Singapore - Day 2

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Morning: Day 2 Singapore

Day 2 in Singapore started much the same as day 1...with a Starbucks cold brew coffee.  I am lucky enough to have a wonderful boyfriend who goes out in the AM to get my coffee and brings it to me in bed.  Breakfast was enjoyed at the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre.  We started with some Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish and chili paste) from Jian Bo.

We went on to enjoy some fish ball noodles at Hui Ji Fishball Noodles, and Chee Cheong Fun (rice noodle roll, no filling, in seasoned soy sauce) from Hwa Yuen Porridge.

All dishes were delicious, but my personal favorite was the Chee Cheong, while the boyfriend's was Chwee Kueh.  After breakfast we took a ride down to China Town, because, well, who doesn't LOVE China Town!  We grabbed a couple fresh juices (stands located in every hawker center and all over Singapore) and strolled the streets.

Afternoon: Day 2 Singapore

After we finished exploring China Town, we stopped to have lunch at Maxwell Food Center.  Haianese chicken rice is a popular dish in Singapore and Tian Tian Chicken Rice is one of the most popular food stalls (and also featured on Anthony Bourdain's The Layover).  The chicken was incredibly moist and the rice cooked the broth was excellent.

After eating the chicken rice, we strolled around the center to find the stall with the longest line.  The stalls with the longest lines typically have the best food.  So we found a stall serving white fish and prawn Bee Hoon (rice noodles in seasoned broth served with seafood).

One of the locals we met in line was nice enough to make recommendations and order it for us.  The fish and prawn in the soup were amazingly fresh and the broth rich in flavor.

Once full, we hopped on the MRT green line and started riding West to see where the train would take us.  We could see a beautiful looking garden from the train, not far from the station, so we hopped off to explore.  Entering the garden, we notice it is the Chinese/Japanese Garden.  So far on this trip I have been in awe at the awesomeness of gardens in Singapore.  They do an exquisite job at keeping the gardens manicured perfectly.

I have not seen gardens more beautiful in any other city I have ever visited.  The Chinese and Japanese Gardens were no exception.  And to top it off, it was free!

Evening: Day 2 Singapore

After the gardens, it was time to get back to the hotel to freshen up and rest for a bit.  We showered, relaxed, and were ready to get some dinner.  We headed over to the Geyleng district for some claypot rice at Geylang Claypot Rice (also visited by Anthony Bourdain).  Be warned, the rice takes about 30 minutes to cook so be prepared to hang out a bit; however, you also have the option of calling the restaurant ahead of time to order to avoid the wait time.  We opted to wait and just chatted for a bit.  The clay pot was filled with rice, chicken, vegetables, and chinese sausage (hence the name Chicken and Sausage Claypot rice).

The chicken was cooked to perfection and the chinese sausage really added something special.  The best part of the rice was the crispy parts you got from scraping the side.  They offer an array of condiments if you'd like to spice up your rice, however, we did not need any condiments.  After dinner, we strolled down Geylang all the way to the airport road food center and got some rojak at Toa Payoh Rojak.  I can honestly say we did not do our research before ordering this, and decided it was a dish we did not love.  I will try it again on the next visit to Singapore - suggestions are appreciated!

And so ends our second day.  Stay tuned for day 3!