I met Kim Hock Su a long time ago, before the Michelin star, and we’ve shared a connection ever since. It started, quite unexpectedly, with a flower. Lantana.

Since then, I’ve watched his work evolve, and what he has created is exceptional.

He has this ability to take something deeply local and reinterpret it in a completely new way. His chutney turned into butter with dosa turned into bread, turned into what feels like a French bread and butter course, is a perfect example. Familiar, but completely reimagined.

But what struck me most were the colours, and how they sit within the dish.

Not just beautiful, but precise. The yellow was perfect. The greens were exact. Nothing felt accidental. Working in design, you become very sensitive to colour, and when it’s done well, you recognise it immediately. Here, everything was in balance.

The visual composition supports it, of course. Every element is intentional. The flower speaks to the sauce, the sauce to the plate, the plate to the ingredient. It’s all connected, but never overworked.

And then there are the moments in between.

The small, unexpected gestures that stay with you just as much as the main dishes. The mini Magnum ice cream, served as a palate cleanser, simple, nostalgic, and perfectly placed.

And at the end, a beautiful detail. A small shelf unit brought to the table, presenting Malaysian classics, reinterpreted as desserts. Familiar flavours, but elevated, thoughtful, and very personal.

There is also a sense of restraint, which I appreciate. You leave satisfied, but not overwhelmed. It’s curated from beginning to end.

We were there celebrating a 60th birthday, and it couldn’t have been a better setting. Quietly special, beautifully executed.

And then, one last detail. The vegetarian hot dog you take home. I had mine the next morning, and it was just as enjoyable.

It’s rare to find a place where everything feels so considered.

And even rarer to see someone bring together flavour, colour, and composition with that level of clarity.

Lisette’s is named after me, and even though it is no longer my restaurant, the name has somehow become part of everyday life. That in itself is fascinating. A name turning into a household name. I am still very close to the family behind it, and it remains a space that is deeply close to my heart.

The logo was made a long time ago, drawn entirely by hand by me, and I still love it. It is a quiet reminder that when you pour real love and energy into a design, it has a way of lasting. The same goes for the tiles. Designed years ago, they are still beautiful today, timeless rather than dated. They were also the starting point of our very first print, Willow Wishes, which makes seeing them now even more meaningful.

We will be working together again in the future. But for now, if you love Nala, Lisette’s in 163 is very much the place to go. And for those who know, I am vegetarian with a dash of fish once in a while. The big vegan breakfast is still as good as ever.

Some places do not shout. They whisper. They welcome you with warmth, soft charm, and an easy kind of beauty that feels almost handwritten. Liten Cafe is exactly that kind of place.

Just around the corner from my house, it has become one of my favourite spots in the neighbourhood. My sister even said it was the best coffee she had during her entire stay in Malaysia, which tells you everything you need to know. One sip and you understand why people fall in love with it.

Liten is beautifully designed in the most humble way. Nothing loud, nothing trying too hard. The people are lovely, the space is cosy, and the atmosphere has that gentle balance of calm and creativity. On weekends, this is where I love to sit and work. Something about the light and the quiet hum gives me clarity.

It is also one of those walking distance treasures. When you need a reset or a tiny escape, you can simply wander over, take a breath, and enjoy an excellent coffee before stepping back into your day.

In many ways, Liten feels like the younger sibling of Ghost Bird, our beloved coffee corner at home. Both places carry soul, sincerity, and a kind of simple beauty that makes you want to stay a little longer.

A small cafe with a big heart. A perfect pause. A little universe of its own.

One of my new favorite spots at The Campus is a restaurant called Pizza Duo. It’s beautifully designed, especially the outdoor seating area that looks out over the football field. The whole place has a wonderful relaxed vibe that feels instantly welcoming. The pizza was genuinely delicious, and the design was just as impressive. Every detail feels thoughtful, from the furniture to the colors to the way the space flows.

It’s refreshing to see more and more beautifully designed places appearing. You can feel the creative energy in the air. For someone like me, currently under a self-imposed travel ban, finding a place like this feels like a small holiday. It reminds me of Milan, good pizza, good atmosphere, and that perfect balance between style and comfort.

If anyone knows who the interior designer of Pizza Duo is, please tell me. Whoever did it deserves a round of applause. It’s elegant, warm, and perfectly executed, the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

In our universe flowers will always be in fashion.