Let’s begin the tour of my neighbourhood with the humble bowl of porridge.
Redhill is one of the oldest estates in Singapore. If you are able to reach early, you can start the day with the best porridge in town. Just a 5 minutes walk from Redhill MRT, this porridge stall at the Redhill food centre is known for its long snaking queues. The stall begins business at 5.30am and sells out by around 8.30am. No wonder it’s been called ‘the elusive Redhill porridge‘.
Usually, if we plan to go for breakfast, we would go for a quick jog around the park, then head there directly. There would be a sense of urgency in our footsteps, because we know what it’s like to get in line, wait, and then be told “sold out, sorry”.
I love their pork porridge. It’s really smooth and the pork is so full of goodness. The hubby usually goes for the porridge and raw fish set. Obviously, I was too busy eating to capture a shot of his bowl. (Sorry!)
After your tummy is filled, it’s time to put on your walking shoes. About 10 minutes walk away is the Alexandra Canal Waterway. Opened in March 2011 by minister mentor Lee Kwan Yew, it was designed to be a spot of educational outdoor play and nature appreciation for the public.
Here’s the water-play area, located just beside Tanglin Road. On weekends, kids will be splashing and running about everywhere.
Some parents may worry about the water’s hygiene quotient, but I think it’s safe for splashing and wading in. At least, little Javier gave it his two thumbs up.
There are also educational boards to help children and adults alike learn more about water, and how wetlands help to improve the water quality of the canal.
You can find the different types of wetlands. Here’s the floating aquatic wetland, where you can see lots of lily pads, water lilies, and different kinds of insects.
The paths are made for cycling and walking. Ramps are everywhere, so it’s wheelchair-friendly too.
There’s also a little exercise corner that’s good for erm, mums trying to get back into shape. 
I love to spend quiet moments here, taking in the beauty and gentleness of nature…
just watching the clouds go by.
After a quiet morning here, it’s time to head over to Spruce for a mid-morning cuppa. Phoenix Park is a short walk up Tanglin Road towards Orchard Road, perhaps about 10 minutes or so. Best to go on a clear-skies day and remember to take note of all the interesting details along the way.
I was there before the cafe was officially open at 10.30am, but they graciously allowed me in to cool off. I love the simple and unassuming decor of the place. The bright spots of colour from pretty canvas prints never fail to put me in the mood for writing.
Or perhaps it’s the view from my window seat.
Of course, quality coffee helps. It’s the very reason I’m here in the first place.
You’ll be glad to know they’ve got a playground just below the outdoor seating verandah, so little ones can keep themselves occupied.
Thanks, Sarah, for sending us out on this mission. I think I appreciate Singapore all the more now, starting from my own little nook.
Sometimes, all you need to entertain yourself and the kids with is right at your doorstep. This weekend, put on your explorer hat and go around your neighbourhood, and I’m sure you’ll find some interesting places and things to do too!
This post is part of a Blog Train hosted by Sarah at The Playful Parents. Do hop over to check out more posts!
Tomorrow on “Loving My Spot”, Jennifer from Little DinoEgg will be sharing a special place in her heart.
Jennifer Lim is a working mum who wishes that she can relax while enjoying motherhood but instead she has to deal with her feisty boy who is constantly testing her patience. She writes about everything that is happening around her at Little DinoEgg.
Woo I had no idea they made the canal so nice! Will definitely pay a visit! Oh n I’ve never tried the porridge leh, always woke up too late. Ah well.
Madeline recently posted..Gems of the Oldest Neighbourhood in Singapore
Haha, it IS tough to get up, especially on weekends when you feel like sleeping in. Go this weekend!
this place is new to me… despite not living in SG for many years now, I still miss this country very much…
It’s funny how we tend to sink our roots in places, such that even after we uproot, we bring a slice of that place along with us. I hope you get to visit SG from time to time.
I want tt porridge! But can some one queue up and get it way before I’m there? I dislike queuing
I heard my stomach protest when my eyes were taking in the photo of the porridge.
DinoMama recently posted.."Bad Bad Mummy!"
I got your ‘suggestion’ DinoMama. Let’s do porridge one day…
Lovely photos. Love the wading pool at the Canal! Never knew it was near redhill. One of the long queues I don’t mind joining is for the same type of Chok, but at Maxwell hawker centre. So ikwym abt footsteps speeding up when nearing, hee. Who would have thot porridge can be so tasty?
I know! So humble, so everyday, but yet so marvellously comforting. Ooh, I haven’t been to Maxwell for a long time…didn’t know there was good chok there!
Wow! June I honestly didn’t know Redhill has hidden treasures. All I usually see when we drive past are just the HDB flats on my left and train station on my right. LOL! Thanks for sharing the yummy porridge too! Like Jennifer, my tummy’s grumbling now!!
Adeline recently posted..The 20 questions to know a Little (bit) More About Me
I think there are lots more hidden around here, I’ve yet to discover all of them too…more homework his weekend I suppose, albeit very fun and fulfilling ‘homework’.
Wow! Wow! Wow! I never ever knew there were so many cool places in Redhill!!!! The water play area looks really fun! Thank you so much for this wonderful tour into your neighbourhood! And again, thank you for joining my Loving My Spot in Singapore blog train!
Thank YOU for sending us on this fun mission, Sarah!
That chok!! WAH! I love love love… cos I don’t like the moey type
So near from where I stayed before – and never knew these existed.
Regina recently posted..WIKKI STIX (Review): Shape, Stick, Play and Learn!
I don’t mind the moey type, but this chok is in a different category altogether!
I grew up around the Tiong Bahru area so the porridge there is one of my favourites! I have never visited Spruce so will give it a try
Thanks for sharing June
Alicia Tan recently posted..Birthday Blast! Surf’s Up! Beach Parties Rock!
No worries, Alicia, had fun doing this.
Ooh…the porridge really looks good. But I think I will never to get to try it ever since the shop closes so early daily – business must be so good that they are sold out within 3 hours!
Alexandra Canal Waterway looks like a great park to bring the kids to, I must really check it out soon!
Please do, Rachel! Would love to see your photos!
Oh man, that porridge looks soooo good! I almost bought a flat in Redhill 7 years ago, but the deal fell through. Still like the area a lot! I’ve been meaning to visit Alexandra Canal but have not gotten round to it. I didn’t know there is a water play area and am very pleased to learn about it
I love Spruce, btw. Especially the Ahi Tuna Tartare. I go there just for that!
Mummybean recently posted..Butterflies at Hort Park
Ooh thanks for the tip off on the Ahi Tuna Tartare! Will try that next time
Nice post, June! The pics are so gorgeous! =)
Summer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – I hope you dance
Thanks for dropping by, Summer!
Redhill area is not really my territory but it sure looks like a gem of a place with all these places that you’ve mentioned. And I must try that coffee from Spruce that you mentioned.
This blog train is inspiring me to take a walk around my neighborhood to check out some hidden gems that I nestled in as well.
Susan recently posted..Cookin’ Nanta – the most well-loved cooking show
Call me when you’re going to Spruce! Play-date!
Hey the porridge really looks good! That’s reason enough for me to go check out the area! Thanks for sharing!
Jayne recently posted..2012. August. Day #1 – Phuket
I hope you find that it’s worth waking up for, Jayne.