Looking back at the past year-and-a-half and the many lockdowns and travel restrictions we all have to go through, it helps to bring back the memories of first time travels and travel experiences to help alleviate the melancholy and stress of staying at home.
For many Dabawenyos, Singapore is the definitive first-time-traveller’s destination. Thanks to the almost daily direct flights from Durianburg to the city-state offered by Singapore Airlines (then SilkAir), visa-free entry, easy and efficient transportation system, and wide use of English, a quick visit to Singapore is just as easy as flying domestically within the Philippines.
So many reasons why There are a multitude of reasons and draws to visit Singapore. For some, it is the unbelievable shopping choices along Orchard Road or Marina Bay Sands, while others love the theme parks and attractions like Jurong Bird Park, The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, or Universal Studios. While still for others, it is the unique cultural destinations of Singapore such as Chinatown, Hadji Lane, or its National Gallery that draw their interest. For me personally, there is none more exciting an attraction than the Garden City’s vibrant food scene. Boasting a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, and International cuisines, Singapore is truly a foodie paradise.
I can still remember the time when me and my good friends traveled to Singapore just to eat, from brunch all the way to dinner. We had lunch of Hainanese Chicken Rice and Cha Kwei Tiaw at Maxwell Hawker Centre near Chinatown, afternoon tea and cakes at Lady M, then have dinner of Cereal Prawn, Sambal Pagi, and Crab at Newton Circle. And that was just on the first day of our three-day excursion.
A bit of Singapore at home
Singaporean cuisine’s vibrant flavors are truly unique, and while there are still travel restrictions, there are some restaurants in Davao that serve and deliver Singaporean dishes right to your doorstep which are sure to bring back memories of your last Singaporean sojourn.
Little Dynasty Kitchen – This little Chinese diner located at Plaza del Carmen along Loyola Street is a staple for Dabawenyos who are craving for Wanton Noodles, Mapo Tofu, or Crispy Shrimp.
The owner added a sprinkling of Singaporean dishes to remind her of the time she lived at the Red Dot, like Cha Kwei Tiaw (a stir-fried noodle dish topped with Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, chicken, ground peanuts and egg), Shrimp with Salted Egg, Fried Tofu with Sambal Sauce, and my favorite, Laksa, a noodle dish served in a rich and spicy coconut curry soup filled with tofu, fishballs, prawns.
Pick-up or delivery is available from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. Just call Little Dynasty Kitchen at (0925)5014840.
Mixed Temptation Chinese Restaurant – What started out as a speak-easy bar along C. Bangoy Street turned into a legitimate Chinese restaurant at the onset of 2020. From serving drinks and cocktails to serving some of Durianburg’s best Cantonese dishes, Mixed Temptation Chinese Restaurant also serves some dishes that are at home in any Singaporean hawker center.
My personal pick would be their Hainan Chicken which tastes like it was served straight from a hawker stall at Maxwell. The chicken is plump and juicy and comes with generous servings of sambal and ginger sauce. Another hawker favorite which should not be missed are their Cha Kwei Tiaw, and Singaporean Seafood Hofan.
Mixed Temptation Chinese Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday. You can call (0928) 2031009 or contact them on Facebook for pick-up or delivery within Davao City.
The 5S Box Indian Restaurant – What makes Singapore fascinating is its unique fusion of cultures and flavors, and one of the most fascinating Singaporean flavors I miss is Indian cuisine. Luckily, there is now a growing Indian culinary scene in Davao where one can order authentic Indian curries, tandoor grilled meats, biryanis and roti.
Located along Dr. Gahol Ave., The 5S Box Indian Restaurant offers an aromatic cacophony of classic Indian dishes that tickle the senses. I recently got a taste of their Chicken Tikka Masala and each savory bite instantly brought me back to Singapore’s Little India with its complex and heady mix of spices.
The 5S Box Indian Restaurant is open daily from 5pm to 9pm and can be messaged for pick up or delivery on Facebook or at (099) 9443266.
We may still have to wait a little bit more before borders and travel to Singapore are regularized, but it is nice to know that we can always enjoy a bit of Singapore’s colorful and tasty flavors at home and at the same time support our local restaurants.
