Traveling always brings unique experiences. Even when visiting the same destination, it can create different memories. One of my most memorable moments happened when I visited Bangkok, Thailand with my friends last year. From shopping at Pratunam, exploring historical places like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, to hunting for local culinary spots Icon Siam Food Court, every part of the journey felt special. But the most unforgettable moment for me was when I encountered extreme street food for the first time. It was my first time seeing exotic dishes such as crocodile meat and unconventional insects like bamboo worms and scorpions.

The first surprising food was crocodile meat. The roasted crocodile was displayed split open and flattened on the grill. Although I could not consume it because, as a Muslim, it is prohibited, even if I had the chance to taste it, I would choose not to. For me, a crocodile is a wild predator, not something I personally see as food.

The roasted crocodile

The various unconventional insects

This time, I had a short visit to Changi Airport because my flight with Singapore Airlines to Japan had a transit there. I choose around three hours of transit time so that I could visit the famous HSBC Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi.

The HSBC Rain Vortex is located inside Jewel Changi Airport, which is directly connected to Terminal 1. For passengers transiting Terminal 2 and 3, they can take the Skytrain that links the terminals. There is no entrance fee to see the Rain Vortex and access is unlimited. It was such an enjoyable experience! 

Changi Airport have become destination in its own right rather than merely transit point. While this development offers several advantages, it also creates certain challenges.

On the positive side, airports that function like city centres can significantly enhance the travel experience. Long transit times often cause boredom and fatigue among passengers, especially on long-haul flights. By providing shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities, airports allow travellers to spend their waiting time more enjoyably. This not only improves passenger satisfaction but also makes certain airports more attractive as transit hubs.

However, there are also disadvantages to this development. As airports become popular attractions, they may draw large numbers of visitors, including people who are not travelling. This increase in foot traffic can result in overcrowding, long queues at public facilities, and delays at security or immigration checkpoints. Such conditions may reduce operational efficiency and negatively affect passengers who prioritise smooth and timely travel.

In conclusion, transforming airports into lifestyle destinations has both positive and negative effects. Nevertheless, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, provided that governments and airport authorities continue to prioritise transportation efficiency alongside leisure development.

Matcha has become increasingly popular among young people, particularly in urban areas. This trend can be attributed to several factors and has noticeable effects on both consumers and the food industry.

One main reason for the rising popularity of matcha is its perceived health benefits. Compared to coffee, matcha is often considered gentler on the digestive system and less likely to cause problems such as acid reflux or discomfort. In addition, matcha contains antioxidants and is known to provide a calming effect due to caffeine content combined with natural compounds. Another contributing factor is its versatility, as matcha can be used in a wide range of products, including beverages, desserts, and even savoury dishes, which are often visually appealing to young consumers.

As the place of origin of matcha, Japan has produced many variations of high-quality matcha-based products. I tried several matcha dishes during my trip to Japan last year. Here are my favourite matcha items that are worth trying:

1. Matcha Passport

This is my favourite matcha latte. The taste suited my appetite well, and my husband like it too. It was not too creamy, not too sweet, not too grassy. There was a slight bitterness, but in just the right amount. Unfortunately, when I visited the store in summer 2025, it was under renovation, so they temporarely moved to another building a little farther from the main access.

Matcha Passport

Matcha Atelier has several branches across Japan. I tried it at the Kamakura station branch. The matcha latte was quite creamy and sweet, but still well balanced with the matcha flavour and not too grassy. This brand doesn’t only sell beverages, they also offer matcha-based desserts such as ice cream. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to try those yet.

Atelier Matcha

3. The Matcha Tokyo

If you want to try a strong matcha flavour, you should try The Matcha Tokyo. Honestly, this matcha was not my type. The grassy and bitter taste lingered in my mouth as an aftertaste. Maybe, I choose the wrong menu. I can’t quite remember what I ordered.

The Matcha Tokyo

4. Nissan Crossing (Nissan Café)

Nissan Crossing is Nissan’s brand-experience flagship located in Ginza, Tokyo. On the ground floor, there is an exhibition of sophisticated cars showcasing Nissan’s design and technology. On the upper floor, there is a café & lounge called Nissan Café. One of the café’s special features is the ability to order a drink with a printed image of various Nissan car models on the foam.

Nissan Crossing (Nissan Café)

5. Kamakura Cha Cha

Right next to Kamakura Station, there is a small shop that specializes in matcha ice cream. There offer many different matcha variants. I bought one, although I can’t remember exactly which flavour it was. The queue was quite long, but it moved quickly, so I didn’t have to wait too long  to enjoy the ice cream. The Ice cream was soft, with a well-balanced sweetness and matcha flavoure. I really enjoyed it.

Kamakura Cha Cha

Those are all of my recommendations for matcha-based dishes. Each type of matcha is suited to different consumers. A matcha brand is suits my taste may not necessarily meet the expectations of others.