{"id":2539,"date":"2025-02-25T21:55:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T21:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/friends-and-family-plan\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T21:55:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T21:55:00","slug":"friends-and-family-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/friends-and-family-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Friends and family plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our friend Letch\u2019s mom invited us over for breakfast this morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to leaving for our nearly one-hour train and bus journey to the area where they live, Chris did the proper \u2018charming son-in-law\u2019 thing and got her flowers from one of the markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For breakfast she made one of Chris\u2019 favourites. (Of course she did!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make the Appam, she had to start the previous day to prepare the rice flour since it takes about a day to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After our visit we took the subway back to a bar called \u2018HopScotch\u2019 at Gilliams Barracks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopscotch.sg\/\">https:\/\/www.hopscotch.sg\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What a fun experience that was, since every drink was a theatrical experience. And also happened to be good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since Letch\u2019s nieces were still in school when we had breakfast with their grandma, she made a date with her sister that we will all meet at a hawker\u2019s market for dinner at 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a few hours to spare we decided against a siesta break and went out to meet up with the rest of the cruise gang, which arrived the previous evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a few drinks with them catching up with our seperate adventures so far, they went back to their hotel and the two of us went for some light shopping in China Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We bought two bags of the irresistible \u2019bak  kwa\u2019 for snacks (or gifts)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We met Letch\u2019s sister and her two daughters at the hawkers market near our hotel for dinner. Delightful kids, and we all enjoyed the visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After saying goodbye to the family, we went out on another adventure to another bar Chris wanted to show us. Anti:dote<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antidotebar.sg\/\">https:\/\/www.antidotebar.sg\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another great experience with unusual cocktails. A great way to end an adventurous day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1039-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1039\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1040-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1040\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1041-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1041\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An appam or hoppers is a type of thin pancake originating from South India and Sri Lanka. It is made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, traditionally cooked in an appachatti, a deep pan similar in shape to a wok. It is part of&nbsp; Tamil cuisineand Kerala cuisine found in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1042-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1042\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A quick shopping detour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1043-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1043\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1044-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1044\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Clockwise)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blood and Tears<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This drink honours our forefathers. Incorporating salt representing their blood, sweat, and tears poured into building this nation. An otherwise potent and bitter cocktail representing their strife but ending with a sweet finish to celebrate the fruits of their labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assassins Teapot<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The teapot became famous when it was used to poison potential targets. The teapot has two different compartments, which allows it to dispense different beverages. This cocktail is served with two drinks, one &#8220;poisonous&#8221; and one not for you to have fun with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer Fling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The &#8220;Summer Fling&#8221; cocktail draws inspiration from the popular &#8220;Iced Jelly&#8221; dessert, a refreshing Taiwanese treat perfect for summer. Blended with dry ice, it momentarily freezes the alcohol, creating a light and invigorating edible cocktail reminiscent of this beloved shaved ice delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">King of Pop<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tau Huey and grass jelly drink, two beloved local favourites, blend seamlessly in this delightful dessert-inspired alcoholic cocktail, other wise known colloquially in Singapore as &#8220;Michael Jackson&#8221;. A delightful blend of hot and cold using molecular gastronomy techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1045-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1045\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Clockwise)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last Man Standing <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This cocktail pays homage to Singapore&#8217;s dwindling street chestnut roasting trade, now preserved by a lone vendor in Chinatown. With a rich coffee and nutty aroma, complemented by smoky and earthy flavors, it revives nostalgic memories of traditional street foods lost to globalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Birds of Paradise<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Derived from Singapore&#8217;s emblematic avian marvel, the Peacock, this drink epitomizes dignity, rank, and beauty within Chinese cultural tapestries. Its plumage once graced imperial officials with the highest honours. A light and refreshing tipple with a deep and sophisticated bouquet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secret Remedy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secret Remedy is inspired by Singapore&#8217;s famous Chinese herbal cough syrup. Highlighting the distinctive flavour of loquat fruit, it mirrors the soothing experience of the traditional syrup, often dissolved in cold water to relieve the throat, offering a comforting twist on a familiar remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wish Upon a Lantern<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspired by the Chinese Lantern Festival, this tradition began as a military signalling tool, evolved into a farmers&#8217; practice seeking bountiful harvests Now, it&#8217;s a popular event where people write wishes on lanterns an release them into the sky, hoping to have their desires fulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1046-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1046\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1047-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1047\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1048-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1048\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1049-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1049\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bak Kwa is the Hokkien (Fujianese) word for dried meat. It is actually more like wafer thin slices of barbecued pork jerky. Unlike beef jerky which is usually dehydrated to remove the moisture in the meat, Malaysian Chinese style pork jerky is moist and grilled to perfection over charcoal fire.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1050-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1050\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laksa for dinner. So good, and when you ask for extra spicy, you better be prepared for it. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1051-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1051\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anti:dote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1052-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1052\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Passing the war memorial late at night. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/images-posts\/1053-friends-and-family-plan.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1053\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our friend Letch\u2019s mom invited us over for breakfast this morning. Prior to leaving for our nearly one-hour train and bus journey to the area where they live, Chris did the proper \u2018charming son-in-law\u2019 thing and got her flowers from one of the markets. For breakfast she made one of Chris\u2019 favourites. (Of course she [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-singapore"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"monkeydads","author_link":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/author\/monkeydads\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Our friend Letch\u2019s mom invited us over for breakfast this morning. Prior to leaving for our nearly one-hour train and bus journey to the area where they live, Chris did the proper \u2018charming son-in-law\u2019 thing and got her flowers from one of the markets. For breakfast she made one of Chris\u2019 favourites. (Of course she&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2539"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2539\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travel.monkeydads.com\/2025-southeastasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}