Every time I meet someone who is travelling to a spot that I have been and enjoyed I am often tempted to disclose my favourite touristy spot for a photo or an experience, it is the food that is that is the favourite topic.
Until recently most of the advice or tips centred on Asia and sepcifically Singapore. Having spent so much time there whilst in the service, I had or have a desire when I come home to recreate the smells and flavours of this outdoor eating sensation. The one place I will tell everyone about is Newtons Circus, or Food Centre. This explosion of colour and smell and taste is located in a roundabout only a couple of minutes from Orchard Rd (the main shopping centre in Singapore. Surrounded by a large concrete wall, you could be mistaken to believe that I had led you astray until you walk through the tiniest of entrances and BANG!!!
Find a seat, save it, by sitting there whilst the rest of the party goes off and works out what to eat and drink, and then watch as it is all brought to your table..
I remember the first time that I was shown it, and the look on my face must have been one of Food Disneyland. I’ve taken a few groups back there in the last couple of years of my time in the Navy and recommended it ever since to anyone travelling and the response is the same. Wow!! And it costs nothing. MeeGoreng, Singapare Noodles, Satay Chicken, Chilli Crab all washed down with a cold beverage of your choice. Sprite, Coke, San Miguel, Heineken you name it. Without fail a major eating experience. Singapore also has large hawkers markets at Raffles, Clarke Quary, Bughis Street, Yishun and for whats left at Sembewang.
You will definitely never go hungry in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines. Just please, don’t turn your nose up or say anything derogatory about the food until you have tried it. Barbecued grasshopper is not bad. Just don’t eat the head.
Hong Kong, is another foody heaven. I used to like going to Stanley Markets
Catch bus 260 to the markets (Public Transport) for a unique experience. Double decker, so see if you can get over the driver and hang on. After the markets there is waterfront restaurants and bars just below, and then catch the bus back. Hong Kong has food everywhere. Wanchai, Kowloon, Aberdeen. My advice, stay out of the hotel restaurants and eat on the street.
Gluten Free
The last couple of holidays have been challenging with Adelle’s Gluten intolerance. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change my travel partner, but you can see the frustration on her face when you are in Paris, or Switzerland, and whilst it looks tremendous, it is a no go. We did find a restaurant in Paris around the corner that was GF and no smoking in the vicintiy. We spent a lot of time there with three nights we spent in Paris. (Le Bouchon Parisienne ??) Watch the light show of the Eiffel Tower whilst eating snails, Souffle and drinking Champagne.
Seriously if you see groups of locals eating and the food looks alright, give it a go. If you don’t like curry or spice, you will smell it. Ask to try, most will gladly give you a sample. Hot stuff tends to provide a bit of a chuckle for the unsuspecting tourist.
Thanks for letting me invade your day with my waffling and until next time, take care trendsetters…….
Youngy's Yak 