Dear Diary | March 2025 Edition

For the lovely March.

Hello, March. ❤ Here we have stepped into the third month of the year. This month has been bursting with excitement! Every day feels like an adventure waiting to unfold. From spontaneous moments to beautiful experiences, it is a whirlwind of fun and energy that keeps me on my toes. 

Leica Store South Beach Quarter | Café Leitz

01.03.2025 | An afternoon date with Leica at its latest Singapore flagship store. ❤ Café Leitz is where we get to experience Leica brilliant cameras over a fresh brew of coffee with the word "LEITZ" written on the latte art. 

Next to it is the in-house photography exhibition which invites us to pause for a moment and admire the fine art of capturing lights and shadows. A perfect haven for photography aficionados!

Torikin (鶏金)

02.03.2025 | Weekend food hunt. Having the "mizutaki" (Hakata-style chicken hotpot) feels like being transported to Hakata once again :) A 100-year-old popular hotpot in Kyushu region, this healthy hotpot is made with luxury decadent chicken soup to cook the chicken and vegetables, making it so rich in collagen and dietary fibre. Ramen is then added to the condensed flavoured soup for a complete meal. So delicious, clean and tummy comforting. Thanks for the lovely experience x. 

Weekend #OOTD ❤

Seorae Jib Korean Charcoal BBQ ❤

08.03.2025 | Back to my monthly food review. Thanks for the invite! We are overloaded with delicious food, especially the hay-smoked premium pork cuts including the highly-prized "Galmaegisal" pork skirt. Ultra-rich, smoky and juicy! 

Punggol Coast

09.03.2025 | De-tour to the northern side of Singapore - the up and coming neighbourhood, Punggol Coast. The open space is abundant here and we are free to roam around the mall and green patches next to Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)'s Punggol Campus. The random shots here look surprisingly good too :P 

Clayful Art Cafe @ Orchard Central

15.03.2025 | Weekend class at Clayful Art Cafe, the place where we get to paint our choice of ceramic pottery (mine is an ultra cute blue cloud plate!) and let our creative juice flowing. The souffle pancake here is extremely eggy, fluffy and delicious with loads of fruity topping - lovin' the overall experience here. Indeed a perfect date idea in Singapore. 

18.03.2025 | Random team dinner at Haidilao. ❤

Baking in progress. ❤

21.03.2025 | First time baking in Singapore. Instead of baking the celebratory cake at home, I have found a better alternative which is to do it in a baking studio. Proudly presenting to you my handmade Matcha Blossom, a delicate cake made of matcha mousse, fresh peaches and raspberry cream layered between the genoise sponge. A perfect springtime treat :)

The birthday celebration. ❤

22.03.2025 | Weekend staycation x birthday celebration. Blogged about our lovely dining experience in La D'Oro Michelin Guide restaurant here and the hotel review for the Urban Suite at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore here.

Home Fish Home.

28.03.2025 | Homebound. ❤ Ending the month with a trip back home to visit my Papa, Aunt and Sis. Glad that things are all well at home :) Happy to celebrate my Aunt's 71st birthday together with the family too. 

❤❤❤

Simple happiness at home. ❤

March has been filled with simple happiness like homemade breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, we had the airy American omelette crafted with organic free-range eggs, enriched with fresh earthy shiitake mushrooms and a subtle spring onion garnish, layered between the buttery brioche. Simply luscious! 

Lunch is nothing short of surprises too. The simple and delicious garlic sesame soba noodles are great to brighten up the day. 

Welcome home, my new Valentine's penguin ❤❤❤

Adding new member for my penguin family this March! It seems like the family has been constantly expanding :) So happy to have these puffballs accompanying me everyday.  

❤❤❤

Thank you March for being such a lovely month in 2025. What's next for April? Let's make it even more lively - cheers to more exciting things to look forward to. 

xoxo,

FiSh

31.03.2025

[Hotel Review] Urban Suite at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

Greetings from Singapore's 'hotel-in-a-garden'! ❤

Time for birthday weekend staycation! We were excited to be back to PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore for the second time, after our pleasant experience here one year ago. 

Located moments away from the vibrant Chinatown district and a train ride away from the bustling Orchard Road, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore has always been an icon in the city centre for being the home to the lush greenery amidst the unique architecture. It has been collecting multiple awards including the recent World's Leading Green City Hotel 2024. 

The signature Urban Suite offers views of Hong Lim Park through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We could hardly contain our excitement as we stepped into this luxurious hotel room - Urban Suite - and it felt like stepping into a dream. The plush carpeting underfoot, soft yet rich, seemed to promise comfort with every step, while the breathtaking view through the expansive windows was nothing short of spectacular. 

 

The beautiful view of City Hall and Singapore Flyer

The city view from this room was absolutely mesmerizing. As we stood by the window, we were captivated by the sprawling skyline stretching out before us, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The buildings—some towering, some sleek and modern—created a stunning silhouette against the horizon.

The view felt like a blend of excitement and serenity; while the city was constantly moving, it somehow felt peaceful from this vantage point.  

Separate living area in the suite

The sleek, modern design of the room—elegantly lit with soft, ambient lighting—created the perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. From the sofa day bed, to the well-equipped work desk, Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, everything in this room exuded elegance and refinement, so we could fully unwind over the weekend and experience the opulence of this place.  

Here's the bathtub for a relaxing soak. ❤

 

This luxurious space felt like a haven of peace, especially the indulgent bathtub which was inviting a long soak, amidst the beautiful greenery view. 

Enjoying the luxury of every moment here. ❤

Perfectly equipped with premium bath amenities.

Buffet breakfast at Lime, all-day dining restaurant

The breakfast spread was very commendable, given the wide array of fresh and flavourful dishes such as made-to-order laksa noodle station, omelette station, fresh pastries, national Bak Kut Teh, nasi lemak and many more. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the spread continuously replenished. Definitely made a satisfying and leisurely start to the day. 

Thank for the complimentary birthday cake! ❤

Verdict

The weekend staycation in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering's signature Urban Suite was a luxurious experience which I think is worth every penny. 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289

Telephone: +65 6809 8888

Email: enquiry.prsps@parkroyalcollection.com

Website: www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-collection-pickering

Facebook: /www.facebook.com/parkroyalcollectionpickering

Instagram: @parkroyalcollectionpickering

[FOOD] La D'Oro - Michelin Guide Italian Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

When Japanese ingredients meet Italian elegance....

During our recent birthday celebration, we were at the La D'Oro, an upscale restaurant that blends Italian and Japanese flavours in a pretty unique way. The fact that it is listed on 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide Singapore kinda sets our expectations high and we were excited to experience what they have got to offer. 

La D'Oro, located at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Singapore, is helmed by Chef Yohhei Sasaki, who has extensive culinary experience in both Tokyo and Tuscany, giving him a deep understanding of both food cultures.

Since rebranding in 2023, La D’Oro has featured a seasonal omakase menu that changes every two months. Chef Sasaki skillfully combines traditional Italian and Japanese influences to create complex and unique dishes, using ingredients air-flown from both Japan and Italy to ensure distinctive flavours. 

 

Our visit here mainly focused on the ala carte menu which made it a great casual dining experience with the classic Italian dishes and seasonal Japanese menu. 

Complimentary House Bread

Iberico Bellota (50g @ $34)

Raspadura Cheese @ $6

For our starter, we began indulging in the slices of Iberico Bellota, paired with freshly shaved artisanal Raspadura Cheese. The rich, savoury flavour of the pork was deeply satisfying, especially when enhanced with subtle smoky notes. I enjoyed how the slightly fat cut melted luxuriously in the mouth. 

Whereas the shaved cheese added a creamy finish that balanced the saltiness of the pork. The combination was a delightful contrast! Perfect option to enhance every sip of wine.

Herb Roasted French Chicken Breast @ $22

Caccio cavallo cheese sauce, herb bread crumbs

For the main, we had the roasted chicken breast, crowned with herb bread crumbs and served on a bed of asscaccio cavallo cheese sauce. Each bite of the mild and succulent chicken was a perfect combination of herby goodness and natural sweetness of the meat, with a right amount of crunch from the crispy crust. Definitely a comfort food with a fancy touch.  

Nagasaki Meji Maguro Cold Capellini @ $34

Wasabi and Nagasaki hakusai sauce

We also tried one of the seasonal items on the menu, featuring Nagasaki's local produce. The thin, delicate strands of capellini pasta were tossed with a medley of fresh, crisp Japanese cabbages and young bluefin tuna. Topped with fragrant wasabi shaving, each bite tasted like a cool, satisfying pasta salad with fresh, summery vibe. 

Tiramisu @ $14

The showstopper of the evening was definitely the deconstructed tiramisu (and the amazing presentation for the special occasion). It was a playful twist of the classic dessert - with rich mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked fingers and cocoa powder stacked in an elegant arrangement - allowing each bite to deliver the perfect balance of smooth, creamy and coffee-infused sweetness. Will definitely be back for this! 

 

Verdict:

Overall, La D'Oro is a great spot if you are looking for something different, offering both casual and fine-dining experience with an interesting Italian-Japanese twist. Whether you are in the mood for a laidback meal or a refined omakase experience, this place has got you covered.

La D'Oro 

Mandarin Gallery, #01-16/17

333A Orchard Road

Singapore 238897.

 Call/Whatsapp: +65 83826200

Email: ladoro@ladoro.sg

Instagram: @ladorosg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladoro.Singapore

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday

Lunch - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Dinner - 5:00pm - 10:30pm

Dear Diary | February 2025 Edition

Hello, February. ❤ February has been a rather short month yet it was filled with loads of simple, happy moments, forming part of my core memories.

Chinese New Year @ Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown

03.02.2025 | Good to be back to Singapore after the 10-day long Chinese New Year break. Happy to spend the rest of my CNY in town and lovin' the vibes here. 

Abalone Prosperity Yusheng 鸿运发财鲍鱼鱼生 @ Putien 莆田

04.02.2025 | 人日快樂! ❤ Thanks for the celebratory meal in Putien that makes the day special for me. Especially having the Mazu Longevity Noodles (媽祖平安面) for a smooth-sailing year ahead :) The mixed seafood flavour of the noodles is so prominent, and well-balanced with the creamy pork bone broth which has been stewed for 8 hours.

Tonshou @ 51, Tras Street

06.02.2025 | First food review in 2025! So honored for getting to try the first ever Busan-born Tonshou establishment outside of Korea. Their tonkatsu is seriously good, especially the Hokkaido Kurobuta Rosu Katsu (pork loin) and Menchi Katsu (minced pork).

Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy these delicate pork pieces - with the special Tonkatsu sauce, Maldon Salt, squeeze of lemon, Lemon Kosho, Wasabi or even a curry dip! Highly recommended. 

(February Special) Bacon Carbonara Udon @ SYIP

08.02.2025 | Back to my favourite cafe in town for the new menu - rich pancetta bacon, velvety egg yolk, mentaiko and loads of parmesan cheese. Not the best but neither the worst. Just great as a weekend comfort food. ❤ 

KADA @ Maxwell

09.02.2025 | Time for exploring new places in Singapore! And this time around we are at Kada Maxwell, a new lifestyle hub similar to New Bahru but in a much smaller scale. Honestly, this place is a disappointment but still great for some aesthetic shots in the old repurposed hospital building. 

Happy birthday, mates! ❤

15.02.2025 | Homebound for Mama's birth anniversary (生忌). And just right in time for our primary schoolmates' meetup. How quickly time flies; happy to hear how their little families have grown now. 

14.02.2025 | A sweet bouquet perfects the day. ❤❤❤

Thank you for the romantic candlelit dinner ❤

16.02.2025 | Belated Valentine's celebration. ❤ Having a specially curated home-cooked dinner in a space that belongs to us, is a dreamy experience worth remembering for a lifetime. Thanks to the great effort from my personal masterchef for making this happen. 

20.02.2025 | Back with more food reviews in town :) Thanks for the opportunity!

Day trip to Johor Bahru

22.02.2025 | Ending the month with a chillax weekend in JB. Nothing too taxing really; just enjoying the food and movie there. Happy to make day trips like this occasionally especially when there is not much crowd.

❤❤❤

Now that two months of 2025 have gone by.

Still looking forward to great things to happen in the next ten months.

xoxo,

FiSh

28.02.2025

[TRAVEL] Top 3 Budget-Friendly Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai Cuisine in Phuket, Thailand

We are here in Phuket to explore Michelin Bib Gourmand rated cuisine!

Phuket has been a really beautiful charm in Thailand - known for its beach activities, relaxing vibes and diverse gastronomical adventure. I have been here 3 times - in 2019, 2023 and then 2024 - so far, and still not get bored of it. 

After trying out so many types of cuisine, especially the Southern Thai delicacies which Phuket is famous for, here are the top 3 restaurants you should add into your list for your next trip to Phuket. All of them garnered the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating - meaning good quality, good price! 

1. One Chun Restaurant

2. Kin-Kub-Ei 

3. Roti Thaew Nam

(BONUS) 4. Campus Coffee Roaster, my favourite cafe in town

One Chun Restaurant

48/1 Thep Krasatti Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.

Operating hours: 10am - 10pm daily

The first time I came to One Chun was in 2019, which was already a very popular restaurant among the tourists and locals. Now, after being nominated for Michelin Bib Gourmand for 6 consecutive years, it did not fail to impress us with the authentically Phuket food while we soaked in the distinct vintage feel of the restaurant which is located in a 19C building. 

Fresh crab meat with yellow curry and coconut milk served with noodle @ 390฿

Fried grilled pork with chilli, pepper and garlic @ 180฿

Spicy vegetables (chayote) salad with shrimp @ 220฿

Local Phuket style ice milk tea @ 55฿

Focusing on family recipes which have been passed down the generations, One Chun's dishes had been consistently great and we had to return twice during our most recent trip, just to savour different variety of dishes in One Chun.

All the dishes fell on the spicier side, and tasted amazing to my liking. My favourite was the creamy yellow curry with coconut milk and generous chunks of fresh crab meats that went well with the steaming hot rice. 

Pad Thai @ 180฿ 

Pineapple fried rice @ 200฿

Stir fried Thai vegetables (Pak Meang) with egg @ 165฿

We also tried the classics such as Pad Thai and aromatic Pineapple Fried Rice, which were equally palatable but the showstopper was the Stir Fried Pak Meang with Egg and Dried Shrimps. The flavours were bold and full of "wok hey" and eggy goodness. It was so good that we wiped out the dish within seconds. Definitely a must-try! 

❤ ❤ ❤

Kin-Kub-Ei Restaurant

81/9 Mu 7, Si Sunthon Road, Si Sunthon, Thalang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand.

Operating hours: 11am - 5pm, Thursdays to Sundays only

A hidden gem located 40 minutes drive away from Phuket Old Town, Kin-Kub-Ei tells a very interesting story which is applaudable in my opinion. Ei, the Thai-Chinese auntie who has cooked for the family for decades runs the kitchen and the food here is an interesting blend of homestyle southern Thai cuisine 

I could see why it is newly nominated as Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024. We were greeted by a warm, homey atmosphere upon arrival, and there was a swing in front of the shaded garden where the auntie planted her own crops for the restaurant. Such an inviting charm! 

We loved the casual yet warm new dining area and attentive services by the waitstaff here. 

Kin-Kub-Ei is famous for the southern Thai specialties passed down through the generations, emphasizing on the lovely balance of flavours, and fresh quality ingredients. One thing to note is that reservation can be made via Facebook and you need to preorder the food beforehand.  

Deep fried fish with curry paste @ 585฿

Streaky pork fermented with special spices @ 290฿

Phuket chilli paste with raw vegetables @ 270฿

The star of the day went to the crispy golden-brown local fish with tangy homemade curry paste  which could be fiery for some. The bold flavours, crisp texture and sweet white flaky fish made a perfect combination which showcased the traditional Southern Thai flavours. 

The homemade chilli paste platter with raw vegetables, on the other hand, was full of flavours and textures too. The variety of vegetables which went well with the chilli paste included the Thai eggplant, cucumber, cabbage, long beans and okra.

❤ ❤ ❤

Roti Thaew Nam

6 Thepkrasattri Rd., Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.

Operating hours: 7am - 12noon daily

 

Egg roti @ 20฿

Double plain roti @ 20฿

Chicken curry @ 50฿

Iced milk tea @ 25฿

If you are craving for something out of ordinary Thai cuisine, try the Roti Thaew Nam for breakfast but be prepared to queue. Roti Thaew Nam is famous for the soft, crispy dough that is kneaded and fried on the large, hot charcoal pan in front of the shop for over 70 years. The result? Ultra-comforting breakfast especially when dipped into the savoury-sweet beef or chicken curry. 

❤ ❤ ❤

Campus Coffee Roaster

Operating hours: 8am - 6pm daily

Dirty coffee @ 100฿

Ham & cheese croissant @ 145฿

Bonus recommendation by yours truly! This is not related to anything Michelin, but Campus Coffee Roaster gained its popularity since becoming the 4th runner up of International Coffee Roast Master Thailand 2019. Being an avid coffee lover, we came here twice to try out the specialty coffee and enjoy the espresso-scented atmosphere for the slow bar. Feel free to bring some roasted coffee beans home too! 

Vibe check: 100%

❤ ❤ ❤

Phuket trip has unintentionally become a foodie trip, and we were glad that we discovered so many local gems that are worth revisiting for. Looking forward to visit more islands in Thailand soon! ❤

Much love,

FiSh

27.09.2024 - 30.09.2024