Happy New Year everyone!!!
And hello hello Singaporeans!
This is us invading your precious land and i’m going to spawn cute babies all over your beautiful country lolol.
No la. Actually i have been so stressed out by the whole relocation thing.
In Kuala Lumpur, we finally have our own beautiful apartment that allows the existence of Champon and made friends with a grand total of one awesome neighbor, I finally found the perfect school for Junya and he’s just settling down to a wider social circle, and all these will have to come to an abrupt change.
Because the danna has to work in Singapore. And none of us wanted to separate from each others especially now THERE ARE FOUR OF US omg.
Everything happened so quickly. We rented a small apartment and packed some stuff and just moved over here. Champon had to stay with my mom for now because it just doesn’t make sense to import him over since we will be back to KL quite often and then he will be alone in Singapore. I wish Singapore has dependant pass for dogs. I feel a little guilty.
I hope i won’t offend citizens from either country with this entry but i have always feel ambivalent about moving to Singapore. Sometimes i get super envious at things we don’t have that Singapore does (“Cheesie, we have Hokkaido Milk in our supermarkets!”), but i get too comfortable in KL to be thinking about all the moving hassle too. And it also means that i may have to give up most of my job opportunities.
The danna said when he first moved to Malaysia, he had a culture shock of course, but he also accepted that the culture and manners are very different from Japan so he didn’t expect anything much. It wasn’t until he came to Singapore and was profoundly shocked at how vastly different things are, between KL and Singapore, when the two countries are just a drive away.
All things considered, Singapore is waaaay closer to what he had experienced in Japan all his life, with all the subway systems, safety, high quality Japanese food, cleanliness and work efficiency. It was incomparable to Malaysia.
My dream is to live in Japan. Too many people asked why i haven’t moved away to Japan. Ideally i would, but now that i have a child and another on the way, our utmost priority is to provide the best comfort, environment, opportunity and future for our children, and right now that arrow seems to be pointing at Singapore.
It was a new challenge for our family. I have friends here, i could even work here if i try hard enough, and Junya can go to a school here. It wasn’t all that life-changing difficult. If things didn’t work out for us, we can always tapao and 滚回 Malaysia hahhaha. Or earn shitload of SGDSDGSGDSGD and retire in Japan. We are sooooo fortunate that we have all these options. I feel incredibly lucky.
So here’s to our new adventure.
Papa moved his bike and also surfboard although i don’t think he will ever get to surf in Singapore. Papa and his surfboard is like JunJun and his Gelatoni lolol.
Ichigo that papa brought back from Japan.
It was 900 yen (SGD10) BUT I SAW THE EXACT SAME ONE SELLING AT SGD29 IN SUPERMARKETS HERE.
What. Is. Going. On?
Since SGD is also 3X MYR, does that mean that i am paying 9 TIMES the price of what i originally would have? Or not. Hahhaa ok obviously don’t know how math works.
But anyway, the first week of my Singapore life goes like this:
= When i see stuff like this:
HOLY CHEESE AM I IN JAPAN??????
I AM IN JAPAN!!!!!
= When i see the price tag.
Are you kidding me? 3 cucumbers for RM30 and one pack of taukeh for RM12??????????
= When it dawned on me that for the amount i spend buying Japanese goods in Singapore, i may as well live in Japan and save a lot more money. It just sucks to love Japan too much and live in Singapore surviving on Malaysian credit cards.
We tried to go economical until we start to earn proper money, especially when it comes to food, but (i am very very very sorry to say this but) i really really cannot get used to the hawker food here T____T. Why the laksa tastes like 80% curry mee in coconut milk and 20% asam laksa wan? Why the Yu Pian Tang is like fish fillets swimming in warm water wan T____T. The Japanese fine dining is probably the same quality as in Japan but the price is also 5X T________T.
One day we went to have hawker food in Orchard (i guess it’s like Jalan Alor liddis with touristy price tag), and there were a total of 8 of us.
We ordered big sized fried rice ($18), big sized prawn omelet ($24) and some other dishes. After dividing 8 portions this was what i got.
MEANS THAT ONE SLICE OF FRIED EGG IS RM9.
And the fried turnip thing tasted like dessert T____T.
After that i just decided that i would buy grocery and cook and stock up shitloads of Nissin Cups. T_T.
Then one day i discovered Yayoiken. $13 or something for this set.
IT WAS THE BEST MEAL I’VE EVER HAD IN SINGAPORE.
I was so happy i almost cried lolol.
Finished every single thing except the Daikon Oroshi because it was very tangy.
The danna’s set for $19.
Thank you Singapore for having Yayoiken!!!
Then yesterday i also tried Ootoya omg i didn’t know you guys have Ootoya and the taste was just like Japan T_____T.
I feel almost embarrassed because i always raved about how amazing Ootoya is every time i have it in Japan. Now i’m super paiseh because you all are probably like, errrr, well, we eat it like, until sian liao.
Then we had crab at Satay by the Bay with Qiu and her family! It was good but i still don’t like all the laksa-flavored food hahhaa.
Celebrating Xmas!
And Qiuqiu’s Xmas party!!!
Wa wa wa she prepared all these food herself!!! Ok la qualified good party host hahhaha.
Stuff that other friends brought!! Everyone was freaking out a 大肚婆 stand on the chair to take this picture hahah.
Play date with Meredith!!! Soooo happy JunJun gets regular dates now 😀
Yes Junya that’s how you be a gentleman.
And check out how he eats cheese like a boss LOLOL. 不愧是我的儿子。
My baby <3
Sophie and Miyake were also there!!!
ALLLL the pink stuff for daughters!!!!!
Group shot with an uninvited furry guest and a very rude boy who was sleeping lol.
Number 76 Singapore!
Yes yes yes so this is the reason we are all here!!!!
SOooooo exciting!!!
So it was officially opened on 1st January 2016!!
JunJun was the first customer hahahha.
I will be joining the reception party tomorrow with some of the blogger friends, and will update more on the new salon in town!!!
If you wanna make your booking here you can go to: http://sg.number76.com/
They have super awesome Grand Opening Promotions so don’t miss out!
Finally, thank you Singapore for having me and my family. I will earn a lot a lot SGD and also spend a lot a lot SGD on your Japanese food. Hahhaha.
I don’t mean to be rude or anything. and you can also choose not to answer my question 😊😊😊 I just want to know why the danna was chosen to relocate to singapore? considering he’s family is malaysian. etc. why didn’t number 76 hired new people or relocate someone else? thank you! and happy new year😊
Cheesie’s danna is the boss. Not just of the salon but the restaurants in japan as well.. hope that answers your question 🙂
thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Welcome to Singapore Cheesie!! I hope you and your family will have a wonderful time here. Things can be expensive here (even for Singaporeans), and everyone seems to be always in a rush, but there are a lot of upsides too! Our little dot is clean, efficient and safe. The people here can be really warm and friendly too! I will definitely go support Number76, so glad it is now in Singapore after reading all your rave reviews.
Take good care, have a smooth pregnancy and enjoy yourself on our little sunny island!
Yes, i have a couple of friends here and it makes things so much better! And thanks so much for your support <3
Hi Cheesie!!
I’m so happy you’re here in Singapore!! 😀 I know it probably doesn’t matter since I am all but an anonymous comment but I’ve been following your blog for so long and it’s just amazing that we’re on the same (small) piece of land now haha! I hope you settle down here quickly and without fuss! 🙂 Singapore is wonderful, I’m sure you’ll love it too! :))
And yes the struggle with food is real haha. I’d suggest you hit up sites like thesmartlocal.com to check out where to get good (and cheap) food! There are a lot of good food/supper spots in the east (Bedok 85, Simpang Bedok, Changi Village etcetc) and there’re also places like Chomp Chomp Food Centre in the Serangoon area. Generally, I’d say if you are in Orchard, stay away from the “hawker food”/”cheap food” because the quality just doesn’t match up to the price X_X!! If you’re in town, I’d say it’s safer to go for the more “expensive” choices 😀
In anyyyyy case. WELCOME TO SINGAPORE CHEESIE and I hope you’ll have a great time here!! 🙂 <3
Hi Cheryl, thanks so much for the tips!! Yes i agree, i stay around town so i’d stick to fast food or better i’d just cook myself hahah and THANK YOU!!!!
Glad that you are here! I made an appt with Amy just to support as too far to drive to 76 in Mid Valley (Yoshi and Steve, dont tell them lol!). If you need to go to places where the animals are, holler, and I will get you in! We just came back from Japan and as usual, love it to the moon and back! If you miss Malaysia’s food, there is always a secret to get there quick in and out lol
Thank you Sonia!!! And thanks so much for your support <3
Really??? Junya loooves animals! 😀 It would be awesome! 😀
Welcome to Singapore! Yes the standard of living here is rather high T.T Even as a Singaporean myself I feel very stressed, I am sure you feel it more xD Nevertheless, hope you enjoy yourself here with your family, and discover some hidden gems 😀 Nana’s Green Tea has awesome lunch set deals which I love, maybe you would too? 🙂
Hi Chisaki! I have only tried the desserts at Nana’s Green Tea, we have it here in KL but it’s really very mediocre, i’ll try out the one in SG! 😀
Hi Cheesie,
It does sound so hard life in Singapore if we Malaysian didn’t manage to earn enough of SGD to survive over there! huhu! I doubt how my friends who used to dream to be working in SG just as promoters and so on to survive? They used to sound so proud to leave MY without any qualification to dream survive in SG! seriously…
BUT!
I am sure that you and your husband surely can survive there as you guys having own business there! good luck and all the best! Happy New Year again.
Hi Michie, i hope so too!! If one is earning SGD it’s probably cheaper to live there 🙂 Thanks so much for your encouragement!
Hi Chessie, welcome to Singapore! We r at the same boat! I’m a Malaysian who “migrated” to SG and expecting another kid in 3 months time =) One thing your r luckier than me is u r expecting a girl! Big congrats!
You need not give up your career actually.. You r a well known blogger in SG, once u settle down in SG, you can “move” your blogging career from KL to SG. I believe SG blogging platform is more popular n you will ve more opportunity.
One thing for sure, SG confirmed plus chopped can give your kids better environment. Be it safety or education prospect.. We can bring our kids to the park, running n cycling in peace, need not worry someone will actually come near to you n snatch ur kids.
The standard of living is high, but if you r earning SGD, it’s fine. You feel the pain now bcos u r converting RM to SG. I’ve been there, I know.
As of now, just enjoy as much as you can! You will be settling in real soon.. Happy for you =)
Agree! Come and give the SG queen(s) of blogging a run for their money. Looking forward to a healthier blogging scene where everyone up their game to match yours.
Hahaha want to say until liddis meh i paiseh!! But yes i do get some job offers and i’ll travel between KL and SG. At the same time i’m also taking it slow cuz i am a da du po now lolol. Thanks fan for being so supportive <3
Yes. After you start earning SGD, you’ll feel many things are cheaper here when compare dollar-to-dollar to Malaysia when earning MYR.
That is VERY TRUE. CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!
Hi Windy, congratssss! Hahhaha so you are getting two boys?
Yes actually the most important point for the danna who comes from one of the safest country in the world is, of course, safety. Thanks so much for your encouragement!! And all the best to your delivery!! 😀
Ya 2 boys 😭 Delivering end of April.
All the best for the both of us, add oil!
Welcome to Singapore! 🙂
Totally know how you feel about the laksa in Sg.
Even as a Singaporean, I do not like the laksa here (maybe because of the Malaysian blood in me and I had the best laksa in ‘laksa-land’, Penang)
Ok, enough of laksa talk, hope you’ll find your favourite hawker food soon! <3
Can't wait to patronize Number 76 and have chio hair! 🙂
Thank you so much! I believe there are food hawker food, it’s just that i don’t have the time to hunt for it yet. Thanks for your support and i hope you like the salon!
Hi Cheesie.. i believe you can still work in Singapore because i think your readers supposedly many are Singaporeans too ^^
And.. i promise when i go to Singapore, i will have a haircut at Number 76!!! Hahahaha!!! I hope i can meet you and Junya. I always love Japanese salon. I go to a japanese salon too in Indonesia.. How about Number 76 also open in Indonesia? LOLLLL
So your Danna will work mostly in Number76 Singapore now ?
Btw about hawker food, i also think Malaysia’s hawker food more delicious than Singapore one.. Maybe because Malaysia’s hawker food taste is more similar to my hometown’s food ( North Sumatra ). But some i like too, such as carrot cake and Melben crab dishes. Haha..
One hawker food which i actually really really like at my hometown but dislike Singapore one is Char kway tiao. haha.
I also suprise there is no Ootoya in Malaysia ? Because Indonesia has Ootoya too 😀
Hello Elisabeth!!! Actually we have been to Jakarta before looking at expanding prospect too! But maybe Singapore first cuz it’s so much nearer! ^^
Char Kuey Teow is my absolute favorite! That’s probably the only food i’ll miss if i ever leave Malaysia hahah. Noooo we don’t have Ootoya T_____T. It’s sad, we always get the awesome brands the last T__T. Is it Halal in Indonesia? I guess the whole Halal issue makes F&B brands really hard to be imported here.
Being a Malaysian, living in singapore and loving Japan, I absolutely relate to your blog post, except that I’m not a mom yet. When I saw the prices of Japanese goods in Singapore, I just felt so ripped off. But hey, that buys a little bit of Japanese happiness. Ootoya, yayoiken and soup stock are my fave places in Singapore. Way way better then the hawker food, I guess we are just accustomed to the Malaysian salty taste bud . 😄😄😄
Exactlyyyyyyyy. I don’t mind sometimes to splurge just so i could support Japan and buy a bit of Japanese happiness, like you say! I haven’t tried Soup Stock yet, glad to know it’s good!! It’s right in Orchard Gateway where the salon is so i’m sure i’ll get to try it out! 😀
You are so right! The danna being Japanese loooooves his high salt content so Singaporean food is a little too bland to his liking.
シンガポールへようこそ！！！
日本製のもの高いですよね(;・∀・)…
その気持ち痛いほどわかりますT^T
サロンオープンもおめでとうございます！！！今月絶対行きます♪
応援してくれてありがとうございます＾＾
Hi Cheesie, welcome to singapore! May I know which supermarket u went to where the hokkaido milk is available? Thank you! 😊
you can try isetan orchard, which has a lot of japanese groceries and meidya at clark quay 🙂
Thank you very much! Will check those places out! Hee
Almost all high end supermarkets have it!!! Takashimaya, Isetan, Meijiya 🙂
Welcome to cheesie Singapore! I know this isn’t the first time you’re here, but it’s definitely the first time you’re staying for a much longer period of time, yeah? I know things can be very expensive – I don’t buy designer goods, so you will never see me shopping at the stores here. I buy everything online, even if the quality is somewhat questionable. But that’s how I survive in Singapore. Groceries are expensive too, but it also depends on where you buy them from. Things at Meidi-ya supermarket and the one at Isetan are really expensive, but I guess it’s the quality you’re after?
I don’t eat at hawker centre because the food is too oily (and I sweat just looking for a seat). So I tend to eat at Kopitiams, or nearby food courts. Food quality aren’t that bad, but at least I feel that food is less oily. Then again, there’s only food courts near my workplace so I don’t really have much of a choice.
That aside, I hope things are working out well for you and your family 🙂
Hi Azl, yes you are right!! I stay pretty in the center of town where everything is expensive so i really don’t have much choices. But thanks for giving me an idea! Perhaps i can start shopping online for groceries!! 😀 😀 Thanks again 🙂
Hahahahahaah! Cheesie, agree with you on the hawker food! I couldn’t get used to it especially “ba cuo mian”. And bak kut teh is actually similar to the pork belly soup here XD Maybe we could always opt for the safest choice like chicken rice..hahahhahaa..The only place where I find the food is more “Malaysia” is Chomp Chomp Food Centre in Serangoon 🙂
Actually i quite like the bakuteh as long as i don’t regard it as BKT LOLOL. Cuz i’m a big fan of pepper soup too so i think the SG BKT is real yummy too! Ok i’ll try out Chomp Chomp since everyone is talking about it!
Don’t give up on our yu pian tang just yet!! I totally get the fish fillets swimming in warm water taste, but there are hidden gems around Singapore that serve awesome yummy tasty ones, I’m quite sure there is an article about them floating on the web, you can check it out. 🙂
I’m sure too!! Well let’s slowly hunt for them while i slowly settle down! Thanks so much!! 😀
Hello Cheesie! :))
I am so happy to see pictures on your insta, to read this post and to know you are enjoying Singapore, albeit some of the pricey and not so delicious food. I’ve been a fan since 2010/2011, and have always wanted to meet you! My apologies if this sounds creepy, but it seems like the possibility to bump into you is now higher! But alas, I’m only left with 2 more days before I leave for Japan (dunno when will return too). So i guess, I will have to restart hoping to meet you one day again haha!
In any case, hope you and your family have a comfortable stay here in Sg! :))
WHY YOU LIVE IN JAPAN NOW I JELLY!!!!!!!
Actually i’ll be back Japan too so maybe can see you there? Hhaha. Thanks for being so supportive all these years :’)
Welcome to Singapore!!! I hope you enjoy your stay here and may your danna’s business prosper!! 🙂
Thank you Brenda! 😀
You sound so much like an ungrateful Malaysian. What have you been thankful for being a Malaysian? Nothing so far you have mentioned on the blog.
you may not read her blog if you find offensive here.
and YOU are a grateful person? highly doubt so. go take your mindless hate somewhere else.
Actually, I do have lots to be thankful for!! The first thing is people like you that thankfully don’t exist around me in real life 🙂
Welcome to Singapore, Cheesie! Many have pointed out to avoid the touristy makan places in Orchard. While in Orchard, you can get cheap eats at the Level 4 (or is it 5) of Far East Plaza..a plate of wanton noodles is between $3-$4. You can also head to Lucky Plaza (avoid going there on Sundays though) to have a reasonably priced pinoy/Indonesian food.
Unfortunately, while Jap food is abundant in Sg, I have to agree that it’s pretty pricey..the not-so-pricey ones wld come from the basement of takashimaya shopping centre. They have this curry udon place that cost $9 a bowl but best curry udon I’ve ever tasted.
Other than that, depending on where you stay, your best – cheap – bet would be the kopitiams around your neighbourhood. Maybe you’d like to tell us where your location is i.e. east, west, north, south so that we can provide better suggestions to you! 🙂
Hi Ida, thanks so much for the food tips!! I go to Takashimaya very often, ok i will check out the curry udon!! The danna loves curry udon! 😀 I stay pretty near town so everything is quite ex T___T. But your suggestion helps! 😀
So glad you’re in Singapore now!! Hope to bump into you and Junya one day.
And.. at the risk of sounding creepy… We finally know what danna looks like now! XD
Have a pleasant stay in Singapore and may you have a smooth pregnancy and delivery! Can’t wait to meet your baby girl 🙂
Haha thank you!!! Singapore is so small i’m sure we will!! 😀
Welcome to singapore! The struggle with the expensive food is real.
try the sushi bar at far east plaZa for the kaisendon and saboten at 313 (IMM one is cheaper). Sushi express may be a temp solution for cheaper option. Yayoiten is like waa but when I compare it to yayoi bangkok my wallet is crying haha will let u know more Japanese stuff in sg when I think of it.
can’t wait for my appt at number76 soon!
I have yet to try Saboten, i’ll give it a try!! Thank you :))
Yayoiken is veyr ok wor!! Cheapest set is $9 only!!!! Whereas Ootoya usually cost around $18 T___T
And thank you soooo much for your support!!!
wa didnt know there was $9 set. i’ll go! i haven stepped into OOTOYA yet cos of the price :X i forgot to say saboten is pricey! but its like soooo goooodddd
Welcome to Singapore Cheesie! So happy for you that you’re here! Am agreeing that Jap stuff in SG are crazily-priced *cries*, makes me look forward to visiting Japan all the time. Anyway, hope you will be able to settle down smoothly in this wonderful country!
Thanks Kristine!! Hopefully my wallet feels normal again after i started making SGD! Hhahaha. Meanwhile i look forward to going back Japan toooo!
Welcome to Singapore! I know you have many many close Singaporean friends around but do let us know if you wanna eat/go/see anything! Yeah, the exchange rate is a killer butbutbut this is the price to pay (literally), I guess. It’s relatively safe to stay here and easy to get around as well.
(Can recommend you many nice Japanese restaurants. You have my email. :D)
Yea i agree! Well at least the danna 100% agrees. I was telling him how schooling cost 3X here???!?! And he was like well, if you have to drive allll the way to send Junya then drive allllll the way to pick up etc it’s gonna end up costing the same, plus it takes a toll on emotional health too.
So thank you!!! 😀
I’m late to the party but welcomeeeeeee~~~~~~
Haha I guess SG food seems quite expensive so lots of people go over to JB for cheap and yummy lunches during the weekends. Actually, food from food courts/ coffee shops cost much cheaper in the heartlands e.g. Bishan, Toa Payoh or where lots of people stay in HDBs e.g. Tampines cos their rental is much cheaper compared to a place like Orchard where you went.
It’s true, though, that a lot of people here don’t bother eating healthily (it’s getting better, though, with HPB’s relentless promotion) and Singaporeans do enjoy eating oily/ fatty/ extremely salty food like fried carrot cake which I believe you ate. So most of the time I either cook my own food or eat food in soup like 湿鱼圆面 instead of the 干 version cos it’s also less oily.
If you would like recommendations on anywhere to eat/ admin stuff when living in SG, just ask on your blog/ insta, I’m sure many of your readers here will be willing to help ~ I can already see many helpful readers before me in the comments section <3
Cheers to living in SG, enjoy yourself for this period of time, I guess you could skype/ FaceTime Champon if you miss him haha
Welcome to Singapore!! 💕
Here are some awesome j-food recommendations that hope you and danna n junjun will enjoy :
Central area has lots of great Japanese food like ramen champion at great world city, chabuton at 313, ippudo & sanpoutei at Shaw (Isetan scotts) and the whole stretch of Robertson Quay n Liang court mall is dotted with nice Japanese restaurants! Liang court basement has Nirai kanai , an okinawan restaurant n tanpopo deli has the best Japanese pudding ever.
For casual places, try out cuppage area: keria izakaya and yakitori uma. Or katanashi at boat Quay.
OK think that is enough for the day. Haha. hope to see you around!! 😘 #creepystalkeralert
If you need more reccs, let me know! Used to hang out with my Japanese friends at these places but sadly they’ve returned to Japan over the years. 😅
Hi Cheesie! I am a Singaporean and I am not a fan of hawker food either, so don’t feel too bad about it. There are plenty of great Japanese restaurants in SG, as many of the commenters before me have written. Welcome to Singapore and wishing you and your family a happy new year!
Hey Cheesie! Late to the party but WELCOME TO SINGAPORE 🙂
There is a bak chor mee stall in some coffeeshop run by a Japanese father-daughter pair around Clementi West Ave 2. Thought you might like to try that because I’ve read and heard many rave reviews on that 🙂