Yesterday was a blast, the kind of day where you start with peaceful vibes, end up walking more than you planned, and suddenly your stomach starts reminding you that “spiritual journey” still needs fuel 😂
I spent my afternoon wandering around the Bright Hill area, exploring the monastery grounds and doing what I always do when I’m in a new place: taking photos of every interesting corner I see. There’s something calming about being surrounded by quiet halls, greenery, and that slow, steady atmosphere that makes you breathe a little deeper. But let’s be honest… after enough walking, my “inner peace” turned into “inner hunger” LOL.
So once I was done exploring, I did the most modern pilgrimage: I opened Google Maps and searched for the nearest hawker centre. And that’s how I found Kebun Baru Market & Food Centre, just a few minutes away from Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park. I headed over immediately because I was craving something satisfying, not just a snack, but a proper meal that makes you feel like you’ve been taken care of.
When I arrived, I was genuinely surprised. The hawker centre felt huge, busy, and full of choices, the kind of place that makes you excited because you already know you’ll be back again. (And yes, my list of hawker centres to explore just got longer… yay!)
Among the many stalls, I decided to go for Nasi Padang since I don’t eat it that often. I love the concept of it, you get to choose from a spread of dishes behind the glass, and everything is fast and efficient. No long decision-making, just point, pick, and watch your plate become a little festival.
For my plate, I went with beef rendang, tempe & tofu, and brinjal (eggplant), all served with a mound of fluffy white rice. The moment I sat down, I already knew this meal was going to hit the spot. Nasi Padang always looks so inviting because everything comes with sauce, and I’m a sauce person. The kind who believes rice without gravy is like a movie without sound… still okay, but why suffer? 😆
The beef rendang was the star for me. Rich, dark, and deeply spiced, it tasted like it had been simmering forever. The beef was tender and coated in that thick rendang paste that clings to every bite. It wasn’t just spicy, it had warmth, depth, and that slightly smoky, coconutty richness that makes you keep scooping more rice to balance it out.
Then there was the tempe and tofu, cut into neat cubes and cooked with spices that didn’t hold back. Tempe has that nutty, earthy bite that tofu doesn’t have, so eating them together gave a nice contrast. The tofu was softer, the tempe had more chew, and the whole thing carried this savory heat that was right at my personal threshold level… which means I was sweating a bit but still happy 😂
And the brinjal! Honestly, this was such a fun addition because it looked so pretty on the plate , that glossy purple skin, the soft inside, and the way it absorbed the sauce like a sponge. Eggplant always feels comforting to me because it melts in your mouth when it’s cooked right, and this one did exactly that.
Now, here’s the danger: the chili sauce. They gave sambal on the side, and it basically doubled the spice level. I tried it anyway (because I’m brave… sometimes), and wow, Indonesian flavors are so addictive. Spicy, bold, fragrant, and super satisfying. It’s the kind of heat that warms you up from the inside.
Thankfully, I also got myself a cold soya milk drink, and that was the perfect balance. One sip and it felt like my tongue got a mini vacation.
Overall, this meal reminded me why Nasi Padang is such a comfort cuisine, quick, customizable, and full of flavor. Kebun Baru Market & Food Centre is definitely going onto my “repeat visit” list, because I can already imagine coming back to try different dishes from the display.
