Tea Break at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery @ East Coast

Address: 86 East Coast Road #01-01, Katong Square, Singapore 428788

Tel: 6723 2025

Website: https://babachews.com.sg/

Operation Hours

Daily 6.30am to 10.30pm

Baba Chews Bar & Eatery pay tribute to Mr. Chew Joo Chiat, in this beautiful heritage-rich neighbourhood. They serve up Peranakan, Malacca and Western dishes and drinks. The interior is intricately beautiful, and service is quite heartwarming.

I was here on a Sunday afternoon after a work event. To be frank, quite surprised by the lack of customers / diners here as most other cafes in the Katong / Joo Chiat stretch are crowded. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the quietness.

Started with a hot pot of Honey Lemon Tea (SGD$5.00); the cup was vintage-Asian style, almost transporting me back in time.

I also had a glass of Pinot Grigio (SGD$15.00). They have quite a good selection of wine, and also cocktails.

As I'd taken brunch and would be taking dinner soon, I settled for just a slice of cake. I had wanted to try the exotic sounding Butterfly Blue Pea Osmanthus Chocolate Cake (SGD$12.00) but to my disappointment,  it wasn't available. 

So I settled for the Ondeh Ondeh Cake (SGD$12.00) - soft layers of aromatic, pandan kaya cake with gula melaka, and topped with hardened coconut cream (so it was lovely, like icing on the cake literally) and coconut shavings.  While it made for a lovely sweet treat, I liked that it wasn't cloyingly so.

Enjoyed my chilling out experience here alot, and can foresee myself coming back for lunch and drinks someday soon again.

Now, moving on, if you like Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, and this gorgeous neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants and close to the sea, let's see what NEW LAUNCHES / PROJECTS are here so you can make this your homegrounds:

• Amber Park - an iconic development with 592 units in total, currently left with last 8 units of 5-bedroom apartments. This is a freehold project by CDL. Expected T.O.P. in mid 2023 so you can move in soon.

• The Line @ Tanjong Rhu - another eye catching development you can spot from afar, offering sea views, bay views or greenery views. Also a freehold project, The Line has obtained T.O.P. so you can view actual units and move in soon.

• Liv @ MB --gorgeous project by Bukit Sembawang, at Mountbatten area surrounded by huge landed homes. Thoughtful designs and gorgeous landscaping made this project so popular; there's only 14% left so don't miss your chance to grab it. Expected T.O.P. in 2024.

• Meyer Mansion - needs no introduction! A luxurious condo by Guocoland with just 200 exclusive units and breathtaking landscaping. Whether you get the sea viewed units, the pool view units or the landed facing units- there's a good view for every unit. Freehold, and expected T.O.P. to be in mid-2024. Nicely coinciding with the opening up of Katong Park MRT near it.

• Tembusu Grand is a brand new condo with a total of 638 units, developed by CDL and MCL Land. It sits at a prime location near reputable schools, and is close to Tanjong Katong, for ease of finding food and lifestyle needs. Preview of this project starts on 26 March 2023 and you can secure a VVIP pass with me.

• The Continuum @ Thiam Siew - brand nnew condo with 816 units, is freehold, and developed by Hoi Hup & Sunway. Preview of this project starts on 30 March 2023 and you can secure a VVIP pass with me.

• Atlassia @ Joo Chiat area - enjoy freehold residences surrounded by conservation shophouses for maximum heritage charm. Joo Chiat area is vibrant for food, art and lifestyle enjoyment.

• K Suites @ Telok Kurau - tranquil and low density living, freehold, and within 1km to Tao Nan School. There are only 19 exclusive units for this project, with 3 to 5 bedroom types.

Lunch at Penang Culture Restaurant @ White Sands

1 Pasir Ris Central 3, #03-21 White Sands, Singapore 518457

Tel: 6585 4877

Website: http://www.gdgroup.com.sg/penang-culture

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenangCulture

Had cravings for Penang food and was glad to chance upon Penang Culture at White Sands Shopping Centre while I visited Pasir Ris.

Penang Culture is under the Gurney Drive (GD) Group of companies, helmed by Penangite Chef Wong Thin Lipp, serving up traditional Penang delicacies such as Penang Laksa, Char Kuey Teow and Curry Noodles, etc. Service was slow but that partially because the outlet is longish in design, spreading across the length of the wall that overlooks the rest of the mall below.

We wasted no time in ordering.

The White Curry Noodle with Seafood (SGD$8.95) came with a rich gravy and was generously loaded with ingredients such as succulent chicken, springy shrimps, cockles  cuttlefish and dried beancurd (taupok). The latter soaked up the delicious curry gravy and was really fun to bite into, feeling the curry explosion in our mouths. One could opt for yellow noodles, vermicelli ( beehoon) or a mixture thereof.

The Penang Assam Laksa (SGD$7.95) was a traditional dish of flavorful spicy and sour gravy, sardine fish, sour mango slivers, onions and cut chilli. This was a very appetizing dish. They also have the Salmon version which I should try the next time.

Finally, Nutmeg Drink (SGD$4.95) which was aromatic with nutmeg's sweet, slightly tangy hints.

All in all, we found Penang Culture to be rather satisfying in terms of food, variety and service; it's a nice place to fill the tummy at affordable pricing.

Lunch at HarriAnns Table Cafe @ Bugis Junction

230 Victoria Street #01-01A Bugis Junction Towers, Singapore 188024

Tel: 6238 1200

Website: http://www.harrianns.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Harrianns

Whenever I exited the MRT Station at Bugis, I would find myself being treated to aromas from HarriAnns Cafe. The Peranakan cafe has a small enclosed interior and long open-air exterior area, serving up traditional Nonya dishes at good prices.

I had the Nonya Curry Chicken with Rice (SGD$7.90) - thick and tasty curry broth pooling utterly tender chicken and soft whole potato. The plate of white rice was served with Achar aka pickled vegetables, whetting the appetite further.

Could not resist the colorful mini Nonya Kuehs (SGD$3.00) so I ordered a box. They tasted every bit as good as they look so I happily lapped up the cubes of red bean kueh, multi-layer kueh, yam kueh and pandan kueh etc.

Casual dining concept with hearty food generoualy portioned- I will be back to try more for sure.

Traditional Klang Claypot Bak Kut Teh @ Rail Mall

444 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678066

Tel: 6465 8688

Website: None supplied

We decided to explore Rail Mall for a simple dinner, and chanced upon Traditional Klang Claypot Bak Kut Teh restaurant, by the E.A.T. group.

Being a cool rainy day, the idea of piping hot soup appealed to us. Furthermore, the restaurant serves dry bak kut teh as well, a favorite of mine. Part of me was also hoping it might be the resurrection of my favorite herbal Klang BKT stall along Beach Road (defunct now).

Anyway, The Beau ordered for the 2 of us in the air-conditioned restaurant. Ordering is done at the counter by the way.

We had some simple side dishes such as You Mai Vegetables with garlic (SGD$3.80), Doughstick aka You Tiao (SGD$1.60) and my favorite Braised Egg (SGD$0.80).

Bak Kut Teh (SGD$6.60) was served very shortly after ordering; portion was notably small. The soup version comprised pork ribs, inards and beancurd skin (tau kee). We dug into the steaming soup eagerly only to watch each other's face fall. The soup was bland, totally devoid of any taste at all, let alone herbal aroma.

My Dry Bak Kut Teh (SGD$6.80) arrived next, the serving so paltry they might as well have served it on a plate. The saving grace was that the meat was tender, and there were lady's fingers in the tasty mixture tinged with spiciness.

Good service would be wistful thinking at this place, sadly, such that even refill of (tasteless) soup warranted repeated requests and half a mug-ful only. Needless to say, we both concurred that there are better avenues to satiate future BKT cravings.


For Reviews on Other Bak Kut Teh stalls visited:-

1) Founder Bak Kut Teh @ Balestier
2) Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh @ Rangoon Road
3) Heng Heng Bak Kut Teh @ Rangoon Road
4) Lian Peng Bak Kut Teh @ IMM
5) Song Fa Bak Kut Teh @ Chinatown Point

Maneuvering Malaysia - Going Genting [Revisit]

69000 Pahang Darul, Genting Highlands, Mamur, Malaysia

Tel: (+603) 6101 1110

Website: http://www.gentinghighlands.info and https://www.rwgenting.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResortsWorldGenting

The last time we went up to Resorts World Genting (review here) was probably around 10 years back - wow, time flies! Some of the old attractions such as Ridley's Museum, theme parks and Cradle Rock have made way for the new development, a new theme park that promises to be massive, and exciting. We revisited, and here's an update on what to do at Genting in the meantime.

ACCOMMODATION

We tried to book other hotels (I am not a fan of First World Hotel) but that November, all the hotels up on Genting Highlands were fully booked, leaving only those at mid-mountain available.

FIRST WORLD HOTEL
Genting Highlands, 69000 Malaysia
Tel: +60 32718 1118
Website: https://www.rwgenting.com/hotel/firstworld-hotel

We had no choice but to stick with First World Hotel - but were pleased to stay at the newly extended wing with nicer facilities, wifi in room and a fridge! Room per night was around SGD$80.00. Room service was quite efficient and checking out was very easy - simply drop the hotel cards into machines on lobby level and thats it.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Although the theme parks are not ready yet, rest assured that there is plenty to do up here at Genting Highlands for a relaxing vacation - whether you like shopping, KTV, movies or other indulgences. Also do catch their spectacular light show performances at timed
intervals.

SHOPPING
Resorts World Genting has 4 storeys of retail boutiques, with familiar brands such as Sephora, Adidas, Esprit, H&M, Clarks, etc, and some of their local brands. So feel free to shop till you drop whilst here.

CASINOS
Well. yes, cannot miss that one out for sure. Whether you are looking for dice games, card games or just jackpot machines, the newly renovated 2-storey casino has more than enough slots for you to try your hand (and luck) at the various games, as long as you remember to bring $$$.

FOOT MASSAGE / HAIR CUT
There are foot massage spas and several hair salons located among the shops so if you are not a fan of shopping or casino, do drop by to pamper yourself with a soothing foot massage or hair styling session. After all, you are on vacation!

THEATERS
There are also concert performances and movie theatres available for those who prefer visual delights, enjoying concerts, plays and your favourite flicks in cool, air-conditioned comfort.

CHIN SWEE CAVE TEMPLE
For the more religious-inclined, or those with love for culture, drive a little downhill to the Chin Swee Cave Temple, erected in honour of Buddhist monk Chin Swee who has also been referred to as deity. Indulge in the beauty of the scenic views, magnificent Pagoda and Fairies Bridge, etc.

RESTAURANTS

Unlike last time, there is no lack of food up here at Resorts World Genting, be it local Malaysian delights, casual cafes or stylish European fare - they have it all covered.  We started eating from the foot of the mountain, all the way to Kulai on the way back - so I shall cover all restaurants here.

BURGER AND LOBSTER
Resorts World Genting, Sky Avenue Level 1, Genting Highlands 69000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 36105 9186
Website: https://www.burgerandlobster.com/en/location/genting-highlands

I had been recommended to try this restaurant out, and during lunch and dinner time, there was always a long queue. Lobster Rolls are their specialty, and one could choose original or spicy flavour - I picked the spicy one with a glass of White Wine, enjoying the good service and tranquil ambience immensely. Be prepared to spend around SGD$50.00 per person here.

DRAGON-I PEKING DUCK RESTAURANT
Genting Highlands Resort, Level T2 Sky Avenue Lots T2-22 & 23, 69000 Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +603 6101 3880
Website: https://www.dragon-i.com.my

This Shanghai restaurant is very popular at Resorts World Genting too, always garnering a long queue - but its easy to see why. With the lavish decor and attentive service, as well as delectable, quality Chinese dishes, people don't mind spending a little time and money to dine well on vacation. We enjoyed their Peking Duck, steamed fish, eggplant etc.

AH YAT ABALONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Genting Highlands Resort, Level T2A Sky Avenue Lot F/L2A, 23, 69000 Pahang, Malaysia
Tel:
Website: https://www.rwgenting.com/en/fb/others/ahyat.htm

Prominent brand in Singapore and the region, it wasnt surprising that we also tried Ah Yat Seafood and Abalone set meal here - quality superior items in comfortable settings.

CHIN SWEE VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands 69000, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +603 6101 1613
Website: http://www.chinswee-vegetarianrestaurant.com

Located at the serene Chin Swee Caves Temple, this spacious vegetarian restaurant serves up pretty tasty vegetarian dishes for those who do not mind going meat-less. The servers here also take good care of the aesthetics arrangement of the dishes.

MALAYSIAN FOOD STREET
Genting Highlands Level 4 Sky Avenue, 69000 Bentong, Malaysia
Website: https://www.rwgenting.com/dining/cuisines/local-favourites/MFS

A spacious food court style dining arena adorned with vintage Malaysian decorations such as trishaw, etc. There are many stalls serving up local delights such as Hokkien Mee, Sarawak Kolo Mee, Dim Sum, Curry Laksa, Wanton Mee, Bak Kut Teh etc.

OLD TOWN WHITE COFFEE CAFE
B-5 Taxi Stand Resort Hotel, Genting Highlands 69000, Bentong, Malaysia
Tel: +603 6101 2713
Website: http://www.oldtown.com.my

Definitely no stranger to this cafe in both Singapore and Malaysia, we decided to enjoy some hot beverages here while going up at night to enjoy the chilly air and blasts of cloud passing through our bodies, generating blissful coolness. We had Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot Honey Lemon, Chicken Nuggets and Fries for supper.

LOONG KEE RESTAURANT
35-37 Jalan Jati 1, 69000 Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highland, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +603 6100 1149
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/gohtongjayaloongkee

A friendly, family-style Cantonese restaurant serving up delicious dishes, and where we enjoyed steamed fish, clams soup, beer, tofu, eggplant dishes, a hearty meal at the foot of Genting Highlands before continuing the journey uphill.

MEEI SHIH RESTAURANT
69 Jalan Angerrik 3, Taman Kulai Utama, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +6012 721 2196
Website: None

Enroute home from Genting Highlands, we stopped by this restaurant at Kulai area (Johor) serving up fresh and live seafood. We had Steamed Fish, Black Pepper Crabs, Salted Egg Crabs, etc.

AZUMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
35C Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +6073 005038
Website: http://www.edoichigroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AzumaJapaneseRestaurant

Under the Edoichi (Right Potential) Group, Azuma Japanese Restaurant has several locations around Malaysia itself, serving up pretty fresh and delectable sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes at reasonable rates.

LUCKY KING  BUN (好运面包王)
28, 29 Jalan MPK6, Medan Perdagangan Kepayang, Lebuhraya Seremban, Bukit Nenas, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6631 1755
Website: http://www.luckykingbun.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LUCKYKINGBUN

Great combination of big buns and curry chicken in thick gravy and chunky potatoes; definitely delicious and hearty!

LAU YOU JI (老友记) RESTAURANT
No. 38 Jalan Loke Yew, Bentong Town, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16443 3129
Website: https://www.facebook.com/laoyoukeekopitiam

We wanted to eat at the famous seafood restaurant opposite but it was closed, so we  dropped by here for Laksa and Wanton Noodles (tried the original version and the curry version) but food and service were both mediocre, unfortunately.