The Netherlands is not just a travel destination for me - it's become my third home. After visiting the country year after year because of work, it has carved a specific place in my heart. It's rich culture, genuine people and unforgettable experiences have made each visit more meaningful than the last. Some of the most wonderful, professional, and kind-hearted people I know, I met in this beautiful country. 

What I admire most about the Dutch is their tolerant, open-minded culture. In a country where certain vices are legal, they still manage to maintain a peaceful society with a low crime rate and high quality of life. That balance, along with their love for simple joys - cycling, fresh air, and outdoor living makes the Netherlands one of the most livable and loveable countries in the world. 

• Glide through the canals on a boat tour (day or night)
• Visit the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
• Explore Jordaan and De Pijp neighborhoods
• Grab a bike and explore like a local
• Try a rijsttafel dinner or cozy up in a canal-side cafe
• Visit the Amsterdam Cathedral

There's a reason people fall in love with Amsterdam. It's not just beautiful, it's soulful. 

2. ROTTERDAM - A Modern Marvel

Rotterdam is the city where tradition meets bold, futuristic design. If Amsterdam is the old soul, Rotterdam is the innovator. From its post-war rebuild rose architectural icons, cutting-edge art spaces, and a city that thrives on reinvention. 

It's not just what you see - it's what you feel here: energy, confidence, and creativity. 

Top things to do in Rotterdam:

• Gaze up at Rotterdam Central Station and marvel at its design
• Dine with panoramic views at Euromast Tower (one of my most memorable experiences in this city)
• Walk through the Cube Houses and visit Kijk-Kubus Museum
• Take a harbor cruise to see the port from the water
• Visit Markthal - a food market, art installation and architectural wonder in one
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. THE HAGUE (Den Haag) - The Coastal Charm Meets Royal Prestige

The Hague was one of the most memorable surprises of my Dutch travels. It blends beachside calm with political gravitas, and despite its formality, it's deeply warm and inviting. 

Some of my favorite memories here are over seafood dinners with friends - bundled in coats against the coastal wind, sharing laughter and grilled fish as waves crashed in the background. 

Things to do in The Hague:

• Dine along Scheveningen Beach with fresh seafood
• Visit the Peace Palace and Binnenhof
• Explore the charming old town and boutiques
• Drop by Madurodam (mini-Holland) if you're curious
• Take a beach walk in early evening - it's unforgettable 

The Hague feels dignified, but never distant - welcoming you with the scent of the sea and stories waiting to unfold. 

4. GOUDA - Cheese, Church and Charm

Gouda is postcard perfect. I visited this place just as the sun was setting, and the town was bathed in warm gold. It was one of those unplanned evenings that becomes a highlight of your entire trip. 

from the stained-glass windows of St. Janskerk to the way lights shimmer on the canals after dark, Gouda feels timeless - quietly magical. 

Don't miss in Gouda:

• St. Janskerk and its breathtaking stained glass
• Evening walks along the canal when the town glows
• Sampling fresh Gouda at the local shops or market
• Wandering the cobbled alleys as the town quiets down

Gouda showed me how a small place can leave the biggest imprint - with beauty that unfolds slowly, like a story. 

5. UTRECHT - A Local's Amsterdam

Utrecht often flies under the radar, but that's exactly why I love it. With its lower-level canals and relaxed pace, it feels like Amsterdam's quiet, intellectual cousin. Its compact size makes it feel more personal, and you'll often find yourself striking up conversations in bookstores, markets, or along the canals. 

Things to do in Utrecht:

• Climb the Dom Tower for sweeping city views
• Relax in a canal-side cafe below street level
• Visit the Centraal Museum and Dick Bruna House
• Wander around Ledig Erf for food, drinks and Indie vibes

Utrecht doesn't try to impress - it just quietly wins you over. And that's the best kind of city. 

6. DELFT - My Dutch Home Away from Home

Delft is the town that holds my heart. It became my home base for many visits - close to work, yet far enough from the chaos to feel peaceful and personal. Quiet, elegant, and endlessly charming. Delft always felt like a gentle exhale. 

My favorite place? The market square. Whether walking through its Saturday bustle or simply sipping coffee alone, I always felt grounded there. Even dining solo in Delft felt comforting. The restaurants welcomed me like an old friend. I've felt genuinely well fed in every single restaurant I've tried. 

Things I love in Delft:

• Strolling through the market square
• Visiting the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk
• Admiring Delft Blue pottery shops and studios
• Eating at any local restaurant (they truly never disappoint)
• Slow walks by the canals during golden hour

Delft isn't just where I stayed - it's where I felt most myself. That's what makes it home. 

Despite Delft's modest size, there's simply nothing not to appreciate here. The people are kind, the rhythm of life is calm, and the charm is effortless. Maybe that's why it feels like home - familiar, grounding, and always welcoming. 

Read Part 2 - The Soulful Side of the Netherlands, featuring smaller towns, cultural moments, and unforgettable memories here

Italian cuisine has always been one of my top three favorites, so I'm constantly on the lookout for restaurants that serve up real, home-style Italian food - without the sky-high prices. In a city like Singapore, where Italian restaurants are plentiful but often pricey, Limoncello Pizza & Grill at Robertson Quay stands out as a delightful exception.

As a pizza lover, the Limoncello Pizza was an immediate standout. The dough transported me straight back to Italy- it had that perfect chewiness and ideal thickness. Not too thin to be crispy throughout, and not too thick to feel doughy. It strikes a beautiful balance, just like the pizzas I’ve enjoyed in Milan and Rome.

Despite the challenging market for local food establishments in Singapore, it's refreshing to see new food specialties making their way to our shores. One of the latest arrivals creating a buzz is Standard Bun, a popular Korean brand known for its unique and indulgent filled buns. They’ve recently launched a pop-up store at Suntec City, running from June 4 to August 3, to test the waters of Singapore's vibrant food scene. 

What’s in the Box?

Standard Bun offers a tempting variety of flavors, and I grabbed a box of 8 distinct buns to sample:

• Salt Mocha Bun
• Coconut Bun
• Red Velvet Cookie Bun
• Earl Grey Cream Bun
• Matcha Cookie Bun
• Milk Cream Bun
• Melon Cream Bun
• Potato Cheese Bun

Each bun is handmade with a soft, chewy base and generously filled with flavored creams or toppings - an indulgence that promises both variety and excitement.

Top Flavors Worth the Hype

Both of these offered unexpected delight. The Melon Cream Bun burst with fruity freshness, while the Earl Grey Cream Bun had a refined citrusy aroma that lingered from first bite to finish — ideal for tea lovers seeking a twist in their treats.

While most of Standard Bun’s flavors lean sweet, they do venture into savory territory. The Potato Cheese Bun was surprisingly enjoyable — creamy, cheesy, and rich with a pleasant lingering aftertaste. However, the base dough seems more naturally suited to sweet flavor profiles, making the savory offerings feel a bit selective and polarizing. 

Standard Bun brings a welcome and whimsical addition to Singapore’s bakery scene. While not every bun is a knockout, the overall experience — from variety to novelty to presentation — is undeniably fun. If you're curious or just in the mood to treat yourself, this pop-up is worth checking out before it disappears in August.

Moscow, Russia – a city often wrapped in mystery, grandeur, and shaped by global misconceptions. Before the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war erupted, I had the chance to visit this fascinating destination. Despite its global perception, Moscow surprised me in ways I never expected. From majestic architecture and deep-rooted history to fashion-forward locals and delightful food, here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable experience in Moscow and why I believe it deserves a spot on your bucket list.

There’s something deeply comforting about revisiting a cuisine that feels both familiar and full of surprises. On a recent trip to China, the very first thing on my agenda as a foodie was to reconnect with and rediscover its rich culinary heritage. One of the highlights was dining at Shanghai Table, located at Room 104A, West Wing of Shanghai Centre, No.1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai - right in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

This particular restaurant brought back the nostalgic flavors of traditional Shanghainese food while reminding me of what makes Chinese cuisine so beautifully balanced and satisfying.

True to its regional roots, the food at Shanghai Table leaned into the classic Shanghainese profile: a gentle sweetness layered with a long-lasting umami depth. Whether it was the braised meats or delicately sauced vegetables, each bite felt thoughtfully composed, hitting that perfect spot between indulgence and comfort. Unlike cuisines that can feel heavy or overwhelming, Shanghainese cooking keeps things light on the tummy yet always filling and deeply satisfying.

• Pomelo Fried Shrimp – Lightly crispy with a refreshing citrus twist, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make it both unique and incredibly moreish.
• Dong Po Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – A Shanghainese classic. Rich, caramelized, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, this dish is the ultimate indulgence that still somehow feels like home.
• Scallion Oil Noodles – Simple yet satisfying. The springy noodles are tossed in fragrant scallion-infused oil, delivering big flavor with minimal ingredients — a testament to the elegance of Chinese comfort food.
• Beancurd Soup – Delicate, earthy, and soothing. This soup is nourishing and light, offering a lovely contrast to the richer dishes on the menu.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

One restaurant format I’ve come to appreciate in China is the “kitchen-style” canteen, where you're greeted by rows of ready-made dishes, pick what you want, and pay by weight. It’s a system that offers a buffet-like choice with home-cooked authenticity. Everything tastes like it came from someone’s family kitchen - soulful, warm, and honest. It’s perfect for those who want variety without compromising quality or taste.

No journey into Chinese cuisine is complete without a nod to dim sum — those small bites of joy that make any breakfast buffet a mini adventure. Whether steamed or fried, dim sum never disappoints. I always look forward to seeing bamboo steamers stacked high in hotel restaurants, revealing treasures like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, or pan-fried turnip cakes. It's the kind of food that invites you to slow down and savor, one piece at a time.

Shanghai reminded me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done right - and here, it often is.

 

The ambiance struck a romantic chord - even with the crowd. Yes, it was packed especially as the night wore on. If you're aiming to reach the upper levels where the views are even more breathtaking, navigating the space can be a bit challenging. As the night deepens and the crowd thickens, moving around requires a little patience and finesse. But somehow, it didn't ruin the mood. Instead, it felt like part of the charm. People from all walks of life vibed together, clinking glasses under the iconic LED-lit "tree centerpiece" that lights up the space in a next-level glow. 

What stood out to me most wasn't just the aesthetic or the drinks, but the energy. It's a place where you blend in with locals and travelers alike. It's where the essence of modern Bangkok comes alive - fast, vibrant, unapologetically loud and yet, deeply soulful. After several visits to Bangkok, finally getting to experience one of its famous rooftop bars felt like crossing off a rite of passage. Tichuca wasn't just a night out - it was a celebration of the city's spirit, elevated high above its chaotic streets. 

Tips if you're planning to visit:

• Arrive early if you want a good spot - sunset is a magical time to be there.
• Dress smart casual - it's stylish but not overly strict.
• Be patient - crowds build up quickly, and the wait for the lift can take a bit of time. 

Whether you're in Bangkok for a few days or staying longer, make Tichuca a part of your nightlife itinerary. Just one night there, and you'll understand why this city never sleeps - and why you might not want to either. 

Some countries you visit once. Japan is one you keep coming back to. And each visit adds a new layer to my love for it, shaped not by monuments or itineraries, but by meals: simple, soulful, sometimes unforgettable.

If there's one thing the movie Train to Busan nailed, it's how fast and seamless the journey from Seoul to Busan really is - minus the zombies, of course. Our own version of this trip was far less dramatic but equally memorable. Taking the high-speed train from Seoul, we found the journey smooth, comfortable and uneventful in the best way possible. Before we knew it, we were already stepping into South Korea's second-largest city. 

A colorful hillside village that felt like stepping into a different era of South Korea. Far from the glass towers of Seoul, Gamcheon is full of winding alleyways, bright murals and small community-driven art space. It gave us a glimpse into a more grassroots, communal side of Korean life. Perfect for a slow stroll and photo ops, even in the rain. 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Easily one of our favorite stops. This oceanside temple is nothing short of stunning. The waves crashing against the rocky cliffs, the serene atmosphere, and the gentle hum of prayer make for a calming, almost meditative experience. Bonus points for the street food stalls just outside the temple - a great spot to grab a quick bite while soaking in the view. 

Haeundae Blueline Park: Capsule Train Ride

This family-friendly coastal ride offers scenic ocean views, but truthfully, there's not much variety in the landscape - just a long, endless blue horizon. It's something fun to try once, especially for families or firs-time visitors, but not necessarily something we'd line up for again. 

Trying Gukbap

One of the highlights of our food experience was sipping a hot bowl of Gukbap - a hearty rice soup that's deeply comforting, especially in cold, rainy weather. While we missed out on other iconic Busan delicacies like Mil-Myeon and sliced Raw Fish, we're glad we got to experience at least one authentic local dish. 

Though our trip was cut short by the unfavorable weather, Busan managed to leave a lasting impression. It's relaxed yet vibrant energy, scenic coastal charm and friendly local all made for a refreshing break from the hustle of Seoul. There's still so much more we want to explore - the food, the markets, the temples and those quiet little streets that seem to whisper stories of the past. So yes, this was just a glimpse. But one that already has us planning our return!