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Best Nasi Lemak Eateries in Singapore: A Gastronomic Guide

July 16, 2024 katongkidsinc

Exploring the Best Nasi Lemak Eateries in Singapore: A Culinary Journey

Nasi Lemak, a beloved staple in Singapore, is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, typically served with an array of side dishes like fried chicken, sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. Here is a guide to some of the most famous Nasi Lemak eateries in Singapore, where you can savor this iconic dish in its most delicious forms.

1. The Coconut Club

The Coconut Club is renowned for its premium take on Nasi Lemak, using top-quality ingredients. Their rice is cooked with a specially sourced coconut milk, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Paired with crispy fried chicken, a perfectly cooked egg, and homemade sambal, this place is a must-visit for Nasi Lemak enthusiasts.

Location: 269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546
Website: The Coconut Club

2. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak

Located at Adam Road Food Centre, Selera Rasa is often cited as one of the best Nasi Lemak stalls in Singapore. Their fragrant rice, crispy fried chicken wing, and a selection of sides like otah and fried egg make for a fulfilling meal. Their sambal is also a standout, perfectly balancing sweet and spicy flavors.

Location: Adam Road Food Centre, 2 Adam Rd, #01-02, Singapore 289876
Facebook: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak

3. Ponggol Nasi Lemak

Ponggol Nasi Lemak has been serving delicious Nasi Lemak since the 1970s. Known for their variety of side dishes, you can customize your meal with options like crispy chicken wings, spicy sambal prawns, and homemade otah. The rice here is fragrant and well-cooked, making it a popular choice among locals.

Location: 965 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534721
Website: Ponggol Nasi Lemak

4. Chong Pang Nasi Lemak

Chong Pang Nasi Lemak is a favorite late-night spot, famous for its long queues and delicious offerings. Their rice is fluffy and fragrant, and they offer a wide range of sides including crispy fried chicken, sambal cuttlefish, and achar. The stall is known for its generous portions and reasonable prices.

Location: 447 Sembawang Rd, Singapore 758404
Website: Chong Pang Nasi Lemak

5. Haji Maksah Berkat Chahya Nasi Lemak

Located in Changi Village, Haji Maksah Berkat Chahya Nasi Lemak is another well-loved spot for this iconic dish. Their sambal is a highlight, adding a sweet and spicy kick to the fragrant rice and crispy fried items. This stall is perfect for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Location: Changi Village Hawker Centre, 2 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 500002

6. Crave Nasi Lemak

Crave, also known as Adam Road Nasi Lemak by Selera Rasa, has expanded across Singapore with multiple outlets. Their signature Nasi Lemak is known for its fluffy, aromatic rice and a variety of delicious sides, making it accessible to more people who crave this traditional dish.

Location: Various outlets across Singapore
Website: Crave Nasi Lemak

7. Fong Seng Fast Food Nasi Lemak

Fong Seng, located near the National University of Singapore, is popular among students and residents for its affordable and tasty Nasi Lemak. They offer a variety of side dishes including fried chicken, ikan bilis, and a variety of vegetables. The generous portions and friendly service make it a go-to spot for many.

Location: 22 Clementi Rd, Singapore 129751
Website: Fong Seng Nasi Lemak

Conclusion

Singapore’s Nasi Lemak scene is diverse, offering everything from traditional recipes to modern takes on this classic dish. Whether you prefer it with crispy chicken wings or spicy sambal prawns, there’s a Nasi Lemak eatery for every palate. Embark on a culinary journey and explore these renowned spots to enjoy one of Singapore’s most beloved dishes.

Uncategorized

Exploring the Best Cafes in Katong and Joo Chiat: A Coffee Lover’s Guide

July 16, 2024 katongkidsinc

Exploring the Best Cafes in Katong and Joo Chiat: A Coffee Lover’s Guide

The Katong and Joo Chiat area in Singapore is a vibrant district known for its rich cultural heritage, colorful shophouses, and a burgeoning cafe scene. Whether you are looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a place to catch up with friends, or a cafe to work from, this guide will take you through some of the best cafes in Katong and Joo Chiat.

1. Sinpopo Brand

Located in the heart of Katong, Sinpopo Brand is a nostalgic cafe that brings you back to the 1960s with its retro decor and traditional local dishes with a modern twist. Their coffee is excellent, and their signature desserts like Gula Melaka Cake and Sago Pudding are must-tries.

2. Plain Vanilla Bakery

This popular bakery and cafe is known for its rustic charm and delicious baked goods. From their famous cupcakes to freshly brewed coffee, Plain Vanilla Bakery is a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to read a book or catch up with friends.

3. Homeground Coffee Roasters

Homeground Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop that takes pride in their craft. With a minimalist interior and a focus on quality coffee, they offer a range of single-origin beans and expertly brewed coffee. Their baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend a brew that suits your taste.

4. Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

Situated along East Coast Road, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee is a favorite among locals for its extensive coffee menu and hearty brunch options. The industrial-chic decor and laid-back vibe make it a perfect spot to unwind. Try their avocado toast or one of their delicious pastries with your coffee.

5. Forty Hands East Coast

An extension of the popular Tiong Bahru cafe, Forty Hands East Coast offers the same great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Known for their artisanal coffee and delicious brunch menu, this cafe is a great spot for a weekend morning. Their Big Breakfast and Tau Sar Pau are particularly popular.

6. Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee

This unique cafe and vinyl record store is a haven for music and coffee lovers. Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee offers a curated selection of vinyl records along with excellent coffee and a range of sandwiches and pastries. The eclectic decor and friendly staff make it a fun place to hang out.

7. Micro Bakery & Kitchen

A cozy and charming bakery, Micro Bakery & Kitchen specializes in sourdough bread and pastries. Their coffee is top-notch, and their menu features a variety of wholesome dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The open kitchen concept adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere.

8. Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique

While not a traditional cafe, Birds of Paradise is worth mentioning for their unique gelato flavors and beautiful space. Located in the Katong area, this gelato boutique offers botanical-inspired flavors like White Chrysanthemum and Sea Salt Hojicha, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat and a coffee.

9. Percolate Coffee

Percolate Coffee is a small, neighborhood cafe that focuses on quality coffee and simple, delicious food. Their hand-brewed coffee and cozy setting make it a great place to relax and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Their croissants and sandwiches are popular choices.

10. Hygge

Hygge is a hidden gem in the Joo Chiat area, offering a Scandinavian-inspired experience with its minimalist decor and cozy ambiance. The cafe serves a range of specialty coffees, teas, and light bites. The serene environment makes it an ideal spot for unwinding or getting some work done.

Conclusion

Katong and Joo Chiat are home to a diverse and vibrant cafe scene, each offering its own unique charm and specialties. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a cozy place to relax, these cafes provide a perfect blend of great coffee, delicious food, and inviting atmospheres. So, take a stroll through this heritage district and explore the delightful cafes that make Katong and Joo Chiat a must-visit for any coffee lover.

Uncategorized

Flower Chimp’s Cake Explosion Gift Box

March 24, 2024March 24, 2024 katongkidsinc

Flower Chimp’s Cake Explosion Gift Box

Say goodbye to your regular basic birthday cakes and level up with this vibrant and fun treat!

Cracking open this Cake Explosion Gift Box definitely caught us by surprise! Likened to unlocking a treasure chest full of gold, opening this sent us into a whole new universe of sweetness and colours! The second we lifted the lid, colourful butterflies sprang out of the box! The vivid bright colours a/nd flying butterflies caught our girls’ attention and both of them were bursting with excitement.

The chocolate fudge cake topped with colourful sprinkles elevated the whole experience. Indulge in the sweet, rich and creamy chocolate fudge that makes every mouthful feel like a special treat. It was truly a magical and delightful experience!

This gift is 100% suitable for your young ones, adding a dash of fun to the special celebratory moment. If you are thinking of getting a special gift for your loved one, Flower Chimp’s Cake Explosion Gift Box is definitely the answer!

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China, Diary of a Foodster, Dongmen Food Street, Eat, Food, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, The Idea Box, Vacation

Shenzhen Travelogue – (Part 3): What to eat and explore in Dongmen Food Street

February 15, 2020 katongkidsinc

What a way to ring in the Lunar New Year with the outbreak of coronavirus, which was bit disheartening. However, we made it back to Singapore before the outbreak came a month later. Despite this, one can’t deny that Shenzhen, adjacent to Hong Kong on the Mainland China border, is an affordable, convenient and fun destination to travel.

Airbnb

Shenzhen’s imposing urban sprawl and cloud-piercing towers can make it an overwhelming destination at first look. Accommodation in Shenzhen is much cheaper than Guangzhou and this Airbnb stay came at half the cost. We were pleasantly surprised that we found this gem which was so much better than our stay in Guangzhou.

Nevermind that we have yet to explore every corner of this loft apartment. Small M is definitely contented with the interiors.

The local school is located next to our building and it is not surprising to hear the children clamouring during their breaks.

The loft unit is expansive and does not compromise when it comes to comfort.

Dongmen 东门 food street is the place to satisfy your food cravings

Dong Men (东门, which translates into East Gate) is a large labyrinth of shops selling not just clothings and apparels but also delectable food. If you are taking the train, alight at Laojie station and exit D.

You will pass by a shopping street before arriving at the food street.

We were bombarded with lots of street food options the moment we stepped into this place.

Eat to your heart’s desire. Shenzhen’s local cuisine in the form of beef sticks, stinky tofu, grilled squid, takoyaki, and, for the adventurous, shellfish.

Pork blood jelly is abundantly popular in Chinese cooking. It was widely sold during our younger days but has since been banned in Singapore due to food hygiene.

Grilled Skewered Squid stuffed with meat fillings.

A popular street snack in Asia. Stinky tofu (chou do fu) that has been fermented and smells like it has gone bad. Do you dare to eat it?

Everyone is no stranger to Taipei Shilin Night Market 士林夜市, one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan. 蚵仔煎 oyster omelette is found here too.

We know that Tiger Sugar 老虎堂 has garnered a large fanbase in Taiwan and Hong Kong. This is how Tiger Sugar get its name – the moment when dark brown sugar syrup interacts with the thick milk in the cup. Getting a hold of it in Shenzhen without waiting in a long queue is certainly a bonus!

We are feeling peckish and these local seafood looked really appetising!

This plate of flower crabs and big prawns cost about SGD$17.

This tiny pizza store is probably Shenzhen’s best kept treasure. We were initially sceptical of the pizza’s quality as it only cost SGD$2.

But the queue did not cease and we saw how the pizza were freshly made and baked in front of you.

It comes with a solid-looking crust and glistening cheese and tastes great.

We find ourselves back in the queue for a second order even before we finished eating the pizza!

Also, we settled for this piping-hot grilled fish which this is sure to satisfy any fish-lovers cravings. It looked really damn good. The fish is first grilled before allowing it to poach over a fire in a rich broth alongside other ingredients such as vegetables and an assortment of other aromatics. A big NO to chilli for the kids.

Hungry for more? You should visit Shenzhen one day!

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Baiyun Mountain, Beijing Road, Blogger, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, China, Food, Growing Up, Guangzhou, Guangzhou Pearl River, Shopping, Singapore, Singapore blogs, Singapore Parent Blogger, Singapore Travel Blog, The Idea Box, Travel, Travel Blog, Vacation

Guangzhou Travelogue – (Part 2): Baima Clothing Wholesale Market, Beijing Road, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Baiyun Mountain and Pearl River

January 8, 2020 katongkidsinc

Guangzhou is safe and suitable for family to travel. We visited the bustling Baima wholesale market and the items were, but not overly cheap.

Baima Clothing Wholesale Market

This wholesale market is located at the Guangzhou Railway Station. You will know it’s the right place when you see people lugging big plastic bags of clothing.

The whole place was made up of various buildings/malls and basically they are selling clothings and accessories at wholesale prices.

With such a big crowd, food stalls will inevitably exist to cater to the hunger pangs.

We felt the weather at 22 degree was warm but still, the locals were out in their thick coats.

Try shopping in the wholesale markets and find good bargains. New stock arrivals…a common sight.

The prices are marked up when quoted to you so spend your time bargaining in your shopping spree.

Address: No.16, Zhannan Road, Yuexiu District; close to Guangzhou Railway Station

Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30

How to Get There:

1. Take metro line 2 and line 5, and get off at Guangzhou Railway Station.

2. Take bus Business Line 1, 2, 3 and bus line 5, 238, 290, 301a, 518, 543, Gaofeng Rapid line 25, Night 88, and get off at Zhannan Road Station. Then walk to the north for about 250 meters (260 yd).

Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street

Beijing Road is located in the center of Guangzhou and is probably the busiest street. The whole stretch is about 1.5km so can imagine there are so many attractions to explore.

Not even peak hour but look at the crowd!

Big and Small M trying out the Christmas special soft-serve.

Eating is an important part of Chinese culture. The street foods sold by the operators were better than we expected. Not only they are clean, super yummy as well!

But street food is the way to go and to satisfy the taste buds.

1. Take metro line 6, and get off at Beijing Road Station. Leave from Exit B.

2. Take metro line 1 or line 2, and get off at Gongyuanqian Station, and leave from Exit D and then walk to east for about 800 meters (880 yd).

3. Take City Sightseeing Bus Ancient City Line and Xiguan Style Line and get off at Beijing Road Station.

4. Take bus line 10, 183, 190, 1, 219, 3, 541, 544, 66, B8, Night 1, Night 32, Night 36, Night 39, Night 69, Night 8, and get off at Beijing Road Intersection Station.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall or Chen Clan Academy is an academic temple in Guangzhou, China, built by the 72 Chen clans for their juniors’ accommodation and preparation for the imperial examinations in 1894 in Qing Dynasty.

It is situated near to our Airbnb so it is a must-go attraction. We are not big fans of museums so didn’t spend much time there. However, the wood carvings and paintings are examples of super workmanship and certainly present an eye-opener to tourists.

But it does offer good spots for photo-taking.

Had our lunch here at this restaurant near to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

While the rest of the dishes were so-so, the steamed fish was fantastic.

Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain (also known as “white cloud mountain”) offers spectacular views.

You can either choose to walk/hike, take a buggy ride or cable car. We chose the latter.

We spent half a day at Baiyun Mountain not because of enjoying ourselves but time wasted in taking the buggy rides at different points to reach the cable car station. You have to alight from the buggy at one point and queue up again to buy tickets to hop onto another buggy.

Our advice is to take the cable car from the ground instead of going up the Baiyun Mountain to find the cable car station.

Opposite the Baiyun Cableway is a food street.

Freshly made Guangzhou-style rice rolls.

Chee cheong fun or rice noodle roll. The stuffing of the salty rice noodle roll mainly includes pork, beef, shrimp meat and pork liver.

A walk in the neighbourhood after our dinner.

Guangzhou Pearl River

One can not be considered to have visited Guangzhou if he hasn’t cruised the scenic Pearl River. We wanted to try the river cruise where during the ride we could catch attractions such as Haiyin Bridge, Canton Tower and such but too bad we didn’t make it in time.

But still, walking around the Pearl River wasn’t that bad either.

What a beautiful Guangzhou.

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Alipay International Version, Baiyun International Airport, China, Guangzhou, Photography, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Shopping, Singapore blogs, Singapore Parent Blogger, Singapore Travel Blog, The Idea Box, Travel, Travel Blog, Vacation

Guangzhou Travelogue – (Part 1): ICC SIM Card, Baiyun International Airport, Alipay International Version, Dim Sum Spot and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

December 29, 2019 katongkidsinc

In deciding to explore other parts of China, we chose Guangzhou and Shenzhen this time round.

Guangzhou is also known as Canton and is the capital and most populous city of the province of Guangdong. Before the trip, we purchased SIM cards from Qoo10. Note that ICC Cards allow us to avoid the “firewall of China”.

Buy ICC Card from Qoo10

We only need to plug-and-play the SIM cards into our mobile phones upon arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and we are ready to go. You can use in Hong Kong and Macau too.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Adorable children having an excursion at the airport!

Guangzhou Metro is located within the airport. Look at how the airport interiors are beautifully furnished.

Guangzhou is conveniently connected by metro so we would not need to take any taxi. We felt it’s more worthwhile to buy one-trip tickets instead of 3-day pass which cost us RM50 per pax.

Use Alipay Tour Pass from now on

Our first time using Alipay International e-wallet and all goes well!

This is the metro “card” or token.

Remember to download Guangzhou Metro Map app.

Image result for guangzhou mrt map"

Our Airbnb is located near the Chen Clan Academy Station which is a metro station on Line 1.

The hassle of staying at Airbnb. The host will only inform the location upon arrival so we need some time to locate the place.

A street peddler selling novels. For a moment, we thought the novels looked like “wu ling mi ji“..

A shame not trying the food at this restaurant. It was jam-packed throughout the day. Look at the queue outside!

Our Airbnb

So, this is our Airbnb building.

This will be our abode for the next few days. The place is not so fantastic – weak / non-existent wifi, dusty and water heater not working well.

But hey, we are staying next to a shopping mall!

The place was bustling with activities early in the morning.

One of our favourite bakery where we bought egg tarts every day.

Yummy egg tarts for breakfast and supper. Only SGD1 per box of 4!

Guangzhou Dim Sum is just thumbs up

It was said that the modern form of dim sum is believed to originate in Guangzhou (or Canton) and later transmit southward to Hong Kong. So we are at the right place to taste one of the best dim sum.

Dim Sum in Guangzhou is cheap when compared to Singapore or Hong Kong. Per steamer basket is about SGD2 as compared to SG of about $3.50.

We actually over-ordered. Did not expect the steamer basket to be “JUMBO” size…next time we will be aware.

Here is our order. We spent over an hour trying to finish the food to fill up our small tummies.

One do not need to pay an astronomical sum for good food. Here in Guangzhou dim sum food-hunting is one of the best finds.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is the place to go

We did our research before the trip. It seems everyone was raving about shopping in Beijing Road. We discovered that Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is much better in terms of price and variety.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, or simply as Shangxiajiu, is a commercial pedestrian street in Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Promoting mobile phones and attracting street onlookers to have a time of e-game!

Yummy taro pie from McDonald’s.

This street is awesome to find clothing stores, snacks and restaurants. The stretch of Shangxiajiu is more than 800 meters long and you can see many Lingnan style balcony buildings here.

Many tourists here all the year round finding cheap buys.

When night falls, the street comes alive.

There are many traditional snacks of Guangzhou for us to taste.

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Blue Seal Ice Park, Eat, Education, Food, Japan, Katong Kids Inc, Kids Activities, Kokusaidori, Okinawa, Orion Happy Park, The Idea Box, Travel, Travel Blog, Traveler Wifi, Urasoe Park, Vacation, Wifi Router

Okinawa Travelogue – (Part 6): Urasoe Park, Blue Seal Ice Park, Orion Happy Park and Kokusaidori Yataimura

December 19, 2019 katongkidsinc

The Urasoe Park has arguably the longest slide in Okinawa. Every kid who visited the place will definitely fall in love with the amazing slide that takes about over a minute to complete.

Urasoe Park

The speed was limited by rollers and we wished we could go faster. But nevermind, the fun part could not be taken away.

It does look fun and thrilling. Something that we can’t find back at home but a word of warning that too long a slide could hurt the buttocks.

Just a short drive up from Urasoe Park is another playground where kids can indulge in flying foxes and long slide, again!

Fun, fun and endless fun…

Address: 115-1 Iso, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2132, Japan

Blue Seal Ice Park

Blue Seal Ice Cream originates in Okinawa and has now branches all over Japan. Beside selling yummy delicious ice cream and Japanese style crepes, we discovered that it allows visitors to join in ice cream making workshop.

The blue seal ice park is where you can experience making your own original popsicle. It’s a popular tourist destination close to Naha-city.

Beside ice cream making, they also provide soft serve for us.

Address: Japan, 〒901-2300 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Kitanakagusuku, アワセ土地区画整理事業区域内4街区

Orion Happy Park

We don’t fancy beer but it is still a good experience to watch how delicious Orion beer is made at Orion Happy Park.

The tour is free and starts every 20 minutes. We get the chance to enter the beer production site to see the manufacturing process.

Beer tasting is part of the take away.

Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Agarie, Nago, Okinawa 905-0021, Japan

Kokusaidori Yataimura

Kokusaidori Yataimura, otherwise known as Kokusai Street Food Village, is the must-go-to place to taste Okinawa’s authentic dishes.

At our final evening in Naha, we walked down the main shopping street Kokusaidori. The Yatai Mura has a nice atmosphere at night with all the lights and lanterns.

Several food outlets offering not too pricy food selections. Array of kanji characters scrawled across chalkboard signs and restaurant menus.

Kokusai Street paved the way for the revitalization of Naha as a cosmopolitan blend of different cultures and backgrounds.

Any reasons to love Okinawa? We found plenty of them.

Address: 3 Chome-11-16,17 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013, Japan

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China, Food, Growing Up, Harbin, Harbin Flood Control Memorial Tower 哈尔滨防洪纪念塔, Harbin Polar Land, Katong Kids Inc, Photography, Siberian Tiger Park, The Idea Box

Harbin Family Travel – What to do in Winter?

August 28, 2019December 18, 2019 katongkidsinc

Our visit to Harbin, the renowned ‘Ice City’, located in the south of Heilongjiang Province. This city is favored with beautiful natural scenery and re-living the fond memories of our stay with little ones.

We tried the northeastern Chinese dish, otherwise known as Tie Guo Dun 铁锅顿 at Zhongyang Pedestian Street.

The ingredients of the stew are simmered to its best in this deep metal pot.

It will take a while but the finished product is rewarding.

Zhongyang Pedestrian Street is about 1.5km long and is always filled with festive atmosphere all year round. This is the main street where tourists would never fail to check off their bucket list.

Harbin means snow, and abundance of it!

Everywhere is considered a playground for the kids!

Street food at its best. Don’t forget to try the red sausage (hong chang), bingtang hulu (fruits on a stick, covered in toffee), and the ice cream which never melt during winter.

The Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God or Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin is a former Russian Orthodox church located in the central district of Daoli, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China.

Harbin cuisine..

The average night temperature is -20°C and the kids were just loving it. What a rare opportunity to be soaked in such weather.

We blogged our Harbin trip here.

Harbin 哈尔滨 Travelogue – (Part 1): Holiday Inn Harbin City Centre, Zhongyang Dajie 中央大街, Euro Plaza, Mykal Mall and Saint Sophia Cathedral 圣索菲亚教堂

Harbin 哈尔滨 Travelogue – (Part 2): Jiuzhan Park 九站公园, Stalin Park 斯大林公园, Sun Island (Tai Yang Dao) 太阳岛, Harbin Polar Land, Siberian Tiger Park 哈尔滨东北虎林园, Harbin Flood Control Memorial Tower 哈尔滨防洪纪念塔 and Zhongyang Dajie 中央大街

Harbin 哈尔滨 Travelogue – (Part 3): Russian Town, Harbin 哈尔滨植物園, Ji Le Temple 极乐寺, Confucius Temple 哈尔滨文庙 and Teresa Teng Music Restaurant

Harbin 哈尔滨 Travelogue – (Part 3): Scoot Off to The Wintriest Harbin with Kids!

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Cafe, Photography, Travel, Travel Blog, Traveler Wifi, Vacation, Wifi Router

Okinawa Travelogue – (Part 1): Naha Airport, Urban Monorial, Mercure Okinawa Naha, Kokusai Street and Heiwa Dori

July 29, 2019 katongkidsinc

This is our first very trip to Japan, and what a way to start off with Okinawa, a Japanese prefecture comprising in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland. Nicknamed the Japanese Hawaii, it is not difficult to see the influence of chinese and americans on this sunny island.

Naha Airport

Thanks to Jetstar, visitors can finally get to Okinawa on a 5-hour direct flight from Singapore. The Naha Airport is very clean and neat.

As usual, we would hit the brochures rack after clearing the customs. We forgotten to bring our itinerary and the travel guides were really a life-saver.

We would be driving but not on our first day. The length of Okinawa is about 100km from North to South so driving is easy and a must to visit more attractions. However, we heard that the Monorail is very efficient and connect conveniently to Naha City. It would be a shame not to try the Monorail as a tourist.

On our way to the monorail, we were fascinated by the stores that we spent about 2 hours browsing through the lovely japanese products!

Guessed we were not the only one, there were visitors glued to the Naha airport shopee.

A must-try taro tart from Okinawa.

Okinawa Urban Monorail

The Okinawa Urban Monorail, also known as Yui Rail, is a monorail line in Naha.

We bought day-tickets valid for 24-hour where we could take limitless rides. It cost about SGD35 for 4 of us. The time will start the moment the ticket is being tapped.

The seats were kind of low but the ride was very smooth, especially with the playing of lovely music during each announcement.

Our accommodation is Mercure Okinawa Naha which is right in front of the Yui Monorail Station“Tsubogawa”.

There’s our hotel, so near!

Mercure Okinawa Naha

We booked this hotel because it was one of the cheapest we could find in Naha and it was close to the city. The hotel room was small but we decided to stay here cos’ it has a car rental counter at the hotel lobby. We could collect and return the car over here.

Rented our hybrid (which we would share more later) from DH Rental Car.

Kokusaidori Street

Kokusaidōri, literally “International Road”) is Naha‘s main street, stretching for roughly two kilometers through downtown Naha.

This is the iconic spot for photography in Naha main street, just outside the monorail station.

Look at these little children on an excursion and they were having a sing-along session.

Souvenir stores selling Okinawa goodies.

Kokusaidori is lined by restaurants, cafes and departmental stores. It is similar to the Orchard Road of Singapore. Most stores would close by 10pm.

Here is where we can find special Calbee products. The exterior is brightly-colored and instagram-worthy for many hipsters.

Okinawa is sunny and warm, so there is not a need to bring thick clothing during the summer.

This is our favourite place for meals – YUI Garden.

The food were amazing cheaper compared to the streets and the quality were superb.

We had our lunch here.

Do you find such prices in Singapore?

Heiwa Dori

Heiwa dori is a covered shopping arcade featuring many shops, supermarkets and convenience stores that sell beauty products and local snacks.

A certain allure to this picture – a life of the locals.

And we tried the local snacks…

About $1 per piece.

Small fish market at the corner.

It cost about $85 for a steamed crab. Not cheap.

But it’s the walking along the streets and exploring little alleys that makes discovering Okinawa so special.

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Coffee, Concubine Lane, Eat, Education, Food, Ipoh, Malaysia, The Idea Box, Thean Chun, Vacation

Ipoh Travelogue – (Part 4): Coffeeshops, Street Food and Sights

July 13, 2019December 16, 2019 katongkidsinc

Walking around Ipoh and can’t help but fall in love with these buildings and street scene. Nevermind about some of the charming but yet crumbling architecture; they only seemed to add to the allure.

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, a name synonymous among the locals, where a cup of white coffee and wanton mee would fill your soul. Located next to it is Kedai Kopi Sun Yuan Foong which offers one of the best chee cheong fun in town.

Many came and testified that Restoran Ipoh Kong Heng 怡保光興茶室 serves one of the best popiah, Kai si Hor fun and egg custard in town.

It is common to find Thean Chun being packed with customers throughout the day. From shredded chicken meat with hor fun, thick beans sprouts, caramel custard to chee cheong fun, everyone will be spoiled for choices.

Touted as one of the top 10 must-try confectionery shops in Ipoh, Biskut Lam Fong 南方饼家 freshly served Tambon cake, horseshoe cake, salty danwei, pork lotus cake, glutinous rice cake, and other varieties of biscuits.