I joined my friends on this trip and we took the evening flight thinking that we'll arrive early to catch Jewel Vortex but flight got delayed and we end up staying at the airport for several hours more than what was planned. But it was fun and we got to have our pictures taken at the just-turned-off Jewel Vortex. Yes, we missed it by just an hour or even less, I think.
To wile away the time, we stayed for about an hour at Burger King at Changi Terminal 1 since it's one of the few restos that's open. We had burger, fries and iced tea set. Not an exciting first meal in SG but filling. And I do love chili sauce on my fries.
Moving on to Paris Baguette in Jewel Changi for early breakfast. We had chocolate bread which we paired with bottled lime water. It would've been nice to drink coffee but coffee makes me sleepy so I'm avoiding that.
After witnessing 'the awakening' of Jewel Vortex and making rounds of some of the shops in Jewel, we headed to our hotel in Balestier where I was happy to spot a favorite vending machine that dispenses freshly squeezed orange juice for SGD 2.
We did touristy stuff at the Merlion Park while at the same time looking for a place to eat. Nearest one that was open is Bistro Aseana Pasta & Skewer Bar. We all got the Hotdog Roll Set that includes Fries and Iced Tea. The hotdog tastes good and the al fresco dining tables was the perfect spot for the late night noms. I suggest dining here in the evening when the temp is cooler, otherwise, enjoy the humid Singapore air. Luckily, it didn't rain when we were there.
The following day, my friends spent the whole day at Universal Studio Singapore. I decided to just stay at the hotel and enjoy the bed. Had Nissin cup noodles (Tom Yum) from the nearby convenience store and another round of orange juice from the vending machine. After a refreshing long sleep, I felt energized already to visit IMM in Jurong East. Aja! So many interesting finds! Then had coffee (at last!) at Paris Baguette in Jem Shopping Mall. I got hot mocha and cheese bread. Yum! I was supposed to have coffee at Tiong Bahru Cafe but they only accept card payments and I left my cards at the hotel. Shhhh! Afterwards, I took the train to Paya Lebar to visit my favorite mall to get a bite of pizza. Alas, all the tables were full. Bought bread at Paris Baguette (3x already!). Btw, there's a newly opened Paris Baguette at SM Mall of Asia. I'm curious if it tastes the same as the ones in Singapore. Hmmm?
Then it's time for some cafeteria-style food in Toa Payoh. Located at the basement of Toa Payoh bus and train hub, you'll be amazed at the food choices here. From noodles, rice dishes, fried dimsum, Japanese food, Thai food, among others. Choice for today was Roast Chicken Hainanese from one of the stalls. Yum! Especially with the chili sauce. I can eat this every day. Then there's also fried crab balls, fried egg, and some beansprouts for that much needed veggie.
Agenda for the day was to visit Fort Canning tunnel so after that filling brunch (we did try to leave early but it's hard), we walked all the way from Dhoby Ghaut Station to the famous tunnel, which was quite packed (as expected). We did take a few shots since we're there already before deciding to make a side-trip to Plaza Singapura for some shopping and ice-cream at Swensen's! I love Swensen's and I always make time to have a scoop or two whenever I visit a place with Swensen's.
Continuing the tour and shopping time at Chinatown and Bugis. Afterwards, had laksa at Toast Box in Lavender. This is my first time to eat laksa with 'mee tai mak noodles,' or short noodles, and it has a certain charm to it. At first I thought it's just fat beansprouts but surprise, surprise when I realized that its noodles! The laksa was so good, by the way.
My companions was already tired from the whole day shopping spree but I wanted to check The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Luckily, it closes at 11:00PM so there's still enough time for all of us to rest.
Happy to discover Angelina Paris at MBS. The cafe's location even has a river! Haha, won't disclose much, you need to discover it for yourself because it's amazing. Had mocha and bought some fresh chocolates and bars for pasalubong. I'm making mental note to visit again so that I can order the mont blanc.
Another round at Toa Payoh cafeteria the following day. I had fish chips and ampalaya. Yum! For drinks, I got watermelon shake.
Went to Bugis again for some last minute shopping and then off to Marina Bay Sands again. This time with photo ops at the most photographed MBS towers. Got hungry afterwards and had early dinner at Din Tai Fung. We had noodles, xiao long bao, and chili crab buns, Food was marvelous, nothing near our DFS here in Manila. No kidding. The only caveat was the taxes, hahaha. Bought some chocolate bread from Breadtalk MBS before going back to the hotel. It was raining when we arrived in Newton so we just sat at the bus stop to wait because it was raining. Luckily, prior to going to Newton, we passed by a 711 store and bought Oatside coffee. Another nice discovery.
Last morning before our flight back to Manila. Decided to visit Whampoa Market and eat breakfast there. My friend can't resist kopi with kaya toast and soft boiled egg. Then there's martabak with red bean filling and the fresh orange juice I got from the vending machine. Instead of breakfast fare, I got myself a filling meal of squid, cabbage, rice with curry sauce from one of the stalls there.
Then had early dinner at one of the restaurants in Changi 4. Of course, I can't leave Singapore without having my nth plate of roasted chicken Hainanese. Yum!
So that's about it for now, and I can't wait to visit Singapore again and savor the food there.
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