For me, one of the best ways to reward myself after a nice cycling activity is with a satisfying meal. I like to think of it as proper refueling after burning so many calories, and honestly, that idea always makes the ride feel even more worth it. It gives the activity a very nice balance. First comes the effort, then comes the reward.
That is also one of the reasons why I have been enjoying cycling so much lately. It has become a very effective way for me to stay active and burn calories while still having fun exploring different parts of Singapore. In the past week alone, I managed to burn a total of 4,882 kcal, and my best daily record so far has been 1,223 kcal. Numbers like that motivate me to keep going, especially while the weather is still good enough to enjoy long rides outdoors. Cycling has really become one of the routines that I look forward to, not just because of the exercise, but also because of the food discoveries that often come after.
After cycling around Gardens by the Bay, I headed straight to Satay by the Bay for dinner.
It felt like the perfect place to end the ride. This food center is known for its variety of satay dishes, and that is clearly one of its main attractions. But as much as satay is the star here, I already had something else on my mind. Sometimes when a craving is already set, there is no point resisting it. On this particular evening, what I really wanted was a nice plate of Beef Fried Rice.
So that was exactly what I ordered.
At SGD 13.90, I have to admit that this fried rice is definitely on the expensive side. It is not the kind of price you would usually expect for a simple plate of fried rice. Naturally, that made me a little more curious and also a little more demanding. At that price, the dish really has to prove itself. Thankfully, from the first few bites, I could already tell why it felt more worth it than I initially expected.
What really made the dish stand out was the wok hei.
That smoky, slightly charred aroma, often described as the “breath of the wok,” is something that cannot be faked easily. It is the kind of flavor that only comes from proper technique, strong heat, and the skill of a good chef. It gives fried rice a special character that instantly makes it more addictive and satisfying. In this case, that wok hei was what made the dish memorable for me. The rice was fragrant, well-seasoned, and packed with that beautiful stir-fried aroma that keeps you going back for one more spoonful.
In fact, I found myself enjoying the fried rice so much that the beef almost became secondary. That might sound funny since it was supposed to be beef fried rice, but that is honestly how good the rice itself was. The grains had a very nice texture, and every bite felt flavorful and comforting. The egg, the seasoning, and the smoky finish all came together so well that it became the kind of plate I could happily keep eating until the very last bit. And that is exactly what I did.
Another thing I appreciated was the ambience of Satay by the Bay itself. The place has a very open and breezy design, so there is a nice flow of fresh air moving through the dining area. That makes the whole experience much more enjoyable, especially after coming from a long cycling session in the evening. There is something very relaxing about sitting down in a place like this, cooling off, and enjoying a good meal while still feeling connected to the outdoors.
Overall, I would say this was a very satisfying post-cycling reward. A scenic ride around Gardens by the Bay, followed by a smoky and skillfully cooked plate of beef fried rice in a breezy food center, is definitely an experience worth having.
Bon appétit.
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