RaRa's New Favourite - Din Dai Fung

A name synonymous with Xiao Long Bao, those tiny burst-in-your-mouth-soupy-meatball-in intricately folded parcels. Din Dai Fung's story began in Taiwan, some time in the 70s, with a man named Bingyi Yang. Mr Yang started off as a delivery man for a cooking oil store. He was promoted to take charge of the company's accounts after 2 years of service. Unfortunately, the business suffered losses and had to bring down it's shutters. Mr Yang was then left unemployed and he too set up a cooking oil store soon after. Plummeting sales in the 70s saw Mr Yang diversify the business into making steamed dumplings for sale. The steamed dumplings soon attracted the crowd with it's exquisite taste and quality. Fast forward to today, Din Dai Fung have been accorded a Michelin star and won praises the world over for their high quality comfort food.

Each dumpling is meticulously weighed to ensure uniformity and each is intricately hand weaved with 18 fine folds

Dinner Time With The Crazy Crowd - Song Fa Bak Kut Teh @ New Bridge Road

I love a good Bak Kut Teh (especially the Malaysian version, with darker broth and less pepper), living here for the past 2 decades has made me appreciate both versions - both are good in their own rights. Must have been living under a rock, as this is my maiden visit to Song Fa. Experienced quite a culture shock when I learnt one have to "queue" for a meal here. Yes, queue with throngs of tourists? Strange but yes. I suppose this is a "must-eat Bak Kut Teh" for tourists, just as how Tian Tian represents the humble Chicken Rice to visitors of our Little Red Dot.

Dip this in chilli laced thick soya sauce? Ecstasy. Full stop.

Return With A Vengeance - Chef Yamashita @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

My Achilles Heel. Pastries. Especially when it's within reach. Sigh. Temptation got the better of me and I found my 2 hurried feet wandering to Chef Yamashita's. Again. Yes. Again. Determined to have just ONE, Yuzu Matcha Mousse became the victim of the day.

Treat Time - Flourish @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Love the excitement of discovery. Especially if there are cakes involved! Stumbled upon this nondescript joint whilst strolling after lunch. Flourish they are called. Located at the retro shopping complex of Tanjong Pagar Plaza. Tucked in between kopitiams catering to ravenous lunch crowds, they stand out prettily with inviting scents of freshly baked pastries.

Beautifully piped meringues

RaRa and Reddy's Happy Time! @ Amara Sanctuary Sentosa

One of the nicest on the very (overly) commercialised little island of Sentosa. Amara Sanctuary Resort adopts a very green approach, they build into the surroundings, unlike most place which created such "surroundings". Natural vegetation were retained, along with the buildings of rich colonial history heritage. The result? A luxury resort oozing charm, elegance, modernity and contemporary chic.

Love how they incorporate the pool into the lush greenery located in and around the hotel grounds.

Treats - Going Local @ Rolina, Tanjong Pagar Food Center

The Uncle works calmly in his little workspace, almost oblivious to the humdrum of the endless swarm of the lunch crowd. His aged hands show years of invaluable experience, his nimble fingers gracefully fold the pleats to enclose the curried chicken and potato goodness in each piece of dough. I call out "Uncle", and give him a smile. He smiles back and pleasantly smile and nod while I place my order. He thanks me in well spoken English and I make my way. This is not my first visit. It's been several times, and yes, Rolina's delicious curried morsels are good enough to warrant return visits.

Going at $1.40 per piece, Rolina's curry puffs are smaller than the usual fare from Old Chang Kee and the likes. The crust is thinner as well, but the filling! Oh, the filling is chock full to the brim!

Treats With The Crowd - Chef Yamashita @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Chef Yamashita Masataka, or better known as just Chef Yamashita, is the name synonymous with cakes and pastries of exquisite taste and beauty. He is trained at Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka and moved to Singapore 7 years ago from the Nara prefecture where he was running a cake shop for 8 years. For those familiar with the Japanese pattiserie scene in Singapore, you will most probably remember Chef Yamashita for Pattiserie Glace . Fast forward some years later, the talented pastry chef moved out on his to set up Flor Pattiserie and now his current baby, Chef Yamashita, located at a very unlikely place - Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Look, RaRa and Reddy waiting for a bite!

Lunch On A Weekend - Warung M.Nasir @ Killiney Road

Was told that this joint have been around for many years, and by many years, I meant more than 10. From what I gather online, Warung M.Nasir is named after the famous (Singapore born) Malaysian singer of the same name, M.Nasir. For those not in the know, this joint is famous for good, honest, homecooked Nasi Padang. What makes this place special (not only for being housed in a beautiful old shophouse and decorated with sprinklings of pop art and local antiques), is the music. The combination of Indonesian food and chic modern French beats (a jazzed up version of La Vie en rose was playing whilst I stuff my face with the delicious food) is almost unheard of. If. Not at all.

Looks like any typical Nasi Padang joint. Wait till you walk inside.

RaRa and Reddy's Weekend Time - Two Bakers @ Horne Road

T'was a drag-our-bums-out-of-the-house day.The mouth craves something sweet, the mind craves an adventure to an unknown territory, and the flesh is unwilling to venture out into the hot sun. Eventually, after a few wasted movements of the hands of the clock, RaRa and Reddy finally decided to head down to, somewhere where we needed to do some navigating from Lavender Mrt. Armed with Google Map, we were greeted with the sight of a few options in Horne Road. After a few read-ups here and there, our choice for treats today will be at Two Bakers.

Perennial favourite with RaRa, Strawberries! Very Instagram worthy.
Seasonal Fruit Tart @ $8.80