The Peranakan Classics at Orchard Cafe's Straits Cuisine Buffet

Let's face it. Peranakan and Nonya food is simply not easy to make. It is difficult cuisine. And when it is served, it does not necessarily has that 3 Michelin star look about it.

And yet, Nonya food is becoming something of a lost art. Out of the diversity of food you can get on this island, Peranakan cuisine is not something that you can find in every hawker center or food court.

Pondok Jawa Timur - Javanese Comfort Food

It was surprising to find an eatery in the heart of Wilkie Edge that is serving traditional Javanese fare, as the building is known to cater to a younger audience due to the education centers nearby.

Nevertheless, Pondok Jawa Timur serves as an example of good classic Javanese food in town, and makes a welcome change from the usual selection of hipster cafes that are nearby.

Mitzi's - Old School Cantonese Zhe Char Goodness

These days, I hardly touch zhe char food anymore, except for the ones in Johor. I actually loathe zhe char in Singapore. Everywhere I go, it's always very badly done.

Often, zhe char stalls (especially those in neighborhood areas) are rushing to fulfill their dinner orders that they tend to be very lax in their cooking.

Brunetti at Tanglin Mall

Tanglin Mall is not a place I visit that often, though I do recall frequenting it in the past. It always has that cozy, quiet ambiance that makes it perfect for shoppers to relax over a cup of coffee.

Brunetti is perhaps the appropriate spot for that cuppa and then some. Tucked away in one corner, it is almost inconspicuous and the straightforward decor and layout is actually quite suited to the fare they serve up.

928 Yishun Laksa - A Spoonful of Laksa Goodness

I have heard of how good this laksa stall is for quite some time, and I happened to be near Yishun one weekend, thus decided to check it out.

It is actually situated in a corner in a HDB block, and if not for the long queue, you might be forgiven that there was nothing really special about this place.

Chef Mikel Badiola of Element at Amara Hotel

His boyish charm had us all at hello. Always armed with a welcoming smile, his English still has the unmistakable Spanish accent, and was almost hard to make out at times.

Despite that, Chef Mikel Badiola had us engaged both with his personality, and his food for the entire evening. Mikel has recently joined the ranks of Element as their Chef de Cuisine.

The Redemption Broth - Jeremiah Tan

"My biggest regret in life is that my mother never got to see that I have turned over a new leaf."

Jeremiah Tan's voice was almost breaking as he uttered those words in the middle of our conversation.

The wrinkles on his face are very revealing, detailing a life of disappointment and years that have been lost to a wayward life that had torn him apart from his family and loved ones.

Malaysia Boleh! - The Spirit of Nanyang Cuisine

Having been to Malaysia Boleh at Jurong Point previously to savor the delicious Penang Chendol and wanton noodles, I was very privileged to be invited again by one of the owners of the establishment to try out the rest of their fabulous fare.

The place is as busy and as crowded as before, and the 17 stalls that sell the authentic Malaysian street food were all doing bustling business that Saturday morning.