Smallest Takoyaki Place in the World • Takoyaki Shioya Octopus Ball Stall in a Closet📍Umeda JR Station ☏ +81663647101

Okay.... this takoyaki place doesn't need another introduction, it has been visited and broadcasted by many influencers.

But, I still want to record my own take on this quaint little stall as I am a takoyaki fan and this stall is a last stand (literally) of Japanese hawker culture / heritage.

Ramen Sou Rekishi wo Kizame Osaka Nipponbashi • Jirorian Cult Noodle ラーメン荘 歴史を刻め 大阪日本橋店 ☎ +81666957576

After spending the day at Tsutenkaku 通天閣, we roamed slightly out of the tourist belt to look for a hyperlocal ramenya (ramen restaurant).

Endō Sushi📍Osaka Central Market Branch ゑんどう寿司 中央市場店 ☎ +81664697108

Was supposed to visit Osaka Municipal Central Market but most of the market was closed when we got there 🙄

No Limits Mugen Ramen Osaka • Extreme Rich Beef Soup & Charsiu 無限ラーメン難波中本店 ☎ +81666848605

After visiting Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market 木津卸売市場, our next check point was Namba Yasaka Jinja 難波八阪神社.

ICHIRAN Umeda Osaka • Guide to Enjoying Fuss Free Top Ramen Chain in Japan ☏ +815018082490

Every ramen fan knows the chain Ichiran but I haven't tried it so far 🫢😝

Grandma Uotoyo Unagi📍Kuromon Market 鮮魚 魚豊 黒門市場 ☎️ +816 6631 4279

Second time lucky to catch the iconic grandma unagi stall at Kuromon Market - two years ago, we missed the chance as she was sold out of eels when we were here.

Tapu Tart · Creative Flavours Traditional Shell📍Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Johor Bahru 塔铺 陈旭年文化街

Stumbled upon 塔铺 Tapu Tart at the side wall beside popular Dona Bakeshop and famous Hiap Joo Bakery (the banana cake lah) along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in old downtown Johor Bahru.

Ayam Gepuk Top Global Larkin ☎ +6012 252 0875

In the raging ayam gepuk craze now on, Ayam Gepuk Top Global (I went to the Larkin outlet) is one of the most popular among the numerous chains jumping on the bandwagon.

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot 📍9 Townshend Road ☎ 8220 0329

Met up with kaki kaki at newly opened Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot at Townshend Road.

Beo Crescent Tu Tu Kueh • Kia Xiang Du Du Nyonya Kueh 佳香嘟嘟娘惹糕 ☎️ 9838 8194

Exploring Beo Crescent Market & Food Centre, we stumbled upon Kia Xiang Du Du Nyonya Kueh 佳香嘟嘟娘惹糕 stall which has tu tu kueh. 

East Bistro Serangoon myVillage • Hong Kong Flavours by Tony Wong Former Lei Garden HK Head Chef ☏ 6634 2998

We have been fans of chef Tony Wong's East Bistro Restaurant since his days at Jalan Tampang in Sembawang. My article on East Bistro Sembawang from ten years ago.

Sederhana Nasi Padang📍Kampong Glam Minangkabau Flavours in Singapore ☏ 82432542

When Warong Pariaman, the well loved 78 year old nasi padang institution at Kandahar Street in Kampong Glam closed on 31 Jan 2026, there was an outpouring of collective sadness among their multi-generational fans.

Roti Canai Prata 📍Double R Cafe 📍 Breakfast Larkin Bus Interchange

Heavy on carbs and nowadays almost exclusively fried with vegetable oil or margarine (Planta), I seldom indulge in roti canai / prata now. (I can't find any place in Singapore or Malaysia that fry their roti with ghee or clarified butter anymore.)

War Hero Wing Seong Fatty's • 100 Year Legend of Albert / Bencoolen Street • Closed on 27 Jun 2026 ☎ 6338 1087

Wing Seong Fatty's Restaurant originally of Albert Street Singapore, the legendary centenarian closes for good on 27 Jun 2026.

Eminent Frog Porridge 📍 Lor 19 Geylang • Frog in the Well Review 明辉田鸡粥 ☎ 98422941

I've eaten frog porridge in Geylang and Johor Bahru before, but couldn't remember which one in Geylang (there are at least four). So, as far as eating frog in Geylang is concerned, I am a frog in the well 🤭

History of Banh Mi • French Roots of Vietnamese Sandwich

Besides pho (rice noodle), banh mi is the icon of Vietnamese cuisine to the world.

Heng Huat Boon Lay Boneless Duck Noodles 📍 Boon Lay Place Food Village 興發文礼起骨鸭面

Ended up at Boon Lay Place Food Village hawker centre after my errands. Circled the huge, old food centre twice and settled for Heng Huat Boon Lay Boneless Duck Noodles. It was a good choice, tasty, worth the calories, fats and carbs.

The last time I was here, I had Ho Huat Fried Hokkien Mee.