Finally, something truly Singaporean

I got this valuable tip from a Singaporean taxicab driver, there's a wealth of information one can get from the unassuming taxicab driver you know.

I always like to ask them where the best tasting places to eat local dishes are. They weave around the city all day, dropping off locals and tourists here and there, they're an excellent resource if you want to experience the local culinary scene the way the locals do. They know the best places many locals like to eat at and they know how it should taste like, and what's more, they eavesdrop on conversations of passengers that talk about the best restaurants and hawkers... asides from who's dating whom of course.

At first I thought he was trying to say the word "Butiki". As I tried my best to learn Singlish in the next few seconds, this is what I discovered...  BOON TONG KEE on River Valley Road. It was the best Hainanese Chicken Rice ever. Well at least they have an award for being amongst the top ten. There are other dishes too of course but I'll write more in detail about this experience in Word of Mouth - Philippine Daily Inquirer soon.

Mario Batali's MOZZA, Singapore

My sister in law Charina Quizon Mendoza is one of my foodie treasures. I've gotten a couple of good tips from her. While at Singapore, she recommended we go try out the restaurant of Mario Batali. I must admit that I was a little hesitant at first because I was all set on a purely Singaporean culinary adventure. Okay fine, it's Batali's first venture into Asia, and the fact that my sister in law might just kick my butt if I didn't say 'yes' was enough for me to reconsider. I trust her anyways. So I happily went along with the plan.

Like I said, Pizzeria MOZZA is Mario Batali's first venture into Asia. The Executive Chef, Karla Mendoza, a Filipina from Marikina is obviously Batali's asset  and does he know it. The food was excellent and very much worth the visit. If you find yourself there, go try it, so worth it! Yummy! 


It makes me so proud to see our countrymen excelling in such a fast paced and competitive industry. Congratulations Karla! The staff was also mostly Filipinos and they were efficient and friendly. There really is nothing that compares to the warmth and attentive service given by Filipinos.

My crime in Singapore

I did the most unthinkable and unforgivable crime in Singapore! I had Japanese food. I was all set on sampling just local cuisine until I came across this- I tried my best to resist but I am glad I failed. I had heavenly morsels of charcoal broiled fresh Foie Gras sushi drizzled with Terriyaki sauce. You cannot imagine what this tastes like. It was my wife's order but I ate half of it.