Despite the fact that I have traveled to Tokyo at least five times, my luck with viewing the elusive Mt Fuji has been regrettably abysmal. In fact, this mountain is so notoriously shy, there is a mere 80-day window in which it can be viewed clearly!
Fortunately, I was able to score a “second wind” of luck on my return flight from my most recent trip!
Update 19 Jan 2025: Acai Brothers has closed.
Singapore’s love for açaí shows no signs of slowing down, as yet another name sets up shop. This time, it’s Acai Brothers, an Australia-based. Established in 2014, this superfood brand has 20 chains across Down Under, with Singapore marking its first Southeast Asian expansion.
I have a soft spot for understated cafes like Dapper Coffee and the now-defunct RONIN, with their barebones decor and unpretentious offerings. So when Ceres Haus popped up on my radar, I knew I had to check it out.
Situated on Circular Road above MISFITS, Ceres Haus offers no indication of its existence in this neighbourhood of eateries and seedy bars, save for a bottle and coffee cup labeled with its name. Looking back on it, the combination of said “decor” indicates Ceres Haus’ business as a cafe by day and wine bar by night.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Tigerlily Patisserie has closed.
With the pandemic putting a damper on eating out and cafe-hopping, it’s heartening to see home-based bakers expanding from online storefronts to brick-and-mortar setups.
Tigerlilly Patisserie, headed by ex-Vianney Massot Restaurant pastry chef Naxine Ngooi, has joined the burgeoning enclave of foodie spots on Joo Chiat Road, a stone’s throw away from Da Dong Prawn Noodles.
Upper Thomson Road has come into its own as a destination for hip cafes and notable eateries. And with the recent opening of the Thomson East Coast Line making it more accessible, there’s no excuse to not go exploring.
Oaks Coffee Co., opened by the team behind The Kins’ at Pasir Panjang, has joined the burgeoning cafe scene on the upper-east side of Singapore.
Ask any Japanophile for must-try food places in Tokyo, and Gyukatsu Motomura will more than likely top most lists. This chain brand has practically become an institution, with its have-it-your-way, deep-fried breaded beef cutlet drawing queue past lunch hours.
While there are a few outlets scattered across Tokyo, I’ve been told the one in Shinjuku is its OG outpost. You’re advised to stake your spot about 15 minutes before opening time, which is when most customers start queueing.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Lee’s Confectionery has closed.
I have a soft spot for HDB cafes, especially if it’s somewhere I can find artisanal, plated desserts. There’s something understated about savouring elegantly-crafted sweets in the comfort of a humble, familiar neighbourhood.
Lee’s Confectionery is about as unpretentious and heartland as you can get.
