The beauty of Singapore is in its diversity – especially when it comes to food. Just check out the different kinds of food that I had this week, for example.
First up: Nasi Lemak, a Malaysian dish which is common enough in most hawker places but which I’ve never tried in the almost two years that I’ve been here. So it was my first time to try it this week, when my Singaporean friend Ivan seemed very keen on it, prompting me to try it too.
It was “berry” nice, actually, even though he may not have thought that I thought so since I ended up asking him to finish half of mine for me. Hahaha. But that’s how I am, I have a surprisingly small appetite. I can rarely finish an entire meal. I eat frequently, though.
It was also my first time to feel what it must be like to be in a race car thanks to certain drifters who made out-of-the-blue quick-as-a-flash U turns and sprints down the road, smoke billowing behind the car. Though my body was strapped into my seat, I should have done the same thing for my heart, which must have flown out the window at these moments.
Next up: Portuguese peri peri chicken. Chi was given a bonus at work, so she generously volunteered to treat us to our favorite Nando’s. Yay!!! It’s been open for months now, but there was still a long queue outside. I had the breast part (bigger serving) of the mild variant, with side dishes of mediterranean rice and corn and the sparkling apple juice (with real bits). Sooo yum!!
We followed this with dessert at J Co Donuts downstairs, yes, just like last time. I’m not sure what kind of cuisine this falls under. American? Anyway, the four of us shared two mugs of our favorite “Sustagen-tasting” hot chocolate, which comes with a free glazed donut with each order. I had also bought some Beard Papa cream puffs earlier. Double yum!
Then on Friday, I got to have lunch with Arlyn and Betchie again. They were craving Japanese, so we tried out Watami at Central. We had some sushi, sashimi, and the Friday special (I forgot what it’s called).
Then the dessert that Arlyn wanted was not available, so to apologize for that and for neglecting to take down one of our orders, they gave us a free cheesecake-with-ice-cream dessert. The food was good, but not unforgettable. When it comes to Japanese, I’d still go for Sushi Tei, the restaurant that hooked me on sushi. Before that, I never liked the stuff.
After that, I walked around the mall and found, to my delight, that there was a newly opened branch of Marble Slab near the exit. I had read a recommendation about this ice cream joint in a Cebu Pacific in-flight magazine and vowed to try it, and now here it was. Thanks, Universe!
There was a long queue, during which I struck up a conversation with the two guys in front of me, a Canadian and an American. Then it was finally my turn, and I ordered a Swiss Cocoa Buttercup and watched them mash up two of my favorites – Swiss chocolate ice cream and Reese’s peanut butter cups – on a slab of marble; hence the name. Not sure of the reason for that, though, but it must be good, because when I took my first bite of the outcome, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Sarap!” (delicious) Kinda expensive at S$8, though, but it was a pretty big serving. Maybe next time I can go dutch with someone. Let me know if you’re interested!
And finally there’s Italian. Before watching Salt, I headed to Pastamania thinking that I would have my favorite kind of pizza – thin crust pepperoni. But I got curious when I saw this newbie on the menu – Italian panini.
So I tried out the bacon & bbq chicken one and wow, all the ingredients meshed well together – the crispy criss-cut fries, tangy bbq chicken, fatty bacon, lovely cheese, healthy veggies, all cushioned in wonderful foccacia bread. A perfect well-rounded dinner.
Now I totally understand what Ivan meant when he said, “Of course I love to eat. I’m Singaporean!”
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