to you, then it must be the numbing.”

A playful and clever way to sum up the bold experience of Chuan Cai, where spice and numbness go hand in hand.

Food Menu

These Australian Scallops with Celery were beautifully sliced to just the right thickness. I loved the succulent texture paired with the zesty, savoury sauce, complemented by crunchy celery and the tangy burst of cherry tomatoes. Light, refreshing, and satisfying.

Australian Scallops with Celery 凉拌澳洲带子 - $24.80

I couldn’t stop myself from picking at the crisp celery hidden at the bottom of the plate, they soaked up all the flavour and added a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Here's the Yummy Scallops

The moment I saw Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth, I knew I was sold! This comforting bowl brought together a beautiful medley of garlic, ginger, luffa, tomato, and prawns, all soaking up the rich, golden broth. 

Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth 金汤鲜虾丝瓜煲 - $35.80

The flavours were wholesome, the warmth deeply satisfying, a truly soul-hugging dish that felt right at home on the table.

I like it!

This U.S. Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn was a visual and sensory stunner. Tender slices of well-marbled beef soaked in a rich, golden broth that was aromatic, spicy, and tingling with the numbing kick of fresh green Sichuan peppercorns. The heat from red and green chillies gave the dish extra depth, making every spoonful bold, fiery, and addictive. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but oh-so-satisfying for spice lovers.

U.S Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn 金汤椒麻肥牛 - $37.80

This Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger packed a fiery punch with every bite. The beef was tender and juicy, stir-fried to perfection with a bold medley of red and green chillies, aromatic ginger strips, and whole garlic cloves. The heat from the chillies was upfront but beautifully balanced by the savory sauce and zingy ginger, making this dish irresistibly fragrant, spicy, and satisfying. A dish that ignites your taste buds from the first mouthful!

Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger 鲜椒仔姜牛肉 - $34.80

Midway through a spicy and numbing meal, a refreshing drink can make all the difference. The Blooming Roselle Soda was the perfect choice, offering a delightful blend of Chinese roselle flavor in a fizzy soda. It provided a refreshing balance to the heat, making for an ideal pairing.

Blooming Roselle Soda 洛神花气泡水 - $6.80

We also tried the Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea, which was an unexpected delight. The combination of the 'Ribena' flavour with the smoothness of Chinese oolong tea took me by surprise in the best way.

Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea 冰摇黑加仑乌龙茶 - $6.80

Next, we had a familiar dish, Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles, also known as French beans. It made for a perfect pairing with our bowl of rice, adding a nice kick to the meal.

Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles 干煸四季豆 - $19.80

The Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish was a standout, perfectly battered and coated in light, crispy crumbs. 

Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish 避风塘香脆鱼 - $36.80

The golden dory fish was ultra-crunchy on the outside, yet tender and flaky on the inside, a truly satisfying combination.

My Golden "Nugget"

Overall, the meal went wonderfully, and I'm happy I made the right decision. Imagine if I had turned down my friend’s invitation for dinner, I would have missed out on discovering such a great food place. I was pleased to find that not all the dishes were spicy or numbing. In fact, there was a perfect balance between spicy and milder options. Honestly, the food here felt really comforting

Our Dishes in a Glance

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One
Location: 5 Straits View, West Tower, #01-12 Marina One, 018935
Nearest Station: Downtown (DT17), Marina Bay (CE2, NS27, TE20)

Mr Grumpy Nasi Ayam

Visiting the #1 Nasi Ayam Goreng spot in town at Holland came with its own little adventure. After battling the lunch crowd just for a parking lot, I was greeted by a longer queue at Mr Grumpy Nasi Ayam. Honestly, I felt like I was living up to the name, grumpy before I even got to try the food!

Mr Grumpy

With the ticking clock of my lunch break, my heartbeat quickened with every passing minute in line. After a half-hour wait, I finally got my hands on the much-anticipated plate from Mr Grumpy Nasi Ayam.

I went all in, with crispy ayam goreng, bagedil, hotdogs, and quail eggs, all served with a comforting bowl of chicken soup that instantly reminded me of Mee Soto.

Nasi Ayam Goreng

The fried chicken was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and truly impressive. The rice was fluffy and aromatic, pairing perfectly with the juicy chicken. As for the chilli, it leaned towards the sweeter side, just the way I like it, flavourful without overpowering the dish.

The delicious Ayam Goreng

Was it worth the thrill? If you ask me, I’d nod without hesitation. I wouldn’t mind queuing up all over again.

Mr Grumpy Nasi Ayam
Location: 43 Holland Dr, #01-75, Singapore 270043

Hae! Claypot @ Eunos (Prawn & LALA)

It was my first time at Hae! Claypot, and I found the name quite endearing. “Hae” is the Hokkien word for prawn, and it’s a fitting tribute to one of their star ingredients. A playful, local touch that sets the tone for the hearty, comforting meal that follows.

Hae! Claypot

They are currently promoting their Lala (Clams) Steamboat at just $12.80 nett, an incredibly wallet-friendly deal for such freshness and flavour.

Lala (Clams) Steamboat at only $12.80 Nett

Housed within an industrial canteen, Enjoy Hae! occupies a relatively spacious unit, you definitely won’t miss it. Their striking orange signboard stands out boldly, catching the eye even from afar.

Stall of Hae! Prawn Claypot

Lala lovers, this one's for you! Enjoy Hae!’s Lala (Clams) Steamboat is an absolute steal at just $12.80 nett. The clams are incredibly fresh, you can even see them live at the front of the stall. For a price like that, the portion is surprisingly generous, making it a great value treat for seafood fans!

Lala Hotpot

Having visited quite a number of lala hotpot spots, I’ve never come across a stall that offers Superior Golden Fungus and that’s exactly what caught our eye. It’s not something you would typically expect in a humble lala steamboat setup, and it definitely added a unique touch to the experience.

Superior Golden Fungus

While at Enjoy Hae!, skipping their fresh tiger prawns was simply not an option. By default, they’re part of the experience, big, plump, and naturally sweet; they were a perfect addition to our bubbling hotpot.

Fresh Tiger Prawn

The lala was generously portioned, glistening beautifully under the gentle glow of the charcoal fire. With the simple yet effective pairing of ginger and fresh clams, the broth turned out clean, vibrant, and naturally delicious, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

Lala

One of the things we appreciated about Enjoy Hae!’s claypot experience is the thoughtful touch of having a glass bottle of Hua Diao wine at every table by default. You are free to add it to your broth according to your own preference, which really elevates the flavour.

Beyond the fresh tiger prawns and the rare find of Superior Golden Fungus, we were pleasantly surprised to see luffa, a refreshing and tender addition that you don’t often come across at typical hotpot places.

Hae!

We were so glad that the lala were clean and delicious, with no trace of sand or grit in the shells a common concern that was completely absent here. The broth was naturally flavourful, soaking up the sweetness of the clams beautifully and making every sip a comforting delight.

Lala

Aside from their signature lala broth, Enjoy Hae! also offers the option to top up with collagen broth or prawn broth, giving you the flexibility to customise the base to your liking. Whether you’re in the mood for something richer or more nourishing, there's something for every palate.

With Broth

Upon opening the S’mores Kit, we were greeted by a delightful cart from HAE!, about the size of a postcard, complete with step-by-step instructions on how to build our s’mores.

Card from Smore's Kit

Instructions

The box contains a few Dairy Milk chocolates, butter crackers, and a packet of marshmallows—everything we needed to have some post-meal fun.

In the Smores Kit

We thought it was a clever touch, making use of the lingering charcoal heat after the meal by skewering soft marshmallows onto satay sticks. The gentle warmth from the charcoal gave the marshmallows a perfectly toasted finish, adding a fun and unexpectedly delightful end to our dining experience.

BBQ-ing the Marshmallow

To top it all off, we sandwiched the warm, melty marshmallows between butter crackers and a square of chocolate, creating a simple yet indulgent treat. The contrast of textures and flavors was spot on, making for such a fun and satisfying end to the experience.

Our "Product" from the Marshmallow 

Hae! Claypot @ Eunos (Prawn & LALA)
Location: 29 Eunos Ave 6, Singapore 409619

Feng Wei Ngoh Hiang

While crowds swarmed the newly opened hawker centre, I found myself joining the hype. I made my way to a Ngoh Hiang stall tucked in the far end corner, drawn in by the display of traditional Chinese prawn crackers and satay. Something about its old-school vibe and simple setup felt promising enough to give it a go.

Stall of Feng Wei Ngoh Hiang 

The items weren’t exactly cheap, totaling nearly $20 for sharing. To make matters worse, the taste and quality fell short of expectations. We enjoyed a delightful selection of dishes, including Century Egg, Otah Fish Cake, Spring Rolls, Prawn Crackers, Fritters, and Octopus. Each dish brought its own unique flavors to the table, making for a memorable meal.

Our Selection

Pairing our chosen dishes with two plates of fried bee hoon turned out to be the worst decision. The texture and taste of the bee hoon were all off, it was incredibly bland and lacked any flavor. In hindsight, I couldn't help but think that I should have opted for the bee hoon from the Bee Hoon Stall just a few shops down instead.

With Bee Hoon

Unfortunately, this stall is getting my ultimatum. It will be my first and last time patronizing it.

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Feng Wei Ngoh Hiang
Location: Bukit Batok West Hawker Centre, 469 Bukit Batok West Ave 9, #01-11, Singapore 650469

Hock Lian Huat Prawn Cracker & Ngoh Hiang

I spotted Hock Lian Huat Prawn Cracker & Ngoh Hiang while having dinner at the coffeeshop, so I made a return trip just to try their prawn cracker and ngoh hiang.

Stall of Hock Lian Huat Prawn Cracker & Ngoh Hiang

The customer flow at the stall was non-stop, and with a friend’s recommendation backing it up, I knew I had to give it a try.

Our Orders

As usual, we went for the staple picks, prawn crackers, octopus, Chinese sausage, century egg, and more, paired with two portions of fried bee hoon. The selections were well-cooked, deep-fried to a crisp, and served piping hot, just the way they should be.

Staple Picks

I simply loved the flavors, it truly brought back the nostalgic taste of traditional food. The bee hoon was especially appetizing, with its tasty, springy texture.

Fried Bee Hoon

If I ever have cravings for prawn crackers and ngoh hiang, this will definitely be the place I keep in mind.

Rating: 4 / 5

Hock Lian Huat Prawn Cracker & Ngoh Hiang
Location: CCK 302 FoodHouse, 302 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, #01-719, Singapore 680302

Heng Huat Fried Kway Tiao

Fried Kway Tiao? Here’s something you don’t see every day, a plate of fried kway teow completely covered with a generous handful of blanched greens. 

Stall of Heng Huat Fried Kway Tiao

At first glance, it almost looks like a veggie dish, but hidden beneath that vibrant green layer is a hearty portion of smoky, wok-fried noodles laced with bean sprouts, egg, and the usual suspects. The greens added an unexpected contrast, light, clean, and crunchy—cutting through the rich, savoury flavours of the noodles. Whether it was an attempt at a healthier twist or just a stall’s unique take, it certainly made the dish feel less greasy and a little more balanced.

Fried Kway Tiao - $4 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 15

I went for the $6 portion while my friend opted for the $4 one, fully expecting mine to come with a noticeably larger heap of noodles. To my surprise, it felt like the portions were reversed, what I got instead was an extra load of blanched greens sitting on top. While the presentation might give off a “healthier” vibe with that generous topping of greens, it ended up throwing the balance off. 

Cockles

The clean crunch of the vegetables was refreshing at first, but they quickly overpowered the dish, masking the signature smoky, savoury notes that you'd typically expect from a good plate of fried kway teow. Instead of digging into a flavourful, indulgent plate, we found ourselves mostly tasting greens and not in the best way.

Rating: 3 / 5

Heng Huat Fried Kway Tiao
Location: Pasir Panjang Food Centre, 121 Pasir Panjang Rd, #01-36, Singapore 118543