Popeyes at NorthPoint 2025

Went to NorthPoint to order takeway two sets of 3 piece chickens with Mashed Potato and Tenders with Mashed Potato at around $22+ and well, fast food are expensive. I used to like everything about Popeye's Chicken, bread biscuit and Mashed Potato, because they are so much different than other fast food chain in terms of the overall taste. But this time, the mashed potato and bread biscuit tasted horrible. I hope its only at this branch. But both the fried chicken and Tenders were normal. So yeah, felt that my $22 were burned and probably will skip Popeyes till next time.

Pak Mandor Nasi Lemak Review 2025

When its Nasi Lemak, i got to say this store is 100% Muslim-Owned. And this is a solid plate of Nasi Lemak near Yishun Community Hospital in the HDB Blocks [Address as below]. Each of this plate is $5 and i got to say the portion and price is really great ! Every ingredients are done right. I can't comment on the fish as i don't usually take Kuning Fish. But the rest of the ingredients are good and fresh. Special mention on the Chicken Wing is very well marinated. I think if you compared with Ayam Taliwang, i would prefer this instead. But of course this is not my first visit, previously i felt is just average. But when I came recently, i will rate this as 8/10.

Location: 645 Yishun Street 61, #01-320, Singapore 760645

Janggut Laksa Review 2025

Came again in 2025 to attempt Janggut Laksa at Queensway Shopping Center while I am in the area for Ikea purchase. The entry level for the laksa and Chicken Cutlet rice is at $6 each. The otak and lime juice are not bad. However the main course doesn't meet the standard. First of all, portion and price already turned off. To make matter worst, the quality is at 5/10. It just passed off as normal lunch food. Fortunately, there are free ice cream just behind and its the full bar of ice cream thingy. What i never include here is the Queensway Tu Tu Kueh, which i should feature instead. I ordered the Tutu kueh with coconut, 3 for $3. As it is not the first time eating there, but you simply can't find any where better than this. I think this Queensway Tu Tu Kueh deserve to have Michelin 1 star and i gave a perfect rating of 10/10 !

Kingshot | Innovative idle medieval survival game that combines strategic gameplay

Kingshot was released on February 22, 2025, for both iOS and Android. It is a real-time strategy game developed and published by Century Games Pte. Ltd. It is an innovative idle medieval survival game that combines strategic gameplay. But i officially started playing this on 19 June 2025 and after a week of playing, i think it is something that i will play long-term, but remain as F2P player. In fact, it is quite addictive once you are aware of the overall game mechanics. One thing for sure, you need to quickly get into an active guild to reap lots of rewards and resources.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Released on 18 September 2020 for this title for their 35th year anniversary and they only released a limited number of this game. Not sure if Nintendo Online Store have or not. But heard that they no longer release and not even available to purchase via Online e-Store. Hence I bought it to hold on and it is still sealed for almost 5 years now. There were quite a lot of speculation that this title will increase in term of value. Hence i bought it and keep it. But i started selling it 2 years ago and no one seems to buy it till today and I sold it at cost price. 😩 So I think game really can't retain value. After all, it is a Switch 1 game and Switch 2 had just released, so I better get rid of it since there is a buyer finally.

Finally upgraded to Starhub 3Gbps Fiber Broadband

Finally Starhub Network Engineer had came down to my place to install my new 3Gbps Fiber Broadband connection. With this latest TP-Link free router that can broadcast the latest WiFi standard and transmit more than 3Gbps up to 6.5Gbps. But won't achieve 6.5Gbps lah, because i subscribe the 3Gbps one which cost me less than $40 every month. Last time my connection was 1Gbps + 1Gbps of dedicated connection. Previously cost me more than $60 per month. With better technology advances, of course have to take advantage of faster Internet connections with lesser cost. Unfortunately, if talking about LAN, all my rooms LAN points are based on maximum 1Gbps, hence can't truly take advantage of the faster LAN network. Maybe if i have the budget, perhaps will get a cable contractor to lay all the latest Cat 8 LAN cable throughout all my rooms for future proof till end of lease of my HDB flat. 😅

SMH Salted Egg Custard Pau

Finally a pretty solid Salted Egg Custard Pau from SMH. Selling at Sheng Siong Supermarket last week for some discount at less than $6 for two packets. One packet contain 4 paus, decent sized i would say, but the best part is the filling. It is generous and i hope both the price and filling stays consistent. I will say this is really enjoyable and its close to restaurant quality for something so easy to prepare it. Just take out from the fridge and place into the steamer, 5 to 6 minutes and it is solid. Need to be careful when taking out the bottom paper as the filling might leaked out. I will give 8/10 for both the quality and price of this product.

Do Qoo Dessert 豆趣 at Canberra Plaza

Do Qoo Dessert 豆趣 had been operating at Canberra Plaza for quite some time now. Usually i will patronize them when they are having some discount or good deals for their desserts. I got to say that their desserts were quite top notch in standard, but price is quite competitive. So this time, i tried their signature dessert again called "Golden Beauty" selling at $4.80 each which is their best selling item. Bought two at $8.80 via their letterbox coupon and really need to support them to stay afloat. Currently, I can see that Canberra Plaza itself have many empty shop space which is still not occupied after the previous store closes down. My daughter love this dessert and really ate alot non-stop. 😅

Link to Do Qoo Menu: https://www.doqoo.com.sg/menu

Dian Xiao Er 店小二 Part 5 of 2025

This should be part 5 or rather the 5th trip to Dian Xiao Er 店小二 in 2025. But this time, we are there for the Father's Day Duck. So we ordered the regular things we eat and my daughter loves to collect the duck. She also like to eat the duck, but i think the duck meat is still a little tough for her to bite. But for us adult, i think its good enough. Really enjoyed the duck meat in Dang Gui. Probably still the best in Singapore.

[Michelin 2024] Ji De Lai 记得来 Hainanese Chicken Rice

They were awarded with the latest Michelin award in 2024. I had eaten their roasted chicken rice even way before 2024 as I often frequent Chong Pang Market particularly Sunday for my breakfast and purchased of cheap milk powder to save costs. Well, till date i experienced a few unpleasant encounters with them. One which even when we are queuing for their chicken rice, they would serve other familiar customers who wasn't in the queue. When i see such things happening, i would walk away. Before 2024, i felt that their chicken rice were average. Today I did another visit in 2025 at the time of this posting, both the roasted pork and roasted chicken were average as well and i felt that they still did not attained the golden standard yet, unlike Boon Tong Kee which also attained Michelin Star. I will rate this as 5.5/10.

Location: 105 Yishun Ring Rd, #01-152 Chong Pang Market & Food Centre, Singapore 760105

Is Jumbo bringing back JPOT?

As a Jumbo member and patronized Jumbo for more than 3 decades since I'm a child, JPOT had been around from 2009 when it started its first branch till 2019, it closes it last JPOT branch. During those wonderful 10 years, i had been utilizing my annual vouchers and quarterly vouchers just for JPOT aside its Seafood branches. Recently last week, i started getting survey from Jumbo group that they might be bringing back JPOT once again and I am excited and looking forward to their new JPOT restaurants. In a sense, i preferred dining in quiet and posh settings rather than Hai Di Lao's loud and service focused services. I think Jumbo still have a rather generous and more affordable way for common folks to enjoy premium food. Praying hard, they will bring back and I will definitely go and share more with their JPOT experiences once again !

Pasar Malam Colour Steamed Bun at Woodlands MRT

I always remembered last time used to buy these at only $1 for three. Now at this time of posting, It is $3 for 3 which makes it $1 a piece. In the past, this is always made hot when ordering. But now, it is placed there right on the steamed part, till when i got mine. The base is burned and hardened. I only take like 60% of the remaining bun to eat with my daughter. Nowadays, they also just throw it into the plastic bag. The supplied coconut also reduced to like application of one bun only. So it is truly expensive for something don't worth that much.

New Singapore Pool's Toto Match

Yeah Singapore Pool released a new Toto way to play and it is called Toto Match. I will be betting on their 2nd draw as i missed betting on their first draw last week. Above is the current version of the newly released Toto Match betting slip. As the M AN and M2 prize money is too little, I tried the M3 and M4. So for M3, i need to choose three numbers and if the toto draw came out all my three numbers, i will win $500. As for M4, i chose 4 numbers and if the toto draw came out all my 4 numbers in the standard 6 numbers toto draw, I will win $7000. And this is based on $1 betting. If i bet $10 for the M4 and won, meaning i will get $70,000. Yeah but it is still difficult to win toto. Best record so far i won is only $1400 like in 2010.

Jetstar Asia - The End of Direct Flight Between Singapore -> Okinawa

Long Story Short, Jetstar Asia had decided to close the business in asia affecting multiple countries for Jetstar flight as well as making hundreds of people jobless. People are currently in the midst to settle for their existing flight tickets refunds. The only good thing is the cheap fares and the only airline to offer direct flight from Singapore to Okinawa which hits part of my plan for 2026. Well as things need to happen, it will eventually happen. So i'm kinda glad that it happen and have to accept it. The next good news is Scoot knows this is also the core business of many Singaporeans taking Jetstar for this sole purpose. Hence they are working out something that offers direct flight to Okinawa and other destinations in the coming months. I still have time, so i will gladly wait for the Direct Flight between Okinawa and Singapore. Of course, i do hope that the price is right as well.

[Michelin 2024] Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee

It seem that they had recently increase price again. Used to be able to eat King Prawn at $10 which was already pricey. But today at the time of this posting, I ate the Big Prawn & Pork Ribs Noodles at SGD$10 which the aunty reaffirm me that only the King Prawns will be offered if i ordered the SGD$15 one bowl. So i gave it a pass and went for this $10 bowl of "big Prawns" and Pork Ribs noodles. In this bowl, i think they gave a total of 3 bigger prawns cut into half and some pork ribs. Starting from the soup, soup is certainly ok, meet the standards, but not the best as I had tasted better ones. For the noodles, you have the options of changing, but i tried to stick to the original ones which is yellow noodles with bee hoon. The oily onions was good to mix around with the noodles to make it silky. The pork ribs were good, tender and easily fell through the bones just the way i like it so 👍. Prawns are normal but easy to eat. Beside the noodles store, also sells Wu Xiang, which also meets my requirement. However, given the quality and quantity of the prawn and pork ribs noodles, i think i personally will give a 6.5/10. Do i think it deserve the Michelin 2024? Well i don't think so. But still worthwhile for you to try as the place is quite easy to find and accessible.

Location: 2 Jalan Ayer, Lorong 1 Geylang, Singapore 389141

Fiber Broadband Refresh with Starhub

After moving out from Starhub for my mobile number service, my fiber broadband also due for recontract. Went down to Starhub Causeway Point and enquired on both TV bundle as well as pure Fiber Broadband. As i am currently using Fiber Broadband 1 Gbps + 1 Gbps at $65++ monthly, i went to recontract to the single 3Gbps Fiber Broadband at $39.91. Intially i wanted to take on the 5 Gbps + TV bundle, but seems that the website is showing $60.72 per month, but it can't be bundled as that price. Even after all the basic addon, it is still $78 per month for next 12 months and become $88 per month. So it is not really that worth the money. At the point of this writing, i understand there are many other cheaper fiber plan offering at the same 3 Gbps or more. But decided not to be that adventurous, so will just stick to starhub for the next 2 years.

Burger King's Deals until 6 July 2025

Don't say i never share good deals. Sometimes eat Mcdonald and KFC until quite sian and can try out Burger King. Typically i find their burgers had shrinked and price is quite expensive. Use the promo code from left to right, top to bottom from DG1 to DG20 in running sequence. You should be able to input the promo code while ordering at its kiosk. Personally i think DG10 and DG19 are the better valued deal. Enjoy !

[SGX Stock] ESR REITS unexpectedly gone so high !

LOL ! I had been holding on to ESR REITS for several years now. Only recent movement for me for SGX stocks, i had sold Singtel at a profit. But while reviewing through my various stocks via my POEMS account, I unexpectedly saw profits for my ESR REITS at more than 400% jump of what i own ! It seems based on the recent DBS's Analysis:

ESR REIT (EREIT) reported a strong start to FY25, with 1Q25 distributable income rising 7.0% y/y to SGD44.2mn, driven by full-quarter contributions from two strategic acquisitions and uplift from recent AEI completions. This is inline with our FY25 projections, and makes up c.25% of our full-year estimates. Revenue surged 24.2% y/y to SGD110.5mn and NPI climbed 31.3% to SGD82.5mn, bolstered by the acquisitions of ESR Yatomi Kisosaki DC and 51% stake in 20 Tuas South Ave 14 (both completed in November 2024). On a same-store basis, gross revenue and NPI still posted respectable growth of 3.4% and 5.3% y/y respectively, underscoring strong leasing momentum and cost efficiency gains. Portfolio occupancy held steady at 91.6%, while rental reversions moderated to +8.6% from +10.8% a year ago, led by the Logistics and General Industrial segments. Divestments of two non-core assets above book and ongoing AEIs at 29 Tai Seng Street and 16 Tai Seng Street reaffirm management’s disciplined capital recycling strategy. Cost of debt fell to 3.65% (from 3.84%), and gearing improved 0.9ppt q/q to 41.9%.

Anyway, with such strong earnings, I think i will hold on to ESR REITS ! In fact, i am still holding on to CAPLD ASCEN REIT, CAPLD INT COM TR, FRASERS CPT TR, MAPLETREE PAC TR, STARHUB and of course ESR REIT as of now.

Small Batch by The Black Hole Group

Typically the entire environment, food and drink options are like in a Bali Vibes Café, but in Botanic Gardens. Their menu have ready to order + Build-Your-Own-Breakfast Concept. As I am there specifically for the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden tour, i have time limit to be there and to board up the tour bus back home. So we used up most of the time at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, but later found out that we can't just walk in to the cafe as there is a waiting list and average time to go in is 45 minutes. With only 1hour and 15 minutes left, my wife said just tried to join the waiting list and they may call us up earlier. So we waited and about 20 minutes later, they called and we decided to dine there. But of course taking the time limit as a consideration, we did not order the main course, but a finger food with two specialty drinks. We ordered the House Chips which is just french fries, Avocado Spinach and Smashed Strawberry. The drinks are good, but the house chips were just average at 4.5/10. So total damage there is S$26.40. Managed to finish up in time to board up our bus 🚌. If there is a chance for me to come back here, i will reserve early, play and try their main course which i heard it is good.

Operating Hours:
Monday: Closed (Except on Public Holiday)
Tuesday to Friday: 9am to 6pm (Last Order 5.30pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 6pm (Last Order 5.30pm)

Location: 1H Cluny Rd, #01-K1, Singapore 259604 [Right beside Jacob Ballas Children's Garden]

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the first garden in Asia dedicated to children. Its theme of ‘Life on Earth Depends on Plants’ aims to educate and instil a love for nature in children. The garden is a complete nature-learning environment, where children can delve deeper into the ecology of plants and our environment through discovery and experiential learning.

Typically it is free admission. As Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is designed for children aged 14 and below, you will need to pay attention to the admission requirement and not so straightforward.

1) Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult.
2) To promote a safe environment for children, adults are permitted entry only if accompanying a child. 3) Adult visitors without children must consult the Service Desk for entry, which is normally permitted only when accompanied by NParks’ staff.

Overall, i think the park is great with some special elements for the children to have fun and also learnt about some puzzle and gardens knowledge. It is quite crowded in the weekends, but mainly at the Water Park section and Tree Playground. Other than that, it is quite ok to walk around to explore.

Operating Hours: The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday) | 8.00am - 7.00pm 

Location: 1H Cluny Road Singapore 259604

[Super Chicken] Signature Taiwanese Salted Crispy Chicken 超级鸡车

Bought the daily Shopee deals for the Signature Taiwanese Salted Crispy Chicken at "Super Chicken" for S$2.95 from the original S$5.90 and yes, the shop name is called Super Chicken or 超级鸡车. This is sort of famous in China and their sets are like how our fast food operates. They are open at the below address with 2 Storey of eating seats available.To be frank, i think because of this deal, the portion they give is considered very little. If i will to pay S$5.90 and only get like only this much, i will definitely boycott it. But for now, i think still can accept. Comparing them to like ShiLin, i think they are not that better than them. But from the menu i see from the store, they do offer a lot more different items apart from this Taiwanese Salted Crispy Chicken. I think i might pay them another visit to try out their main menu soon. For now, i gave a rating of 6/10 as you need to eat them while its hot.

Location: 534 North Bridge Road Singapore 188749

Ajumma's Korean Restaurant 아줌마 at NorthPoint

Tried this Ajumma's Korean Restaurant 아줌마 at NorthPoint for dinner. By standard, they still serve the small dishes. I think for Korean without the BBQ, i will usually ordered their Ginseng Chicken. We also ordered the Clam Kkal Guksu because of the noodle choice for my daughter and the Traditional Jangtteok Seafood Pancake. For the Ginseng Chicken, not sure why they serve me extra rice as the dish itself already contain the glutinous rice inside the chicken. Although the Ginseng chicken is ok and i give my rating as 6/10, I ate before better ginseng chicken at Thomson Plaza before. The Clam Kkal Guksu typically nothing special, so 5/10. The traditional Jangtteok Seafood Pancake is not that bad as it contain more seafood than expected. My wife didn't like it, but i will give the pancake 6/10 as well. So i think its quite a normal korean cuisine standard. One problem i encountered there is my daughter went to tear the menu apart which caught us surprised! We scolded her and beat her hand, then she cry and show us that she is angry and unhappy. But after the staff provide the kids' bowl, she took it and became happy again. 😅

[Michelin 2024] Chef Kang Noodles House

They only have three main ordering. 1st is "Noodle with Char Siew and Wanton" at $7, 2nd is "Noodle with Shredded Abalone, Char Siew and Wanton" at $12 and 3rd is "Char Siew (per plate)" at $13. So knowing me, I will definitely get the signature one to get to taste all the wonders in their menu which is the Shredded Abalone, Char Siew and Wanton. They were awarded with the Michelin Guide Recommendation at 2019 and the latest 2024. The area that they are currently operating is at a Industrial Office Building, at a small shop space, table and seats at the carpark. So it is quite stuffy and hot to eat there. But what i can say is the shredded abalone does give the sweet taste. The wanton in the peppery soup is quite unique. The wanton seems to have some "Wok Hei" taste which kind of surprise me. The main highlights is definitely the Char Siew and noodles itself. The char siew is top notch, not like those normal char siew wanton mee store or food court you frequent at. The noodles as many people mentioned that the noodles are cooked and made with perfection. Whats best is the actual chef is the one cooking it. So quality is there and i really love the noodles. Overall, i gave this bowl a 8/10 which really deserved the recognition and the money well spent.

Location: 11 Lor 3 Toa Payoh, Block C Jackson Square, Singapore 319579

Ocular Migraine (Migraine with Aura)

Wah GG, during my work on staring at three screens non-stop from 10am to 6pm. I encountered this type of migraine which cause temporary visual disturbances, including a "broken glass" or "kaleidoscope" appearance, that often move across the field of vision and disappear within 30 minutes. For the first time, I encountered such thing and the best image i can find to describe is the image on top. It occurred on my left eye where i saw a crack vision to anything i see. I immediately took off my glasses and it is still there. I kept looking around and close my left eye and open again, it is still the same. I later google and check out this is a type of condition, but i certainly did not felt any pain or headache at that point of time. I felt that I may had overworked or stare at screens almost all the time. From commuting to work, during work, commuting back home and continue to look at screens at home. I think this is really bad and i should just reduce and lead a healthier lifestyle to stay away from the screen. It lasted for a good 30 minutes before i regain my original vision. I now felt worried for the next gen folks who see screens from such an early age. Sigh !

AK Noodle House Laksa Rice Vermicelli

Cook this for my lunch. Bought one packet of AK Noodles House's Laksa Rice Vermicelli [$2.73] and 230g of Chilli FishBall from Bobo [$3.15] from NTUC Supermarket. So total cost is $5.88. I would say if you don't want it to be spicy, then don't add the third packet of chilli which labelled as "Put it at your own risk" 😅. But i put in anyway and its seem so much better in taste overall. Overall i will rate it as 6/10 for a simple home cooked food. ☺️

Lan Fong Yuen 兰芳园 Frozen Lime Tea

Aiyo, first time tried something so bad that i gave 1/10 rating on the drink. Lan Fong Yuen 兰芳园 is popular with their Stocking Milk Tea. But didn't expect their Lime Tea not only taste like medicine, but also difficult to describe the taste. I just took a sip. My daughter wanted to try too. Let her take a sip and she gave me a smile. LOL ! Don't know what she means, but never going to get this. Bought it from the new Scarlett place at Yishun for about S$1.40.

Tous Les Jours at NorthPoint

Bought this Tous Les Jours Soft Milk Bun for S$5.50 taken from the cold fridge. I always thought that I love the cream at Chateraise, but this cream from this French Bakery is one more level up from Chateraise. The cream is crazily good that my daughter kept whacking the cream non-stop. Actually the bread inside is also soft and delicious. For $5.50, actually is quite costly lah, but after having the cream, i now know why. But it is sinful though, it will give you phelgm the next day. 😃 So eat with moderation.

Lenskart Free Lens Replacement

As i saw the ad on FB and Tiktok showing Free Lens Replacement on any spectacle frame, i went to dig my old Oakley spectacle frame and went to the Northpoint branch to do it. Initially they said unable to, because it might be rejected due to curve lens. But they went to try it anyway and within 2 working days, it is done and i even got both the lens, parts and a Lenskart box and cloth to come with. $20 is on the fitting cost and totally is worth it. Now it gave me a new pair of glasses to use again.

Calbee Purple Potato Snack

Bought this from NTUC Finest as the standard NTUC does not have much imported snacks' section. Hard to find healthy snacks, but healthier snacks are usually not that nice. So got to balance between healthy and delicious snacks. Chanced upon this Purple Potato from Calbee which uses real purple potato of course. Not saying it is the most healthiest too as it contained some food enhancer ingredients also. Its a snack prepared and packed from hong kong under strict Japan Calbee quality control so origin is from Hong Kong. Within this big packet, contains several little packets which is good for portioning instead of consuming big quantity. But my honest review, i will give 7/10 for this snack. It tasted almost like the japanese french fries potato chip. Really recommend.

Yishun 925 Chicken Rice Review 2025

Haiya... Had this 3 years ago and think maybe it is time for me to give another chance. Tabao the chicken drumstick chicken rice from them at SGD$5. To be honest and as a "Chicken Rice Veteran", i will rate this chicken as 5/10. So its just average chicken rice that is edible. Not the shiok kind. Meat is kinda tasteless, also the sauce on the rice. My daughter prefer to eat the Sembawang MRT random chicken rice stall rather than this. Somemore Yishun 925 have some sort of history. So still not my type of Chicken rice in 2025.