The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜

It all started when my friend brought up The Morning Catch for our next gastronomic adventure. The name had me thinking of Western seafood dishes, perhaps grilled fish or fish and chips,  something along those lines. But when we arrived at Kinex, I was in for a surprise. The Morning Catch Seafood turned out to be a Chinese seafood restaurant, a cuisine we seldom explore, making this dining experience an unexpected twist in our usual food trail.

The Morning Catch Seafood 一品鲜 活海鲜 

As we walked into the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by rows of open tanks filled with live seafood. The dining area was spacious and traditional, lined with round tables that gave off that familiar Chinese banquet-style vibe.

Entrance

Just like an excited kid, I couldn’t resist walking up to some of the tanks to “greet” the seafood. The variety on display was astonishing, from lobsters and crabs to clams and lala, everything was alive and swimming right before our eyes. It was a clear sign that freshness here wasn’t just a promise, but a guarantee.

Live Tank with Lobster and Crabs

The restaurant also offers six different private dining rooms, each beautifully designed with wooden plaques and elegant gold lettering. The names of the rooms are thoughtfully chosen to symbolize auspiciousness and prosperity, setting the tone for joyful gatherings and celebrations.

The largest room can accommodate up to 23 guests, with a minimum spending of $1,388 on weekdays and a usual spending of around $1,988. Whether it’s for a family celebration or a business dinner, the ambience of these private rooms adds a refined and exclusive touch to the dining experience.

Private Rooms

Among the private rooms, The Genting Room (云鼎) carries a meaningful name. It’s suitable for both family gatherings and business dining, symbolizing a broad and far-reaching vision much like standing atop the clouds. The name reflects an atmosphere ideal for intellectual conversations and thoughtful exchanges, making it a fitting space for meaningful discussions over a good meal.

Genting

The room itself was spacious and well-equipped, featuring an entertainment area complete with karaoke, mahjong, and even a tea-tasting setup.

Genting Room - Entertainment Area

 It’s easy to imagine how gatherings here could stretch into long, enjoyable sessions filled with laughter and good conversations. 

Genting Room Karaoke

I bet this place would make a great spot for both family celebrations and business entertaining alike.

Mahjong & Tea Area

The Good Luck Room (好运) was adorned with soft, warm lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Diners believe that enjoying a meal in such a setting will naturally attract good fortune and positive energy, making it an auspicious space to dine and celebrate.

Good Luck 好运 Room

"Complete" 圆满 Room

Private Room

如意 Private Room

The range of live seafood here was truly jaw-dropping, an impressive showcase of freshness and variety. From the moment I saw the tanks, I knew we were in for something special. Let’s scroll through the photos and take a closer look at just how many types of seafood they have!

Flower Crab

Live Lobster

Australian Lobster 澳洲龙虾

Alaska King Crab 阿拉斯加帝王蟹

Canadian Oyster

Lala

Live Tiger Prawns

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Mantis Shrimp 皮皮虾

Soon Hock Fish

Live Prawns

Abalone

Live Geoduck 象拔蚌

Turbot 多宝鱼

Besides the impressive range of live seafood that easily earns approving nods from diners, the restaurant also offers braised goose meat on its menu,  a dish that adds a touch of traditional Chinese flair. However, this specialty needs to be pre-ordered in advance, as it’s prepared with care and not available for walk-in orders.

Sri Lankan Crab 斯里兰卡蟹

The squid was perfectly battered and deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. We loved that the salted egg sauce came generously on the side,  perfect for drizzling or dipping as you please.

Salted Egg Sotong/ Squid 咸蛋鱿鱼

The Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns made a comforting dish, stir-fried with onions and spring onions to bring out that classic wok-hei aroma and savory kick.

Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns 椒盐活老虎虾

The Spicy Stir-Fried South African Abalone reminded me of a bold Hunan-style dish, combining tender abalone with lively chilli and green pepper. Served in its shell for aesthetic appeal, the dish carried a deep savoury-umami base with striking heat from the chilli and aromatic lift from the green capsicum. A memorable twist on premium seafood.

Spicy Stir Fried South Africa Abalone 南非中鲍鱼辣爆炒

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle. A luxurious and comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. The peppery broth, rich in collagen, pairs perfectly with the silky strands of thick bee hoon, while the fresh, succulent lobster adds sweetness and depth to every spoonful. A satisfying fusion of indulgence and comfort.

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle 波士顿龙虾（大）白胡椒胶原米粉汤

The Fried Iberico Pork was stir-fried with egg, giving the dish a natural sweetness. The red chilli and green pepper added just the right kick, complementing the flavors beautifully. Served over a gentle flame, the dish stayed warm throughout, keeping every bite aromatic and satisfying.

Fried Iberico Pork 农家一碗香 （黑猪肉）

The last dish we had was the Golden Collagen Soon Hock, served bubbling hot in an earthen pot. The broth carried a slight tang and mild spiciness, adding a refreshing twist to the rich, collagen-filled soup.

Golden Collagen Soon Hock 胶原金汤活笋壳鱼（小）

The dishes served were comforting, and for those who enjoy live seafood, this is definitely an ideal spot for gatherings where freshness meets flavor in every bite.

The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜
Location: Kinex Singapore 11 Tanjong Katong Road #02-21 Singapore 437157

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen

Spotted a ramen stall at Pasir Panjang Food Centre and thought I got lucky, there wasn’t a single person in line! I quickly placed my order, only to realise moments later that everyone around me was already holding onto their buzzers. Turns out, the real queue was invisible.

Mugiwara Tonkotsu Ramen

There was only one Tonkotsu Ramen on the menu, leaving diners with no choice but to go with that. It made me wonder,  perhaps they are focusing on perfecting this single dish, or maybe it’s due to limited manpower. Either way, I decided to give it a shot. My buzzer finally went off just as my colleagues were finishing up their meals.

Tonkotsu Ramen - $6.5

The bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen arrived steaming hot, with smooth and springy noodles soaking in a milky white broth. The broth might taste a little mild for some, but I found it comforting and well-balanced. Toppings included slices of grilled meat, fish cake, and half a soft-boiled ajitama egg, finished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. For $6.50, it’s a simple yet satisfying bowl, not one to complain about.

Noodle

Overall, the price of the ramen was attractive, especially for what you get in return. However, having it during the busy lunch hour can be a little tricky; the waiting time might stretch longer than expected, especially when the buzzers start piling up. Still, for a $6.50 bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen at a hawker centre, it’s hard to fault the experience.

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen
Location: Pasir Panjang Food Centre, 121 Pasir Panjang Rd, #01-35, Singapore 118543

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