Flight from Bangkok to Zurich wiith Oman Air

As a Priority Pass holder, every trip, every flight for us begins the same way - at the lounge.  It sets the tone for the whole experience.  One of the biggest benefits of having Priority Pass is to access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, regardless of which airline or class you're flying.  Even when travelling economy, you still get to enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, charging stations and a quiet space away from the chaos of the main terminal.  It truly transforms the airport experience from stressful to relaxing.

When flying out from Bangkok, we often visit the Miracle Lounge and the food there is genuinely impressive.  One thing we love is their hot food section that includes made-to-order dishes.  On some days, they serve khao mun gai or Thai chicken rice and it is absolutely amazing.  

Miracle lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok

Warm pastries

We were also lucky enough to visit on a day they served miang kham, which felt like such a treat.  Miang kham is a traditional Thai bite-sized snack that's as fun to assemble as it is to eat.  Fresh betel leaves are wrapped around a colorful mixture of toasted coconut, roasted peanuts, tiny dried shrimp, diced lime, shallots, ginger and fresh chili.  Everything is topped with a drizzle of sweet, savory palm sugar sauce.  The best part was that you got to try to make it yourself.

Miang kham section

Miang kham

Khao mun gai or Thai chicken rice

Hot food section - made to order

Oman airline

Around the mid of January, we travelled to Switzerland, Austria and Germany, with our first stop being in Zurich.  The flight to Zurich, flying from Bangkok to Muscat and onward to Zurich.  The first leg from Bangkok to Muscat took approximately five hours, followed by a seven-hour flight from Muscat to Zurich.  Not bad at all.  We had a relatively short layover of about three hours in between.

The seats were comfortable, making both flights quite relaxing.  What really stood out, however, was the food.  It was unexpectedly delicious.  The dessert served on the Bangkok-Muscat leg was especially memorable. 

Transfer gate

The transit process in Muscat took a little bit longer than anticipated.  Even though we were in transit and remained within the airport, we still had to go through another round of security screening.  Normally, at many airports, transit passengers don't need to repeat this process - but that wasn't the case here.  The security queue was quite long, so it took some time to get through.

After clearing security scan, we planned to grab some coffee or light snacks.  Unfortunately, the airport was extremely crowded that afternoon.  Everywhere we looked - cafes, restaurants, even the lounge - was packed with people. 

Luckily, we found a restaurant tucked away at the far end of a corner where not many passengers seemed to pass by.  It was noticeably quieter and almost empty compared to the rest of the terminal.

We ordered pizza and an Indian curry. Both dishes tasted good, though the price were on the higher side.  The service was also rather slow.  I had also ordered knafeh for dessert, but after waiting about 30 minutes and still not receiving it, I decided to get it for takeaway instead.  By the time, I finally had it, the knafeh was already cold and the ice cream had melted - definitely not the ideal way to enjoy it. 

Iced coffee

Stay tuned for the next blog, arriving in Zurich:

Teras Java, Mascot - Sydney

If an Indonesian restaurant has iga bakar or grilled beef ribs on the menu, I'm ordering it - no questions asked.  My mission is simple to find who does the best grilled beef ribs in town, and Teras Java in Mascot is definitely up there.

Their iga bakar is everything you want it to be.  They are thick, juicy, tender and beautifully fatty, with a depth of flavour that keeps you going back for more.  Price-wise, it's also surprisingly more affordable compared to many other places serving the same dish.  It costs just below $20.

Beyond the ribs, their noodle dishes and fried chicken were solid and satisfying.  The real surprise though was the batagor.  Batagor is like an Indonesian fried dumpling and tofu dish.  Such a simple street-food classic, yet so hard to get right, and Teras Java absolutely nailed it.

And of course, being Indonesian, you need kerupuk (cracker) and sambal with every meal.  A few options are available for you to choose from.

Jus duren (Durian juice) $15 and Es soda gembira (happy soda) $7

Kerupuk

Batagor $12

Bakmi ayam jamur komplit $18 (Noodle with chicken, mushroom, beef balls and fried wonton)

Ayam goreng Kalasan $9.90

Iga bakar (Grilled beef ribs) $17.90

Teras Java

44 Church Ave, Mascot

Ph: +61 2 7209 7456

Open: Tue - Sun 11am - 9pm (Monday closed)

The Melting Cheese, Sydney

Thai-inspired cafe with a fusion twist are popping up everywhere in Sydney lately, and Melting Cheese on Liverpool Street is the latest spot riding that wave.  Backed by the same team behind the already popular Mango Coco and Issho Cafe, this venue leans more into proper, filling meals rather than just light cafe fare.

The concept is playful and bold, clearly designed for the Ig and TikTok crowd, but with enough substance to stand on its own.  Not only looking good in pictures but they are also backed up with a great taste.

Salted egg yolk beef tartare

We started with the beef tartare, which was executed beautifully.  Well-seasoned, balanced and fresh.  It showed a more refined side of the kitchen.  Easily one of the most satisfying dishes of the meal and something we'd happily order again.

Warm melting cheeseburger

We also ordered their famously cheeseburger served on a hot plate with a dramatic cheese flood.  Something that's been getting a lot of attention on social media.  Presentation-wise, it definitely delivers.  The bun was soft, the beef patty was tender and well-cooked keeping them in a medium rare stage.  However, the cheese didn't quite live up to expectations.  Instead of a bold, melted cheddar or something similarly punchy, the cheese was more like a very light, creamy-cream-cheese-style sauce.  Visually impressive, yes - but flavour-wise, it lacked the 'wow' factor we were hoping for.  

Chilli beef pappardelle

The pasta on the other hand was cooked perfectly al dente, full of flavour, and generously coated in a rich, creamy sauce.  What really elevated the dish was the beurre blanc foam on top, adding extra richness and a silky finish without being overwhelming.  Comfort food done right.

Wagyu Japanese curry pappardelle

Fries with spicy mayo dip

By the end, we were completely full, so we skipped dessert this time.  But given the cafe's reputation and our past experiences with their sister venues, we'll definitely be back to try their sweets. 

The Melting Cheese

Level 1/88 Liverpool Street, Sydney

Ph: +61 2 9967 9265

Open: Mon - Fri 11am - 10pm, Weekend 10:30am - 10pm

Ribs & Burgers Rhodes

If you're serious about ribs, this restaurant is worthy to be on your list.  The ribs are easily among the best in town.  Slow cooked until perfectly tender, with a deep smoky flavour balanced by a subtle sweetness.  They're generously bashed with sauce that's rich and sticky without overpowering the meat, which pulls cleanly off the bone and stays juicy throughout.  They're totally finger-licking good.

Pork baby back ribs

Hands down, this was one of the best ribs I've had.  The ribs are incredibly juicy, with a rich, smoky flavour and a beautifully caramelised glaze.  Both pork and beef ribs were tender inside with just the right char on the outside.  Honestly, these ribs are so addictive.

Beef ribs

Southern chicken burger

The rest of the menu holds its own as well.  The burgers are hearty and well-built.  Wraps offer a lighter option but still deliver on flavour, packed with fillings and satisfying sauces.  Portions are generous across the board, making it great value whether you're ordering for yourself or sharing.  They also do some lunch specials on weekdays as well.

Loaded chips

The loaded fries piled high with smoky bacon and generous sauce, making them the perfect side to share (or not).

Overall, it's a comfortable, family-friendly spot with something for everyone.  Great food, especially the ribs, is clearly the star here.

Ribs and Burgers

Shop 53-54/ 1 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes

Ph: 02 9743 0880

Chargrill Charlie's, Rose Bay

I've lived in Sydney for over two decades and somehow only tried Chargrill Charlie's in Rose Bay recently.  I can't believe I waited this long.  The chicken is incredibly juicy, well-seasoned and full of flavour.  Honestly, I'm impressed.  Dare I say it, I actually prefer it over El Jannah.

 

The chicken is the real standout: perfectly cooked, so juicy and seasoned just right.  The skin has that lightly charred, smoky flavour without being dry and every bite feels comforting and satisfying.  

The salad are just as impressive.  There's a huge variety to choose from, from classic coleslaw and garden salads to more flavourful options like pasta and roasted veggies.  Everything looks fresh and well-prepared, making it easy to mix and match sides depending on your mood. 

With so many branches around Sydney, it's easy to see why Chargrill Charlie's has such a loyal following.  Great chicken, great sides and consistently solid quality.  Seriously good chicken.

Chargrill Charlie's 

2/779 New South Head Road, Rose Bay (many other branches across Sydney)

Ph: 02 9388 1180

Open: Every day from 9am - 8:30pm