The Joy of Eating Together

Whenever we gather with our children and their families - whether in WA or Singapore - sharing a meal together is always a must. It is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to reconnect and strengthen family bonds. Each time we gather around a table, food becomes more than mere nourishment; it becomes a space for conversation, laughter, the recalling of old memories, and sharing of life’s struggles. In these moments, stories resurface, family traditions are preserved, and a deep sense of continuity and belonging is renewed.

Even in a country celebrated for its world-class infrastructure and acclaimed governance, life is not without its challenges. Difficulties arise everywhere, often shaped not by systems but by some unreasonable and unkind people who exist in every corner of the world. It is during family gatherings like these that we find comfort and quiet reassurance.

Meals prepared by family members carry even greater significance. There is something especially meaningful about sharing food that has been cooked by closed family members. Our final meal on the night before our departure for home was particularly memorable, as it was a joint effort by my sons, Sam and Paul. Together, they prepared a wonderful and generous feast - creamy pasta with spinach and bacon, accompanied by a variety of pizzas. It was not just about the food on the table, but the effort and team work behind it.

The two chefs busy at work.

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While the chefs were hard at work in the kitchen, the grandparents and grandchildren were happily immersed in a lively Guess-the-Drawing Game, followed by a round of Charades. Quite to my surprise, Maddie, the youngest shone - successfully guessing several sketches when even the older ones failed. 

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Earlier, we had separate meals with Sam’s family and with Paul and Junshi. Sam’s family brought us to Sodofun @ Center Point, an outlet known for serving traditional Korean food. One of the dishes ordered was a Sichuan-style spicy fish fillet. At first glance, I was slightly apprehensive - the thin slices of fish were submerged in a bubbling, chilli and peppercorn-laden broth that looked fiercely spicy. To my pleasant surprise, however, the heat and numbing spice turned out to be quite manageable.

Fun time for the youngsters after the meal along Orchard Road.

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Paul and Junshi took us to Novena to sample authentic Hunan cuisine at Nong Geng Ji. Over the meal, we learned that Hunan restaurants have been expanding rapidly across Singapore in recent years, driven by growing popularity and rising demand. Known for its bold, fiery flavours and distinctive use of fresh chillies, Hunan food has struck a chord with local diners, making it one of the fastest-growing regional Chinese cuisines in the city.