This $9 Bulalo Shamed Every Overpriced Filipino Restaurant in Singapore

ABBEY: After a refreshing stroll along the scenic Mandai Boardwalk, we decided to reward ourselves with a hearty Filipino meal at Lechon Pinoy in Jem Mall. It took just a couple of minutes to get a table, and trust me—it was absolutely worth the wait!

We indulged in some of our all-time favorites: bulalo (beef marrow soup), pork barbecue, and of course, their signature lechon (roast pork). Each dish brought a taste of home and didn’t disappoint.

The bulalo was rich and flavorful, with tender beef shanks and bone marrow that simply melted off the bone. The pork barbecue had that perfect smoky sweetness, just like the ones sold at street stalls back in the Philippines, and paired beautifully with the tangy “sabaw” (broth) of their sinigang.

And the star of the show? The lechon! With its crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, it was so irresistible that we ended up ordering an extra serving to take home. To top it off, the staff even gave us an additional portion as a bonus- such a thoughtful gesture!

    

Lechon Pinoy SG

This $9 Bulalo Shamed Every Overpriced Filipino Restaurant in Singapore

WILL:  Let me be brutally honest—I rarely eat Filipino food in restaurants. Not because I don’t love it (I do!), but because:

1. Abbey cooks it better at home, and

2. Let’s face it—most Pinoy dishes in Singapore are ridiculously overpriced.

So when I crave something like Bulalo, I brace myself for a tiny portion, bland broth, and a hefty bill. But this time, I was pleasantly surprised.

After our nature walk at Mandai Boardwalk, I was craving soup. Bulalo, specifically. Comforting. Savory. Homey.

We headed straight to Lechon Pinoy at JEM, and I immediately saw Bulalo with rice on their menu—SGD 9.25 / pax. Sounds reasonable, but I thought: “Baka puro soup lang talaga to ah, no meat.” So I ordered a few sticks of BBQ as backup.

What came to our table shocked me—in the best way. 😲

✅ Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef

✅ Deep, savory broth

✅ Generous portion (more than enough for me and Abbey!)

This wasn’t the usual “sabaw lang” disaster.

It was comfort in a bowl—legit, sulit na sulit.

And the Pork BBQ? Flavor? On point.

Well-marinated, smoky, sweet—but yes, I do wish the meat were a bit bigger for the price. Still, it was a great combo with the soup.

My Chismosa Moment. Haha. Okay, I eavesdropped a little. A group of Pinoys at the next table were saying. “Mas masarap dito kaysa sa Lucky Plaza ah!”

I know, chismosa ako 😅 but they had a point.

This tasted more authentic, more generous, and honestly—more affordable than what we’ve had in other Filipino restos.

We couldn’t leave without trying their lechon. So we it takeaway. Wink!  And wow—it was another hit. Crispy skin, tender meat, not overly salty. Perfect for a simple feast with a wine at home. 

Final Thoughts

✅ Affordable Filipino food

✅ Big portions

✅ Authentic taste

✅ No “daylight robbery” feeling

Lechon Pinoy at JEM surprised us—in the best way. We’ll definitely be back. Maybe next time we’ll check out their Orchard branch.

***

Lechon Pinoy – JEM Food Court

(W) https://lechonpinoy.oddle.me/en_SG/

(A) 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #05-01 (Stall MR9), Singapore 608549 

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What It’s Really Like to Stay in Budget Hotels in London, Edinburgh & Dublin

ABBEY:

• Citadines at Barbican 

We chose Citadines Barbican London because of its proximity to our colleagues’ offices. After late-night meetups, it was a relief to walk back without hassle. Although it was cold when we arrived in London, the warmth we felt at Citadines was like a cozy embrace.

A special touch? A welcome basket filled with snacks and chocolates to celebrate my wife’s birthday- thoughtful and heartwarming. The room itself was spacious, with plenty of storage for our shoes, luggage, and clothes. For refreshments, filtered water is available on the ground floor, and you can grab specialty drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or hot chocolate from the self-service station at the basement level. The hotel’s close proximity to a train station was another major plus, especially since we relied heavily on public transportation throughout our stay.

• ibis Styles St Andrew Square

In Edinburgh, we stayed at ibis Styles St Andrew Square, a stylish hotel located right in the heart of the city. It was perfectly situated- just a short walk from the train station, top museums, restaurants, and even the airport bus stop.

Our room had a large, clean bed where we enjoyed unwinding with streaming content on the internet-enabled TV (a welcome feature, especially since cable channels were limited). The complimentary breakfast buffet offered a satisfying start to the day, with fresh pastries, scones, oatmeal, fruits, and juices. Bonus points for offering umbrella rentals- very handy for those drizzly Edinburgh days when you still want to explore.

• Hampton by Hilton in Dublin

Our final stay was at Hampton by Hilton in Dublin, which offered easy access to city hotspots like Temple Bar and Jervis Shopping Centre- just an 8-minute walk away.

The room was impressively spacious with a city view, giving us plenty of room to spread out and relax. One of our favorite highlights? The breakfast- especially the DIY waffle station with toppings like whipped cream, blueberries, and syrup. I also enjoyed the classic English breakfast options, complete with pork and blood sausage, eggs, grilled tomatoes, and beans. The lobby bar was a great spot to unwind and catch up with friends over a drink.

What It’s Really Like to Stay in Budget Hotels in London, Edinburgh & Dublin

WILL: When planning a trip to the UK and Ireland, hotels can take up a big chunk of your budget. But here’s the question: should you sacrifice comfort and security just to save?

We say—no need!

You can have both—and here are the budget-friendly hotels we stayed at during our recent London, Edinburgh, and Dublin trip. We’re sharing honest reviews to help you decide whether these places are for you.

🏨 Citadines Barbican London

There’s no shortage of hotels in Central London, but why did we choose Citadines at Barbican?

1.It’s within walking distance of Abbey’s office

2.Centrally located and close to many tourist spots

For our 4-night stay, we were surprised that housekeeping wasn’t included. That meant we had to take out the trash, change our own towels, and refill our water from the gym (or basement). No tea/coffee refill too.

A bit of a hassle—but:

— The room size fits 2 open large luggages comfortably

— The bed was cozy, and the quilt was warm and fluffy

So, if you’re okay being independent, this is a good pick.

🛏️ ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square

I’m glad Abbey picked this over other hotel chains. What makes it stand out?

1.The location feels peaceful, yet you’re just minutes from the buzz of the main streets.

2.Breakfast is a winner—fresh bagels, scones, a great cheese spread. One of our fave breakfast buffets!

3.And don’t miss their sticky toffee pudding—a surprise hit.

Heads-up though: The room and bathroom are quite cramped. But if you won’t be spending much time inside, it still works.

☕ Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

We’re not big IHG fans—but this hotel was a smart choice.

1.Walking distance to the mall, St Stephen’s Green, and major bus stops

2.And since Dublin was our “sleep vacation,” we appreciated the restful vibes here

—Room and bathroom sizes were more generous than London

—Housekeeping came daily, and

—Breakfast? Always exciting—especially the fresh fruits and DIY waffles!

That wraps up our hotel picks for our UK-Ireland trip. Hope this gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to stay at these three hotels—and helps you decide which one suits your travel style best.

If you’re looking for comfort without going over budget, these are worth considering. 💸✨

Happy planning!

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Aparthotel Citadines Barbican London - Official Site

(W) https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/united-kingdom/citadines-barbican-london

ibis Styles St Andrew Square | Stylish Hotel in Edinburgh

(W) https://all.accor.com/hotel/9058/index.en.shtml

Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

(W) https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dubbihx-hampton-dublin-city-centre/

The Truth About Dublin’s #1 Attraction: Guinness Storehouse

ABBEY: If you ever find yourself in Dublin, a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s more than just a brewery tour—it’s a deep dive into Ireland’s rich brewing history and one of the world’s most recognizable beers.

To make the most of your visit, it’s best to book your tickets online ahead of time. We were a few minutes late for our scheduled time slot, but the friendly staff welcomed us in without any hassle—a great start to the experience!

The tour begins on the ground floor with a look at the legendary 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness for the St. James’s Gate Brewery. From there, you ascend through several levels that take you on a journey through the brewing process—from the raw ingredients (barley, hops, water, and yeast) to roasting, fermentation, and finally, tasting.

One of the highlights? The tasting experience. You’ll be offered a sample of Guinness and taught the proper way to enjoy it—no small sips here! To truly experience the flavor, you’re encouraged to take a generous mouthful and savor the richness.

For a fun twist, we upgraded our tour with The Stoutie experience—where your selfie (or group photo) gets printed in foam right on top of a pint of Guinness. It’s a quirky souvenir and definitely Instagram-worthy!

Once you’ve explored the exhibits and had your first taste, head up to the Gravity Bar, the highest point of the Storehouse. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Dublin while sipping on more freshly poured Guinness. There’s also a restaurant if you’re in the mood to pair your pint with a hearty Irish meal.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Guinness Storehouse shop, where you’ll find everything from glassware and apparel to limited-edition collectibles—perfect for remembering your visit or picking up a gift for someone back home.

Enjoying a pint of Guinness inside the Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse

WILL: When you think of beer, it’s usually the golden-yellow kind that comes to mind. But in Dublin, Ireland, the most iconic beer isn’t gold—it’s black. Yes, we’re talking about the world-famous Guinness. And there’s no better place to understand its legacy than at the Guinness Storehouse, one of the top things to do in Dublin.

Did you know the Guinness Storehouse stands on a site with a 9,000-year lease? That alone shows how deeply rooted this brand is in Irish culture.

Inside, you’ll learn how Guinness is made—from its ingredients to the brewing process. But what stood out most to me was the interactive way they teach you how to properly drink a pint of Guinness. That tip alone was golden (even for someone like me who isn’t a beer fan).

Another section I really enjoyed was the cooperage display—watching videos of how they used to make barrels by hand. It’s an impressive skill that deserves appreciation!

Finally, the experience wraps up with a visit to the famous Gravity Bar, where guests enjoy 360° views of Dublin while sipping on their freshly poured pint. The vibe here is lively and infectious—full of laughter, music, and conversations.

So, is it worth visiting the Guinness Storehouse?

Absolutely yes. Even if you’re not a beer enthusiast, the Guinness Storehouse isn’t just about beer. It’s about Irish pride, history, craftsmanship, and culture—all poured into one unforgettable experience.

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KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!

Guinness Storehouse: 

Brewery experience telling the tale of Ireland's famous beer, with tastings and a rooftop bar.

(W) https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/home