I guess it’s pretty typical of springtime, but the weather here has been nothing short of temperamental lately: in the span of the weekend, we enjoyed everything from sitting in the sunshine without a jacket to being bundled up for the snow. Naturally, the constant shift in weather has meant catching a cold, and the past few days have been spent recovering in bed… all of which has been making me especially excited to be heading off to Asia in a few weeks time!
ps. If you happen to have suggestions on what to see/eat/do in Malaysia (Penang) and Singapore, I would love to hear them; please do send them my way!
Wearing: Zara coat and leather jacket, COS sweater dress, T.Babaton (Aritzia) blouse, BCBGMAXAZRIA booties, Joe Fresh beanie, gloves from Finland market, Artessorio bag (c/o boticca)
Photos by Roderick Fung
Your hair looks absolutely gorgeous here! So pretty! And AMAZING that you are heading to Asia soon! That’s so awesome! I hope you have the best time. xoxo.
Hope you’re on the mend, Jen. My flu was brutal. I ended up getting stuck in bed for a full week! And, oh my goodness, your trip sounds so fabulous… can’t wait to hear more about it! Love this outfit, totally something I would wear!! xoxo
I don’t usually leave comments on blog posts but reading that you’ll be heading to Singapore got me really excited.
Though I’m currently studying in the UK, I’m originally from Singapore, and my frequent travels to neighbouring countries tell me that you’ve certainly made a w(a)ise choice (heehee) in choosing to visit Penang and Singapore! Here are some of my recommendations for places to eat:
For Penang, you definitely have to try their tau sar piah (bean pastry) – the last time I went, I tried the Him Heang brand and my family finished the entire box in two days. Penang is also famous for their char kway teow and cendol.
For Singapore, here is a list of my favourite places to indulge in good food:
- For local delights, you may wish to try hawker food in places like Newton Circus (word of caution: may be rather tourist-y), Chomp Chomp or Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Some of my favourite local dishes include fried carrot cake, laksa, chilli/buttermilk crab, wanton mee, fried fish soup noodles, satay, rojak and roti prata
- If you are into the idea of cafe-hopping, I would recommend some cafes that I enjoyed visiting: Carpenter & Cook, Symmetry Cafe and Strictly Pancakes.
- For good dim sum, be sure to check out Red Star Restaurant, Tim Ho Wan Singapore (a Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant which originated from Hong Kong), Taste Paradise or, if you don’t mind venturing out of the main city area, 216 Wen Dao Shi.
- Dynasty Paradise (@ Ion Orchard) – try their 8 flavoured xiao long baos!
- Koh Grill & Sushi Bar (@ Wisma Atria) – their Shiok Maki is certainly their best dish. “Shiok” is a Singaporean colloquialism (Singlish) used to convey the feeling sheer pleasure.
- Ippudo Ramen (@ Mandarin Gallery) – the name says it all – ramen!
You may wish to browse the two most famous food blogs among Singaporeans for more ideas on places to eat: http://ieatishootipost.sg/ or http://www.ladyironchef.com !
Oh my goodness – you’re the best!! Thanks so much for sharing this, Yan, this is going to be infinitely helpful! Xo
Awesome food list, just wanted to add chicken rice to it.
As for things to do there’s the main shopping area of Orchard Road. The big shopping centres are Ion, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, Mandarin Gallery, Scotts Square, and Paragon (I might have left some out).
I would recommend going down to Marina Bay Sands just because it’s a pretty impressive building (there’s also more food and shopping and the infinity pool up top).
If you like some outdoor/nature-y things there’s the Botanical Garden and Gardens By The Bay.
Singapore is a compact and easy to get around place so hopefully you won’t lose too much time getting from place to place.
There are lots of less touristy places also.
I am such a fan of this “snow leopard” coat, dear Jen!! I guess it’s the combination of two of my favourite things…animal print, and black and white!! Those booties catch my eye each time you wear them as well!! You must be sooo excited about your trip; I just came back from Toronto, and let me tell you – the weather here is positively balmy compared to what they’ve been experiencing back east!!
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
In Penang, make sure you tour around Georgetown, and visit the Spice Garden (if you can swing it and it’s legal, bring as many spices home with you as you can- the stuff we get here pales in comparison!) Pick up a batik item or two, and have as much curry as you can handle- it’s an amazing blend of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian influences!
You’re going to Singapore? SO JEALOUS!!! You’ll experience the best asian food ever! Pack light of course, it’s going to be humid!
You can say bye to that leopard coat and lend it to me, LOL 
Oh my goodness, you’re seriously the layering queen – I would never think to layer a leather jacket under a coat! I love it! You’re looking amazing Jen!
Bold Subtlety
I stay in Singapore.. and this 2 months has recorded the least rainfall so far in history,. very very very hot
. so do dress light when you are in the region… dun forget your sunblock! 
Let me know if you need any help with directions or itinerary tips for Singapore…
One tip for the Penang food, I like the assam laksa @ Air Itam Market.. its a roadside stall.. but its very nice!!!!!
This needs a little bit of research on your end but try this site: http://www.thesmartlocal.com/
They have tons of options and ideas for you to do/eat in Singapore!
In singapore you must have:
hainanese chicken at either Boon Tong Kee or Wee Nam Kee. black pepper crab with mantou at No Signboard
coffee at Old Town Coffee
kaya toast with butter and have it with milk tea or iced milk coffee at Ya Kun.
Enjoy!