Singapore - Snippets Around the River

An immigrant past with a hunger for business and cultural traditions is reflected in Chinatown.

Boats and ships still make a significant contribution to this harbour city and island.

Restoration and upkeep of buildings is maintained at high standards.

A sight for tourists, Kipling's mad dogs and Englishmen who come out in the midday sun.

The Cavenagh Bridge marks the colonial quarter.

The inherent and strong ties that bind Singapore and Malaysia can at times be under emphasised in the new order of things in south-east Asia.

Lovely louvred vertical window-doors above the street.

Mee rebus and teh tarik served in disposable containers, Raffles Place.

London is but so far away.

Along the quays.

HM Chulalongkorn was the eldest son of reformer Thai King Mongkut.

A classic view into the original financial district.

Sweet September

Light Cesar Salad - uplifting and refreshing.

Cherry Blossoms.

Spaghetti Marinara, an Italian classic.

Deft slices of raw salmon, with a pecan apple delight.

Kirishima Japanese - Cititel Penang

Soba and dip.

With two separate dining areas and a sake cellar, the Kirishima stands out in offering something different form other similar cuisine restaurants on the island of Penang.  Situated at the upper or east end of the main city centre strip of Penang Road,  the place is hidden away in the bowels of the ground floor of the Cititel Hotel, itself within walking distance of Georgetown's Heritage Quarter, by accessing either Farqhuar or Chulia Streets.  Kirishima also happens to be the name of a World War 2 Imperial Japanese Kongo class battle cruiser built in the Nagasaki Mitsubishi yards and designed by Brit naval engineer George Thurston.  The Japanese word implies a surname, but the warship's name was inspired by an active volcano, Kirishima Yama located in Kagoshima Perfecture.

Braised pork and potato.

Deep fried salmon skin as a snack.

A Western themed salad with bacon, cheese, cherry tomato and greens.

Mushroom delights.

Simplicity and presentation stand out.

Deep fried fish.

Carrots and mushrooms in an entree dish.

Crunchy shrimps.

Kirishima Restaurant is open every day for both lunch and dinner.  Private dining rooms are also available.  In Malaysia, restaurant staff are drawn from various ethnic backgrounds and for my group's dinner, we had Nepalese and Chinese Malaysians.  The lady all dolled up in her kimono was friendly, engaging and focused.  We chose not to have any alcohol that evening but good conversation and humour was so much better.

Classical Georgetown, Penang - Cuisine and Lifestyle

The Meng Khiam - raw salad with peanuts, coconut grate, gaduh leaves, sliced onions, dried shrimps, Granny Smith apple cubes, cucumber, green bird's eye chili and in the tray centre, a kick starter condiment that holds it all together. (Sabai Sabai Thai, Green Lane)

Ice kacang - a delightful cooler in an equatorial climate, topped by ice cream flavours of your choice, garnished by jelly cubes, sago whites, corn, kidney shaped red beans - all topped on ice crush in a bowl.  (Fettes Road)

Cantonese favourites at lunch time - char siew so (oven baked pork roast puffs) and the Portuguese inspired egg custard tarts.  (Equatorial Hotel near Penang Airport)

Home made fish curry, South Indian style, garnished with okra and served with steamed rice. (SK Teoh)

Lit candles to ensure better success for students sitting for significant high school examinations.
(Goddess of Mercy Temple, Pitt Street, Heritage Quarter Georgetown)

Seafood mousse (homok) -  steamed with various produce of the sea in a spicy coconut milk base and garnished with chills and herbs. (Sabai Sabai Thai, Green Lane)

A fig tree embraces the sun under a blue key in November, after the rains.

The iconic dish for Penangites - the wok stir fried char koay teow, served in different versions.  Of Fujian origin, the above photo shows  a rather wet translation with bean sprouts, egg, prawns, shallots, southern Chinese sausages and a chill mix underlay. (Island Park Kopi Tiam, Green Lane)

Lazy time over coffee in a quiet space with a good friend.

Variety of steamed offerings in yum cha, usually served from early morning in Penang and not just for lunch.

What every visitor cannot help noticing being provided compulsorily at each meal table - peanuts, cut fiery chills and chopped garlic.

The Straits Chinese version of the steamed seafood mousse - the otak-otak  (SK Teoh).

Georgetown's Heritage Quarter, as sanctioned by UNESCO.

Made to measure tailored suits are a hidden gem in Penang.

Straits Chinese traditional tea time snack - the kueh talam, with a coconut milk top supported by a flavoured base.

Baked bite-sized tarts with different hues and flavours - egg based, coconut filled and Pandanus themed.

High tea with echoes of the British Raj - scones, pies and cut sandwiches.

Another time, another place - a hideaway in Georgetown.

Freshly baked biscuits, the bigger ones with pork roast (char siew) filling and there smaller ones with durian.  (Ban Heang outlets)

The Fullerton Singapore

Formerly the Singapore GPO, the building housing today's Fullerton has been restored to more than its colonial splendour and attention to architectural detail.  White, a plethora of small and large palms and shutter windows (that allow more effective ventilation in an equatorial climate) are the themes continued from its glorious past when Singapore was considered  to be a gem of the British Empire, the geographical most far flung empire in history.

Good ham cuts, fresh pineapple, watermelon and more for morning breakfast.

A welcome Chinese cooling flavoured tea with a Granny Smith in your room.

Poaching eggs for the traditional kaya toast bread set.

A scene reminiscent of old Singapore, by that river itself, not far by foot from the Fullerton, which has a river side view.
The grand hotel centrally located in downtown city, with Chinatown, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Raffles Place, Clarke Quay, Clifford Pier and Marina Sands casino within a sweaty walking distance in this equatorial heat, but on well designed, broad and clean pavements.  There are also river ferries to catch for slow rides.

Fettucine marinara served by enthusiastic, friendly and well trained staff at one of the Fullerton's dining rooms.

Coffee and tea traditionally made with condensed milk are served by the Fullerton  in unique porcelain cups that still bear the designs familiar from my childhood.

The Fullerton pool for guests, overlooking a scenic and sedate river and Singapore's financial district, has been named as one of the top resort pools in the world.

Newspapers in hard copy are still left at your room or suite door - or provided at breakfast time, which has a menu encompassing he best of East and West - above, congee is available with poached egg, waffle, Mediterranean tomatoes and Cantonese baked roast pork buns.

A bird's eye view of the inner sanctum of the Fullerton.  A recommended place to unwind is the Post Bar on the ground floor.  Wi-fi is provided free to hotel guests.  Rooms are sumptuous with writing desks, bathrobes, carpet slipper wear, glass display shelving and mat laid near your turned bed while you are away at dinner.

Freshly made omelette surrounded by croissants and breads.