Singapore's Din Tai Fung

Time does fly so fast. Yesterday, we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and I still couldn’t believe that I almost forgot about it. Blame it to all the fuss and the bustle that the relocation had brought us. Once in a while I feel that my mind is lost both literally and figuratively. Things are just a handful to manage for now. Anyway, for many years we always look forward to this day hence, we normally plan and prepare for it. This year marked our first to celebrate it outside the Philippines and a first to choose impromptu a place to dine. There's nothing fancy in terms of preparation, we just decided to have dinner outside.

Because I was so enamored by the Din Tai Fung experience in Taiwan, so much so that the memory of its taste kept lingering through out my palate, we opted to try one of its branches in Singapore (Jurong Point).

Xiao Long Bao

Fried Rice with Pork Chop

Pork Chop Noodles

Braised Beef Noodles

Unfortunately, much to my surprise and dismay it did not come as close as to what I had in Taiwan. All the while the claims of my Singaporean colleagues were right. For someone who had tried it straight from its origin, it’s just way beyond my expectations. If you have not tried any of those well-known succulent dimsum in Taiwan, then the ones in Singapore might pass as acceptable. But the Taiwan experience is just so good that this one I had in Singapore (particularly in Jurong Point branch) failed in comparison. I am craving for that juicy and soft bite of the “xiao long bao” but Singapore's version is just too dry and tough. Even the beef noodles lacks that flavourful character of the soup albeit the softness of the beef is there. Thank goodness! the fried rice with pork chop tasted well. I'm so worried we'll leave the place completely unsatisfied. Overall, this Din Tai Fung dining experience is filling for the tummy. In so far as making me wanting for more because of its taste, I hold some reservations.

Recreational Park

Singapore is known as a garden city. There's no wonder the small - city state boasts of lush greenery and rich nature reserves. The choice of gardens and parks is endless. Whatever you feel like doing, be it a family outing, picnic with friends or just a relaxing stroll, there is a perfect place for that. Most parks in the country are equipped with playgrounds, open fields, biking and jogging tracks, fitness stations and many more. We visited some and I was delighted to see how the parks were kept clean and well maintained. We particularly liked the fitness corner where one can actually use all the equipment for free. There's even a guide on how to perform a warm up / cool down exercise properly.

This place will certainly be on our list during weekends. :-)

Orchard Road

The infamous Orchard Road was our home for two weeks before we found a place somewhere in Choa Chu Kang North. Orchard road is the most popular shopping haven in Singapore. It's a long strip of shopping centers, food and business establishments. Among the many things that we liked frequenting here is the S$1 Ice Cream Cart. Personally, I developed a liking for the ice cream - wafer sandwich. Durian is simply awesome! There is nothing so sophisticated about the taste of this popular ice cream. But the flavor actually delivers and the mouthfeel is just right. For something that costs only a dollar, this is quite worth it.

Orchard road being the heart of the city is always flocked with people. For a much comfortable walk, we often times opt for an early morning or late night visit. Unless we intend to do some serious shopping we actually veer away from this area. For now I can attest, there's absolutely much more than just Orchard road in Singapore. But anyhow, among my favorites here are 313 Somerset (being the newest shopping mall in the street, it got the cleanest Food Republic as well), Ion (for the food hall that houses a wide array of international cuisines), Plaza Singapura (for it's good mix of retailers and merchandise), Wheelock Place (for its relatively big bookstore - Borders) and Ngee Ann City (for the renowned brands it carries other than that it remains to be the largest shopping mall in Orchard).

New Life in Singapore

It's been more than a month since we relocated to Singapore. Until today, I can't say that we have completely settled. Not yet, but we're certainly on our way there. The kids are getting by so well. As for me, I would say I am adjusting more to Singapore life than work in general. In as far as my career is concerned, I am happy to be back to my comfort zone. I did miss the customary taste and aroma of savoury. My olfactory senses are once again waiting to be challenged. I am truly back home but in one way or another I am absolutely not.

Day in and day out, new discoveries of this so called "expat life" unfold right before my eyes. There were times that I felt so blessed to be given the opportunity others was hoping for. Likewise, there were days of looking back and doubting the decision of the move. Especially so when I am being remembered of how comfortable life was back home. I think my previous boss said it well for me - "in order for someone to succeed in his life (that he has chosen), he must submit himself into it completely. He must not only try, he must live it". I couldn't agree more, that is just so true. Thus, I couldn't have only a slice of the Singapore life I must embrace its entirety. The road for me from here on is appreciation of the new life that we have. And with our new found home, it's good to be waking up each day greeted by this view from our bedroom. Indeed, there's much to be thankful for. Don't you think so?

On a Personal Note

I'm just happy to be back online! I've finally decided to keep Our Taste of Life and continue blogging here instead of creating a new one. Time is just not enough for me to keep 2 blogs at the same time. Talk to you all soon! ;-)