Hai Di Lao (313@Somerset)

Hai Di Lao is one of those places where it is obvious that they want to win over customers not only through their food, but through the extra perks which are not available elsewhere. 

Founded in 1994 in China, Hai Di Lao serves mainly Sichuan style hotpot. While you are waiting for your turn, you get a free platter of snacks- both unhealthy and healthy. You can also arrange for a free manicure session. In my case, the screen cover on my phone was starting to have little bubbles and the staff helped to replace the sheet free of charge. Before and after the meal, the waitresses will also give you hot towels for you to freshen up.

The first thing to do is to order your soup base. In this case, we decided to go with the mushroom soup and the chicken soup ($18). I really liked their soup because of the rich flavour which didn't leave a lingering MSG taste.

We ordered half a portion of Black Pork ($9.50). Half portions are good because you can order a larger variety of food.

Of all things, the Sweet Corn ($6) was rather disappointing because it wasn't really sweet.

The Handmade Fishballs (half portion for $5) were nothing like the fishballs we are used to. Instead, it contained roe and was very bouncy. A must order.

The chicken (half portion for $6) was well marinated.

The food was definitely decent (although its price tag is on the higher side). What you are really paying for is the good service, the "freebies" and the theatric effects. We ordered the noodles ($4) and one of their staff came by and pulled the noodles before us, while attempting to "tease" us by swinging the noodles inches in front of your eyes. Next to us, there was a man who was celebrating his birthday and a waitress rolled a trolley with different fruits, LED lights of every colour and Chinese music blasting together with a trolley.  Needless to say, the staff topped this off with a loud birthday song.

Overall, an enjoyable experience although I would go to this place for special occasions because I can probably find the same quality of food at cheaper prices elsewhere.

Hai Di Lao 
313 @ Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#04-23/24
Tel No: 6835 7227 

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Changi Point Boardwalk

Unless you live near Changi Village, reaching Changi Point Boardwalk by public transport is going to take you a long time. We got down the wrong bus stop and ended up at Changi Beach. Since we were already there, we walked through Changi Village and even bought a kite even though we had no use for it. Trekking here under the sweltering heat can be a pain, but the sea breeze will take this fatigue along with it. 

As some renovation works were ongoing, we could not access some parts of the boardwalk. Nothing lost though, as we had previously walked at the parts that were closed.

We walked along the Sailing Point Walk where we could see sailboats and yachts.

One can only be at peace while looking at the stationary sailboats bob up at down in the sea.

Visiting around sunset is a good time because it is not too hot and it offers great opportunities for taking sunset shoots too.

We then went onto the Kelong Walk. It is named so because it is built above water on kelong-like stilts. Anglers can be seen lining the walk, each waiting patiently for their catch. I can never be an angler because my level of patience is near zero. As I always tell my husband, of the many virtues that I do not have, patience is definitely one of them.

The walk is approximately 2.2 km, which takes an estimated walking time of around 45 minutes, accounting for a leisurely walking pace and time for taking pictures.

Click here for National Park's guide. 

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