Blu Kouzina, Bukit Timah

My first time trying Greek food! Greek dishes are definitely not the most common cuisine in Singapore and it took me a couple of tries before I managed to get myself to Blu Kouzina. I heard heaps of praises about Blu Kouzina and have always wanted to try. But Blu Kouzina is a small establishment and they are always fully booked, so I always found it difficult to get a table. My friend and I finally managed to do so one Monday evening after work! We were both running late and reached only close to 8pm. Thankfully Blu Kouzina kept the table for us!

For some reason, I imagined Blu Kouzina to be a lavish eatery, with dim orange light, high ceiling, complete with wooden tables coated in white paint and blue wall papers (you know, like the nautical theme). I know, I know, my imagination runs wild. Blu Kouzina was nothing like that at all. It was homely, very quaint, with only a few tables inside and about two tables outside. The colour theme was indeed white and blue though (haha!). The counter sits beside the kitchen and the cashier is squeezed at the back. I was surprised to find that it was not air-conditioned but it was not warm at all as a slight night breeze drifted in through the windows.

The Taramosalata ($15.80) which was white cod roe dip. This was really unique but so good! My first time having white cod roe dip. Actually, it was my first time trying all these dishes.

Spanakopita ($16.80) was pastry with spinach, feta cheese and herbs. This was like a spinach curry puff with flaky skin. Don't get me wrong, it was delicious. But I just had to find some way to make me remember how this dish was like hence the reference to curry puffs. 

Kalamari Shara ($21.80) was grilled squid with lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Wonderfully grilled, so tasty, and I loved the combination of lemon and olive oil.

Mousaka ($27.80) was a dish with oven-baked eggplant, potatoes, mincemeat and sauce. This reminded me of parmigiana, except much thicker thanks to the layer of mashed potatoes. I loved the eggplant and mincemeat combo!

We had some complimentary dessert too!

Dining at Blu Kouzina was such an experience. The cuisine was interesting (Greek food is definitely a must-try), food was delicious, and I loved the unpretentious vibe in Blu Kouzina. If only all restaurants could be like this.

893 Bukit Timah Road

Lunch: Friday to Sunday 12pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 6 pm to 10 pm
68750872 (Remember to make your reservations in advance!)

What to do in Tokyo, Japan

I was lucky and managed to make two trips to Tokyo last year. I did as many different things as I could during both trips and ate a large variety of food. The list below is the essence of what to do in Tokyo. It is in no particular order since I love them all and find it terribly hard to rank these places. 

NUMBER ONE: MORI TOWER OBSERVATION DECK

If you can only do one observatory, this should be it. Ditch Skytree unless you are really keen on being really high up with not much of a view. Admission is 1500 yen with an additional 500 yen for the sky deck. I would strongly recommend paying the additional 500 yen for the sky deck because the view from the sky deck was really breath-taking. The sky deck is actually a helipad which provides a glorious 360 degree open air view of Tokyo. It can get quite cold in the autumn or winter on the sky deck, especially after the sun sets so bring your coat with you. You will be asked to leave your belongings in a locker before heading up to the sky deck.You could see Mount Fuji on one side, and the Tokyo Tower on the other. If you are lucky, you can even catch the setting sun! The Tokyo Tower was beyond beautiful when it lit up. 

NUMBER TWO: TOKYO SKYTREE

It is iconic and really high up so if you like that, do check out Tokyo Skytree too. But aside from the fact that it is iconic and really high up, there is nothing much going for Tokyo Skytree unless you count Rokurinsha Ramen. 

NUMBER THREE: MEIJI SHRINE

If you like to explore a tranquil shrine without large bustling crowds, visit Meiji Shrine. A stroll along the tree-lined path will definitely restore peace in your heart.  

NUMBER FOUR: SENSOJI, KAMINARIMON, NAKAMISE SHOPPING STREET

This area has an amazing vibe with loads to see, feel, and eat. Walking through Kaminarimon with its large red lantern, you will enter Nakamise Shopping Street which is lined with small shops on both sides. The crowd is thick by midday so I would strongly suggest making this area your first stop in the morning after 9 am. Strolling along Nakamise, taking in the bustling atmosphere, eating yummy snacks, and grabbing cute little knick knacks make a wonderful start to the day.

NUMBER FIVE: HARAJUKU 

If you are a teen, you will enjoy Takeshita Dori with its cutesy little shops selling kawaii fashion. If you are too old to fit into cutesy little skirts (like myself), you will enjoy the young vibrant energy in Takeshita Dori and the delicious crepe! Forget about the calorie count and treat yourself to a yummy crepe and freshly prepared Calbee chips. After your tummy is satisfied, cross the road into the Omotesando area where you will find luxury brands and, if you turn into the right alley, a ton of sneaker shops! I bought a pair of rose gold Nike sneakers there which were so perfect!

NUMBER SIX: SHIBUYA

You probably know this already, but I just have to repeat it again. The best spot to catch the action at Shibuya Crossing (aside from actually being in the Shibuya Crossing) is Starbucks at Level 2 of Tsutaya. This particular Starbucks is insanely crowded and everybody is gunning for the window seats. Pick the right window seat and you will find yourself facing the busiest crossing in the world. Try the Hojicha Latte which is my favourite Starbucks drink in Japan (followed by the Matcha Latte). They use real tea bags!

Shopping is perfect at Shibuya too with a million and one shopping malls. I read numerous positive reviews about Shibuya 109 and 109 Men but I am personally not too awed by them. Instead, I am totally blown away by the large Tokyu Hands in Shibuya! They have everything under the sun, and their goods are just so cute.

NUMBER SEVEN: IKEBUKURO

This place has one of the best ramen ever (Mutekiya) but I will rave about this in another blog post. My family and I came here for Sunshine City (where we did some amazing shopping) and for the giant supermarket at Seiyu. There are a bunch of sneaker shops around too though Harajuku definitely reigns supreme in terms of sneaker fashion. We were also huge fans of the Kit Kat Chocolatory inside Seibu Department Store which stocks many interesting flavours.

NUMBER EIGHT: ODAIBA

Take the Yurikamome for a scenic journey into Odaiba. This place is fabulous and there is just so many things to see. There is the giant Gundam Robot (don't miss the light show at night!), colorful ferris wheel at Palette Town, Toyota Museum, Venus Fort, and many large shopping malls for good shopping. The Rainbow Bridge lights up at night and is incredibly beautiful behind the Statute of Liberty.

NUMBER NINE: TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

If you want to come here for fresh sashimi, make sure you reach at the time you usually wake up to go to work. I am a self-declared lazy bone and am determined to sleep as much as I can every night so I failed to eat sashimi at Tsukiji twice in a row. Needless to say, I am extremely bummed. The good thing is, Tsukiji is fun to walk around even if you are not stuffing your face with sashimi. You can also eat other stuff like fresh scallop but make sure your tummy is strong enough (mine wasn't and I came down with a very serious bout of food poisoning).

NUMBER TEN: GINZA

Glitzy shopping, period. If you are into expensive brands and high-end department stores, look no further than Ginza. I can hardly afford anything at Ginza but luxurious department stores have one of the best restrooms. Just saying.

NUMBER ELEVEN: DISNEY

I LOVE DISNEY. Do I need to say more?

NUMBER TWELVE: HAKONE

Beautiful Lake Aishi and Mount Fuji. I took a day trip and while it was enough to see the famous sights, I felt like we were rushing from point to point without much time to really soak up the view. Hakone was truly beautiful and two days might allow you to slow down your pace.

NUMBER THIRTEEN: AKIHABARA

Land of manga, anime, video games, maid cafes, otakus and all things quirky. Anything mainstream is too boring for Akihabara so make sure you walk into the shops and check out everything on display. You will definitely find something that will make you go WOAH.

NUMBER FOURTEEN: SHINJUKU

I stayed at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku for both trips so Shinjuku was sort of our hood at night. We explored Kabukicho and Golden Gai (in the day with my family and at night with the boyfriend), strolled through the department stores in the area and checked out the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory (it's free!).

Next up, what to eat in Tokyo, Japan!

On The Table, Pasir Panjang

Using the awesome Entertainer App, the boyfriend and I made our way to On The Table one Friday evening for dinner. I made a reservation and was extremely thankful that I did since the place filled up very quickly. Parking was easy for us since there was a public car park next to On The Table. However, parking lots were limited and when we left, we saw a row of cars waiting around for lots. 

The cafe was homely, laid back, and cozy. As it was dinner time, we skipped the usual brunch food that On The Table is famous for and ordered pasta instead. We chose the Tomato Crab Linguine, the Salmon and Mushroom Cream Linguine, and Fries with Truffle Mayo.

I thought what I ordered were Truffle Fries but it was actually chunky fries with a mayo dip laced with truffle oil. I must remember to read descriptions more carefully in future! The fries were nice and chunky and went well with the interesting dip but I much prefer truffle fries to fries with truffle mayo dip!

The Tomato Crab Linguine was good with a generous amount of crab meat paired with al dente linguine.

The Salmon and Mushroom Cream Linguine was a little on the heavy side, which did not go too well with me. I guess I am just not much of a cream-based pasta person since the cream always makes me feel queasy.

On the Table has an impressive selection of craft beers but (surprisingly) I chose not to go for beers that night since I was battling a scratchy throat. I would have loved to sit around a bit more into the night and enjoy a cozy chat with the boyfriend over desserts or drinks but we felt pressured to leave when we spied a large crowd gathered at the door.

Update: Had lunch at On the Table with the office folks. Delicious croissant with light fluffy scrambled eggs, cheese and ham, juicy tender drumsticks, and a cup of fragrant flat white. Perfect lunch and I was so full from the meal!

118 Pasir Panjang Road

Tue to Fri: 11:00 to 22:00

Sat and Fun: 10:00 to 22:00

Closed on Monday

97808094