I can hardly believe that it really took a long while for me to discover a decent Filipino restaurant in Singapore. It's quite ironic despite the fact that Filipino community in the Lion City is relatively big. As cliche as it may sounds, it still is better late than never. 7107 Flavors was recommended by a Filipino colleague back home who happens to be a friend of the owner. We were quite fortunate that the restaurant was having a buffet at the time of our visit. They normally have buffet offerings twice a month (on first and last sundays). It's a very simple buffet yet enticing enough to bring any Filipino closer to home. The food choices range from familiar dishes of seafood, meat, vegetables, salads, soups, noodles, desserts and native delicacies. Taste wise, it's a typical home-cooked Filipino cuisine.  

Peranakan Cuisine created a big buzz in my gastronomical memory since day one of our relocation to Singapore. I oftentimes hear good things about this Chinese-Malay culinary fusion. Apparently, it took me more than a year to finally dig-in to that very intriguing Nonya plate. Had it not been to a farewell dinner organized for one of our colleagues, I am still definitely missing a big part of Singapore food scene.

Visiting Ikea is more than just great home shopping experience. It's filling the apetite too. A trip to the swedish home store is not complete without dining at its popular restaurant and cafe. I, for one, had developed my own craving for its baked salmon dish that it's always the top of mind the moment I hit the usual long queue at the restarant. The food offerings are simply enticing and it's not difficult to find a favorite. For us, we usually go for these ones...

If there's one thing that I would like to see improved on my next visit, it would be the dessert choices. Some pastries are just too plain and short in taste delivery. Like for instance this raspberry cheesecake which tasted too sour. Also, the cream cheese didn't complement the base well. Hence, the overall taste balance is highly compromised. Other than that, Ikea's Restaurant remains to be one good gastronomic stop to replenish that much needed shopping energy.   

It was my second time to visit KL and it was indeed lovelier this time around. Largely because I have enjoyed the local food more. I owe it to my colleagues for their hospitality and for having a well travelled taste buds. They just know where the good foods are.

Our first stop was La la Chong Seafood Restaurant which happens to be the most popular seafood village in Malaysia for its wonderful repertoire of seafood cuisine. It's a household name made famous for its version of La la Soup (Clam Soup). The soup was really good. It's refreshing with just the right amount of ginger and spicy notes. I won't be surprised if it will be called by the locals as their comfort food. Apart from this signature dish, there are other equally delicious fare available.

The next stop was at Shiang Hai Vegetarian Restaurant. It offers vegetarian foods that are creatively thought of and well executed. Look at these delectable sushis made of vegetables, fruits and herbs. They were an absolute beauty on a plate. Likewise, the taste is a delight to the apetite too.

On the whole, every morsel that got into my palate undoubtedly brought a lasting gastronomic memory of Malaysia. I was captivated and left wanting for more.   



I took an early morning flight to KL for a short business trip via Tiger Airways. It's my first time to try the airline and the Singapore Budget Terminal. Checking in was a breeze and things were uneventful until boarding time. Contrary to some unfavorable comments about the budget terminal, my experience will state otherwise and I'm quite satisfied with what's on offer service and ambiance wise. In fact, Singapore's budget terminal might even be better than the infamous NAIA Terminal 1 in Manila.

I stayed at Sunway Pyramid Hotel, a 4 star hotel in Subang area. Although it's not located in the city center of KL, the hotel is surrounded with commercial establishments and shopping center. The rate per night is reasonable and the room is generally acceptable. However, I'm not really impressed with the breakfast buffet offering at their cafe. Cititel MidValley Hotel has an even better selection.

My Malaysian colleagues brought me to Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant for a taste of authentic Bak Kuh Teh. It was my first Malaysian meal for the day and I was more than glad that it's the popular Pork Rib Tea. I have tried a few in Singapore and the version here is totally different from that in Malaysia. Undoubtedly, the later won me over many folds. Unlike Singapore's version which is overpowering in pepper note, the Malaysian type is more full-bodied, creamy, fatty, meaty, juicy, caramelic, very mild in herbs and spices. They use a dark or brown sauce (almost to a soy sauce hue). There are different types of pork cuts to choose from, but the same sauce is used. You may choose whichever you prefer, and the overall taste varies depending on the type of pork piece be it prime ribs, short ribs, pork knuckles and others. There was a note in their menu that they will open a branch at Marina Bay Sands soon and I just can't wait for it to open. There's no need to go to Malaysia whenever I will crave for this great tasting meat dish.