Kuan is a talented and passionate home chef who cooks Chinese, Paranakan, Western (Spanish, Italian, etc), and Indian (Malayalee) too.
Johor Kaki Adventurous Foodie Traveler with 75 million+ reads 📧 johorkaki@gmail.com
Kemuri Warayaki Straw Fire Grill Omakase & Izakaya 📍 Cuppage Plaza Little Japan Orchard Singapore ☎ 9772 4300
Kerumi is a "hidden gem" nestled at level 4 of Cuppage Plaza in the "Little Japan" of Singapore Orchard Road.
Kerumi showcases warayaki or rice straw fire grilling - an ancient high heat cooking technique that is rarely seen today even in Japan. We are so lucky to experience it right here in Singapore.
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 • Telling the History of Indonesia with One 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.
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.
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 🫢😝
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
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.
Crispy Fried Duck Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut 📍 Level 1 #01-42 Lucky Plaza Orchard Road Singapore ☎ 6734 4787
Tried Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut after stumbling upon it while running errands at Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road.
Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is a fast food style chain restaurant from Bandung, Indonesia.
Sheng Ki Fish & Seafood Soup Noodle 📍 Taman Sentosa 昇記美食•鱼海鲜汤•手工鱼圆 ☎ +6014 316 5768
First foodie trail stop this morning was Sheng Ki 昇記, a fish soup place at Taman Sentosa, just 10 minutes by car from JB CIQ.
Dian Xiao Er Chicken Rice📍Gelang Patah Johor 店小二鸡饭 振林山 乐心园 ☎️ +6014 910 0839
Got bitten by chicken rice envy after seeing kaki kaki post her lunch at Dian Xiao Er Chicken Rice 店小二鸡饭 in Gelang Patah a few times 🙄
Ayam Gepuk Pak Antok 📍 Larkin Johor Bahru ☎ +6010 658 5242
Continuing my ayam gepuk hunt, today's target is Ayam Gepuk Pak Antok at Larkin, Johor Bahru.
Lucky Chicken Rice 📍 Lucky Plaza Unit #02-110 ☎ 6738 4175
Was in Lucky Plaza to run errands. Got reminded again that Lucky Plaza (and also nearby Far East Plaza) is full of affordable food gems in Singapore's tourist shopping core.
Guangzhou Hand Torn Salt Baked Chicken📍Zuoxianju Liwan Traditional Cantonese Restaurant 醉贤居 ☎ +86 20 8172 3094
In Guangzhou, besides poached there are many other chicken preparations (roast, fried, etc), including salt baked. 醉贤居 is one of the most popular local places for salt baked chicken.
I was mind blown by my first taste of salt baked chicken as a child. The memory is still vivid in my mind, so I have a deep love of salt baked chicken.
Peranakan Club Singapore • Affordable Crazy Rich Asians Cuisine📍Orchard Towers Claymore Road ☎ 8988 0201
Catch up lunch with kaki kaki at The Peranakan Club Singapore at level 2 of Orchard Towers.
Famous Shanghai Xiao Shao Xing Chicken📍Yunnan South Road 小绍兴白斩鸡 云南南路店 ☎ +862163260845
Xiao Shaoxing 小绍兴 is a famous chicken porridge (yeah..., not rice) restaurant at Yunnan Road (South) in Shanghai.
Cantonese or Teochew Steam Fish? What is the Difference?
You know, when we visit a Chinese restaurant and order steam fish, the staff will often ask "Cantonese or Teochew steam?" 广蒸还是潮州蒸? 🤔
Penang Chinese Style Mee Jawa 槟城爪哇面
I like the Chinese version of mee Jawa 爪哇面 from Penang a lot.
As the name mee Jawa states, it is presumably a Javanese (Indonesia) origin dish.
Fu Xiang Chicken Rice 📍186 Toa Payoh Central 大巴窑 福翔鸡饭 ☎ 6250 0867
Kaki kaki Rayner alerted me to Fu Xiang Chicken Rice 福翔鸡饭 in Toa Payoh Central, it's one of his favourite chicken rice stalls. Today, passing by 来都来了 (since already here) so gave it a try 😁
Wen Chang Authentic Chicken Rice📍Johor Jaya Dedap 17 Restoran Kim Sing 文昌正宗海南雞飯 金昇咖啡店
Stalking Taman Johor Jaya for good food, spotted uncle preparing the day's chicken at 文昌正宗海南雞飯 (literally Wen Chang Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice) stall.
Youlian Qingping Chicken Guangzhou 清平雞 友联菜馆 杉木栏路店 广州第一鸡 ☎ +86 20 8187 6751
If you are in Guangzhou and like to try something memorable, can check out Youlian Restaurant. Youlian is popular with locals for their iconic Qingping chicken and chicken intestine.
Coffee in Milk Tin Can • Kopi Kong, Guni Kong, Tee Kong • Eco Friendly Tradition 牛奶罐 铁罐
Looking for coffee at Chong Pang hawker centre, I stumbled upon this bouquet of shiny tin cans tied in a bunch with red raffia strings.
Ayam Gepok Anakmak📍215 Ang Mo Kio ☎️ 89510912
Ayam gepuk craze has been raging in Java Indonesia, Malaysia and now in Singapore. The only ayam gepuk I could find in Singapore, at the moment, is Ayam Gepok Anakmak📍215 Ang Mo Kio, Sinfoodie coffeeshop.
Lien Ying Chow Unsung Hawker Hero • Legendary Mandarin Chatterbox Chicken Rice • International Launch of Singapore Hawker Culture
In the world of Singapore chicken rice, Swee Kee is at the level of mythology with no equal in its aura - though Swee Kee closed in 1997, its presence and influence are still felt today in the signboards of emulators from Singapore, to Malaysia and even Taiwan as well as in the minds of its multi-generational fans.
If Swee Kee is credited for popularising chicken rice in Singapore and regional countries, Mandarin Hotel's Chatterbox Chicken Rice is the one that put the humble chicken rice dish on the world map.
Boss Ayam Gepuk 📍Jalan Ibrahim 10 Minutes Walk from JB CIQ
I thought I was done ayam gepuk hunting for the day, my tummy was so full 😅 Then, I stumbled upon Boss Ayam Gepuk at Jalan Ibrahim just before heading back across the Causeway to Singapore. Struggled a bit before I decided to give it a try - I am glad that I did.
Boss Ayam Gepuk is the proverbial hidden gem.