Go Venture Beyond.blog

Beyond the glimmering skyline of Marina Bay, Singapore hides pockets of charm where life moves at a gentler pace. One such pocket is Haji Lane—a kaleidoscope of street art, indie boutiques, and cafés that seem made for lazy afternoons. It’s the kind of place where you trade skyscrapers for murals, and hurried footsteps for the clink of coffee cups.

While wandering through its colourful alleys, we went in search of a halal lunch and found ourselves outside a little Indonesian restaurant called Kulon. Neither of us had tried much Indonesian food before, so curiosity (and a growling stomach) made the decision easy.

Inside, the space was cosy—just a handful of tables—and run by a gracious elderly couple. They greeted us like old friends, eager to share stories. Their children had moved to London for work, so chatting with a couple of visiting Brits seemed to brighten their afternoon as much as it did ours.

We ordered Bakmi—a comforting stir-fried noodle dish topped with tender slices of meat and served alongside crisp bok choy. One beef, one chicken, so we could compare notes. The flavours were rich yet balanced, the kind of food that feels like a warm embrace. And at prices far gentler than anything in the CBD, our wallets sighed with relief.

By the time we finished, the small dining room was buzzing with locals tucking into their own plates—a sure sign we’d found a gem.

If you ever find yourself exploring Haji Lane, make Kulon part of your journey. Between the heartwarming hospitality and the mouthwatering noodles, it’s a slice of Indonesia tucked away in Singapore’s most vibrant backstreet.

Beyond the glimmering skyline of Marina Bay, Singapore hides pockets of charm where life moves at a gentler pace. One such pocket is Haji Lane—a kaleidoscope of street art, indie boutiques, and cafés that seem made for lazy afternoons. It’s the kind of place where you trade skyscrapers for murals, and hurried footsteps for the clink of coffee cups.

While wandering through its colourful alleys, we went in search of a halal lunch and found ourselves outside a little Indonesian restaurant called Kulon. Neither of us had tried much Indonesian food before, so curiosity (and a growling stomach) made the decision easy.

Inside, the space was cosy—just a handful of tables—and run by a gracious elderly couple. They greeted us like old friends, eager to share stories. Their children had moved to London for work, so chatting with a couple of visiting Brits seemed to brighten their afternoon as much as it did ours.

We ordered Bakmi—a comforting stir-fried noodle dish topped with tender slices of meat and served alongside crisp bok choy. One beef, one chicken, so we could compare notes. The flavours were rich yet balanced, the kind of food that feels like a warm embrace. And at prices far gentler than anything in the CBD, our wallets sighed with relief.

By the time we finished, the small dining room was buzzing with locals tucking into their own plates—a sure sign we’d found a gem.

If you ever find yourself exploring Haji Lane, make Kulon part of your journey. Between the heartwarming hospitality and the mouthwatering noodles, it’s a slice of Indonesia tucked away in Singapore’s most vibrant backstreet.

Milan, a city of fashion, finance, and fine food, offers no shortage of exceptional culinary experiences. But few combine atmosphere, flavour, and skyline views quite like Maio Restaurant, a rooftop gem perched atop the La Rinascente department store, directly across from the iconic Duomo di Milano. Whether you’re a tourist in search of memorable moments or a local looking for an elevated night out, Maio promises an experience that’s as unforgettable as the view.

Reservations are advised for this place, the majestic backdrop of the cathedral is going to attract people all over Milan. Unfortunately for us, the weather was a bit grey, yet the glassed-in dining room maintains the sense of openness and connection to the city skyline, making it a year-round destination. The menu is what you would expect from a business such as this, contemporary, yet on the pricey side!

It’s a good idea to dress on the smarter side, after all, it is Milan, and you don’t want to feel underdressed. The food was absolutely delicious, even if the portions were a bit on the smaller side. But if you’re after a romantic dinner or just a great way to wrap up a trip with friends, this spot should definitely be on your list!