Scarlett Supermarket Paya Lebar vs Suntec – Where’s the Best Chinese Hot Food in Singapore?

ABBEY:  If you’re craving authentic Chinese flavors in Singapore, Scarlett Supermarket is more than just a place to stock up on groceries. It’s also a spot to enjoy hearty Chinese comfort food. We’ve visited both their Suntec and Westgate outlets, and each trip has been a delicious experience.

One of our favorites has to be the dumplings. They’re generously sized, packed with juicy meat and fragrant chives, and perfect for sharing (though you might want them all to yourself!). Another standout dish is the red mala noodles. At first glance, it looks intimidating with its fiery red broth, but if you can handle spice, it’s absolutely worth it. The soup is tangy, spicy, and loaded with ingredients like mushrooms, lotus root, and tender meat.

We also tried their Chinese sausage, which caught our eye because it’s shaped like a bratwurst. While it looks Western, the flavor is distinctly Chinese; on the sweet side.

Scarlett Supermarket Paya Lebar vs Suntec
Where’s the Best Chinese Hot Food in Singapore?

WILL: Is this a sign? Haha! Paparinig ako kay Abbey… baka naman China trip na next destination namin? 😍
So, what’s the relation of Scarlett and China?
Scarlett Supermarket in Singapore is a well-known grocery store that mainly sells Chinese products—from snacks, sauces, frozen goods, to everyday essentials. Prices are affordable, quality is ok, but for me, the real highlight is not just the supermarket… it’s their hot food section!

If you’re wondering where to eat affordable Chinese food in Singapore, Scarlett should be on your list. We recently visited two branches: Scarlett Supermarket Paya Lebar and Scarlett Supermarket Suntec City, and here’s my quick comparison:
     >Suntec Branch – More serene and quiet, but with fewer tables. Perfect if you want a calm spot to enjoy your meal.

     >Paya Lebar Branch – Spacious, wide variety of dishes, and they even offer free noodle or rice refill! Downside: not every dish hit my taste expectations, but with so many choices, you’ll never run out of new things to try.

Now, my must-try dishes in Suntec Branch:
     •Signature Hot and Sour Noodles – Suntec branch nailed this one! The flavors brought me back to my first visit in Qingdao, China. Pure nostalgia!
     •Mala Dumplings – Spicy, savory, and absolutely drool-worthy. A total winner!

Whether you go to Scarlett Supermarket Suntec or Scarlett Supermarket Paya Lebar, you’ll enjoy exploring both their grocery aisles and hot food counter. It’s a mix of affordable Chinese groceries and delicious meals—authentic, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying!

***

思家客Scarlett Supermarket Singapore

(W) https://www.scarlettsupermarket.com.sg/

Why Exercise Alone Isn’t Enough for a Healthy Body (+ Our 1-Week Meal & Workout Plan)

“Ha? He looks so healthy—full of muscles and runs every morning! How come he got a stroke?” My sister answered: “He eats a lot of meat. A lot of street food. And mga matatamis”

Well, we were shocked too! When Abbey was diagnosed with high blood pressure, it didn’t make sense at first. Ha? We eat mostly vegetables and not a lot of meat! So how did this happen? 

The truth is, regular workouts and eating vegetables aren’t enough to guarantee a healthy body. You need a balanced diet, portion control, and mindful choices. I realized this too—despite thinking I was eating healthy, I still have high uric acid.

So, what’s the takeaway? Exercise is great, but nutrition matters just as much. High blood pressure doesn’t care how fast the morning run was if meals are loaded with sodium, fried oils, and processed meats. Small swaps—less salt, fewer fried foods, more whole foods—consistently beat “outrunning” a poor diet. 

👉 In this post, I’m sharing our first week of healthy meals and workouts designed for lowering blood pressure and reducing uric acid levels. If you’re starting a wellness journey for better heart health, this might inspire you too!

Meal plan for high blood pressure & Workout plan lowers uric acid

You can join/follow our routine and eating habits. 

Visit our previous blogs here: https://reviews-all.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Gentle%20Reset

Kwee Zeen Buffet: A Must-Try Sunday Brunch at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa?

ABBEY: We had a buffet at Kwee Zeen (Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa).

Though it was French-themed, one of the highlights for me was the lobster and prawns, which were incredibly fresh and paired surprisingly well with balsamic vinegar. I found myself going back for seconds (and thirds!) of the salt-baked fish, which was moist, juicy, and beautifully seasoned. The beef from the carvery station was equally satisfying, carved to perfection and full of flavor.

For those who enjoy Indian food, the buffet does not disappoint. I enjoyed pairing naan with rich butter chicken, along with tender mutton from the briyani; a hearty combination that’s hard to beat. The spread also includes seafood delights like seasoned baby octopus, as well as fresh sashimi featuring salmon and tuna.

Of course, no buffet is complete without desserts. I ended my meal with a sweet and refreshing finish to the feast with classic eclairs, fresh watermelon, and ice cream. Drinks such as soda, coffee, and tea are included in the buffet price, but if you’d like to elevate your dining experience, you can top up for wine, cocktails, or even a Bloody Mary.

With its wide selection, fresh ingredients, and relaxing resort setting, dining at Kwee Zeen makes for a wonderful experience whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a leisurely meal at Sentosa.

Kwee Zeen buffet seafood spread at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa

Lobster and oysters at Sofitel Sentosa Kwee Zeen Sunday brunch

WILL: If you’ve been looking for a luxurious Sunday brunch buffet in Singapore, Kwee Zeen at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is probably on your radar. Known for its seafood spread, resort ambiance, and premium service, this buffet is often praised as one of the best on the island. But here’s the question: Is it really a must-try?

Honestly—because of the price! (Aminin. Haha) At $108++ per adult (or $172++ for two adults) plus the Sentosa Island Fee of $4, this isn’t your go-to buffet. And yes, I’m a calculative woman! Luckily, we have ALL Accor Plus, which gave us 50% off, making this an absolute steal. With that discount, it was finally time to indulge.

The lobster! That’s the highlight of any buffet for me. Abbey and I developed a seafood allergy, but to clarify, allergies usually show up when seafood isn’t fresh. So yes, we consider ourselves a good meter of seafood freshness. Haha! The verdict? Fresh and delicious! Lobster, oysters, shrimp—we had them all, and no bumps came out.

•Lobster & Oysters – Always available, no waiting for refills (unlike other buffets).

•Frog Legs – A little salty but perfectly cooked.

•Salt-Baked Fish – Flavorful and moist.

•Dumplings and Burrta – A must! 

The relaxed resort vibe at Kwee Zeen is definitely off the charts. Special thanks to Ruby, Ma Qing, and Farah for their excellent service—our table stayed clean, finger bowls were refreshed, and sodas were always refilled.

At $108 per adult for the quality, freshness, and top-notch service, I’d say yes, it’s worth it—especially with the ALL Accor Plus 50% discount. If you love seafood and a relaxing Sunday brunch experience, Kwee Zeen at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa is highly recommended. 

***

Sofitel Hotel Sentosa Singapore - Kwee Zeen

(W) https://sofitel.accor.com/en/hotels/9474/R002.restaurant.html

(A) 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa 099891 SINGAPORE

(T) +65 67088310

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The Signs We Ignored — Until Our Bodies Started Crying for Help

Whenever I’d ask him if I looked fat, he’d grin and say, “Hindi ka mataba, you’re voluptuous.” 🤭 And I, of course, would accept that answer with a smile, thinking, “See? No need to diet.”

We were “healthy.” We ate vegetables daily, we did weekly fasting, and we even shared on a previous blog post about our eating habits. But the truth? We were feeling less and less healthy every day.

Maybe you are experiencing subtle signals below that your body sends that you keep ignoring. And we ignored them too… until they became impossible to brush off.

The Signs We Ignored — Until Our Bodies Started Crying for Help

1. Body Odor That Came Out of Nowhere

We take two showers a day — one in the morning before work, and another thorough cleaning at night before stepping into our bedroom. So smelling bad? Unthinkable!

But one day, I noticed my shirt smell funky. Abbey said it was just that one shirt. Few days after that, same problem — and I started blaming the washing machine. After observing… surprise! It wasn’t the shirt. It wasn’t the washing machine. It was my sweat. Something in my body chemistry had changed, and that was a big red flag.

2. Shortness of Breath Without Effort

Running out of breath while running? That’s normal. But losing breath while simply talking? Not normal.

Our fun conversations turned into tiring chitchats. I’d end up gasping instead of laughing — which was both annoying and alarming.

3. The 3AM Wake-Up Club

Almost every night, I’d wake up at 3AM and struggle to fall back asleep. The next morning, I’d start my day foggy, cranky, and unfocused. That’s a sign my sleep cycle were out of balance.

4. Unusual Clicking Sounds

If you’ve ever used noise-cancelling earphones while walking, you’ll know you can hear your own body. One day, the music stopped, and I realized… every step with my left foot came with a clicking sound. My leg felt uneasy, like something inside wasn’t moving right. That’s when I knew — this wasn’t just age catching up, this was my body complaining.

5. Afternoon Cravings That Hit Hard

We’ve been doing OMAD (One Meal a Day) for years without much snacking. But this year, by 4PM, both Abbey and I would crave something salty or sweet. It wasn’t about hunger — it was our body crying out for electrolyte balance. We ignored it until the light-headedness became too obvious to dismiss.

💡 Here’s the reality:

These were our body’s warning signs — small whispers that could have turned into shouts if we didn’t act. We finally stopped denying the truth and made a choice to restart our health journey.

So, I’m sharing this to ask you:

Bukod sa di kasyang pantalon, ano pa ang signs na dapat mo nang pagtuunan ng pansin sa katawan mo?

Sometimes, accepting these flaws isn’t about shame — it’s about giving yourself permission to reset, recharge, and rebuild.

Let’s go and reset our body now! 

You can join/follow our routine and eating habits. 

Read our first post! 

Is Da Michele Singapore Worth It? Honest Review vs $10 Pizza

ABBEY: During our recent staycation at Mercure ICON, we decided to have dinner at da Michele, a popular Italian restaurant that’s well-loved for its authentic flavors. The place was buzzing with diners when we arrived, and we happily joined the queue, knowing it must be worth the wait.

We were seated al fresco, which gave us a front-row view of the hotel’s bustling driveway. Perfect for some casual people-watching as we enjoyed our meal.

We had Burrata & Capocollo Pizza, a thin-crust delight topped with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, savory ham, and crowned with a generous ball of creamy burrata in the center. While it was delicious on its own, drizzling some chili oil over it took the flavors to an entirely new level; spicy, salty, slightly sweet, with that perfect smoky note from the crust. Absolutely wow-worthy!

Next was the Orecchiette All’Aragosta Alla Positanese pasta. The texture was spot-on, chewy and al dente, paired beautifully with a rich tomato sauce and hearty chunks of Italian sausage. Each bite was comforting yet full of bold Italian flavors. All of these good food along with a refreshing mojito. 

da Michele is a great choice for a romantic dinner spot in Singapore. The cozy ambiance, authentic Italian dishes, and lively atmosphere make it ideal for couples. It would be even better if they had live music to complete the vibe!

Short queue for Da Michele Singapore walk-in visitors

WILL: Have you ever taken a bite of food and, for a split second, felt teleported? That’s exactly what happened to me at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore—one forkful of pasta and my brain whispered, “Girl… are we in Italy right now?”

Here’s the funny thing—I had no idea this place is world-famous, with its Naples branch even featured in the movie Eat Pray Love. To me, it was just a spot my friend recommended, conveniently located at the ground floor of Mercure ICON Singapore where we had our staycation.

Fast-forward to that afternoon: no reservation, just pure luck. The walk-in queue was short, and in 10 minutes, we were seated.

So… how’s the pizza and pasta?
You can really taste that everything is freshly made from scratch—yes, even the pasta. The flavors felt like we were transported to Italy. Yayyy! Finally! Haha!

Do I recommend it? For the taste—absolutely yes. But will it replace your favorite less-than-$10 pizza joint? Maybe not. Still, it’s worth trying at least, especially if you’re a foodie or an Eat Pray Love fan.

***

da Michelle

(W) https://www.damichele.sg/

(H) 12.00pm - 3.00pm and 6.00pm - 10.00pm

(A) 8 Club Street, #01-08, Singapore 069472

(T) +65 9823 5724 (WhatsApp)

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Mercure ICON Chinatown Singapore Review – Brutally Honest Stay at the Largest Mercure Hotel in the World

ABBEY: Another staycation, yay! This time, we checked in at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, and it turned out to be a great choice for a quick city getaway.

We were able to get our room quickly, and to our delight, it came with a lovely view of Chinatown. The bed leaned on the firmer side, which was surprisingly comfortable, and the pillows were soft and cozy. It is perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Overall, the room was clean and well-maintained. The only drawback was a slight odor from the bathroom drain; not overly unpleasant, but noticeable enough to mention. We shared this feedback with the hotel, so hopefully, it gets addressed for future guests.

For food and coffee, ICON LINK at Basement 2 is super convenient. We enjoyed our coffee fix at Tomoro Coffee and even grabbed a quick pizza dinner from Domino’s. Another highlight? The hotel’s close proximity to Chinatown Complex, where we savored delicious dim sum and a comforting plate of sweet and sour pork rice.

Mercure ICON Chinatown Singapore Review –  Largest Mercure Hotel in the World

WILL: In the never-ending stretch of hostels and boutique hotels in Singapore’s Chinatown, one building stands tall and gleaming — Mercure ICON. With over 900 rooms, this isn’t just any Mercure — it’s the largest Mercure ICON in the world.

So… why did Abbey and I check in here? Simple. We fell for the Red Hot Deal from All Accor. Yes, FOMO got us this time.

The Room is Small, but not claustrophobic. You can still open two 20-inch luggage inside but will be  blocking the walkway. But here’s my honest take — the bed was not my friend. This is the first hotel bed that actually gave me a backache. My planned “sleepcation” quickly turned into a “tossing-and-turning” marathon.

As for the bathroom — small, as expected from the room size. But the real works they need to do is the soundproofing. I could clearly hear people talking in the hallway, which made me wish they invested more in thicker walls. 

The location is where Mercure ICON wins. Step outside and you’re minutes away from Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and even Singapore’s CBD. Plus, food is everywhere — hawker stalls, cafes, and restaurants in every direction.

My Verdict – Would I Recommend It?

•For tourists: If you’re out exploring all day and only crash in the room at night — yes, it’s a solid choice.

•For locals on a staycation: You can try it, but don’t expect a plush, spa-like escape.

•For light sleepers or  hard bed sensitive: Maybe skip — your back and ears might thank you.

Mercure ICON Chinatown central, and convenient — but not exactly cozy.

***

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre Hotel

(W)https://www.mercure-icon-singapore-city-centre.com/ 

(A)8 Club Street, Singapore , 069472

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

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!