PODI specializes in all-day breakfast and grills, but I gave their cakes a go and found them not too bad either.Their range of cakes appears to change every now and then, so the available flavours at any given time is not very predictable. I tried a green tea-based cake, and found the green tea flavour to be just right. It was not overpowering but packed enough green tea to satisfy my (considerable) cravings.Other flavours sampled included a coffee-chocolate amalgamation of some sort, and a banana-based one. Thick and moist slices of fresh banana were present in the latter, and this made the cake fragrant and delicious. While I would have appreciated a stronger dose of coffee in the former, some might prefer the cake in its current milder form.All the cakes sampled were not too exceedingly sweet, and were well-balanced in taste and texture. The service standards left much to be desired though, with inattentive and unresponsive wait staff. Perhaps they need a few more hands on deck to spread the workload. 

QQ Rice is my go-to spot for some wholesome, cleansing foodie goodness. Established in Taiwan in 1988, they have grown to encompass more then 300 franchises globally. Their signature rice rolls are well-loved, especially amongst vegetarians. To cater to a diverse market, they also have meat products.

Begin creating your customizable rice roll by choosing from a range of various rices. I opted for the Mixed Grain option. You then choose five unique ingredients to be added as the fillings for your roll. Take your pick from a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some of my favourites are mashed potatoes, corn, and various types of 
chicken. Certain ingredients are labelled as premium items, and are priced accordingly.QQ Rice also carries a range of rice-based beverages, which are not only healthy, but also delicious and refreshing on a hot day. 

Overall, QQ Rice offers fuss-free, wholesome lifestyle options for busy individuals on the go. Their unrivalled variety ensures you never run out of options and combinations! 

Manhattan Fish Market has long been a favourite of mine, and a go-to place for quick, no-frills seafood. They serve up a good range of briny goodness, ranging from a wide variety of fish to scallops, mussels, squid and prawns.

One of my favourite platters is the Scallops Fish Chicken Combo, which supplements the three meats with chips, veggies and their signature garlic herb rice. It's filling, satisfying and diverse all at once.

The slabs of grilled chicken are consistently tender and moist, and huge in portion too. The fish fingers are juicy and fried to crisp, golden perfection. While the scallops do not pack much taste, they provide a welcome chewy texture to the platter.I love how well-balanced this platter is, with a good dose of carbs thrown in with the fragrant rice and savoury chips. Crucially, the broccoli and carrots provide some much-needed fibre. Overall, this is a timeless favourite of mine.

Re!Fill Restaurant recently launched their all-new Weekend Brunch menu, and I could not resist checking out the classic brunch items.

The restaurant is a part of Hotel Re!, and hence takes on the hotel's trademark quirky, funky and retro vibe. The walls of the restaurant are plastered in a bright pink, making it a surreal dining experience indeed.

Glancing at the Weekend Brunch menu, the BeRe!licious Pancakes caught my eye with the drizzles of chocolate and strawberry sauce. The 3-tiered pancakes are topped with berries, making them tart yet sweet. The buttery pancakes are rich and smooth in texture.Re!Fill Restaurant is indeed a great place to spend a leisurely weekend morning. Have a lovely brunch in an oasis of calm, away from the crowds thronging the main Chinatown belt along Eu Tong Sen Street. 

Bangkok Jam is a well-known and well-loved name in the Thai food scene in Singapore. Indeed, it has over the years come to be associated with traditional Thai favourites, with an urban twist. In an attempt to relive my two visits to Thailand, I paid them a visit.The Phad Thai Moo (Pork Phad Thai) was everything one could ask for in the good old Thai favourite. The noodles were springy and delicately flavoured (not too fiery). The mix of spices and toppings blended together beautifully to create a well-balanced dish. Condiments including sugar and chilli flakes were artfully presented on the side.

The Yang Ruam (Mixed Grill of Chicken, Beef Short Ribs, Squid and Prawns) was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the stomach. The four signature meats encircled a bed of greens, and were accompanied by two dressings to pep things up. While I had no complaints with the chicken and prawn, the beef ribs were strangely hard and dry, as though they had been sitting on the counter for a long time. Similarly, the squid was dry and excessively tough and chewy.Apart from these small quibbles, my Bangkok Jam experience was indeed exemplary. Service was swift and courteous, and the food was flavourful and satisfying.