Singapore 🇸🇬

My first encounter with Copper Chimney was back in 2018, during a family trip to Singapore. After a few days of city-hopping and trying everything from satay to sushi, I was suddenly overcome with a very specific craving: Indian comfort food. That search led us to a warm corner in Little India, where Copper Chimney quietly delivered one of the most satisfying meals of the trip. The dish that won me over then and continues to be my go-to is their Palak Paneer. Now, I’ve had palak paneer at countless places, but there’s something distinctly indulgent about the version here. The spinach is blended to a velvety smooth consistency, rich without being heavy, and carries a gentle garlic-infused aroma that hits you before the first bite. The cubes of paneer are soft yet firm, soaking up all the flavor without falling apart. There’s a careful balance in the spice blend nothing overpowering, just layers of warmth building with each spoonful. Pair it with a freshly baked Garlic Naan, and you’re in for a real treat. The naan here is soft with the right amount of char, and laced generously with chopped garlic and ghee. Tear off a piece, dip it into that green, creamy pool of palak paneer, and you’ll understand why this combination is a non-negotiable order for me.

It’s not every day you see a fast-moving queue in Singapore unless it’s mealtime and the food is worth the wait. That evening, I found myself in one such line, weaving slowly through the bustle of Bugis Junction, drawn by the comforting aroma and reputation of Josh’s Grill, a Western-style diner tucked along the vibrant stretch of Victoria Street. A Warm Welcome with Complimentary Buns and Butter From the get-go, it felt like the kind of place that gets the little things right. No sooner had I been seated than a server placed a basket of warm, fluffy buns on the table, along with a generous dollop of creamy butter. Complimentary, yes, but hardly forgettable. The buns were gently sweet and soft, with just enough weight to hold their own against the rich, salted butter. It was the kind of start that makes you slow down and take notice. Savoring the Fish and Chips For my main, I went with the classic fish and chips—my personal litmus test at any grill. What arrived was a hearty fillet of fish, perfectly encased in a crisp golden batter that shattered at the first bite, revealing moist, flaky fish beneath. The fries, thick-cut and well-seasoned, held up beautifully alongside. Paired with a sharp, creamy tartar sauce, the dish struck a satisfying balance of crunch, flavor, and comfort. I also ordered a side of buttered rice, and it was equally impressive—fluffy, fragrant, and generously coated with just the right amount of butter, making it a comforting complement to the main dish.

After immersing myself in the aromatic world of kopi, I found myself yearning to explore the tea side of Singapore's vibrant beverage scene. Enter Teh Cino, a delightful concoction that marries the robustness of black tea with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk. This drink, often characterized by its visually appealing layers, offers a unique twist to traditional tea preparations. The Art of Teh Cino Teh Cino stands out not just for its taste but also for its presentation. Typically, a glass is filled halfway with condensed milk, topped with a layer of strong black tea, creating a beautiful gradient. The drink can be enjoyed as is, allowing the drinker to experience varying sweetness levels, or stirred to blend the flavors. This method of preparation is reminiscent of the techniques used in crafting Teh Tarik (Read up about my TehTarik Piece here), another beloved local tea, where the beverage is "pulled" to achieve a frothy texture. A Taste Test: Experiencing Teh Cino My first encounter with Teh Cino was at a lively hawker centre nestled in the heart of Singapore. Served in a tall glass, the drink arrived with its signature layered aesthetic—dark tea sitting elegantly atop a pool of condensed milk. One sip in, and I was hooked. The bold, slightly bitter edge of the black tea hit first, quickly softened by the silky sweetness beneath. It was both refreshing and indulgent, making it an ideal pick-me-up for a mid-day pause or a comforting end to a hearty meal.