Hi guys! I'm travelling back in time to clear some travel back logs which hopefully, would still be useful for you guys! 😂*fingers crossed*
So, right now, let's travel back to few years back when I was enjoying a sweet holiday in Taiwan which is something I have not done for an awful long time! 😭
It was one of the rare moments when I do not have to plan the itinerary but just enjoy what has been planned for me. Haha.. So let's go!
I came to Singapore hunting for a variety of Japanese / Matcha desserts and Matchaya was my last stop before crossing over back to Malaysia. I stumble across this brand on their instagram and it all looks so good to me! So let's see how it fare!
If you are going to Singapore, you should definitely check out Cafe & Meal Muji! I've been wanting to visit since it first launch in Singapore! Why, why are they still not launching one in Malaysia yet? I hope we have one in Malaysia soon because it is just sooo gooood!
// Muji Cafe //
You probably know that Muji is a brand of no-brand goods which are high in quality, simple and pretty much in minimalist and very clean design. It is said to offer affordable high quality no brand products but I suppose that is not the case anymore. Still, the products are <3 and I was excited to explore their cafe in Paragon Shopping Centre, Orchard Road.
It was a self service cafe and I really like this system which they apply for reserving the seat before you take your order. They have a small stand with different words for customers to place on the table they prefer to reserve the table that they want so that everyone will get a seat after ordering instead of looking for a seat after ordering. I think it is very thoughtful especially for people who come individually where looking for a place to seat after order would be difficult in this situation.
// Muji Meal & Dessert //
// Muji Cafe Basic Set Japanese Style - $8.80 //
I had the basic set Japanese Style (another option would be Western Style) $8.80 whichconsist of;
+ a bowl of rice
+ miso soup
+ 1 cold deli ( I opt for the Prawn Couscous Salad with Yuzu Sesame Dressing)
+ 1 onsen egg
+ 1 minced meat.
//Prawn Couscous Salad with Yuzu Sesame Dressing //
I really enjoyed the Prawn Salad because the yuzu from the dressing gives a slightly hint of sourness which is not too empowering but gives a really refreshing flavour. The broccoli was cooked just right, retaining it's crunchiness while the prawns were cooked al dente, feeling slightly firm, bouncy with a hint or crunchiness. The addition of couscous was a brilliant idea as it gives the whole salad a nutty and crunchy experience.
I highly recommend this salad. *yums*
// Muji Basic Set + Ryukyu Chai //
Ryukyu Chai - $3.00 (U.P. $5.90) - brewed Okinawa black tea with a selection of medicinally active spices, said to give a soothing and aromatic flavour of spices carefully crafted for a natural good taste.
This might taste weird for some people who dislike a mix of spices flavour with tea. My first impression, it taste like milk tea with nutmeg ointment because of the minty taste and hint of spices flavour. It is not an ordinary flavour for everyone, probably more preferable by the elder age group due to it's flavour characteristic.
I would recommend having it hot as the flavour seems more suitable as a hot drink.
// Streusel Choux Pouff with Matcha Cream and Adzuki Beans & Hokkaido Matcha Pudding with Kuromitsu Sauce //
Streusel Choux Puff with Matcha Cream and Adzuki Beans $6.90 - Crusty Streusel Choux Puff with a filling of lightly aromatic matcha cream and topping of sweet adzuki beans.
The puff although cold, is still crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The oozing aromatic matcha cream has a mild and sweet flavour to it, goes really well with puff as overall, the sweetness and flavour was just right, very well balanced
Hokkaido Matcha Pudding with Kuromitsu Sauce $6.90 - Hokkaido Cream Matcha Pudding with Zenzai and Golden Nougat bits, drizzled with dark brown sugar syrup. Again, the sweetness and the matcha flavour was really well balanced. Even when drizzled with the kuromitsu sauce, it was more of a fragrant experience rather than and empowering sweetness of a sugar syrup. The bits of zenzai and golden nougat adds some extra nutty crunchiness to the pudding while the little red beans inside adds texture to the soft pudding. Both desserts which I enjoyed very much and I wish I had room to try out the rest!
// Soy-Sansho French Fries //
Snacks after dessert? Lol. I couldn't leave this place without using up all of my quota to try out as many delicious food as I can take!
Soy-Sansho French Fries $6.90 - the addictive mix of crispy fried sprinkled with Japanese Shoyu and Parmeson Cheese Seasoning, with a light touch of Sansho spice.
It looks alluring from the menu itself but I was taken a back by how good and addictive this combination of seasoning really taste! The fries taste of addictive Shoyu (soy sauce) seasoning powder which was sweet and strong with flavour, with a hint of peppery and undertone citrus flavour and further enhanced with rich parmeson cheese powder.
Although a little pricey, it was a really good indulgence. *yums*
// Muji Cafe Menu //
// Muji Cafe Menu //
// Muji Cafe Menu //
It was a taste of utter deliciousness in dishes that has the characteristics of simplicity but I can definitely feel that lots of thoughts and passion had been put into it to curate the menu offered. It is very much Japanese when you taste a fusion food with very well balanced light and subtle flavours which melts and linger in you after every spoon.
This place would definitely get me hooked if I am a resident in this island. Price is considered reasonable for the living standard and pay that you get over there. I think I left my tastebuds there, longing to taste more of Muji food! <3
It has been raining almost everyday recently and I thought you might need some colours to cheer you up. ^^
While I was at Singapore, I coincidentally stumble upon a few colourful buildings which are within walking distance. It is actually few of the many beautiful landmarks of Singapore which tourist are fascinated with.
// Market of Haji Lane //
First up, you might want to drop by Haji Lane. Pick weekends if you want to go shopping and Monday if you want to get some serene and quiet portrait shots.
Haji Lane is one of the upcoming tourist attraction filled with nostalgic memories hidden in this fast paced country. Here, you might find an old wooden door, a bicycle, an old lane, a wall mural which is worth your camera's glance.
An instagram worthy spot.
// Colours of Haji Lane//
// Haji Lane Hipster Cafe & Bar //
On some nooks and corners, you will stumble upon a few hipster cafe and bar to chill out with your friends under the sun. The murals are beautifully drawn with their own identity, it's bound to capture your attention as you pass by.
// Haji Lane Hipster Cafe & Bar //
// Rocher Centre Colour Flats //
At the crossroad near Haji Lane, you will find the perfect spot to capture all four colours of the Rocher Centre Colour Flats. I like how they played with the gradients of colours instead of just a single tone for the whole building or the common paint pattern.
// Bugis Street Colourful Staircase //
Thirdly, you might want to check out these colourful staircase to heaven! The milky colours are somewhat relaxing and attractive to me. These colourful staircase can be found along the alleyway just beside the bustling Bugis Street.
Heyyoooo! Guys, I'm back! Like finally, right? Lol.. I'm sorry for being missing for so long! It was a very very tiring and packed week indeed with one of the most anticipated wedding among our friends. However, I didn't expect to fall sick. :(
Definitely sign of overworked (...and not sign of old age, right? right?)
Finally, I'm here to visit the cafe of my most favouritest Sanrio character, GUDETAMA!!! It's hard to contain my excitement because this is my first theme cafe visit and it's Gudetamaaaa!
So some asked, what's so cute about this sloppy yellow thing?
It's the sloppiness and it being reluctant always that reminds me of myself when I feel lethargic and lazy to budge sometimes. Haha.. Anyway, I find it stupidly cute and it never fails to make me laugh or be happy. You can say it's my happy pill. ^^
// guden guden //
Although a Gudetama Theme Cafe, you don't hear greeting of いらっしゃいませ Irasshaimase! here. The service culture is pretty local. Definitely not your typical Japanese cafe. Haha.
The interior is pretty laid back and definitely very yellow with cute Gudetama funny scenario posters on the wall. It's good to visit on a Monday evening to avoid all the crowd. <3 Otherwise, it is usually quite full house during the weekends or holidays.
There are only 4 of these Gudetama huts in the cafe and they are usually the "hot seats" in the cafe because of the privacy it gives and it definitely looks more fun too! You can have your own Gudetama-in-action and also two Gudetama cushions to hug!
Just look at that lazy Gudetama lying down, fanning itself with a maple leaf. Lol.
// Gudetama sliding down my straw //
// Yes I'm hungry and I'm going to slice up Gudetama! //
Guess what did I order? That sounds like a silly question. Haha..
The menu is pretty simple with about 20 items of main dishes, sides, dessert and drinks. They all have a cutey Gudetama face on it.
I ordered the Gudetama Special Hula Hula Drink ($8.50) - Mango infused Rose Tea crowned with strawberries and it says, "See how happy Gudetama looks in these happy hues?"
The drink is actually quite pleasant with a soothing and refreshing fruity note.
My frying pan platter is a main called "I'm Cold" Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90) - Let's make our favourite Gudetama snug and toastie with smoked salmon as blankets! Drizzled with our signature zesty hollandaise sauce complete with mashed advocado, ebiko and tater tots. A vegetarian option is also available if you require.
Surprisingly, this is not bad at all! I probably read too much about theme cafe reviews saying that you don't go for the food but you go for the aesthetic it offers. It sounds so wrong for a food place but I think it is quite true that the food aesthetic is the focus point here.
I swept everything off the platter so yes, the food is definitely not horrible and the food chemistry is good albeit having more focus on the aesthetic. Haha. Still, it would definitely heighten the experience if they improve the freshness of the smoked salmon slice and if the egg benedict is more runny. The good side is, vegetables are really fresh and tater tots are crunchy and nice without being oily.
The platter is a little too filling for myself so I would recommend it for sharing with an additional side order.
// Can I bring you home? //
Too blinded by the excitement of being in a Gudetama Cafe, I actually missed out their dessert display which is placed at the payment counter. Oh well, perhaps next time!
// Gudetama Limited Edition Mooncake //
In accordance to the mid-autumn festival which is arriving soon, Gudetama Cafe is having their own Gudetama Limited Edition Mooncake Box Collection for sale priced at $78. The cute Gudetama box itself is already enough to have Gudetama fans scream for it! So irresistibly cutee!
The only annoyance that I felt during my visit to the cafe was that mouldering stench that came from the Gudetama paper mat. It was actually quite strong and I thought it came from the furniture but it actually came from the paper mat. Perhaps it was the wet mouldering stench from the storage room. Hopefully it's not there any more.
// Gudetama Cafe //
This is the other section which is separated from the bigger space with a more wood and steal interior.
// Gudetema Cafe, Singapore //
// Chill Time with Gudetama //
Overall, Gudetama Cafe is worth a visit with menu which actually taste fine, and definitely above average. Now that you heard all about it, remember to drop by and CHILL . . . with Gudetama when you are at Singapore. ^^
Now is also the time to get the Gudetama Limited Edition Mooncake Set too while it's still available!
Gudetama Cafe
a: 3 Temasek Boulevard, 01-361 Suntec City Mall, 038983 Singapore.
People always say that the grass is greener on the other side which is why I've crossed the border to try out St.Marc Cafe at Singapore. *insert laugh cry icon* Actually it's just me being dumb because I forgot that there's a St.Marc Cafe in Malaysia. =/
It's my second short trip to Sekinchan. There's not many places I could escape to on every Monday when all I have is a one day off a week and no holiday leaves! *cries* So all I can do is dig up local trips I can reach and enjoy in a day's time!
The last time I was at Sekinchan was on a homestay trip with my group of friends and most of the time, we just stayed in the accommodation itself. Read all about it here: 072: Sekinchan Weekend Trip! This time, I spent more time going around this little place, discovering new place of interest.
First up, it's got to be about food! Food is every tourist's source of energy, agree? Haha.. I surveyed around for recommended restaurants as below;
Redang Station No 15 - was well known for the really affordable oyster and other sea food available. However, recent reviews mentioned that prices went up a lot and customer service has turned really bad. So it's a skip for me.
Restaurant Cha Po Tion - a lot of food bloggers recommended this place and I had a crazy tough time looking for it (round and round) but I finally gave up because I think this place has probably closed down. Last review I saw on foursquare was on 30 Dec 2015. Sad.
Loong Hua Seafood - this is probably the next best thing I could find on foursquare but seems like quality dropped as well. However, the place was closed on Mondays. :(
I end up going for this place recommended by the locals, taste of the Sekinchan locals.
Just because I can't commit to long holidays oversea, it has encouraged me to explore around my homeland instead! For my short birthday getaway, I have choosen the historical land of Melaka! There is actually a long list of foodie place that is available to visit and most of them offers unique food and environment which is less likely to be available in Kuala Lumpur.
Forget about the conventional Chicken Rice Ball. Most people said that it's just meh.. Check these out instead!
// The Daily Fix //
I have actually planned for an early trip to Melaka to make the best out of it but I just could not drag myself off bed on time due to tiredness. Zzz~ It was around lunch time when I arrived at Melaka and then it hit me hard when I saw the traffic on the way to Jonker Street and the swamp of people! It was a Monday but it was a SCHOOL HOLIDAY!
Dang! This means prepare to face the crowd (something I wanted to skip so badly). *sigh* The weather was exceptionally hot and the place crowded, makes me feeling a little tensed but let's just make the best out of it!
// Pandan Pancake + Long Black //
The Daily Fix
Since Melaka is crowded, I thought most local foods will be filled with crowds and I tried my luck at this also very recommended cafe in Melaka, The Daily Fix. It was not easy to find as there was no signboard and the cafe was situated inside a souvenir shop.
I had their signature and much raved about Pandan Pancake. I like the local twist to the pancake with stuffed a blend of gula melaka and santan grind with just a tint of pandan flavour on the pancake dough. The long black on the other hand was not good as it tasted a little out of the ordinary.
Address: No.55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Durian is the live of Malaysians! This King of fruits is a heavenly rich creamy fruit that smells like heaven to us Malaysian but might smell horrible to foreigners. If you're a foreigner, I would advice you to take a first bite and enjoy this custard like fruit before judging it from it's smell.
There could not be a better paired dessert than cream puffs! A blend of custard and also creamy rich durian filling in a cream puff is just like a heaven made match! Taste Better advice their customers to consume their signature Durian Cream Puff in just in one bite! As you break it apart with a bite in your mouth, the rich Durian custard just oozes into your mouth, giving you the smooth omph!
One bite is never enough, you'll want another right after! ^^ No other puffs can compete with Taste Better's recipe made to perfection. Make sure to buy some home too!
Address: 106, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Another local unique steamboat experience brought to you by the folks of Melaka. The original Satay Celup is only available in Melaka. 'Celup' means to dip and this Melaka style lok lok (original Chinese steamboat name which means to dip) makes it unique by dipping into the spicy peanut Satay (Malaysia style Bbq meat skewered sticks) sauce. There are many different type of vegetables and meat on sticks for you to choose from according to your preference.
The restaurant old sign board on the right is the original first shop which I went on my visit while the one on the right is actually a new branch out.
// Food Sticks //
// Spicy Satay Gravy Steambaot //
Address: 45-E, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +6012-651 5322
Hours: 3.30pm - 12.30am Monday - Sunday
Website: -
// Klebang Original Coconut Shake Dine-In //
Klebang Original Coconut Shake
I've always heard about this Klebang Original Coconut Shake from Melaka but have never really tried it, not even other imitation ones all around. I don't know about the rest, but this is definitely a devil's indulgence! It's like the most unhealthy but yummiest dessert you can't say no to! Especially under the crazy hot weather in Melaka.
The shake consist of Coconut water, old coconut flesh (grinned), ice cubes and sugar water I assume. For the special version, a scoop of Vanilla ice-cream is added. My advice would be to go for the Klebang Coconut Shake Special! It'sreally goooood!I really enjoy the grinned coconut flesh bits in the shake. Visitors are a plenty. Therefore, they have one small stall by the road side for take-aways and also a bigger place inside for dine-ins. Totally recommended because it's really yumms!
There are still many more worth while places I would recommend. Check out the list below!
// Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih - Google Photos //
Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih
This is a hidden treasure indeed! Kuih, which are traditional asian snack cakes which we usually consume during teatime. Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih produces a large variety or selection of kueh with traditional taste which has very much lost in the conventional kueh market. The place might be a tad bit hard to locate, so it's advised to use your waze to locate it!
Address: 72, Lorong Tengkera Pantai 2c, Kampung Tengkera Pantai Dua, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Huskitory is actually a pet store with a little cafe corner but it is now more well-known as a husky cafe where you get to indulge in Nepresso coffee, mille crepe at the company of mischievous huskies. There will be adult huskies and puppies let to roam around the cafe from time to time but they do have outdoor sessions set at 3.00pm and 6.00pm individually if the weather is good.
Address: 27, Jalan Taman Asean, Taman Asean,75250 Melaka, Malaysia.
This restaurant serves local Hainanese dishes but it is very well known for one, which is the Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup said to be priced at RM16/bowl. Another dish you could try is the Hailam noodles. The place is family oriented and some patrons did mention price is slightly steep.
Address: 62, Jalan Tengkera,75200, Melaka (Next to Hotel Tengkera)
Donald and Lily has been the first name which rings a bell whenever some one ask for some good nyonya street food in Melaka. They are well known for Nyonya Laksa which is Asam Laksa with a combination of Nyonya flavour, Mee Siam, and Cendol.
Address: No. 16 Ground Floor Taman Kota Shah Bandar 75200, Jln KSB 1, Malacca, Malaysia
A restaurant which has been around for a very long time, it brings nostalgic taste to the food. Serving could be slow but most said that the wait is worth it. The place is crowded most of the time and menu selling out fast. Must try here is the Mee Suah / Wheat Noodle and also the Fried Oyster Omelette. Be early to avoid disappointment!
Address: No. 16 Ground Floor Taman Kota Shah Bandar 75200, Jln KSB 1, Malacca, Malaysia
Tel: -
Hours: 7.30am - 2.00pm Monday - Saturday
Website: -
Poh Piah Lwee
The almost perfect pohpiah with pork lard which are only found in Melaka. Highly rated for it's balance of crunchy and fresh sweetness in the pohpiah itself. Other dishes which are highly recommended here is the Nyonya Dumpling, Minced Meat & Mushroom Noodle, and the Nyonya Laksa.
The eat list for Melaka trip is pretty much complete now! If you think there's some really good food which I have missed out, do let me know and I'll add in to the list!
