We recently celebrated a very special occasion - our son's graduation - with dinner at Carnaby, a British-inspired restaurant nestled in Robertson Quay, Singapore. He picked the spot himself, drawn by the promise of authentic English fare and a reputation for good music. While I went in with no expectations, I left thoroughly impressed and eager to return. 

First Impressions: Casual Vibe, Serious Food
Carnaby has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere - think more modern bistro than formal fine dining - but don't let that fool you. The menu tells another story. It's packed with thoughtfully crafted British classics, some with creative twists, and everything sounded so appealing that choosing just a few dishes was a challenge. 

What We Ordered & Loved

• Welsh Rarebit of Westcombe Cheddar with Melted Leeks on Beef Fat Toasted Sourdough ($18) - a rich, savory starter that balanced indulgence with flavor complexity. The beef fat-soaked sourdough gave it an elevated, rustic touch.
  
  
  
• Smoky Fish Pie with Smoked Haddock, Golden Snapper, Leeks, Peas & Carrots ($30) - creamy, rich, and packed with flaky fish and veggies. A warm hug in pie form. 

  

  
  
• Roasted Rump of Angus Beef with Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables, Horseradish Cream & Gravy ($42) - a hearty, comforting plate done right. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the Yorkshire pudding was delightfully crisp yet fluffy. 

  

  
  
• Carnaby Burger (150g Beef Patty, Red Cheddar, Relish, Carnaby Mayo & Chips; $29) - juicy, satisfying, and perfectly seasoned. The Carnaby Mayo added a unique tang to it. 

  

  
  

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream ($16) - a classic done exceptionally well - moist, warm and sweet without being cloying. A must order dessert, I can come back for more.  

There's something special about celebrating life's milestones with good food, a beautiful setting, and a warmth of family. For us, Spago by Wolfgang Puck - perched high above the city on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Tower 2 - has become a cherished destination for birthdays and special gatherings. We've returned time and again, and each visit only reaffirms why this restaurant holds a special place in our hearts. 

Most recently, we dined at Spago to celebrate our daughter's 19th birthday. from the outset, the service was as warm and polished as usual. The staff were cordial, thoughtful, and attentive without being intrusive - traits that make each visit feel personal and welcoming. 

Complementing this was a generous serving of a selection of free-flowing warm breads, which added a comforting, homey touch to the refined setting. 

For this celebratory dinner, we indulged in a well-curated selection of dishes:

Each dish felt thoughtfully prepared and well-composed. While everything we tried was enjoyable, the Iberico Pork Loin and Milk-Fed Veal Loin were clear standouts - both showcasing exceptional technique and bold, succulent, satisfying flavors. 

To top off the evening, we surprised our daughter with a specialty birthday cake from Origin + Bloom, Marina Bay Sand's in-house patisserie. What made it especially convenient is that the cake can be easily arranged through a request form provided when confirming your restaurant reservation. Once submitted, everything is handled seamlessly - the cake was delivered directly to Spago at our reserved time, perfectly presented for the occasion. The cake was affordable at $38 for a 500g size with generous servings of fresh berries for the flavor that we chose - Pistachio Charlotte. It was a delightful and memorable surprise that added a personal touch to our daughter's celebration. 

Why We Keep Coming Back

Location: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, Level 57, Sands SkyPark

Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00pm - 02:00pm / Dinner 06:00pm - 09:30 pm (Sun-Thu); 06:00pm - 10:00pm (Fri & Sat)|

The restaurant has a policy for entry, corkage, cake and dress code - check before coming

Holding two Michelin Stars, The Guest House at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel stands as one of the city's premier food destinations for elevated Chinese cuisine. Specializing in refined interpretations of Sichuan and Jiangzhe classics, this elegant restaurant offers a dining experience that blends time-honored traditions with modern culinary artistry. From exquisite cold starters to luxurious soups and intricate mains, each dish showcases the kitchen's commitment to precision, depth, and creativity. The foodie in me is genuinely excited to try their offerings and experience this culinary craftsmanship firsthand.

On my recent trip to Taiwan's capital, I dove into the heart of the city's food scene - from award-winning restaurants to bustling night market and beloved local tea shops. Here's a taste of my top must-try spots in Taipei. 

Craving bubble tea? You can't visit Taiwan without sipping on a cup of 50 Lan (also known as 50 Tea), one of the country's most popular bubble tea chains, you will see them everywhere. I grabbed a classic oolong tea with half sugar, and it hit the spot with its perfect balance in sweetness, roasted tea, and chewy tapioca pearls. What sets 50 Lan apart is the customization - they let you tailor your drink just the way you like it. Whether it's oolong milk tea, jasmine green, or something fruitier, there's something for every tea lover. 

3. Ningxia Night Market - Street Food Heaven

To cap off a day of eating, I headed to Ningxia Night Market, one of Taipei's most beloved (and local-favorite) night markets. Though smaller than Shilin, it's packed with incredible street eats and less touristy charm. 

Here's what I tried:

• Oyster Omelet - a gooey, savory classic with tangy sauce
• Grilled squid on a stick - fresh, smoky, and topped with spicy powder
• Peanut Ice Cream Roll - sweet peanut shavings and cilantro wrapped around creamy taro ice cream in a rice paper wrap. Strange sounding, but uniquely delicious

If there's one thing that's hard to resist, it's a dessert that dares to be different - and Chewy Junior definitely ticks the box. Somewhere between a cream puff and a donut-mochi like texture, these chewy little pastries offer a one-of-a-kind snacking experience that's as fun to eat as it is to look at. 

The first thing that hits you is how cute and colorful they are. Each puff is slightly golden, beautifully topped with shiny glazes, whipped cream, chocolate drizzles, nuts, or chocolate chips and sprinkles. They're not too big nor too small - just the right size to satisfy a craving without going into sugar overload. 

Texture Talk: The "Chewy" in Chewy Junior

So, what makes them special? The texture. It's not quite a donut and not quite the ordinary cream puff either. Instead, it's this unique, bouncy choux pastry that feels almost mochi-like. When you bite in, there's a crispy crunch on the outside followed by a satisfyingly chewy center. It's unexpected - but in the best way. 

Flavor Adventures: 

One of the exciting things about Chewy Junior is the sheer variety of cream puff flavors available ranging from classic strawberry and cream to bold matcha, rich chocolate, and even seasonal or local specialties. There’s truly something for every palate. With so many unique flavors to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! It makes every visit feel like a new experience. Chewy Junior prides itself on offering over 30 different flavors of cream puffs, making it a true haven for dessert lovers. Whether you’re into classic choices or more adventurous picks, there’s always something new to try. This wide variety not only keeps things exciting but also makes Chewy Junior perfect for group sharing or repeat visits - there’s always a new favorite waiting to be discovered. When it comes to the cream filling, it's generous without being overwhelming. 

Final Thoughts:

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many locals still call it, is a place that never stops surprising you. The energy here is infectious - the streets constantly hum with the sounds of scooters zipping by, the smell of street food wafting through the air, and the tantalizing offerings of countless eateries. As someone who's spent a lot of time exploring the city, I've come to appreciate the way Ho Chi Minh City blends old and new, local and global, in its food scene. From hole-in-the-wall spots to chic rooftop lounges, the city is brimming with dining experiences that you'll want to savor. Here's a curated list of some of my favorite places that truly capture the essence of this vibrant city. 

When it comes to croissants, there's nothing quite like the ones from Lune Croissanterie. Considered by many to be the best in Melbourne - if not the world - Lune has redefined what a perfect croissant is. But does it really deserve its fame? I recently had the chance to try it for myself (the second time around), and here's my verdict. 

Japan's Sweetest Secret: I'm Donut? - Is the treat you didn't know you needed! The softest, dreamiest donuts you'll ever try - no exaggeration. 

Gelato Messina, Australia's iconic gelato brand, has officially opened its first Singapore outlet, delighting local dessert enthusiasts with its signature handcrafted gelato and innovative flavors.

The new store, located in Club Street, features the brand’s signature minimalist interiors with an open kitchen concept that lets visitors watch the gelato-making magic happen. From the very first day, long lines stretched outside the store as curious patrons flocked in to get their first taste. 

• Kaya Toast - a nostalgic nod to the iconic breakfast staple, complete with toasted bread chunks and sweet kaya swirls.
• Singapore, How Are You Durian? - bold, creamy and unapologetically Southeast Asian.
• Tau Huay - silky smooth soy pudding reimagined in gelato form. 
• Teh Tarik - the classic pulled milk tea turned into a rich, malty dessert. 
• Ondeh-Ondeh - inspired by the traditional glutinous rice ball, this flavor features pandan-infused gelato with bursts of gula melaka and grated coconut 
• Yolk's On You - a cheeky salted egg-based creation with gula melaka caramel

Prices start at $7.50 for a single scoop, $10 for two scoops, and $12 for three scoops - with portions that are generous and full of flavor. And if you can’t get enough (like us), grab a take-home tub -available in various sizes, so you can enjoy your favorites anytime.