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Friday, August 1, 2025

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊

 Visiting Four Heavenly Kings for their signature roast meats was a treat. Conveniently located along Syed Alwi Road, it’s just a stone’s throw from Besar Hawker Centre.

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊

What makes up the Four Heavenly Kings Meat Platter? If you’re dining with at least two people, this sharing platter is a must. It brings together the best of all worlds: Char Siew, Roast Chicken, Roast Duck, and Roast Pork. A satisfying medley of textures and flavors, perfect for meat lovers looking to enjoy a hearty and well-balanced roast meat feast.

Best Duck in the World

We were first served a braised egg, neatly sliced into 8 even portions, perfect to pair with our fragrant rice and roast meats.

Braised Egg 卤蛋- $1

One of the highlights from our Four Heavenly Kings roast meat platter was undoubtedly the Crispy Pork Belly. Served in thick, even slices, each piece boasted a beautifully golden crackling that shattered with every bite, revealing juicy, tender layers of meat and fat beneath. The skin was perfectly rendered crunchy and aromatic while the seasoning on the meat was just right, allowing the natural pork flavors to shine through. It was evident that this dish was executed with care and precision, as the pork belly not only looked impressive but also delivered on taste and texture. 

Crispy Pork Belly (Siew Bak) 港式脆皮烧肉 - $16 / $22 / $34 / $62

At Four Heavenly Kings, diners have the option of choosing between two types of roast duck, Cantonese or Irish. The Cantonese Roast Duck, a popular style commonly sourced from Malaysia and beloved for its traditional flavours. The duck arrived with beautifully glistening skin, showcasing a deep, roasted hue that hinted at its flavorful marinade. Each slice revealed juicy, tender meat beneath a layer of slightly crisp skin, with a familiar aroma that reminded us of classic roast duck stalls around the region. The seasoning was well-balanced, allowing the natural richness of the duck to come through without being overpowering. 

Cantonese Roast Duck 港式烧鸭 - $20 / $32 / $60

The Signature Irish Roast Duck is undoubtedly the showstopper at Four Heavenly Kings and for good reason. Unlike the more commonly found Cantonese-style roast ducks, this premium offering stands out for both its quality and rarity, as few eateries in Singapore serve Irish duck. From the first bite, the difference was clear. The meat was noticeably more tender, juicier, and richer in flavour, yet completely free from the gamey notes often associated with duck. It carried a refined fragrance and luscious texture that left a lasting impression. 

Signature Irish Roast Duck 招牌爱尔兰鸭 - $25 / $44 / $82

What truly elevated the dish was the aromatic herb sauce generously drizzled over the duck, enhancing its depth and making each slice all the more irresistible. For those seeking a more indulgent and memorable roast duck experience, the Irish Roast Duck is a must-try centerpiece.

The Best Duck in The World

The Roasted Chicken was a crowd-pleaser with its beautifully bronzed skin and juicy meat. Glazed to a glossy perfection, the skin was delightfully crisp, giving way to tender, succulent flesh beneath. Each cut was juicy and evenly roasted, locking in the natural flavors without being overly oily. It had that familiar comforting taste of traditional Cantonese roast, done right, well-marinated and expertly executed. A dish that may seem humble, yet leaves a lasting impression at the dining table.

Roasted Chicken 美味烧鸡 - $15 / $20 / $38

No plate of chicken rice feels complete without a side of freshly grated ginger. At Four Heavenly Kings, their housemade ginger dip truly elevated the experience. Light, fragrant, and finely grated, it offered just the right amount of warmth to cut through the richness of the roasted meats. Paired with the tender roasted chicken, each bite was enhanced with a comforting zing that only fresh ginger can provide. It’s a simple yet essential touch that reflects the care put into the meal.

Ginger

Looking to elevate your roast delights? Don’t skip the chili! Their signature chili sauce packed a punch with a bright, tangy heat that complemented the savoury richness of the roasted meats perfectly. A small dip goes a long way — just enough to awaken the palate without overpowering the natural flavors. It’s the kind of chili that makes each bite more addictive than the last. If you’re one for bold flavours, this is a must-try!

Chili

Another highlight will be their caramelised Char Siew. Beautifully caramelised on the outside, each slice revealed a good ratio of fats to meat, just the way it should be. The slightly charred edges added a smoky depth, while the glaze was sweet and sticky, clinging to the tender pork and creating that perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was indulgent without being overly greasy, and every bite was packed with flavour. A must-order for fans of traditional Cantonese-style roast meats.

Caramelised Char Siew 复古味叉烧 - $16 / $22 / $34 / $62

The plump, filled dumplings were undoubtedly satisfying. Served in a bowl of five, each dumpling was generously packed and beautifully encased in a delicate yet firm skin. 

Dumpling Soup (5pcs)水饺汤 (5粒) - $8

The bite revealed springy prawns, complemented by the crunch of black fungus, adding a pleasant textural contrast. It was a simple dish, yet done right, juicy, flavourful, and comforting.

Fillings of Dumpling Soup

The wantons, on the other hand, carried a nostalgic charm, the kind that instantly brought back memories of comforting bowls of wanton mee from childhood. Light, savoury, and tender, each piece was a familiar reminder of simple joys and flavours that have stood the test of time.

Wanton Soup (7pcs) 云吞汤 (7粒)- $7

From 3.30am to 6:30am, enjoy all single-plated Duck, Char Siew, and Pork Belly with Noodles, Hor Fun, and rice at just $5 (U.P $7-$10)! * Prices are exclusive of GST and available for dine-in and takeaway.

Menu

Menu

Dining at Four Heavenly Kings was a fulfilling experience that brought together nostalgic flavors and refined roast delights. From the crisp crackle of the pork belly to the standout Irish roast duck and comforting wantons, every dish was crafted with care. It’s a spot where tradition meets indulgence,  perfect for sharing hearty platters and making new food memories.

Our Orders

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊
Location:
 216 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207749

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Gamcheon Culture Village Asteroid B612 Cafe 감천문화마을 소행성B612카페

While exploring Gamcheon Culture Village, beyond its fascinating history and the unique way the housing was planned, one can’t help but notice the iconic Little Prince and the Fox statue that everyone stops by.

Wall Paint

The café has a few sections for customers to roam around and enjoy the views from different angles. We chose to sit indoors to shelter ourselves from the sun.

Outdoor Seats

There’s also a small merchandise corner in the café where you can pick up Little Prince souvenirs.

Outdoor

After placing our order, we were given an electronic buzzer. We had a sea salt chocolate bun, a café mocha, and a chestnut latte.

B612 Buzzer

It was a good tea break and a much-needed rest from all the hilly walks and climbs. Nonetheless, the view was truly spectacular.

Our Order

Gamcheon Culture Village Asteroid B612 Cafe 감천문화마을 소행성B612카페
Location:
133 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Hwanggong Eomuk (Fish cake) 환공어묵 부산역점

While at Busan Train Station, we came across another traditional fish cake brand that has been around since 1940. With such a high turnover, we quickly grabbed a few freshly fried fish cakes and found a spot near the station for a quick bite. Yes, this was our breakfast!

Hwanggong Eomuk (Fish Cake) in Busan Train Station

We made a quick selection, so we didn’t really remember exactly what we picked. 

Fish Cake

These fish cakes, as usual, came in all kinds, from cheese-filled to vegetable-mixed, all with that springy texture we love. 

Fish Cake

Some had a rough, crispy coating while others had the usual smooth bite.

Fish Cake

If you ask whether they were good or if I ever get bored of them, honestly, I find them interesting every time. And to think that in my entire life, I’ve never spent more than $10 on fish cakes for breakfast like this!

Fish Cake

When I compare these to the Samjin Amook Eomuk we had earlier from the Busan Train Station branch, honestly, I can’t really tell much difference, even though this brand is supposed to be more senior in the industry than Samjin Amook Eomuk, which was established in 1953.


Hwanggong Eomuk (Fish cake) 환공어묵 부산역점
Location:
Jungang-daero, 초량제3동 Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Nearest Station: Busan


Sunday, July 27, 2025

Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap 본전돼지국밥

We couldn’t get enough of Dwaeji Gukbap, a hearty Busan-style pork soup served with rice, so here we go again! While reading reviews, we found out that Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap is just a stone’s throw away from our accommodation, and we’re lucky there’s no queue this time! 

Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap 본전돼지국밥

The interior was spacious, and as we settled in, more customers gradually started to fill the place.

Interior

I have noticed that restaurant menus in Korea are rather straightforward, and luckily, I can still rely on my phone’s picture translation to help out.

Menu 

What amazed me was the Korean food culture of serving banchan small side dishes as starters with every meal. It’s always a pleasant surprise to see what banchan will appear at the table. Here, we were served chives, kimchi vegetables, raw green chilies, onions, and garlic.

Banchan

The thin slices of pork in the soup bowl, paired with spring onions, were tender and naturally sweet. 

Pork Soup & Rice - ₩ 10,000

As a soup lover, I found this comforting bowl of hot pork broth with rice so satisfying. I prefer to eat the rice separately, but it’s interesting to see how some Koreans pour their entire bowl of rice right into the soup.

Pork Slices

We ordered the Tripe Soup with Rice too and loved how clean and tender the pig’s stomach was. It really made for a comforting meal.

Tripe Soup & Rice - ₩ 10,000

Overall, this meal reminded me once again why I love Korean comfort food so much, simple, hearty, and full of thoughtful touches like banchan and clean, flavorful broths. Finding a spot like Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap so close to where we stayed made it even better. I’d gladly come back for another bowl anytime.

Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap 본전돼지국밥
Location:
 3-8 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Nearest Station: Busan Station

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Mimi Dang 미미당

After a long walk around the Jagalchi area, especially through the markets on a rainy day like this, we decided to have something hot while resting our feet. We hopped into Mimi Dang for shelter and took a look at their menu.

Mimi Dang

Looking for something warm, we decided to order their sweet red bean porridge along with a cup of jujube tea.

Menu

The sweet red bean porridge felt more like a thick red bean paste to us, sprinkled with cinnamon powder, some nuts, and chewy mochi. The jujube tea was just like our familiar red date tea. Overall, both weren’t too sweet but were perfectly stomach-warming for the cold, wet weather.

Sweet Red-Bean Porridge & Jujube Tea - ₩6000 & ₩5500

If it hadn’t been such a cold day, I would’ve loved to try the bingsu on their menu.

Mimi Dang 미미당
Location: 4 Jagalchi-ro 47beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jagalchi Station

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Samjin Eomuk Busan Station Square 삼진어묵 부산역광장점

While looking through the must-eats in Busan, fishcakes were high on my checklist. With Samjin Eomuk just a stone’s throw away from my accommodation, we figured our way there. The entrance was big with a check-in area, and the range of fishcakes was more than I could have imagined.

Samjin Eomuk Busan Station Square

The place spans two storeys, huge and spacious.

Looking Down from the 2nd Level

With the upper level for dining and the lower ground for watching the fishcakes being made, making payment, and picking up your selections.

Area at 2nd Level

After paying at the counter, you can head upstairs, heat up your fishcakes in the microwave, and grab utensils at the self-service station.

Self-Service Station on the Right 

Being so excited, I grabbed a whole variety that added up to more than $30, just for breakfast!

Our Fishcakes Orders

The variety was impressive, fishcakes with vegetables, cheese, bacon, seafood, deep-fried options — basically, fishcakes with anything you can think of!

Fried with Bacon

Turns out, Busan has more than just Samjin Eomuk when it comes to traditional fishcakes.

White Whale

All in all, Samjin Eomuk was a fun and satisfying stop, a fishcake lover’s paradise with endless choices and a peek into how they’re made. I’d gladly come back for more next time!”

Samjin Eomuk Busan Station Square 삼진어묵 부산역광장점
Location: 
7 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

153구포국수 하단점 (153 Gupo Noodles Hadan Branch)

We visited the 153 Gupo Noodles branch in Hadan after our final stop and yes, finally! We had completed our cross-country ride from Seoul to Busan! Yeah! 

153 Gupo Noodles Hadan Branch

We didn’t have anything extravagant, just two simple bowls of noodles and some gimbap before heading to the hotel by metro.

Our Orders

We ordered these meals through a self-service kiosk, and luckily, it could be done in English. The beef bone noodles were a comforting meal, especially in the cool weather. The noodles were springy and came with bean sprouts, pork slices, shredded carrot, vegetables, and more.

Beef Bone Noodles - 8,500

I chose the Jjanchi Guksu noodles because I was drawn to its colourful illustration. It came with seaweed, kimchi, vegetables, egg, fishcakes, and carrots. It was beautifully eye-pleasing and, most importantly, stomach-soothing.

Jjanchi Guksu + Gidan Gimbap - 10,000

Gimbap, which is basically Korean-style sushi, came as neat rolls filled with egg, vegetables, carrot, and pickles, all surrounded by rice and wrapped in seaweed.

Gimbap

Ending our ride with a simple meal of noodles and gimbap was the perfect way to celebrate our journey. Nothing fancy just comforting, satisfying food that warmed us up and made us smile after completing our Seoul to Busan adventure.

Yums!

153구포국수 하단점 (153 Gupo Noodles Hadan Branch)
Location: South Korea, Busan, Saha-gu, Nakdongnam-ro, 1419 102호
Nearest Station: Hadan 하단역