How to make: Boil 3/4 kg of pork ribs in water. Discard water upon boiling. Replace with new ones just enough to cover the meat. Add in 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns and 1 med sized onion (quartered). Allow to boil in medium heat and cook until meat becomes tender (1 - 1 1/2 hrs). Season with salt and 2 - 3 tbsp fish sauce. Add in potatoes (quartered) and cook until tender. Add in remaining vegetables (round cabbage and chinese cabbage) and adjust water and salt level when necessary before serving.
From the quintessential meal Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Roasted Pork Rice, Satay and Bak Kut Teh to the steaming hot noodle dishes such as Laksa, Char Kway Teow and Fish Head Bee Hoon to the tasty side dishes like Carrot Cake and Oyster Omelette and to the luscious desserts Ice Kachang and Bo Bo Cha Cha all these and more are what await adventurous foodies in Singapore's famous Hawker Centers. Foods in these unpretentious gastronomic haven gave Singapore one of it's world recognized past times - eating. In the many occasions that I've visited a few Hawker Centers in the country, I never wondered why this was so. How can you resist enticing aromas and appealing food choices oozing with delectable flavors right before your very eyes? That's why the popular local cliche goes "die-die must try". It isn't a surprise really why so many people be it locals or tourists preferred to flock in this area. Talk about food innovation and gastronomic creativity, there's no better place to discover them but here.For the avid fans of Singapore's Hawker Centers, something great awaits you! Are you a certified Hawker Food Lover? Then you must be who inSing.com is waiting for. Singapore's prime local search and lifestyle guide is running an 8-week online contest to look for the country's Ultimate Hawker Food Lover. He or she will recommend the best Hawker Stalls in the island and will write recommendations on the best found Hawker food fare through inSing.com's Food & Drink section. Aside from the regular column, the lucky Hawker Food Lover will receive S$1000 a month for 6 months and a DSLR camera to use as tool in capturing the discovered delicious dishes. Isn't this exciting?! What are you waiting for? Go visit http://www.ilovehawkerfood.com.sg/ for further details. Let's all look forward to what other food treasures the island city-state has. For all we know, they are just waiting to be discovered.
With the weather increasingly getting hotter and hotter in some parts of Asia (especially the Philippines and Singapore), I'm sure most of us would like to indulge into cold drinks and desserts to chill us a bit. In the Philippines, this is the perfect time for the most common and well loved sweet desserts or snacks - Halo-Halo. While I'm missing my favorite mix of this sweetened shaved ice and glazed fruits, I'm delighted to find an alternative here in Singapore.
Ice Kachang and Ice Cendol are among the popular choices for Singapore's own version. Ice Kachang has sweet corn and red mongo beans as major ingredients whereas Ice Cendol has green gelatin -noodle like strands, coconut milk and red mongo beans. Both are sweet and refreshing. But I still missed the richness of our Halo-Halo back home, especially that of Razon's or Kabigting's in Pampanga.
Together with some colleagues at work, we visited a Korean restaurant in Pasir Panjang for a quest to a good tasting Beef Galbisal. It's a grilled dish that's typically non-marinated and uses boneless meat. Thus, it's pure beef taste to be had. What always fascinates me about Korean dining is the literally numerous side dishes and appetizers being served. It seemed like the table is always not enough to hold everything all at the same time. This is the real definition of bounty!
Kimchi Pancake is simply awesome! Hot and spicy, tasty and addicting just like the Kimchi soup. These are good choices for the lover of fiery foods.
Pumpkin Soup - this is sooooo sweet. It can be regarded as a dessert rather than a soup appetizer.
Greens and lots and lots of greens! This is what is genuine of Korean Cuisine. It's such a healthy diet to take.
Generally, this was a good first korean dining experience but certainly not the best yet. Food wise, I think there are still more in the menu to explore.
**Credits to Irene Chong for the photos and video
With a land property of 710.3 sq km and home to nearly 5 million people, Singapore is indeed one of the smallest nations in the world. But don't let its size deceive you because there are so much more to see and explore in this very diverse country. In fact, it could be for this reason that it is largely becoming a favorite tourist destination in Asia. After a good many travels to the lion city and then finally relocating, I must confess that I've started to appreciate the country even more. Now, I even have my personal list of the must visit places here. Some friends and relatives started asking me of this inquiry so I decided to come up with a reference that can be a traveler's guide as well. Herewith are my top picks worthy of a visit in the island city-state:1. SENTOSA - this is the island that's truly a pride of Singapore. Visiting this place is a complete adventure to be had. Actually, a day is not enough to explore it completely. The choice of attractions will depend on the kind of adventure you like and the company you are with. Among the popular though are Underwaterworld, Songs of the Sea, Imbiah Look Out, Siloso and Palawan Beach and Butterfly Park. For the more daring ones, the Megazip Adventure Park awaits you. 

2. RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA and 3. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE - these are the newly opened and hottest attractions in town. The buzz has it that RWS is in close competition now to the popularity of the famous shopping district - Orchard Rd. For the casino afficionados and for the thrill seekers, these are the fitting choices. RWS claims to offer a multi-resort experience however, it's not yet 100% completed at the moment.


2. RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA and 3. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE - these are the newly opened and hottest attractions in town. The buzz has it that RWS is in close competition now to the popularity of the famous shopping district - Orchard Rd. For the casino afficionados and for the thrill seekers, these are the fitting choices. RWS claims to offer a multi-resort experience however, it's not yet 100% completed at the moment.

4. JURONG BIRD PARK - I've never seen an aviary as diversed and colourful as Singapore's Jurong Bird Park. This is the place that is guaranteed to delight kids and kids at heart. I was really enchanted by this place.
5. SINGAPORE ZOO - the zoological garden that is known to be the best yet in the whole world. Refer to previous post here for our own account of the experience. This is 2 thumbs up for me.

6. NIGHT SAFARI - a one of a kind experience that's how I would best describe visiting this place. This is definitely must try!
7. SINGAPORE FLYER - the best way to indulge into a panoramic view of the entire city. Refer to previous post here for more.
8. CLARKE QUAY - the most popular wharf in Singapore to spend a much needed leisure treat. In the morning, it is home to a calming stroll and boat ride. In the evening, it transforms into a bustling hub for nightlife. The quay is teeming with interesting restaurants and bars. The famous Jumbo Seafood for a taste of the quintessential "chili crab" can be found here.


8. MERLION PARK - you've never been to SG if you never set foot and posed to this towering landmark. More so, the stunning view of the Esplanade and the fast rising Marina Sands (another new Casino Park) are more than enough reasons to be here.


8. MERLION PARK - you've never been to SG if you never set foot and posed to this towering landmark. More so, the stunning view of the Esplanade and the fast rising Marina Sands (another new Casino Park) are more than enough reasons to be here.
While I still couldn't get enough of the fun I had for hosting PPN last week, it's that time of the week again for it. This week's round up is being hosted by Ruth of Once Upon A Feast. I wonder what the pasta geniuses have brought at the table this time? As for me, I'm having something traditional, quick fix and in a way healthy. Among the first things that enticed me upon relocating to Singapore is the opulence of hotpot dishes. For a lot of reasons, it became a favorite dish at our new home. Primary to that, it's so easy to make and this is the kind of dish that actually gives you enough liberation in as far as cooking and ingredients to use are concerned. Also, it's a food for sharing ergo, great doses of laughters and stories can be thrown in while savoring it.
Making a hotpot can lead you to different options. You may have meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, herbs, spices all at the same time. The possibilities are literally endless. For this particular version, I used seafood and vegetables. Seafood Noodle Hot Pot
Ingredients:
1 med sized onion - chopped
4 cloves garlic - chopped
1 1/2 tbsp julienne ginger
1 pc ikan bilis broth cubes
3 tbsps canola oil
250 g prawns
100 - 200 g scallops
squid balls (amount to your liking)
crabsticks (amount to your liking)
cabbage or any green leafy vegetables
1 small pack of enokitake mushrooms
chopped spring onion or coriander leaf for garnish
300 g udon noodles
4 - 5 cups of water
How to make:
In a metal pot, saute onion, garlic and ginger in canola oil until fragrant. Add in ikan bilis broth cubes and allow to melt. Add water and let it boil. Add in all seafood ingredients, mushroom and noodles. Simmer for 2 -3 minutes. Add leafy vegetables and spring onion / coriander. Stir well and serve immediately.
Whenever we look forward to the biggest happening in our lives, more often than not it’s coupled with much enthusiasm and joy, isn’t it? Well, the long wait is over for the grandest event yet for Our Taste of Life. The table is now filled and oozing with sensory stimuli from all the dishes that came in. With this gastronomic ensemble, this is utterly a parade of stars! I am simply lost for gustatory words to describe how creative and scrumptious the pasta dishes are. Undoubtedly, each is a star in its own right.

Thank you to Ruth Daniels, the brain behind this much awaited weekly pasta lovers’ event. Through PPN, there’s simply no dull moment for our noodle bowls and pasta plates. Instead, it always feels like a party just like today. Consequently, what could be more stimulating than a “world pasta party”?! So, grab your favorite spoon and fork or chopsticks and let’s all dig in to what the world has to offer…
Our first stop is the table from Canada. This table is flowing with so much variety. From downright simple to the most fiery even to the most touching of all stories to tell behind the dish. I couldn't agree more with Ruth, every kitchen does tell a story. Aren't these a delightful feast to have?....

Boys and Girls Club Baked Pasta of Sarah from What Smells So Good?
Mahogany Fire Fire Noodles of Cynthia from Kitchen Slave

Angel Hair in Broth of Christine from Kitschow

Nigella's Chicken with Rosemary & Parsley of Elizabeth from Blog From Our Kitchen
Our next table is a fusion of countries that brought truly mouthwatering flavors. From UK and Greece, let's have hefty dollops of these...
Pasta Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette Dressing of Katerina from Culinary Flavors
The third table is known to be the home of the most passionate people in the world. And with the dishes they turned in, there's no doubt, this passion translates to their cooking as well. These are what Italy has to offer...
Nameless Low Carb Dish that resembles Lasagne of Judith from Think On It

From our most number of guests, the table from USA has the most robust of flavors and fusions. I am simply in awe with the creative juices flowing in here. This is pasta and noodle sophistication at its best!
Haluski of Chaya from Comfy Cook
Strawberry Balsamic Pesto Orzotto of Joanne from Joanne Eats well with Others
Simple and Easy Sausage Cart Spaghetti of Bob from I Cook Stuff

Tuscan Pot Pie of Cool Lassi from Pan Gravy Kadai Curry


And last but definitely not the least, the table from Asia. Two types of noodles showcasing the most popular kind of dishes in town.
Baby Portobello Spaghetti of Little Inbox from Eating Pleasure


With 20 dishes to be had, this was truly a bounty! Thank you to everyone for generously sharing your kitchen treasures. I hope you'll enjoy every nibble and must I say that we all deserve a satisfying slurp.
If you would like to join in the fun at PPN once again, next week's host will be no other than Ruth. Drop your gastronimic concoctions at ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.




