Delicious getaways
A long trip away is great if you have the time and the money, but a short trip can do wonders to soothe the throes of wanderlust.
If you are over Thailand and Malaysia, there are other considerations in the region. You can get to these places under four hours, so it is a blessing for those who hate to fly. And if you travel based on the food you can find there, here are three destinations to consider:
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Cambodia's history is devastating, but there is a sense of optimism today.
Tourism has been on the rise, especially in Siem Reap.
Besides temples and nature, the laid-back town has plenty of old-world charm but also some degree of modern comforts.
While you will find traditional Cambodian food everywhere - especially in the bustling markets - modern versions of the national cuisine and Western food for those who need it are available.
Everything costs more in Siem Reap, but it is affordable by most standards.
Chanrey Tree (Pokombo Ave, along the Siem Reap River) is one of the pricier restaurants, but there is a lot of charm.
My favourite dish was the crispy rice with natang isa creamy coconut sauce.
It was also the first time I ate a deep-fried frangipani flower.
Another restaurant to check out is Cuisine Wat Damnak (between Psa Dey Hoy market and Angkor High School), which is on the Asia's Best 50 Restaurants list.
At Shinta Mani Club, one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Siem Reap, the profits are channelled back to the community, providing for education, small business start-ups and healthcare for the locals.
Its restaurant Kroya offers a seven-set Khmer Tasting menu, so when you are exhausted from a day of sightseeing, eat at the hotel.
The a la carte menu also has local dishes.
TO DO
Phare, The Cambodian Circus (Lot A, Komay Road) retells Cambodian folklore using theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts. It is a must-see experience, besides the glorious temples.
Phare has a social mission too. Profits are used to support Phare Ponleu Selpak, which provides arts education to youth from the streets, orphanages and struggling families.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Indonesia's capital city Jakarta is as noisy and crowded as you would imagine it to be.
It can be intimidating but if you stick to one portion of the sprawling city, you should be fine.
In May, I was invited to attend the 12th Jakarta Food & Fashion Festival (JFFF), held in the Kelapa Gading district.
Getting from the airport to Kelapa Gading was a crawl but once you're there, you're in your own bubble and if you choose not to, you don't even need to step out.
At JFFF, while the fashion shows added glamour and excitement, the food festival Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe will please the foodies.
Food festival Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe offers over 200 types of dishes, includung sate. TNP PHOTO: YEOH WEE TECK
STREET FOOD
This is a gathering of street food hawkers from all over Indonesia.
Over 200 types of dishes were sold, such as sate, laksa, barbecued chicken and crab noodles, by about 120 vendors.
It is wildly popular, so expect to jostle with the locals. Go in the evening because it's cooler and there are performances too.
The next JFFF will be held in May 2016, so plan ahead.
The Harris Hotel & Conventions Kelapa Gading is inexpensive and right next to the action.
There are five huge malls in the area too - all linked - so you can walk around to burn off the calories.
HONG KONG
Going to Hong Kong for food is hardly a new idea. Many Singaporeans have their own best-of lists and favourites, and if you want to be a troll and start an argument, get people to critique each other's choices.
With its vast food scene, there is a chance for new discoveries each time you are there.
Maxim's Palace offers a revolving menu of dim sum.
I was invited to Hong Kong by Maxim's Group recently and had thought I'd be eating my favourite butter cake from Maxim's Cakes all week.
It seems that at every corner, there is a restaurant operated by the leading F&B company. Two stood out for me.
Urban Bakery Works (322, 3/F, The Landmark) cited London's Borough Market as its inspiration and it looks it too.
CROISSANTS
It opened in 2013 and is popular for its croissants. In its first year, it sold a million of these.
One of the latest croissants is the one with salted egg yolk filling for HK$22 (S$4). I love the yolk with the buttery pastry.
We were hustled to City Hall Maxim's Palace (2/F, Low Block, City Hall, Central) early, with the PR people explaining that it will get crowded.
An hour before the restaurant opened at 11am, there was already a queue.
Maxim's Palace offers a revolving menu of dim sum (starting from HK$33), which was all good, especially the rice rolls.
The suckling pig and char siew combo (HK$350) is another must-order.
I love the decor too. It is shiny and golden, and it makes you feel like you are a Hong Kong tai tai.
Hong Kong
ALL GOOD: Maxim's Palace offers a revolving menu of dim sum.
Going to Hong Kong for food is hardly a new idea. Many Singaporeans have their own best-of lists and favourites, and if you want to be a troll and start an argument, get people to critique each other's choices.
With its vast food scene, there is a chance for new discoveries each time you are there.
I was invited to Hong Kong by Maxim's Group recently and had thought I'd be eating my favourite butter cake from Maxim's Cakes all week.
It seems that at every corner, there is a restaurant operated by the leading F&B company. Two stood out for me.
Urban Bakery Works (322, 3/F, The Landmark) cited London's Borough Market as its inspiration and it looks it too.
CROISSANTS
It opened in 2013 and is popular for its croissants. In its first year, it sold a million of these.
One of the latest croissants is the one with salted egg yolk filling for HK$22 (S$4). I love the yolk with the buttery pastry.
We were hustled to City Hall Maxim's Palace (2/F, Low Block, City Hall, Central) early, with the PR people explaining that it will get crowded.
An hour before the restaurant opened at 11am, there was already a queue.
Maxim's Palace offers a revolving menu of dim sum (starting from HK$33), which was all good, especially the rice rolls.
The suckling pig and char siew combo (HK$350) is another must-order.
I love the decor too. It is shiny and golden, and it makes you feel like you are a Hong Kong tai tai.
Jakarta, Indonesia
POPULAR: Food festival Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe offers over 200 types of dishes, includung sate. TNP PHOTO: YEOH WEE TECK
Indonesia's capital city Jakarta is as noisy and crowded as you would imagine it to be.
It can be intimidating but if you stick to one portion of the sprawling city, you should be fine.
In May, I was invited to attend the 12th Jakarta Food & Fashion Festival (JFFF), held in the Kelapa Gading district.
Getting from the airport to Kelapa Gading was a crawl but once you're there, you're in your own bubble and if you choose not to, you don't even need to step out.
At JFFF, while the fashion shows added glamour and excitement, the food festival Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe will please the foodies.
STREET FOOD
This is a gathering of street food hawkers from all over Indonesia.
Over 200 types of dishes were sold, such as sate, laksa, barbecued chicken and crab noodles, by about 120 vendors.
It is wildly popular, so expect to jostle with the locals. Go in the evening because it's cooler and there are performances too.
The next JFFF will be held in May 2016, so plan ahead.
The Harris Hotel & Conventions Kelapa Gading is inexpensive and right next to the action.
There are five huge malls in the area too - all linked - so you can walk around to burn off the calories.
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