Cliff(y) Goes Dining

An oyster bar worth shell-ebrating at the historic Ferry Terminal! Occupying a cosy spot along the bustling waterfront of Auckland, The Shucker Brothers is a compact eatery that's quietly built a strong reputation among seafood lovers. My travel buddy and I sat outside on a wooden table, soaking up the afternoon sunshine as the gentle hum of the harbour created an effortlessly relaxing backdrop for lunch.

Those juicy  sautéed mushrooms put me in a 'fungi' good mood! Located right in the heart of the Central Business District, President Hotel Auckland (3*) was my hotel of choice for my inaugural trip to the city, and New Zealand as a whole. The breakfast spread offered at the hotel might be very limited, but having a selection of hot items to start the day certainly made the stay feel worthwhile.

"A Taste of Aotearoa" above the clouds! After experiencing Australia for the first time, it was time for a trans-Tasman hop from Melbourne to Auckland, New Zealand . For Business Class passengers, Air New Zealand is proud to offer contemporary cuisine with the spirit of manaakitanga , the Maori tradition of hospitality, using indigenous ingredients where possible.

Grab some barista-made coffee before flying off! Given the number of posts I've shared over the past few weeks, you could probably tell that it was a short first trip ever to Melbourne, Australia. Before flying out, my travel buddy and I had a quick breakfast at Air New Zealand Lounge, a sanctuary tucked away downstairs after passing through the duty-free area.

Virgin experience with Australia's Blue Heaven milkshake! A trip to Victoria, Australia wouldn’t be complete without a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road , they say. After soaking in the coastal views, our group tour made a pit stop at Apollo Bay for lunch. While exploring the options around Apollo Bay Hotel, my travel buddy and I decided on George's Restaurant for a fried seafood meal.

"Riotous Southeast Asian dining sensation!" Describing itself as "the renegade of the Australian dining scene", Chin Chin has become one of the most talked-about dining spots with its bold, modern take on Asian cuisine with a focus on Southeast Asian flavours. Since its opening in 2011, the lively, high-energy restaurant has been drawing steady crowds. 

Eating ants... The same swarm that usually makes me cringe! Situated at Fed Square along the banks of Yarra River, Big Esso offers a dining experience that's both rooted in culture and refreshingly modern at the same time. Focusing on the use of native Australian ingredients, it's the kind of place where the menu sparks curiosity. With that in mind, let's dig into crocodile, emu and even ants.

Authentic Thai food in the heart of Melbourne Chinatown! My travel buddy and I checked out the rather compact Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia one afternoon. While wandering in search of something to eat, we came across a food court tucked within an old-school shopping centre called The Paramount. Among the various stalls, Me Dee caught my attention, offering honest, fuss-free Thai fare that focuses on flavour and value.

A chance to try Vegemite again... Located just a short walk from Southern Cross railway station in the Central Business District of Melbourne, Ibis Styles Kingsgate (3*) makes for a convenient base for exploring the city. The room that my travel buddy and I booked came with continental buffet breakfast to start each day of our short adventure in the state of Victoria.

An enduring presence at Queen Victoria Market since 1950! Donuts are something I've always been a little obsessed with since young. While exploring Queen Victoria Market, an iconic that's been operating since 1878, I was so delighted to stumble upon a small van dedicated entirely to selling those old-school delights filled with jam. Of course I had to join the long queue of locals and tourists alike.

Unhinged jaw required to tackle the Kavorka! It was certainly a memorable first trip to Down Under right from the start. After not just one or two, but three flights from Singapore to Melbourne, Australia, I finally found myself unwinding over a burger dinner at Royal Stacks. The brand prides itself in using 100% pasture-fed Australian beef, never frozen and free from antibiotics.

Medium-rare filet mignon done right! There's always a quiet sense of anticipation when it comes to Business Class meals, isn't it? For the 8-hour journey with Philippine Airlines PR211 from the capital city to Sydney, Australia, two meals are served: supper and breakfast. It was my first long-haul flight with flag carrier of the Pearl of the Orient Seas. 

More than 20 different cocktails on offer! Stepping into the flagship lounge of Philippine Airlines at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport was a pleasant surprise. More than just a comfortable place to wait for my next flight, it offers a wide range of cocktails. The thought of having arroz caldo (Filipino chicken porridge) had me looking forward to a good time ahead.

Where the dried mango slices took the crown~ Happy New Year 2026! May this year bring good health, renewed joy and many blessings to all of us. To kick off the year, let's start with an airline meal feature on Philippine Airlines. I had the chance to fly from Singapore to Manila, which was the first leg of a journey that would eventually take me to Down Under.