Singapore - Liang Seah Street

I am always thrilled and inspired by the facades of the upper levels of the terrace houses along specific streets in several cities - and a good example is along Liang Seah Street near Bugis in the city state of Singapore. There is no allowance for urban decay here - no matter how charming this can be to outsiders.

Liang Seah Street is primarily a food gathering hub for the locals, and specialises in East Asian steamboat, Singapore's iconic rice served with roast meats or the Hainan chicken and Taiwan styled desserts.

And what delightful desserts they can be. Karen and Chet first took me to discover the variety and subtlety of the offerings, and I have been back whenever I can. Above, the durian snow cone - simply irresistible. Fresh durian heaped atop ice shavings and more. Liang Seah Steet outlets are mostly open till midnight. A few weeks ago, Ming and I enjoyed the snow cone - also available with other fruits - before he went on to the UK and I was enroute to Penang Island.

Georgetown's Straits Quay

The layout, the accessories and the mood created evoke tropical living at its best. With wooden panels and designs, use of diverse fabric and murals that suggest a rich and exotic past, the place beckons one to come home with promises of cocktails under twilight and snug togetherness listening to the soft swish of the sea tide.

Bedrooms open away to the outdoors, be they the rhythms of cicadas in the gardens or a run under swaying palms. There are balcony partitions to rest tired legs upon and verandas to while away the time reading on sleepy afternoons. Cushions are comfortable and the carpets and rugs kept purposely light. Humidity is kept at bay by the high ceilings.

The baths provide for his and hers. There are suggestions of old London, but not quite.

Glass doors allow freedom and shared intimacy.

Marble tops, hidden shelving and straight lines try to minimise possible clutter in the kitchen.

Lighting can be subdued or highlighted, but never to take away the limelight of shared experiences with family and friends creating, transforming and making delicious outcomes.

The guest room allows the wind under the curtains, and the porcelain carefully placed to remind us of the fragility of soothing times away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. All these where the Straits of Penang meet the Andaman Sea.

Dishes with Good Vibes

Steamed fish, be it be snapper, barramundi or garoupa, indicates lightness, liveliness and vitality.

Freshness is joined with subtle flavours from the garnishing, and together they emphasise the Cantonese penchant for delicacy, aroma and meaning.

Prawns, often in various choices of marinade, are significantly served at happy occasions and to mark festive moods. They are preferred served in bright colours of orange or red, or combined with garnishings of fresh herbs. The word for prawns in Chinese resembles the peal of laughter, hence the use of such crustaceans on dinner tables for Chinese banquets, and in Australia, throwing a shrimp or prawn at the barbie is integral to suburban life.

The ang ku, or literally red tortoise, is made especially for occasions to mark births, weddings and engagements. It is based on Fujian practices in southern China transplanted to the Straits Chinese community around South-east Asia - and the tradition continues in migrant families around the Western nations at the beginning of the 21st century. The above servings, containing bean paste inside, were made by Mrs Ellen Thien.

Beijing duck wraps, served as entrees or at the start of banquet dinners, originated from northern Chinese climes, but have spread around the world as a delicious finger food, smacking of savoury, topped up by sweet hoisin sauce and given a crunchy kick by eating them with fresh strips of Lebanese cucumber.

In the image above, accompanying the duck, on the upper right, are wanton bites, deep fried to a crunchy and delicious finish.

Lychees in red, and sweet to suit the summery weather for a southern hemisphere or tropical Lunar New Year, are preferred in dessert concoctions, whether served as a punch or cocktail, provided together with lychee fruits and colourful jelly in an ice cubed bowl.

The above images were captured in the home of Mr and Mrs Chris and Charmaine Wan in Chatswood, NSW.