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Laksa - unique noodle dish with Persian twist

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Laksa is a popular spicy and tasty noodle dish that originated from the Peranakan, descendents from the early Chinese immigrant who married local Malay women thus gave rise to the fusion of flavours from the ingredients used. This dish is very popular with both Chinese and Malay alike, and of course to the many tourists or visitors to this island who have got hooked on it. Curry Laksa The laksa noodle is the thick rice noodle type. The laksa curry is a rich spicy coconut-based noodles soup, the ingredients which may include bean sprouts, tofu (taupok), cockles , slices of chicken and egg. It is usually topped with a spoonful of sambal belacan , a fermented shrimp and chilli paste, and laksa leaf for the added zest. The Malays call laksa leaf daun kesum rather than daun laksa. Daun means leaf. Cockles' laksa is the more common type of laksa but there are other options such as those containing pieces of chicken for those who are allergic to seafood. Laksa leaf is a herb which is a...

Porridge (congee) - Breakfast and comfort food

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The good old humble rice porridge or congee made its way into american fast food restaurants. There is chicken (what else!) porridge breakfast meal sold for $3.60 at KFC that includes a cup of coffee or tea. If you buy ala carte the porridge cost $2.60. A good hearty breakfast or meal to start your day. At some KFC outlets you can surf for free too while having your brekky. At Long John Silver you can also get porridge set complete with two half-boiled eggs for $5.20. Half-boiled eggs are usually part of kaya toast set , but still delicious to be mixed with congee as well. It is certainly a great way to start your day by having a hot comfort soft meal of porridge or congee with generous amount of nicely smelled fried shallots sprinkled on top of it. Black soya sauce and pepper are optional, but a bit of soya sauce is a must for many, to give some added taste and zest to otherwise bland-looking dish. Breakfast porridge at KFC You can get one for only $1.80 at Old Chang Kee, which is goo...

IKEA - The ubiquitous Blue and Yellow Stores

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Beyond the popular Swedish beef balls well-known all over the world just like its ubiquitous blue carrier bag, many people head to IKEA store for its affordable household items. While most items like furniture certainly cost much more than $5, there are many useful household accessories that cost less than $5. Big plastic chopping board for only $2.90, glass bottle jar with lid for $3.90, stainless steel cutleries holder for $4.90, wall clock for only $1.90 (battery is extra of course but you will only need one AA battery), a set of four clothes hangers for only a dollar, a cushion for $4.90, cups or mugs for $2.90, plant pot for $3.90, simple self-assembled shelves for $12, and many more. They do sell potted plants, well, like a nursery. A small potted plant sells for about $5. You can get the pandan, a common plant , in IKEA. Beyond that, furnitures will sell in the hundreds, but if you are looking for quality and would not mind paying a bit more, do shop around elsewhere too. Someti...

Bugis Street Market: Singapore's Souvenirs Shopping Paradise

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Bugis Street Market — also known as Bugis Village — is Singapore's largest and most vibrant street market. With over 600 stalls packed across three levels, it is the go-to spot for tourists and locals alike to pick up souvenirs, cheap fashion, accessories, knick-knacks and street snacks. It is not a flea market in the traditional sense, but rather a permanent bazaar of narrow lanes and tightly packed stalls with fixed prices — though you can still bargain for higher-value items like luggage or bulk purchases. 📋 Quick Facts Address 261 Victoria Street, Singapore 189876 Opening hours Daily, 11am – 10pm (weekends until 11pm) Nearest MRT Bugis (EW12/DT14), Exit C Entry fee Free Best time Weekday mornings for calm browsing; weekends for lively atmosphere Payment Cash preferred; some stalls accept PayNow / credit cards 📖 A Bit of History The Bugis area is historically linked to the Rochor-Kallang River basin trade in the 19th to mid-20...