Singapore spree

Once again, Christmas in Singapore. This time, it was more food than shopping. I think the economy there recovered pretty well from SARs, so we didn't see much discounts in the retail scene that were as fantastic as last year's when they were trying to boost spending. Ah well. Although didn't manage to get things cheap, at least I got stuff that were a better selection than the ones available in Malaysia :P

The highlights of the trip :

Geylang, Lorong 9
This is where the famous "ngau hor" (beef noodles Cantonese-fried) and "tin khai chuk" (frog legs' porridge) is. Came here last year and had to visit it again this year. It's an open hawker's road side stall. A few shops away is a dessert shop that sells great "tau foo fah" with extra long "yau char kway". They're longer than your arm!!

Pek Kio Market, Owen Road, Farrer Park
Great huge big prawn noodles with wonderful tasty prawn soup! I never tasted them better anywhere else! Cost at SGD$8 per bowl, pretty pricey but worth-every-single-cent. To get there, stop at Novena MRT station, take Bus No. 131 to the Pek Kio Market B02 stand.

Crystal Jade Palace, 4th Floor, Ngee Ann City
The queues and crowds of people in front of the restaurant are enough to put you off. But, from another viewpoint, it makes you think what's causing it. The dim sum here is excellent. Quality Hong Kong style dim sum with excellent service. Recommend the porridge especially - authentic, just enough taste, light and yummy. And if you don't convert to RM, the price is pretty reasonable - similar figures to KL restaurants, i.e. RM3 = SGD$3.

Nydc, Suntec City
Serves pasta, baked rice and plenty of cakes. Delicious chocolate cakes that are thoroughly sinful but yummy to the last spoonful. Also has a trademarked drink "elephancinos" which are huge mugs of drinks. Again, if you don't convert, they're similar figures to say, Chili's or TGIF's. You can check out its delicious menu at its very own website.

Hotel New Otani, Singapore
An excellent hotel with Japanese hospitality! Its rooms overlook the Singapore River and it is sited in the happening area of Clarke Quay. Location : 10 minutes leisurely stroll from Clarke Quay MRT station (purple line or NorthEast line), 15 minutes walking distance to Chinatown, 20 minutes walking distance to City Hall. Taxis abundant in the hotel doorstep. Bus stop just across the hotel street, with buses that bring you to just about anywhere. The hotel is atop the Liang Court shopping complex, which has a 7-11, Kinokuniya, Meidi-ya supermarket, McDonald's and Starbucks, among many other things. We got the room at a super special low rate, or else it'd cost us at least RM400 per night! :P I'd stay there again if I could get the same rate back :) However, it's changing management and will change its name to Novotel Clarke Quay on the 1st of January 2005. Rates may go down, hopefully - though I doubt so :)

And now, the pictures!! ;)