Umaimono Food Gourmet Fair

Umaimono Food Gourmet Fair is happening at Mitsuwa.

http://www.mitsuwanj.com/en/dealnews/special.htm

Good bye, Bangkok

1 night in Bangkok was way too short, but I was more than glad that we did it. We were eating our way through Bangkok and now we were ready leave Bangkok with full stomach.

You can call me a snob or whatever you want, but I get very angry when restaurants serve fake meals. You know what I am talking about. Thai food made by Chinese or Vietnamese cooks. Japanese food made by Chinese or Korean cooks. Especially in last few years, Thai cuisine has been very popular and Thai restaurants are popping up everywhere. Except for Sripraphai in Woodside, Queens, those Thai restaurants in New York serve up some horrible food that doesn't even taste anything close to the cuisine I passionately love. I believe I may have tried more than 10 restaurants in New York and they DO NOT serve Thai cuisine, they serve what they think is Thai cuisine and people are buying it.

My trip to Bangkok was my getaway from fake Thai food and I know I still love real Thai food and will love Thai food forever!!!

We got our last fix at the airport.
Bangkok's old airport was lacking decent restaurants. First time in Bangkok, we were just annoyed that there was nothing to eat at the airport (Chris and I spent about 6 hours airport trying get on a flight). Now with new airport, Suvarnabhumi airport, we didn't have that issue. Even though Suvarnabhumi airport was built in a hurry with many issues and flaws, now we had many choices.

Mango Tree at terminal 4 was perfect. Of course, Michelle knew this place already. It was the perfect last meal before leaving Bangkok.

Pork, pork, more pork

Grapefruit salad. Who knew grapefruit tasted this good!!!

Tom Yum Kung

Back to Siam Paragon again...

Before going to the airport, we had to visit Siam Paragon one more time.

This lady is making my noodle soup

Couldn't leave Thailand without eating Phad Thai

Seafood fried rice

OK... one more mango and sticky rice before we leave

Chatuchak Market in Bangkok

We woke up early and were off to Chatuchak Market. I have only heard of this market but this was going to be my first time. The size of market was unbelievable and they had everything from clothing to household products. We apparently saw not even 1/10 of the market. But it was getting really hot that we had to leave.

We managed to picked up some t-shirts, magnets, and jewelry.







http://bangkok.sawadee.com/chatuchak.htm

Dinner in Bangkok

We decided to stay close to our hotel for dinner, since we have a long day waiting for us tomorrow. But even a restaurant nearby didn't disappoint us. Michelle's been here before, so I knew it was going to be good.

vegetables and dip

Couldn't leave Thailand without eating papaya salad

Thai beef salad

Pork with basil

Siam Paragon Food Court in Bangkok

This trip to Southeast Asia was only supposed to include Singapore and Bali. But when Michelle asked me if I wanted to go to Bangkok for a day or two, I couldn't say no. Last time I was in Bangkok was in 2004 (I think it was in 2004... on our way to Cambodia, we spent 4 nights in Bangkok and celebrated New Year's there), so yes, it's been a while. Plus Thai cuisine has to be my favorite cuisine. I think I must have been Thai in my past life. So I couldn't pass this opportunity.

Our original plan was to spend 2 nights in Bangkok, but in the end, we decided on spending 1 night in Bangkok, just because I wanted to have a fully relaxing day in Singapore before flying back home - 20 hour flight is stressful...

So Michelle and I agreed on arriving early in Bangkok, then leave late the next day.

Our first stop?
Siam Paragon Food Court!!!
Siam Paragon Shopping Mall didn't exist when I was in Bangkok last. I have been to a lot of food courts, but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see.


The size of food court blew me away.
The below pictures do not do any justice. This place was enormous.






Shopping time!!!
The size blew me away, but variety of food they had was more amazing.






It was time to enjoy what we purchased...


Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Next to Siam Centre, Pathumwan
BTS: Siam

Food Court card - you can purchase a card, so that you can pay for your items with the card instead of paying with your money. Remaining balance is fully refundable.

Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang

We got back to Singapore late at night. We are back to Singapore for one day for a haircut, a show, and what else... more food. And yes, clean clothes for Thailand tomorrow.

Last time I was in Singapore by myself, Michelle and Darren took me to Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang and I madly fell in love with Tahu Telor, fried tofu. So when we had time in between things, I told Michelle that I had to eat Tahu Telor again.

This little place with plastic chairs and tables serves amazing dishes.
What can I say... I am a cheap date... Fancy restaurants with expensive furniture don't impress me. Only food matters and Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang is on my list to go back every time I am in Singapore.

Tahu Telor

Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang

13 Circular Rd
Singapore, 049369, Singapore
+65 6536 5302

More food from Bali

OK, here are more photos of what Michelle and I ate in Bali. All I have to say is that we came back to Singapore completely full...

Black rice pudding

Balinese style congee - our last breakfast in Bali

Our last breakfast in Bali

Michelle's favorite pasta in Bali

Our last meal in Bali - at the airport

Now we are back to Singapore to eat some more...

Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort

Our flight back to Singapore was late at night, so we took full advantage of having all day on our last day in Bali. We hung out by our pool in the morning and early afternoon, then we were off to Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort. It was about an hour from our hotel by car. This was a beautiful hotel, but the only problem was that there was nothing outside of hotel (so I was happy that we didn't stay here).

We went to Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort for some drinks and to watch the sunset, which was worth the trip.

And I got some rice paddy shots for Chris on the way back to our hotel.

Mozaic

Another amazing restaurant in Ubud, Bali.
Mozaic was something different. If you are from a big city, you may have tried restaurants like these. You get to choose the concept, and chef serves 6-7 different plates of goodness.

Mozaic was different, because it started from a plate of different main ingredients, which were all local.

All I have to say... at the end of the meal, it was hard for us to move...



Mozaic
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Gianyar - Bali 80571
Indonesia

Phone / Fax. +62 361 975768
Email.
info@mozaic-bali.com

www.mozaic-bali.com

Ibu Oka’s Babi Guling

I couldn't leave Bali without trying Babi Guling.
Michelle hired a car for a day that he could take us to Ubud, which was about an hour away from where we were staying. Ubud was away from the beach and was more arty.

But our first stop was Ibu Oka for some Babi Guling. And it was worth the wait (well, my wait was about a year... I first saw it on TV)


It came with a piece of babi guling, rice and some vegetable. This plate about $2.50. I was told that this used to be 50 cents until a lot of international TV cameras showed up. Now locals can't afford to eat, which made me pretty sad.


Ibu Oka's Babi Guling
Located just across from the Ubud Tourist Information Center

La Lucciola

I was lucky, because Michelle knows Bali as if she lives there. She knew all the good spots, and more importantly, amazing places to eat. La Lucciola was definitely one of them.

Starting with fruit juices to each dish, and to dessert, everything was amazing. Of course, eating while listening to the ocean definitely is a plus!!!






La Lucciola
Kaya Ayu Beach, Temple Petitenget, Kerobokan
Kerobokan.
Tel - 730.838

Ku De Ta

I have heard of Ku De Ta so many times from Michelle and Darren. It was very exciting to be there. Michelle suggested that it's the best spot to watch the sunset but not a great spot to eat. So, we went to Ku De Ta to watch the sunset with a drink in our hands.

It was speechless.......

Ku De Ta

Jalan Laksman Oberoi 9
Bali 80361 Indonesia

+62 361 73 6969

Balinese Home-cooked meal

Frances and Adi were kind enough to invite us to their home and cooked for us. Everything was really good. Chris now is looking forward to learning how to cook Balinese dishes next time we go together.

First Meal in Bali

Our first meal in Bali.
We were so tired by the time we arrived in our villa, because we woke up early that morning to catch our flight.

So we just ordered room service.

Nasi Goreng

Ok, I had to have egg rolls

Mie Goreng

Off to Bali

I have been dreaming of Bali for so long. And Chris and I almost went 3 years ago, but had to cancel. This time Michelle and I were determined to go and we were determined to make it a girls only trip.

Our flight was early, so we took care of our breakfast at the airport. Unlike U.S. airport, Changi airport is full of things to eat.

Michelle is getting our breakfast

Breakfast, Singaporean style: Kopi & Kaya Toast. I don't know why when I make Kaya Toast at home, it doesn't taste the same...

Finally landed in Bali. This is our villa. It's like a paradise.... 4 days was not enough.

Ulin Villa
Jalan Merta Sari
Seminyak, Bali
Indonesia
http://www.theulinvilla.com/