With the rare, but welcome spate of sweater weather these days, comfort food has become the main order of the day. And a bowl of piping hot laksa is at the top of that list.
Mention the words “Singapore” and “laksa”, and the legendary stalls of Katong instantly spring to mind. But if you are seeking something closer towards Singapore’s central district, a humble stall by the name of Sungei Road Laksa is where you can get your fix for a low, low price of $3.
We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.
Though overlooked by travellers in favour of her more famous neighbour, Kyoto, Shiga 滋賀県 also has her own undiscovered charms to offer. Aside from being home to Japan’s largest inland lake, Lake Biwa, Shiga also presents a bevy of culinary treasures, many of them exclusive to this humble and peaceful prefecture.
If you’re taking a trip off the beaten track, here are some of Shiga’s local delicacies to feast on!
There’s nothing quite like commemorating the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, than with traditional treats like baked mooncakes and tea. This season, send your love in the form of bespoke gift boxes from Marco’s Cellar.
Available in four variations, Marco’s Cellar’s Mid-Autumn Festival Gift Boxes combine traditional goodies curated from local brands. The Tuan Yuan 团圆 Reunited Box ($179) comprises four pieces of 100g traditional baked mooncakes, two tins of loose tea from the 1872 Clipper Tea Co., and a bottle of Urban Cabernet Sauvignon 2020.
Marcos Cellar Tuan Yuan 团圆 Reunited Box ($179)
Dining in may be on hold for now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still meet online! For our recent virtual team lunch, we settled on some meaty grub from Meating Place, a casual meat joint known for its affordable wagyu-based offerings.
Mention the word “katsu”, and the first thing that comes to mind are the delectable, deep-fried pork and beef cutlets slapped between two slabs of bread, sold in trios at Japanese convenience stores and takeaway counters.
Little do most non-Japanese know, that “katsu” is also the Japanese word for “victorious”. A fitting name for Esora’s mission, as it navigates these trying times of no dine-in with a limited-time menu of Japanese-style sandwiches!
Update January 2023: Cafe Coco has closed.
Cafe Coco, the creator of the lavender-themed brunch at Gardens by the Bay, has launched a new Choux Box ($27) on its menu. Inspired by its best-selling bottled cold brews, the assorted puffs are already proving a hit among dessert lovers!
Choux Box of 6 ($27)
Just when we had started to think we were running out of space for new cafes in land-starved Singapore, one pops up seemingly overnight at the top of an industrial building, of all places! Coexist Coffee Co. is a minimalist-themed cafe that is already making waves online for its red and white themed interior, as well artfully-crafted coffee and food.
Looking at the exterior of Hillview Terrace, the top of which Coexist Coffee Co. is situated, one would never expect a hipster joint to make its home here. Getting to this hole-in-the-wall cafe is an adventure in itself. Squeeze into an elevator that has a curious pole fixture (I promise not for reasons you are thinking of), exit at the “top floor”, then climb up a flight of stairs and join the growing queue at the narrow, non-air conditioned corridor.
If you can endure the wait, an idyllic brunch or tea time awaits.
Chue On It 