Katong Laksa (George's)

It took me many years to finally make my way back here. My first attempt ended in disappointment when I arrived too late and they were already sold out for the day. Katong Laksa may sound familiar to many, but how many versions are there really? I was told there are three well-known ones, 328 Katong Laksa, Janggut Laksa, and George’s Laksa.

Katong Laksa Since 1955

From what I know, not only does my friend swear by it, but my sibling does too. George’s Laksa is housed in a shophouse, occupying a humble little stall serving their comforting bowls of laksa, priced affordably at $6, $7, and $8 for small to big portions.

Stall of Katong Laksa (George's)

The larger portions came in bigger bowls and were topped with extra hum (cockles), making it even more satisfying. The bowl itself was wider than usual and generously filled with rich coconut broth, thick white vermicelli, prawns, cockles and all the familiar essentials that make up a comforting bowl of Katong laksa.

Laksa (Big) add Hum - $8 +$1

The gravy was complex, balanced and incredibly tasty. It carried a rich depth of flavour without being overly heavy on the coconut, striking all the right notes and making each mouthful deeply satisfying.

A dollop of sambal added a gentle kick, enhancing the overall flavour without overpowering the natural richness of the broth.

Laksa (Medium) - $7

If you asked whether the journey was worthwhile, I would say without hesitation, yes. This was exactly the bowl of laksa I had been craving for all this time.

Katong Laksa (George's)
Location: 307 Changi Rd, Singapore 419785

Pocha! Korean Street Dining (JEM)

 After passing by Pocha! Korean Street Dining at JEM countless times, we finally decided it was time to step in and see what the buzz was about. The vibrant storefront, neon lights and lively Korean street vibes had always caught our attention, and curiosity eventually got the better of us. It was time to find out if the experience matched the hype.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining 

The vibe inside felt distinctly different from a typical restaurant setting. Beyond the neon lights and bold colours, the space carried a casual, street-style energy. Instead of regular chairs, we were seated on oil drum containers fitted with seat cushions, adding to the quirky and industrial Korean street dining experience.

Dining Environment

We decided to go for the Golden Abundance Feast, which came with a complimentary Orange Slushy. The set included Fish Tangsuyuk, Samgyetang served with two bowls of steamed rice, and Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi, a hearty spread that seemed perfect for sharing.

Golden Abundance Feast

Golden Abundance Feast

We were also served a selection of pickles, including kimchi, which added a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richer dishes in the feast.

Pickles

The complimentary Orange Slushy was served beautifully in a glass jug, topped with a slice of orange for that extra visual appeal. It looked refreshing and vibrant, making it a perfect start to the meal.

Orange Slushy

The Fish Tangsuyuk arrived coated in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce, topped with sesame seeds and paired with colourful vegetables like onions, capsicum and cucumber. The battered fish pieces were lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender within. 

Fish Tangsuyuk

The sauce leaned towards a balanced sweetness with a gentle tang, making it approachable and easy to enjoy without being overly heavy.

Pick a Slice & Enjoy!

The Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi was something I was initially unsure about, as I’m generally not a big fan of tteok. However, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The creamy rose sauce was rich, slightly tangy and comforting, oddly reminding me of Haiwannian Pizza’s style of sauce. The thick noodles absorbed the flavours well, while the tteokgalbi added a savoury, meaty bite that balanced the dish nicely.

Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi

Samgyetang has always been one of my favourite dishes in Korean cuisine, so I was naturally looking forward to this. It arrived bubbling hot in a stone pot, filled with tender chicken, enoki mushrooms and ginseng, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh spring onions. The comforting aroma rising from the pot made it especially inviting, perfect for those who enjoy a nourishing and hearty soup.

Samgyetang 

We also tried the Noodle Tteokbokki Series, Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi. Once again, I’m generally not a big fan of tteokbokki, but the way this was prepared really won me over. The rich, fragrant jjajang sauce paired surprisingly well with the chewy tteok, while the hint of truffle added an extra layer of aroma. Topped with crispy fried ebi for texture, the dish felt both indulgent yet refreshing at the same time.

Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi

Overall, Pocha! Korean Street Dining offers a lively atmosphere paired with a generous variety of dishes that cater well to sharing. While not every dish was something I would usually gravitate towards, there were pleasant surprises along the way that made the experience enjoyable. The Golden Abundance Feast, in particular, is a convenient option for those who want to sample a mix of flavours without over-ordering. With its vibrant setting and hearty portions, it makes for a casual spot to gather with friends, especially if you’re in the JEM area craving Korean comfort food.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining
Location: 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #03-05/06 Jem, Singapore 608549

Mosella

Nestled within the elegant Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore, Mosella was a place I never quite imagined myself stepping into until now.

Pan Pacific Orchard

It was my first visit, and once again, thanks to my sibling for the opportunity to experience this beautiful dining spot. 

Therapeutic to my eyes

Truth be told, it’s one of those places I would have admired from afar, never expecting that one day I would be walking through its doors, ready to discover what it has to offer.

Mosella

Upon stepping into Mosella, I was immediately taken in by its stunning interior. The restaurant was softly dim-lit, creating a gentle and calming atmosphere that instantly set the mood for a relaxed dining experience. The warm ambient lighting cast a beautiful glow across the space, enhancing the elegant textures of the furnishings and the modern design. Coupled with the high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space felt both luxurious and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to unwind and indulge in a thoughtfully prepared meal.

Ambiance

While waiting for our dishes to arrive, we were served a basket of their warm bread. It was thoughtfully cut into quarters, making it easy to share around the table. The bread was soft and comforting, especially when paired with the herb butter, which added a light aromatic touch. Alongside it was a dish of olive oil, perfect for dipping and enhancing the bread’s natural flavour. It was a simple gesture, but one that made the wait feel all the more pleasant and welcoming.

Starters

The Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast was a refreshing and delightful start to the meal. Crisp romaine lettuce formed the base, tossed lightly so every leaf carried that familiar creamy Caesar dressing without feeling overly heavy. The grilled chicken breast was tender and juicy, adding a satisfying heartiness to the dish. Crunchy garlic croutons and smoky bacon bits brought texture and depth, while the anchovies added that subtle savoury umami touch that makes a Caesar salad truly complete. Finished with a generous shaving of parmesan cheese, the salad struck a beautiful balance between richness and freshness, making it both comforting and appetising.

Classic Caesar Salad - $20

Aesthetically beautiful and well-presented, the dish arrived with four golden breaded pieces, each topped with vibrant bell pepper salsa and accompanied by saffron aioli.

Spanner Crab Croquettes - $22 (4 pcs)

The exterior was wonderfully crispy, giving way to a soft, creamy and mashy interior as our teeth sank in. The contrast of textures, paired with the rich saffron aioli and the slight sweetness from the bell pepper salsa, made every bite feel truly heavenly.

Look at its Fillings

The Gambas Al Ajillo was truly addictive and quickly became one of the highlights of the meal. The Spanish-style king prawns were beautifully cooked, with the prawn meat remaining plump, firm and wonderfully succulent. Each bite was richly coated in the fragrant garlic oil, infused with a gentle heat from the chilli and lifted by the freshness of parsley. The sauce itself was incredibly flavourful,  aromatic, savoury and slightly spicy, making it perfect to mop up with the warm bread. It was one of those dishes that kept you going back for more without hesitation.

Gambas Al Ajillo - $32

The Signature Spanish Paella with Red Prawn Carabinero was a showstopper and perfect for sharing between two. The paella arrived with a beautiful layer of glistening rice, crowned by a striking red prawn and complemented with calamari. Each grain of rice was deeply infused with the rich sofrito and saffron, delivering an umami-laden flavour that was both robust and comforting. The rice was wonderfully potent, with every mouthful coated in the savoury essence of the seafood and spices. Paired with the natural sweetness and succulence of the prized Carabinero prawn, the dish felt indulgent, hearty and incredibly satisfying.

Spanish Paella - $72

It almost felt like you can never go wrong with this choice. The Australian Wagyu Striploin, MBS 7+, 300g, arrived looking absolutely inviting, accompanied by a generous dollop of creamy mashed potato and chargrilled vegetables on the side.

Australian Wagyu Striploin - $68

We opted for medium doneness, and it was executed beautifully, the meat was tender, juicy and easy to cut through, with a lovely pink centre. What stood out most was the light char on the exterior, which added a smoky depth and enhanced the natural richness of the wagyu. Each bite was flavourful and satisfying, especially when paired with the smooth mashed potato and the sweetness of the grilled vegetables.

Juicy!

This dessert instantly reminded me of a little igloo sitting delicately on the plate. Its exterior shell was made entirely of meringue, light, airy and sweet, with a crisp texture that gave a satisfying crack as we gently broke into it.

Red Berries Pavlova - $12 

Inside, it revealed a luscious filling of red berries compote paired with smooth vanilla chantilly cream. The berries brought a lovely tangy freshness that balanced the sweetness of the meringue, while the chantilly added a rich, creamy finish. It was not only visually charming, but also a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Too pretty to break, but so worth it when we did.

Mosella was truly a memorable first visit, impressing with its beautiful ambiance and thoughtfully executed dishes, making it a place I’d gladly return to for another indulgent dining experience.

Mosella
Location: Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore 10 Claymore Rd, Singapore 229540
Website

Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江燒臘)

The lunch hour rush had me scrambling out of my colleague’s car and straight into the hawker centre, knowing well that many of the stalls here would already be drawing long queues. Not wanting to miss out, I quickly made my pick and found myself joining the line at Jiu Jiang Shao La, eager to see if it would be worth the wait.

Stall of Jiu Jiang Shao La

I went for the Char Siew & Roast Pork Rice (Char Shao Shao Rou Fan). Initially, I was asking the stall assistant to add more gravy onto my plate, only to realise later that the gravy was actually self-service, allowing me to pour as much as I liked to suit my own preference.

Char Shao Shao Rou Fan - $5

The sweet, luscious gravy draped over the well-barbecued meats was simply heavenly, soaking beautifully into the rice beneath. They were certainly not shy with the fatty cuts, staying true to how traditional roasts should be done, delivering that indulgent richness in every bite. For those who appreciate a darker char with crisp, caramelised edges, this is one plate you definitely wouldn’t want to miss.

Savory

Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江燒臘)
Location: Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre, 20 Ghim Moh Rd, Singapore 270020

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)

 I finally made my way to JTC Summit to visit the original Botak Jones outlet. Despite it being a weekend night and the office building itself feeling relatively quiet, I was surprised to see the food court bustling with people. Many were gathered in groups, enjoying their meals and conversations, giving the place a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

At the time of my visit, only Botak Jones and Lai Huat Signatures were open for dinner service. Even with the limited options, the crowd clearly showed that these stalls were enough to draw people in, especially for those craving their familiar and comforting dishes.

Sprouts Food Place

As planned, we joined the queue for Botak Jones to settle our Western food cravings for dinner. Orders were placed via the self-service kiosk, which made the process straightforward and efficient. Despite the crowd, the queue moved at a steady pace, and it was clear that many were here specifically for this original outlet.

Botak Jones

I went for the Botak’s Beef Burger, which came with their handmade beef patty, layered with sliced cheese, tomato, and lettuce, all tucked between a lightly toasted sesame bun. The patty was thick and juicy, with a satisfying meaty bite that reflected its handmade quality. The melted cheese added a creamy richness, while the fresh vegetables provided a nice balance.

For the two sides, I chose the coleslaw and baked beans. The coleslaw was creamy and refreshing, helping to cut through the richness of the burger, while the baked beans added a warm, comforting sweetness. Altogether, it made for a hearty and satisfying meal that lived up to Botak Jones’ reputation.

Botak's Burger with 2 Sides - $17.50

With such a pleasant and spacious environment that suited my liking, it made the overall dining experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely love to be back again, not just for their hearty Western food, but also as a great spot for casual gatherings with friends.

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)
Location: 8 Jurong Town Hall Rd, #02-01, Singapore 609434
Website

Shi Le Yuan Kway Chap

During my previous visit to Redhill Market for Redhill Pork Porridge (红山猪肉粥), I had already noticed this Kway Chap stall and made a mental note to return. What caught my attention was the impressive number of Michelin Bib Gourmand stickers displayed proudly on the stall front, which naturally sparked my curiosity. It was only a matter of time before I came back to give their Kway Chap a try.

Stall of Shi Le Yuan 

I ordered the 1-pax portion, which came with the kway for $4.50, and it was a decent and satisfying bowl. The braised innards were well cleaned, with no gamey smell, which is something I particularly appreciate as it reflects careful preparation. The kway was smooth and paired nicely with the braising sauce.

Personally, I prefer a stronger and more robust braised flavour, so I would have liked the gravy to be slightly more intense. That said, their version is already good by most standards and easy to enjoy. There are definitely stronger-tasting ones elsewhere, but what stood out to me here was the cleanliness and execution, which made the dish enjoyable in its own way.

Kway Chap for 1 Pax - $4.50

Overall, this Michelin Bib Gourmand Kway Chap at Redhill Market delivered a solid and comforting bowl at an affordable price. While the braising flavours leaned towards the lighter side for my personal preference, the innards were exceptionally clean and well prepared, which made the dish enjoyable without any unpleasant gamey taste. The smooth kway and balanced execution showed the experience behind the stall. It may not be my top favourite, but it is still a dependable option, and I would not mind returning again when I am in the area.

Shi Le Yuan Kway Chap
Location: Redhill Market, #01-82, 85 Redhill Lane, Singapore 150085

$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