Roast Coffee and Eatery Part II @ Thong Lor, Bangkok

And.. we are back to Roast! During our recent trip to Thailand, we decided to bring two new friends from Hong Kong to try out what they have to offer. Nothing much had changed since two years ago (probably their menu) on my last visit, Roast is still a gastronomical haven for both coffee and brunch lovers, serving a selection of tantalising international dishes and caffeine crafted by the hands of their seasoned barristas. Amidst their decorations of mostly rustic wood furniture, small pots of greenery, and artistic art pieces hanging from their high ceilings, lies the pride of Roast - a full fledged roast machine glistering in the colours of golden black.

SG50: Happy Birthday Singapore!

As the whole of Singapore usher its 50th jubilee year, it has really got me thinking that it is indeed a blessing to reside here in this shiny red dot. From a fishing kampong (village), Singapore has now evolved in a matter of just half of a century, to one of the world's most successful cities. Typical of a Singaporean, one might argue, ya la, Singapore laws are very strict, we kenna (got) fine for everything ah, CPF cannot take out ah, housing and COE (certificate of entitlement, for vehicles) so expensive ah, and why our "world-class" transport always break down especially when limbeh (modernly used as "I") is late for school or work. But did you once think that in some countries, they do not even have public transports and because their government bochup (do not care), rapes and murders happen commonly.

Image credit: behance.net

As a food blogger, of course food is something I thank for, every single day. Food is our common language. Right here in Singapore, we are blessed to have hawker centers and kopitiams - a one-stop convenience to house delicious treats from different cultures (thank you Singapore for multi-racialism), and at affordable prices too. Moreover, we have 24-hours eateries across the island. Even at 4am in the morning, we won't have to worry about getting hungry. Within a one, or perhaps two kilometer radius, confirm plus chop there's one stall opened throughout the night.

Singapore is known to be one of the safest country in the world (and one with very few/zero natural disasters). It is comforting to know that you don't have to be worry about your belongings and life all the time. Although it is not recommended, people use hand-phones, laptops, and other valuables to chope seats (Singapore's system of booking seats) too. I don't feel that strangers are gonna grab me at the back and gay-rape me or rob my few dollars. Coming home from abroad, I always feel safe. However, having said that, it doesn't mean there's zero crime here. It is, of course, always better to take good care of yourself and your possessions no matter where you are.

Definitely, there are more things to give thanks for - (generally) transparent government, clean and green initiatives, diverse multi-cultural scenes, accommodation that looks like lego-blocks, public facilities within walking distance from home and many more. Sometimes, I just felt that instead of complaining for what we do not have, we should appreciate what we have, because somewhere in the world right now, people are fighting wars, people are starving from a lack of food, people are being ostracized from their own societies, people are dying from diseases, and people are wishing for a life like yours.

P.S. I'm not a saint, I still complain like crazy some times. It's just a thought which I too, constantly remind myself.

Anyway, not to sound so somber.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! I hope I can live long enough to celebrate your hundredth birthday. Here's to a better government, more awesome food, and a brighter future for Singapore. HUAT AH!

Recipe: Curry Chicken with Toast Box Asian Delights

To commemorate Singapore's 50th year, Toast Box has recently launched their Asian Delights ready-to-cook paste, which features the nation's all-time favourite: Curry Chicken, Mee Rebus, Mee Siam, and Laksa. 

These little packet of babies are good for 2-3 persons, and contain no artificial trans fats and coloring. The best thing is that only a little preparation is needed to whip up an impressive meal for your family and friends.

La Baguette @ Naklua-Pattaya, Thailand

Situated along Naklua road in Northern Pattaya, La Baguette is obviously a French-style (because they "la" almost everything) patisserie and cafe that serves top-notch brunch and desserts. We were there during one god-darn hot Saturday and was relieved to sink our asses down on the cushioned seats in the air-conditioned area. If you enjoy the heat of Pattaya or happened to be there when it's cooler, you could sit outside in their al-fresco dining area. With its delectable specialities they have to offer, it is not difficult to comprehend the crowd-size that mostly includes tourists and locals (from Bangkok).

La Baguette is opened in 1998 by Woodlands Group, which owns a number of restaurants and hotels, including La Ferme and Woodlands Hotel and Resort (located just beside La Baguette). I swear I wouldn't mind eating here everyday during my stay, it would probably take weeks to try out everything given their wide array of breads, crepes and other pastries. Oh, they sell some really cutesy sweets and cookies, which are really perfect for gifts. 

Food Tasting: Full of Crab @ East Coast Road, Singapore

I don't usually travel to the East all the way from the West, and when I do, it better be worthwhile, and Full of Crab is definitely one reason to head down. Located along the stretch of East Coast Road (opposite Holy Family Church), Full of Crab is a American-styled restaurant that whips up seafood in their signature sauces, such as the cajun and fully loaded sauce. Even idiots know that crabs are obviously the emphasis at Full of Crab, that's why they have Sri Lankan, Snow and King crabs served right here.

SabX2 Wanton Noodles @ Soi Petchburi 19, Bangkok

Arguably the most famous wanton noodle stall in Bangkok, SabX2 Wanton Noodles is nestled at Soi Petchburi 19 Pratunam market, just opposite Platinum Mall. If you can't find it, simply just ask anyone in the area, most probably they will point you in the right direction. Because, they are just famous, and because of this one reason, you better be prepared to queue up. We were there on a weekday morning at 10am, and it took about 15 minutes to order the food. But this is how the queue would look like if you come one hour later on a weekday. Oh, this is half the queue only.