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As a long-time Starbucks customer (and shareholder), I hold the brand to a high standard, especially given the premium pricing and emphasis on customer experience. Unfortunately, my visit to Starbucks at Mid Valley Southkey left much to be desired—and not just with the coffee. From the moment I stepped in, it was clear that the team was either under-trained or simply unmotivated. There was no queue, yet the ordering process was painfully slow. The cashier took an unusually long time to key in my order, and even walked away mid-order to clean a table after a customer request. It was baffling—shouldn’t staff responsibilities be better delegated? Next came the shocker: my Starbucks card couldn’t be used because of “no good signal,” and I was told to pay with cash. This is the first time I’ve ever encountered this issue at a Starbucks outlet, globally. Ironically, my drinks were ready before the transaction even went through, so clearly the system wasn’t entirely down. I then asked for Equal sweetener, and my father-in-law requested brown sugar. The response? “Use the sugar syrup, we ran out of sugar.” How could Starbucks—a brand known for consistency—run out of basic sugar? When my wife questioned it, the sugar suddenly “reappeared.” That response felt more like laziness than a real shortage. The lack of professionalism here was disappointing and concerning. Starbucks Malaysia needs to take note, especially with competitors like Luckin and Cotti entering the market and raising the bar. As a global brand, Starbucks should never compromise on service quality, no matter where in the world the outlet is. #summervacay #StarbucksMalaysia #MidValleySouthkey #CustomerExperienceMatters #CoffeeWithStandards #YourTravelBuddySG #DisappointedCustomer #BaristaService #GlobalBrandsLocalFailures #CafeReview #CoffeeExperience #travel #johorbahru #johorbahrutrip #malaysia #malaysiatrip

For our anniversary this year, we chose Waterfall Ristorante at Shangri-La Singapore—a restaurant that had always been on our radar but never visited. Being lovers of Italian cuisine and having tried most of the city’s popular spots, this felt like the perfect occasion to tick Waterfall off our list. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was warm and seamless. We were quickly shown to our table and opted for their semi-buffet lunch, which included a main course along with free-flow antipasti and desserts. The antipasti spread was generous and high-quality—a fine selection of cheeses, cold cuts, fresh greens, breads, and a dessert table that tempted us before the main even arrived. But we couldn’t resist the Wagyu beef main, which turned out to be perfectly done medium rare and melt-in-the-mouth delicious. What truly made the experience exceptional was the impeccable service. Water was topped up constantly, and the staff were attentive without being intrusive. When they learned it was our wedding anniversary, they surprised us with a complimentary cake, which touched us deeply. Special thanks to Aoi, Ashley, and Shi Rui—your sincere and thoughtful service turned our simple lunch into a truly memorable celebration. Highly recommended for anyone looking to celebrate a special moment with great food and gracious hospitality. #summervacay #singaporeguide #WaterfallRistorante #ShangriLaSingapore #AnniversaryLunch #ItalianCuisineSG #HiddenGemSG #LuxuryDining #YourTravelBuddySG #CelebrationMeal #singapore #singaporetrip

The family had dinner at Opus Bar & Grill recently, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the tomahawk steak. Not only was it perfectly cooked to a juicy medium rare, but the presentation was also a showstopper. Right after serving, the server poured alcohol over it and set it alight tableside, creating a dramatic and memorable moment that everyone at the table loved. The sides were equally impressive, complementing the steak beautifully in both flavour and texture. From start to finish, the service was commendable—attentive, warm, and genuinely hospitable without being overbearing. A wonderful dining experience that delivered both on taste and theatre. Definitely worth a visit for steak lovers. #summervacay #singaporeguide #OpusBarAndGrill #TomahawkSteak #SteakLoversSG #GrillExperience #FoodieSingapore #YourTravelBuddySG #SingaporeEats #singapore #singaporetrip

Both my friend and I felt that Prego is definitely getting better. It seems the restaurant has undergone a recent renovation, and the refreshed décor gave the space a more modern yet inviting Italian charm. The atmosphere felt livelier and more refined than before. As for the food, it was consistently good—authentic Italian flavors, well-portioned dishes, and a nice balance of traditional and contemporary choices on the menu. We especially enjoyed the pastas, which were perfectly cooked. Service-wise, it felt like the staff were a little stretched thin during our visit. While they were polite and professional, they did seem quite busy and at times hard to flag down. That said, with its improved ambience and solid food, Prego remains a dependable Italian dining spot in the city, and I’d happily return again. #summervacay #singaporeguide #PregoSingapore #ItalianFoodSG #CityHallEats #PastaLovers #YourTravelBuddySG #SingaporeFoodie #WeekendDining #singapore #singaporetrip

Located on the 24th floor of Hilton Singapore Orchard, il Cielo offers more than just skyline views—it’s where Japanese precision meets Italian passion, beautifully orchestrated by Chef Yohhei Sasaki. I had the pleasure of dining here recently, and the experience was a masterclass in culinary creativity. Despite not making a reservation, we were graciously seated at a quieter corner of the restaurant, away from what seemed to be a private event. The space exudes minimalist elegance—clean lines, understated decor, and a calm ambiance fitting of a refined dining experience. We started with cream of Japanese pumpkin soup, pan-roasted foie gras, and bruschetta al pomodoro e burrata. Every bite felt deliberate—the foie gras was crisp outside, meltingly soft inside, and paired perfectly with balsamic glaze and greens. The pumpkin soup was aromatic and elevated with fried rosemary and a whisper of truffle cream. For mains, I had the linguine aglio olio with Hokkaido sea urchin, bottarga, and yuzu—a brilliant, dynamic dish. The yuzu brought brightness and cut through the natural richness of the uni, giving the dish a fresh, balanced finish. My wife’s Angus beef tenderloin was perfectly done (a lovely medium rare), and the miso beef jus added a rich umami depth that nodded to the chef’s Japanese roots. We ended the meal with a classic tiramisu that did not disappoint. The only drawback was the proximity of nearby diners—conversation from the table behind us was a little intrusive. But everything else—from service to presentation—was spot on. Chef Sasaki’s finesse in marrying Italian staples with Japanese nuance makes il Cielo a must-visit. It’s a dining experience that surprises, delights, and lingers in memory. #summervacay #singaporeguide #ilCieloSG #HiltonSingaporeOrchard #JapaneseItalianFusion #FineDiningSingapore #YourTravelBuddySG #YohheiSasaki #UniPasta #MichelinVibes #SingaporeEats #SkylineDining #singapore #singaporetrip

After a relaxing soak at Kusatsu Yumoto Suisyun, we decided to have dinner right at the onsen—and what a great decision that turned out to be. It was convenient, saved us the hassle of heading out again, and best of all, the food exceeded our expectations. The menu featured beautifully plated Japanese dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients. Each item was thoughtfully prepared, from the sashimi to the simmered vegetables and grilled fish. The presentation reflected the same attention to detail you’d expect at a ryokan dinner, and the taste didn’t disappoint either. We left the dining hall feeling both satisfied and pampered. For an onsen restaurant, this was definitely a pleasant surprise—and a perfect way to end a rejuvenating evening. #summervacay #YourTravelBuddySG #KusatsuOnsen #SuisyunKusatsu #OnsenDinner #JapaneseRyokanVibes #KusatsuYumoto #HotSpringHeaven #JapanFoodieJourney #RyokanEats #FamilyTravelJapan #japan #japantrip

We stayed one night at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji, and it turned out to be a solid choice. Check-in was quick and efficient, and the room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. One standout feature was the view of Himeji Castle from our room—it was such a pleasant surprise to see the iconic landmark right from the window! The location was great, with plenty of eateries and convenience stores within walking distance, making it easy to explore the area. There’s on-site parking available (for a fee), which made things even more convenient for us as we were on a road trip. All in all, this was a great value-for-money stay, and I wouldn’t hesitate to choose this hotel again if I return to Himeji. #summervacay #HimejiStay #DaiwaRoynetHotel #CastleView #JapanHotels #HimejiCastle #YourTravelBuddySG #ValueStayJapan #japan #japantrip

Trapizza has become a go-to spot for my family whenever we’re at Sentosa—it’s almost a tradition for us to drop by. The beachfront setting is a major draw, offering sweeping views of the sand and sea that really set the tone for a laid-back meal. Do note though, if you’re visiting during the day, it can get quite hot and humid, so dress light! We’ve tried a number of dishes here over the years, and the pizzas and pastas consistently impress—fresh, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection. They also serve surprisingly good coffee, which pairs well with a breezy afternoon by the beach. The only downside has always been the service, which tends to be slow and somewhat inattentive. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does leave room for improvement. That said, we keep coming back—and that’s the best testament to how much we enjoy Trapizza. #summervacay #TrapizzaSentosa #BeachsideDining #PizzaByTheBeach #FamilyFavorites #SentosaEats #YourTravelBuddySG #SingaporeFoodie #singapore #singaporetrip

After a morning exploring the palace, we were on the hunt for lunch and stumbled upon 더솔키친, a cozy Italian restaurant that turned out to be a fantastic find—not just for the food, but especially for their top-tier service. I made a few custom requests, including items that weren’t on the menu, and every time the response was a warm, “OK, I’ll do that.” That level of attentiveness and flexibility is rare and truly appreciated. I asked for some bread to go with my pasta, and to my surprise, the owner baked it fresh on the spot in their in-house oven. The result? Warm, crusty, aromatic bread that paired perfectly with the pasta. The pizza and pastas we ordered were all delicious, with well-balanced flavors and quality ingredients. It’s not often you get such personalized service along with a solid Italian meal—especially in the heart of Seoul. This place left a great impression, and I’d return in a heartbeat. #summervacay #SeoulEats #ItalianInSeoul #HiddenGemSeoul #TheSolKitchen #PastaLovers #PizzaInSeoul #YourTravelBuddySG #SeoulFoodieAdventures #korea #koreatrip #seoul #seoultrip

We did a spontaneous day trip to Batam and upon arrival at Batam Centre, we headed straight across the street to Mega Mall—a convenient stop for shopping and bites. Spotting Starbucks right inside was like finding a familiar friend in a new place. Nestled in a cozy corner of the mall, the café offered ample seating even in the afternoon. We loved that there was also an outdoor seating area, perfect for people-watching or soaking in some sun. It was the ideal pit stop for some snacks and a caffeine boost before our massage session. What’s great about Starbucks is that no matter where you are, the quality remains consistent. Just like McDonald’s, it’s a global standard you can count on. Whether it’s Batam or Tokyo, that same comforting taste and welcoming vibe keeps us coming back. #summervacay #StarbucksBatam #MegaMallBatam #CoffeeTime #TravelBreaks #BatamDayTrip #YourTravelBuddySG #CafeHopping #StarbucksIndonesia #batam #batamtrip #indonesia #indonesiatrip

We decided to try K Fry Urban Korean at Holiday Villa after seeing the consistently high ratings—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The fried chicken was spot-on: crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat inside. What really stood out was the cheese “performance”—our server cooked and stretched the gooey cheese right in front of us, then wrapped it around the chicken pieces. The kids were completely entertained by the process, and of course, loved eating it too. We also ordered a side of chicken wings, which turned out just as flavorful and satisfying. Each bite packed a punch without being overly greasy. It’s not just a meal here—it’s a bit of a show, and a very tasty one at that. Definitely a must-try if you’re in the area and craving some indulgent Korean comfort food. #summervacay #KFryUrbanKorean #CheeseLoversParadise #KoreanFriedChicken #HolidayVillaEats #FoodieFinds #YourTravelBuddySG #FamilyFriendlyDining #travel #johorbahru #johorbahrutrip #malaysia #malaysiatrip

We had our daily breakfast at Gurindam Restaurant, located within Santika Hotel Batam during our stay. While the food selection and taste weren’t particularly outstanding, it covered the basics—eggs, rice dishes, pastries, and fruits—enough to fill us up before we started our day. What truly made the experience memorable, however, was the magnificent view of the harbour right from the restaurant. Sipping coffee while watching the ferries and boats go by added a serene touch to our mornings. So while it may not be a culinary highlight, Gurindam does its job well: a fuss-free breakfast spot with a calming seaside view to start your day in Batam. #summervacay #BatamEats #SantikaHotelBatam #HarbourViewBreakfast #GurindamRestaurant #TravelWithView #YourTravelBuddySG #BatamStaycation #batam #batamtrip #indonesia #indonesiatrip