Dear Diary | August 2025 Edition

Hello, August. ❤ 

August came and went in the blink of an eye. Between work, travel and social media, the month passed faster than I expected and I didn't get a chance to document it in real-time. Here's a quick recap of what August looked like for me..... 

"Spark" illumination at Gardens by The Bay

02.08.2025 | One of the many unforgettable experiences this August was strolling through the aerial walkway at Supertree Grove in the evening. The night came alive with stunning illuminations ammong the towering vertical gardens. 

What made it more special was catching "SPARK", a limited-time firefly-inspired light installation by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, featuring thousands of silent bubbles floating gently through the air, reflecting light like tiny glowing orbs. What a quiet, immersive moment of wonder in the heart of the city! 

Wildseed at The Alkaff Mansion

03.08.2025 | Sunday brunch date. Finally visited the most beautiful café on my list after nearly 3 years in Singapore! While the dining experience itself fell short of expectations, the stunning ambiance more than made up for it. Lovin' the lovely pictures taken here.

Hello, Saigon! ❤

07.08.2025 - 10.08.2025 | Back to a trip to Vietnam after my last trip to Danang & Hoi an in 2016. This round, our 4D3N trip focused only on the bests of Ho Chi Minh City. Wandering through Saigon felt like stumbling into a forgotten corner of France. Honestly I didn't expect such elegance here, but the French colonial architecture was everywhere - faded, graceful and quietly beautiful.

Food wise, we had a marvelous time exploring the best restaurants in town including Ănăn Saigon (a One Star Michelin Guide restaurant), Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa (most sizable and sumptuous banh mi in town!), Bếp Mẹ In (Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant), Lacàph Coffee (specialty egg coffee) and more. 

Thank you The Myst Dong Khoi (a Michelin Guide hotel) for the amazing hospitality including a surprise bouquet of roses and complimentary cake in the hotel suite :) 

Sunset serenity at the OCBC Skyway

16.08.2025 | We were back to the OCBC Skyway, but during the golden hour this round. As the sun began to dip, the warm orange and pink hues filled the horizon, painting the city skyline with a soft, dreamlike glow. Highly recommended to come earlier (and queue) before the golden hour. 

My first shoes collaboration with BARANI

23.08.2025 | This weekend was all about shooting for my new pair of classic leather pumps from Barani, a local shoemaker established since 40 years ago. Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to more social media collaborations in future :) 

Meet the dreamiest dream in pastel pink ❤

29.08.2025 | Happy 七夕! Here came the beautiful surprise that completely made my day and filled my heart with warmth and happiness. Delicate pink roses, pristine white eustoma, and soft pink carnations - each bloom felt so thoughtfully chosen. Together, they were a quiet, radiant expression of how deeply I was being cherished and loved. Thank you :') ❤

Homebound | Happy 68th National Day!

31.08.2025 | It's Malaysia' Independence Day! Glad to have made this long weekend trip home to spend time with family (including my mischievous nephew!) and catching up with my favourite people over a good cup of coffee and delicious cakes. All in all, simple weekend brought content. 

❤❤❤

Thank you August for the beautiful moments, quiet joys and little adventures that filled my days. It was a month that reminded me to appreciate and feel deeply. Here's to carrying that feeling into the next month - September! 

 xoxo,

FiSh

31.08.2025

Dear Diary | July 2025 Edition

Hello, July. ❤ Hello to the second half of the year. July has been a happy, busy month which buzzes with energy - every weekend packed with food reviews, beauty reels shooting and dealing with the PR agencies. Thanks for fueling my July with momentum and joy! 

Rose Romance @ Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

01.07.2025 | Visiting the Rose Romance during the day was like stepping into a dreamy European-style romance, surrounded by 15,000 roses in full blooms, spreading across 65 stunning varieties. The vibrant hues of pink, red, white and yellow around the Tudor houses and British castle made the experience feel simply....beautiful.

Hvala @ Odeon 333 (Flagship Store) 

02.07.2025 | First time visiting the latest Hvala outlet and I am surprised that they now serve a variety of ochazuke! A warm bowl of rice topped with tender seared salmon, buttery scallops and nori, blends well with the umami-rich broth. I wish it could be served with more wasabi tho. While the side of genmaicha tea offers a clean, toasty contrast. Simple, elegant and comforting! 

Song Gye Ok Specialty Chicken 송계옥 @ Telok Ayer

04.07.2025 | Friday night well-spent digging into the rare cuts of chicken (including chicken heart and gizzard!), at Song Gye Ok, a viral Korean BBQ chicken specialty restaurant from Seoul which recently opened its first international outlet in Singapore serving grilled chicken, samgyetang and more. ❤ Thank you for having me! Read my review on my blog.

Alchemist's Limited Edition 9th Anniversary Coffee Plush ❤

05.07.2025 | Thanks for bringing me here for a hot cuppa, and little did we know that a pleasant surprise came our way. So happy that we got a new cute lil' companion to join us for our coffee runs!  

Brunch at Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

06.07.2025 | Having our brunch at the famous Nassim Hill today because we had been eyeing on the popular Truffle Flatbread. Lovin' everything truffle in this dish! Made from the same crispy, airy dough as their signature pizza, it was thin and crispy, with a generous spread of black truffle paste, truffle salt and truffle oil. Highly recommended! ❤

Hello to my new ASICS Gel-Rocket 12!

07.07.2025 | Hello to the new investment for my favourite badminton! ❤❤ Thanks for the twinning pair of indoor sports shoes, after rounds of hunting for the perfect pair. Hope it is able to serve us well for a good period of time :) 

Chinatown Stamping Collection Event, where every stop is a chance to explore, discover and collect!

12.07.2025 | When I first saw this event online, I know I must join this. Little did I know the event of picking up a stamp card and redeeming fun freebies has already ended. Nevertheless, I still make my way through the vibrant mix of cultural, historical and modern spots to get the stamps for my personal collection. 

Bugis 102 Roasted Chestnut, Chop Wah On (華安药行) traditional medicine shop, Chinatown Heritage Centra and Pagoda Street stall are amongst the interesting ones I manage to collect thus far. It is a fun day of immersing myself in the rich sights and stories of Chinatown! 

Miracle Coffee @ ArtScience Museum

13.07.2025 | Nice catch-up with an old friend over two cups of Brown Sugar Hojicha and Kaya Cloud Coffee! Both taste mediocre honestly, while the price is on the high side. Nevertheless, the bright daylight pouring through the tall glass window, filling the space with a warm, inviting glow, makes it perfectly relaxing with a cup of coffee.  

Hello, Jasmine Green bes-tea plushie!

18.07.2025 | Thanks for grabbing such a cute blind box plushie from CHAGEE which is modelled after its bestselling drinks such as its peach oolong milk tea and BO·YA jasmine green milk tea. It takes alot of effort to get one before it is sold out within minutes! 

 

Wild adventures in Rainforest Wild Asia ❤❤

19.07.2025 | So happy to be in the "jungle" for a day! We came face to face with a majestic Malayan tiger, watched the playful languars swing through the treetops, and explored a cool, misty cave filled with hidden creatures. Every turn felt like a jungle adventure - 10k steps, big smiles and memories for days! 

LEGO "Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick" @ National Museum of Singapore 

20.07.2025 | Yay, we managed to catch this exclusive LEGO exhibit in conjunction to the SG60 National Day Celebration. And wow, the LEGO mural (over 7m long and 2m tall!) is officially Singapore's largest, certified by the Singapore Book of Records. The exhibit features all the significant stories of Singapore from its earliest beginnings to its present-day status as a global city. Lovin' such a colorful tribute to the nation's heritage!

New watch added into my wardrobe!

20.07.2025 | Thank you Campo Marzio for the beautiful leather-strapped watch. It has a long history of being a premium fountain pen producer in Rome since 1933. Now they have ventured into various leather goods, and the watch is definitely one of the fashionable pieces that go well with everyday lifestyle!  

❤❤❤

Thank you for all the lovely surprises and experiences throughout the month of July! ❤

 xoxo,

FiSh

31.07.2025

[FOOD] Song Gye Ok Korean BBQ Chicken Specialist @ Telok Ayer, Singapore

Song Gye Ok, World’s First Restaurant Specialising in Rare Cuts of Chicken

We finally get to experience Korea's #1 Queuing Chicken Grill Restaurant, here in Singapore! Song Gye Ok is famous for serving only chicken for the Korean BBQ grill, with a specialty twist. The feast here is a celebration of flavours, textures, and preparations you have never experienced before. 

 

The menu features six specialty chicken cuts, grilled in Korean style for the best texture and flavor. Unlike other K-BBQ joints, Song Gye Ok is strictly "No pork, No lard" in the kitchen.

From heart and gizzard to neck fillet and softbone, each cut is carefully selected and masterfully grilled to reveal its unique character. It's not just about novelty—it’s about honouring the whole bird, and uncovering the culinary potential that lies beyond the standard thigh or breast.

Star of the Show – SGO Signature Grill Platter

The Signature Grill Platter is a daring and delicious introduction to the rare cuts of chicken: 

❤ Chicken heart – Delicate and earthy 

❤ Gizzard – Firm and chewy with a savoury richness 

❤ Tenders – The softest bite (my favourite!)

❤ Softbone – Crisp and collagen-rich 

❤ Neck fillet – Slightly fatty with meaty flavour 

❤ Thigh – A familiar comfort, but perfectly grilled

Each piece is kissed by fire, finished with just the right touch of seasoning, and served hot off the grill.

Chicken Heart goes well with Korean Seasoned Salt!

We have so much fun pairing our grill platter with a variety of house-made sauces and seasonings, each crafted to enhance the delicate flavours of each cut: 

❤ Sancho Soya Sauce – A punchy blend with a citrusy zing from Japanese sancho pepper  (pairs well with Softbone)

❤ Sriracha Sauce – Bold, spicy, and slightly sweet  (pairs well with Tenders)

❤ Korean Seasoned Salt – Subtle, savoury, and balanced for umami-rich cuts (pairs well with Chicken Heart)

❤ Garlic Sauce – Deep and mellow with pickled garlic complexity (pairs well with Gizzard)

❤ Yuzu Shishito Sauce – Bright, tangy, and aromatic

❤ Pickled Shishito – A crunchy, tangy side with a mild kick (my favourite!) (pairs well with Neck Fillet)

My favourite Chicken Tenders are incredibly soft and melt-in-the-mouth!

Earl Grey Highball and the condiments / sauces

We enjoy the meal together with the house-made Korean White Cabbage Kimchi and Pickled Mustard which cut through the fats from the grills very well. The light, fragrant, and dangerously drinkable Earl Grey Highball is also the perfect pairing for flame-kissed bites. 

Bibim Noodles

No great meal is complete without the perfect accompaniments. The Bibim Noodles – cool, chewy noodles tossed in gochujang sauce with crisp fresh vegetables – get us hooked at the first instance. 

SGO Cheongguk Doenjang Stew

This rustic Korean classic made with fermented cheongguk doenjang, tofu, and seasonal vegetables is the best comfort in a bowl. I enjoy how the extra potent fermented soybean paste flavour adds savory umami depth to the stew.  

Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice

Lastly, we are presented with the rich, fragrant dish on the grill. It features premium garlic from Uiseong, stir-fried with kkari pepper, soy sauce, and topped with golden egg yolk. The result? Ultra cheesy and garlicky in flavour. Highly recommended! 

Overall Experience

The dining experience in Song Gye Ok is a reimagining of what chicken can be. By spotlighting rare and underused cuts, and pairing them with inventive sauces, traditional sides, and elegant drinks, Song Gye Ok invites you to taste, explore, and enjoy chicken in a way you never have before. Whether you are a food adventurer, a lover of Korean flavours, or simply curious to try something new, this is a culinary journey worth taking.  

Song Gye Ok

113 Telok Ayer St,
Singapore 068582.

Phone: +65 8088 3850

Email: hello@songgyeok.sg

Website: https://songgyeok.sg/

Instagram: @songgyeok.sg

Operating Hours

Monday - Sunday

11am - 3pm (last order 2:30pm)

5pm - 10pm (last order 9:30pm)

Dear Diary | June 2025 Edition

Hello, June. ❤ Here we are, already halfway through 2025, and I am still wandering through the haze, trying to discover what truly feels right for me this year. Nevertheless, June is nothing short of fun and excitements amidst the hustle of work. Let’s begin the review of the month…

Lilytopia @ Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

01.06.2025 | The lilytopia dreams were back! It has becomes my monthly routine to visit the Flower Dome for various flower festivals. It was a dreamy lily wonderland, with Venice-inspired canals and the charm of a little Italian town. From colorful blooms to artistic displays, Lilytopia was a floral fantasy come to life. I'd love to be back next month for the Rose Romance. 

New Bahru | New playground for the lit

02.06.2025 | First time collaborating with KLOOK to enjoy new experiences in New Bahru! The day started with a buffalo leather coin pouch making workshop at Crafune, followed by a satisfying lunch in The Coconut Club and ended with a relaxing afternoon sip on specialty coffee at Morning. What a fun-filled day!

Come enjoy 5% OFF on any activities in KLOOK using my promo code:

OHFISHIEEKLOOK

Meet my very unique "Ketupat" styled leather coin pouch!

Being a handcraft lover, the leather crafting experience was my favourite activity of the day. We spent a good 1.5 hour crafting our own coin pouch using the premium buffalo leather, embroidered with our name on it plus a cute little embossed character as the perfect finishing for our masterpiece. Lovin' this unique piece of ours! ❤

03.06.2025 | Thanks mate for the souvenirs especially the dainty Chinese tea sachets from

Cha Yan Yue Se (茶颜悦色) from Changsha!

A Valrhona Chocolate Afternoon Tea Experience at The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Singapore ❤❤

08.06.2025 | It was my first collaboration with Shangri-la Singapore, where we indulged in the elegant Valrhona chocolate-themed afternoon tea. It was a luxurious celebration of chocolates where sweet meets savoury in every bite.

From the warm scones paired with signature Valrhona chocolate milkshake, to the warm and cold savouries, main courses and dainty dessert platter, the afternoon tea set was an elegant interplay of flavours. What I loved most was how the chocolate complemented, contrasted and enhanced the experience in all the right ways. 

*Only available from 5 June till 27 July 2025. 

Father's Day celebration at HaiDiLao Hotpot

15.06.2025 | Happy Father's Day! ❤ Homebound for the celebration together with the family. The simplest meals become feasts when shared with the ones we love :)

Gully at Holiday Inn Singapore Little India

21.06.2025 | We were excited to step into Gully, a true reflection of traditional Indian street food, inspired by the narrow alleyways of the bustling Indian streets. Read more about my food review here.

Sushi Omakase Lunch at Sushi Muni 「無二」

28.06.2025 | Konnichiwa! Sushi Muni (無二) is a new and intimate Japanese omakase restaurant with only ten seats, and it has fully booked for the past month. Happy to be invited for an exclusive food review here. 

Lunch Sushi Omakase

Salad | Chawan Mushi | Kuzu Somen | 11 Sushi Makimono | Soup | Dessert

I was delighted to try this one-of-a-kind experience, where the finest seasonal ingredients were elevated through Edomae (traditional Tokyo-style) techniques - marinating, simmering, aging, and curing. What a delicious meal! 

Lovin' the cute Chilli Crab on the navy ship!

28.06.2025 | National Day Parade Rehearsal Fireworks 2025! ❤ I was elated to be watching the NDP rehearsal fireworks from the Helix Bridge - right in the heart of Marina Bay, yet without the overwheling crowd.

The view was nothing short of spectacular as the city skyline glowed in the background and each firework burst reflected beautifully off the water. The navy ship came by with cute displays of chilli crab, orchid and rocket symbolising the spirits of the nation. 

❤❤❤

June has been really packed with events and food reviews, while July already has an exciting line up of activities that keep me busy and content. Looking forward to more adventures in the months to come!

 xoxo,

FiSh

30.06.2025

[FOOD] Indian Street Food in Gully Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Little India

Gully Singapore, a journey of reimagined Indian street food

Located on the rooftop of Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, Gully Restaurant and Garden is the place where I embark on a vibrant, sensory-rich journey through modern Indian street food, elevated with inventive flair and high-quality ingredients. 

The atmosphere is buzzy and modern, echoing the spirit of Indian street markets with a sleek, urban twist, hence ideal for group gatherings or an adventurous date night. Now let the food do the talking, and walk you down the narrow alleyways ("gali" गली) of bustling Indian streets.....

COCKTAILS

Gully Signature Margarita (Masala Margarita)

Little Chennai (Kaya Butter Whisky Sour)

We start off with bold and fun cocktails such as the Signature Margarita. This is definitely not your average margarita. It is rimmed with masala salt and infused with spice, giving a tangy, smoky punch that pairs perfectly with the rich food. Little Chennai (Kaya Butter Whisky Sour), on the other hand, is inspired by the iconic kaya toast, delivering a creamy, nutty and well-balanced flavour on the mouth.  

Tandoori Fish Tacos

A must-have appetiser here is the tandoori fish taco! These tacos are a masterclass in balance. The fish, perfectly marinated and grilled, is nestled into soft taco shells with a bright, zesty mint chutney and a squeeze of lime that cuts through the richness. When Indian meets Mexican, I am surprised it matches perfectly well.  

Smoked Paneer Tacos

Vegetarian diners would not feel left out with this bold dish. The paneer is gently smoked and soaked in saffron marinade, giving it a luxurious aroma. Mint chilli adds a subtle fire, while puffed quinoa lends crunch and texture. It is inventive and deeply satisfying. 

 Bara Bazaar Puchka 

What interests me is the beautifully arranged row of pani puris. The presentation is playful—served as "shots" with crispy shells you fill yourself. The tamarind water is tangy and spiced just right, while the potato mash and sev add a street-side authenticity. A must-try for anyone craving nostalgia with flair.

Tandoori Jhinga

For sharing, the tandoori prawns are also a crowd pleaser. The prawns are plump and smoky, kissed with yellow chilli and coated in a yogurt marinade that clings to the seafood beautifully. They arrive sizzling, aromatic, and perfectly grilled—one of the standout items for seafood lovers. 

 Charred Malai Broccoli

For the mains, this dish surprises us. The broccoli is charred at the edges, creamy in the center, and enveloped in a luxurious cashew sauce. Toasted almonds give crunch, making it both indulgent and wholesome. 

 

Gully Smoked Butter Chicken

The best is saved for last! A twist on the beloved classic, this version of Smoked Butter Chicken arrives with a whiff of smoky ghee that lifts the whole dish. The chicken is tender, the tomato gravy rich and comforting, and it is perfect for mopping up with their pillowy, golden Garlic Butter Naan, which is slathered generously and impossibly moreish. 

Garlic Butter Naan

Overall Experience

I am not usually a fan of Indian food, but dining at Gully Singapore is an eye opener for me! It is a sensory trip through India’s diverse food culture, reimagined with global influences. The execution is polished, the flavors are bold, and every dish tells a story. 

Come hungry, come curious—you’ll leave full and delighted.

Gully Restaurant & Garden

10 Farrer Park Station Road

Level 5,

Holiday Inn Singapore Little India,

Singapore 217564. 

Phone: +65 91464780

Email: gullysg@ihg.com

Website: https://gullysg.com/

Instagram: @gullysingapore

Operating Hours

Lunch: 12.00noon - 4.00pm daily

Dinner: 4.30pm - 10.30pm daily