Candi Bumi Ayu • Links with Kingdom of Singapura

Candi Bumi Ayu is a Hindu temple from the 9th century during the time of the powerful Sri Vijaya empire (7th to 13th century) which, based in Palembang (South Sumatra), controlled both the Malacca and Sunda Straits i.e. all east west access between China and India / Arabia.

Butakin Jiro Style Ramen @ Umeda Osaka 东梅田店 ☎ +81668093238

There's a Butakin Ramen outlet steps from our hotel in Umeda, Osaka. For days, every time we walked past the little restaurant we felt and smelled the porcine aroma blown out into the street. But, I hesitated to try it - there's something about human nature - not valuing or taking for granted what is right in front of us 😬

Origin of Nasi Tumpeng • History of the Most Indonesian Dish

Nasi tumpeng is a unique Indonesian dish with a distinctive presentation - a cone of rice in the middle with a variety of side dishes arranged around its base and served on a round tray. No utensils, nasi tumpeng is best enjoyed by hand.

The dish has deep spiritual roots and significance. In my opinion, it is the most Indonesian dish - not due to its pervasiveness as it is mostly found in Java, but because it has been around for the longest time in Indonesian history. 

(Indonesia's Tourism Ministry in 2014, named nasi tumpeng a national dish along with soto, rendang, satay, nasi goreng, and gado-gado.) 

Rolls Handroll Izakaya Bar Menu & Review • Rolls that Rock @ Mercure ICON Singapore 卷卷吧 ☎ 8056 9595

Rolls Handroll Izakaya.

Cool cosy new place to enjoy sake and other spirits with delicious freshly handcrafted handrolls at Club Street in Singapore's Central Business District.

Mount Meru Abode of Gods to Bukit Seguntang to Bukit Langaran Singapura • Fort Canning Hill

Snow capped Mount Kailash in the Himalayas is the mythical Mount Meru - the centre of the universe, home of the gods in Hinduism (as well as Buddhism, Jainism and Tibetan Bon).

Ayam Gepuk Story 📍 Molek Johor Bahru ☏ +6018 770 7193

Continuing my ayam gepuk journey, this time at Ayam Gepuk Story at Taman Molek. It's located right across Jalan Masai Baru from Johor Jaya Police Station.

Kushikatsu Yaekatsu Fried Skewers📍Shinsekai Osaka 新世界 串かつ 八重勝 ☏ +816 6643 6332

One of my bucket list dishes to try in Osaka was kushikatsu which are deep fried battered meats and vegetables on skinny wooden skewers.

Prevent Gout with Right Foods • Don't Let Flare Ups Ruin Your Trips

I love travelling for food - fitness and good health are vital to enjoy such overseas trips. So far, I had two bouts of gout flare ups during my trips, once in Sarawak and in Japan.

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe Nasi Ayam Goreng Fried Chicken Rice Marsiling Woodlands Outlet

After running an errand near Marsiling MRT station, I walked around looking for lunch. Spotted this Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe Nasi Ayam Goreng stall.

Fiie's Cafe at Lucky Plaza had extensive viral media coverage a few years ago. I have never had it before and since I am already here 来都来了, I decided to give Fiie's a try.

Brief History of Japan • Primer for Foodies • 5 Minute Read

This is a very condensed history of Japan from prehistory to the Meiji Restoration in the mid-1800s.

My purpose is to put the history of Japanese cuisine I encounter in context, along the timeline of Japanese history. No particular reason, I just enjoy eating and letting the food open windows for me on understanding a place and its people better through their history. Knowing Japanese history is a good foundation for deeper appreciation of Japanese cuisine. I feel food tastes better that way.

Monday Omakase Party @ Singapore Chinatown Food Centre Hawker Stall • Weng Kiang Porridge ☎️ 9850 3529

Among Singapore hawkers, there are some hidden dragons 卧虎藏龙 - chefs with Michelin star restaurant or top international hotel credentials lurking in hawker centres.