Celeb chow with model-actress Sheila Sim

Sheila Sim is proud of her Asian roots, especially when it comes to food. A self-proclaimed foodie, the local actress enjoys Asian food "whether it is Vietnamese or Japanese cuisine".

"I think the flavours are lighter compared to Western cuisines," said the 32-year-old.

"When I went to France recently to attend Paris Fashion Week, my group was dying to have Asian food despite the good French food."

Sim, who has been modelling for 12 years, told The New Paper that she is especially fond of our local hawker food.

"I love the bak chor mee at Upper Thomson, Min Nan Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle at Tiong Bahru, and Song Heng fishball noodles at Telok Blangah Crescent," she said.

"I have been eating from the fishball noodles stall since it opened 20 years ago. I live around the area and my father always buys it (to bring home)."

Sim also grew up eating her grandmother's cooking, and especially enjoys her bak kee (fried pork).

She said: "Two or three years ago, I discovered a hawker stall selling it, and realised it was a distant relative who was operating it."

Sim, who co-founded modelling agency Nu Management, can be seen in season two of local drama 118, and blockbuster drama Hero. They are airing on weekdays on Channel 8 at 7.30pm and 9pm respectively.

Season two of 118 continues the stories of the people operating Yao Yao Fa coffee shop.

Sim continues to play Hong Shanshan, who is now married to Chen Hanwei's character.

In Hero, Sim plays Fan Fangfang, a foreigner who came to Singapore to find her boyfriend.

We met Sim at Korean restaurant Yoogane in Bugis Junction.

It was her first time there, and she most enjoyed the Cheese Chicken Galbi With Ramyeon Noodles.

"I love cheese, and the Cheese Chicken Galbi With Ramyeon Noodles is their signature dish. The place was also colourful and youthful," she said.

 

How often do you cook at home?

I try not to make lunch appointments whenever I'm not working so that I can cook.

I usually cook simple dishes such as bee hoon soup, macaroni or soba. I will get my dad to buy mince meat from the market, and add a lot of vegetables.

Eating at home is healthier - there's no MSG, oil or seasoning in the food.

What is one ingredient you cannot live without?

Chilli padi. I once lived in Japan for a year and the spiciest item there was wasabi. So whenever I travel there, I will buy a huge packet of chilli padi and store it in the freezer so that it will last longer.

How do you stay slim when you enjoy eating?

There are a lot of factors in staying slim. Dieting alone will not keep a modelling career going.

In order to be a model - other than exercising and living a healthy lifestyle - genetics also play quite a big part. I must admit I'm quite blessed.