Three Wombats Café

Two weeks ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this Anstralia inspired café located in the heartland of Whampoa, just off Balestier Road.



The menu serves all-day breakfast and some simple café fare. The prices are reasonable too.





Wombat's Breakfast



Fish and Chips



Although the food here was on the mediocre side, I really enjoyed the laid-back vibe here, complete with relaxing music and comfy couch.


Illustration: Wilcox

On a separate note, while trying to find out more about the animal, I came across this hilarious comic and with it an article on wombats' mating habits. Read on here.


Three Wombats Café
18 Kim Keat Road
6251 1958
Tue–Sun, 11am – 10pm
Closed on Mondays

まる玉らーめん

Do you still remember when was the first time you had your favourite food that you fell for it?

The story all started when I was a loyal fan of Ma Maison two years ago. Every time I was on level 3 of Central Mall, there was constantly this long queue outside Marutama till a point that I became suspicious that the guys were actually paid to queue.

Of course such suspection was later proven groundless when I had my first bite of ramen there. My love for this Japanese delicacy grew fonder as I discovered more about it from other ramen chains soon sprang up across the island. The taste of Marutama was somewhat forgotten. So when I walked past its latest outfit on B1 of United Square, passion was rekindled, and I knew it was time for a re-visit.

That evening, I found myself at its Central flagship outlet.




Things here haven't changed much - its menu, the prices, settings, as well as the eager/hungry patrons that faithfully form the queue shortly after the clock hits 6.



What sets marutama apart from the pack is that chicken broth is used here. Besides being less heavy on the tastebud, the taste of our soup was beautifully enhanced by a 'green' flavour, thanks to the hearty topping of spring onion and seaweed.



The noodle threads are thin and springy.



Dashimaki Tamago is one of the must-tries.



With more 10 ramen tags on the right of this blog, Marutama still does the best gyoza. Personally I prefer steamed version over the common pan-fried ones, as the skin is thinner and softer, and fillings more succulent.



To better our dining experiences with a touch of nostalgia/timelessness, the restaurant plays a selection of classic Japanese songs mostly from the last century. One of which include the record smashing hit 君がいるだけで released in 1990 by a pop band called 米米CLUB.


まる玉らーめん
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#03-90/91 The Central
11.30am – 10pm
6534 8090

CrazyWorld Café (CLOSED)

The growing appetite for designer products among the young (and young at heart) has seen many new boutiques sporting chic and quaint knick-knacks finding their way to our nostalgic spots. You see a couple of them in Ann Siang/Tanjong Pagar area. And if you have a fond affection for designs and things along that line, this new café located in Chinatown is one that you won't wanna miss.



It was through the blog coffee table people that I came to know about CrazyWorld. The retail space of the café carries an eclectic selection of vintage objects as well as designer products by emerging local designers. I recalled seeing some of those items at Red Dot Design Museum and the Singapore Arts Museum.



You can't disagree with me that the weather these days has just gone haywire. With NEA just announced that the scorching heat was here to stay until end of the month, the best way to retain one's sanity is probably to stay indoor and enjoy some icy cool drinks. Anyone with me?



'You have to try our Crazy Wings ($6.50 for 3)!' said the waiter.

The wings were very well marinated and juicy, with a little crisp on the outside. Honey mustard dip that came with it gave a big boost to its savoriness.



At first I told myself I had been having too much oily stuff lately, the next thing I knew, I heard 'Salt n Pepper Calamari' slipped off my lips. Oops...

It turned out to be no disappointment. The batter didn't fall into the too tough nor too soggy extreme, was spiced up with a hearty touch of chilli and pepper.



The café serves All-day Breakfast for those who love their scrambled eggs and sausages. And for the night creatures too!



Lips are sealed when I want to comment on the Spicy Black Pepper Dory my companion had.











Besides food and shopping, every now and then the café also hosts live concerts by emerging musical talents from our shores and beyond. Past and featured include Taiwanese group 棉花糖(katncandix2). There is an ongoing photography exhibition featuring the works of Singaporean self-taught photographer Mandy Tay. So watch this space.

Visit their website to find out more.


瘋狂世界
24 Temple Street
Tue – Thu, 12pm - 10pm
Fri – Sat, 12pm - 11:30m
Sun, 12pm - 8pm
Closed on Mondays
6223 7553

The Pigeonhole

Last week's adventure led me to The Pigeonhole, a new book café along Duxton Road. The venue is also doubled up as a dynamic arts space which showcases local arts talents and to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of the arts. The kinda events you can look forward to include film screenings, arts exhibitions, recitals and more.





It was pity that only Chocolate Bread & Butter Budding was available on the day of visit.



Loved the colourful tiles used as coasters here.



The atmosphere is exceptionally cozy thanks to the earthly-toned décor with many retro furniture pieces, topped with soothing music.





Do check on their website for programme updates.


The Pigeonhole
52/53 Duxton Road
Closed on Mondays
9627 2586