What’s in the Box?

Standard Bun offers a tempting variety of flavors, and I grabbed a box of 8 distinct buns to sample:

• Salt Mocha Bun
• Coconut Bun
• Red Velvet Cookie Bun
• Earl Grey Cream Bun
• Matcha Cookie Bun
• Milk Cream Bun
• Melon Cream Bun
• Potato Cheese Bun

Each bun is handmade with a soft, chewy base and generously filled with flavored creams or toppings - an indulgence that promises both variety and excitement.

Top Flavors Worth the Hype

Both of these offered unexpected delight. The Melon Cream Bun burst with fruity freshness, while the Earl Grey Cream Bun had a refined citrusy aroma that lingered from first bite to finish — ideal for tea lovers seeking a twist in their treats.

While most of Standard Bun’s flavors lean sweet, they do venture into savory territory. The Potato Cheese Bun was surprisingly enjoyable — creamy, cheesy, and rich with a pleasant lingering aftertaste. However, the base dough seems more naturally suited to sweet flavor profiles, making the savory offerings feel a bit selective and polarizing. 

Standard Bun brings a welcome and whimsical addition to Singapore’s bakery scene. While not every bun is a knockout, the overall experience — from variety to novelty to presentation — is undeniably fun. If you're curious or just in the mood to treat yourself, this pop-up is worth checking out before it disappears in August.

There’s something deeply comforting about revisiting a cuisine that feels both familiar and full of surprises. On a recent trip to China, the very first thing on my agenda as a foodie was to reconnect with and rediscover its rich culinary heritage. One of the highlights was dining at Shanghai Table, located at Room 104A, West Wing of Shanghai Centre, No.1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai - right in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

This particular restaurant brought back the nostalgic flavors of traditional Shanghainese food while reminding me of what makes Chinese cuisine so beautifully balanced and satisfying.

True to its regional roots, the food at Shanghai Table leaned into the classic Shanghainese profile: a gentle sweetness layered with a long-lasting umami depth. Whether it was the braised meats or delicately sauced vegetables, each bite felt thoughtfully composed, hitting that perfect spot between indulgence and comfort. Unlike cuisines that can feel heavy or overwhelming, Shanghainese cooking keeps things light on the tummy yet always filling and deeply satisfying.

• Pomelo Fried Shrimp – Lightly crispy with a refreshing citrus twist, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make it both unique and incredibly moreish.
• Dong Po Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – A Shanghainese classic. Rich, caramelized, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, this dish is the ultimate indulgence that still somehow feels like home.
• Scallion Oil Noodles – Simple yet satisfying. The springy noodles are tossed in fragrant scallion-infused oil, delivering big flavor with minimal ingredients — a testament to the elegance of Chinese comfort food.
• Beancurd Soup – Delicate, earthy, and soothing. This soup is nourishing and light, offering a lovely contrast to the richer dishes on the menu.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

One restaurant format I’ve come to appreciate in China is the “kitchen-style” canteen, where you're greeted by rows of ready-made dishes, pick what you want, and pay by weight. It’s a system that offers a buffet-like choice with home-cooked authenticity. Everything tastes like it came from someone’s family kitchen - soulful, warm, and honest. It’s perfect for those who want variety without compromising quality or taste.

No journey into Chinese cuisine is complete without a nod to dim sum — those small bites of joy that make any breakfast buffet a mini adventure. Whether steamed or fried, dim sum never disappoints. I always look forward to seeing bamboo steamers stacked high in hotel restaurants, revealing treasures like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, or pan-fried turnip cakes. It's the kind of food that invites you to slow down and savor, one piece at a time.

Shanghai reminded me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done right - and here, it often is.

Since the pandemic began, I hadn't set foot in China. So finally, being able to visit the vibrant city of Shanghai recently was nothing short of exhilarating. As with any form of travel, there's always something new to discover - and this time, my unexpected discovery came in the form of a unique and indulgent Shanghai Wellness experience: the famous Shuiguo Spa.  

After hearing so much about Bangkok's bustling nightlife and iconic rooftop bars, I finally had the chance to experience it myself - at none other than Tichuca Sky Bar. Perched above the busy district of Phra Khanong, Tichuca offers more than just cocktails and a view. It's a full-on sensory experience. 

The ambiance struck a romantic chord - even with the crowd. Yes, it was packed especially as the night wore on. If you're aiming to reach the upper levels where the views are even more breathtaking, navigating the space can be a bit challenging. As the night deepens and the crowd thickens, moving around requires a little patience and finesse. But somehow, it didn't ruin the mood. Instead, it felt like part of the charm. People from all walks of life vibed together, clinking glasses under the iconic LED-lit "tree centerpiece" that lights up the space in a next-level glow. 

What stood out to me most wasn't just the aesthetic or the drinks, but the energy. It's a place where you blend in with locals and travelers alike. It's where the essence of modern Bangkok comes alive - fast, vibrant, unapologetically loud and yet, deeply soulful. After several visits to Bangkok, finally getting to experience one of its famous rooftop bars felt like crossing off a rite of passage. Tichuca wasn't just a night out - it was a celebration of the city's spirit, elevated high above its chaotic streets. 

Tips if you're planning to visit:

• Arrive early if you want a good spot - sunset is a magical time to be there.
• Dress smart casual - it's stylish but not overly strict.
• Be patient - crowds build up quickly, and the wait for the lift can take a bit of time. 

Whether you're in Bangkok for a few days or staying longer, make Tichuca a part of your nightlife itinerary. Just one night there, and you'll understand why this city never sleeps - and why you might not want to either. 

Some countries you visit once. Japan is one you keep coming back to. And each visit adds a new layer to my love for it, shaped not by monuments or itineraries, but by meals: simple, soulful, sometimes unforgettable.

If there's one thing the movie Train to Busan nailed, it's how fast and seamless the journey from Seoul to Busan really is - minus the zombies, of course. Our own version of this trip was far less dramatic but equally memorable. Taking the high-speed train from Seoul, we found the journey smooth, comfortable and uneventful in the best way possible. Before we knew it, we were already stepping into South Korea's second-largest city. 

A colorful hillside village that felt like stepping into a different era of South Korea. Far from the glass towers of Seoul, Gamcheon is full of winding alleyways, bright murals and small community-driven art space. It gave us a glimpse into a more grassroots, communal side of Korean life. Perfect for a slow stroll and photo ops, even in the rain. 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Easily one of our favorite stops. This oceanside temple is nothing short of stunning. The waves crashing against the rocky cliffs, the serene atmosphere, and the gentle hum of prayer make for a calming, almost meditative experience. Bonus points for the street food stalls just outside the temple - a great spot to grab a quick bite while soaking in the view. 

Haeundae Blueline Park: Capsule Train Ride

This family-friendly coastal ride offers scenic ocean views, but truthfully, there's not much variety in the landscape - just a long, endless blue horizon. It's something fun to try once, especially for families or firs-time visitors, but not necessarily something we'd line up for again. 

Trying Gukbap

One of the highlights of our food experience was sipping a hot bowl of Gukbap - a hearty rice soup that's deeply comforting, especially in cold, rainy weather. While we missed out on other iconic Busan delicacies like Mil-Myeon and sliced Raw Fish, we're glad we got to experience at least one authentic local dish. 

Though our trip was cut short by the unfavorable weather, Busan managed to leave a lasting impression. It's relaxed yet vibrant energy, scenic coastal charm and friendly local all made for a refreshing break from the hustle of Seoul. There's still so much more we want to explore - the food, the markets, the temples and those quiet little streets that seem to whisper stories of the past. So yes, this was just a glimpse. But one that already has us planning our return!

 An Ultimate Guide: Where to Go, What to Eat & What Not to Miss in South Korea

If you're searching for the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, OSO Ristorante delivers an unforgettable dining experience that checks all the right boxes. My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary there, and from ambiance to service to every bite of food, the evening was nothing short of wonderful.

Serene, Classic and Romantic Vibes

OSO Ristorante is perched on the 27th floor of Oasia Hotel Downtown, offering an elevated dining experience - both literally and figuratively. From the moment you arrive, the serene and classic ambiance sets the tone for a timeless evening. Dim lighting adds a touch of romance without being overly formal, while the quiet, refined atmosphere makes it ideal for intimate conversations. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet night out, OSO provides a peaceful, upscale escape in the heart of the city.

Cordial and Attentive Service

The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout our dinner. They were happy to answer questions about the menu and offered thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. We appreciated how accommodating they were with our requests - never intrusive, but always nearby when we needed something.

A Taste of Italy: Dishes We Loved

The menu at OSO Ristorante is rooted in authentic Italian flavors, and every dish we tried was beautifully presented and full of depth.

• Fritto - a starter of Sicilian-style deep-fried baby calamari served with creamy mayonnaise. Perfectly crispy and not greasy, it set the tone for the meal with its simple, satisfying flavor.

  
  
  

• Rigatoni with 48-Hour Braised Beef Bolognese Ragout - this dish was rich and comforting. The slow-cooked beef melted into the sauce, coating the rigatoni with a robust, hearty flavor that was incredibly satisfying.

  
  
  

• Filleto (250g Beef Tenderloin) served with Black Truffle Purée and Green Asparagus - the tenderloin was cooked to perfection even if I opted for a medium-well doneness. The truffle added an earthy complexity, while the asparagus brought a nice freshness to balance the richness.

  
  
  

• Tiramisu - light, airy, and just sweet enough to end the meal on a high note. A classic done right.