Places: Telok Ayer

Telok Ayer: a close cousin of Tanjong Pagar but not quite. Often known as 'that one place with a lot of Korean BBQs,' it wasn't until after the completion of the downtown line when I had the time and interest to explore this part of the CBD, cept' more hippy.

From far, Telok Ayer idyllic facade is hidden by the strings of tall buildings in the area, very much like how guys would shroud around girls to 'protect' them during raves at Zouk. But inside this concrete jungle lies a muted respite that calls for anyone who needs downtime from whatever inclinations they're wearied by.

It is indeed true in many stretches of road you'll find Korean food and establishment, one of which includes the king of all k-marts: Lotte Mart. But if the heat of our potent weather is all you need to get fired up inside and out, there are other options that can offer the soul some TLC.

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One of such example is My Awesome Cafe. Once a Chinese medicine dispensary, you'll know when you've arrived to this cafe: it's iconic exterior. Though the interior is completely transformed, the exterior remains untouched since the dispensary was established in 1956. That means huge Chinese characters, pillars and all.

Owned by a team of expats who had conquered the hospitality and F&B industry, you might realise an interesting sight after getting comfy in your seat: most of its staff are from the west as well. Perhaps it was the owners' personal friends and connections, but My Awesome cafe seem to be a gathering ground for fellow expats and travellers from Europe. This of course is from my two-time observation - a)we were the only Asian diners b)it was all expats when I was walking past the cafe another night.

If you're about that life, this place would function both as a place to wine and dine as well as people watch.

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At the heart of any good meal is the food and company, even if the company is just your plain ol' self. A hearty meal that is plentiful and filling is a good place to start. Take the duck confit for instance. Deconstructed in an elaborate set-up that required two plates, one for the salad and 'wiches and another just to hold the duck. Even at the exorbitant price of $24, it was most penny justified.

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Within the same precinct just minutes away lies temples and what-used-to-be temples. While some of them simple remain as structural art, a few still is a religious ground for the devout. Should your inner city nomad unleash itself, venture in the Thian Hock Keng Temple and you'll find a small blue creek in one meek corner of the temple. Complete unassuming, the front only lies to the eye what jewels it hides inside. Holding musical boxes from yesteryears, marvel what the world used to regard as entertainment - essentially iPods of the past, cept' much heavier and using it would be an event in itself.

But if you're savvy and into the loop enough, you'll know Telok Ayer's really just good for one reason: Cha Thai's Thai Milk Tea and Toast.