All you need to know about Singapore

[@royjean82]

Brian got the pronunciation of 'zi char' quite on point. The lady he spoke to said 'zhu chao' which is actually the mandarin way of saying zi char. Zi char is in a chinese dialect; Hokkien, which literally means 'cook and stir-fry'. Brian is a real one for immersing himself and his family in the local culture. Glad to see him enjoying Singapore.

[@ShadowMoon878]

That lady is from China. You can immediately tell. Locals will always pepper Hokkien and Cantonese into their sentences like Bo Jio, Guai Lan and Kao Pei Kao Bu. Also, when ordering at Hawker Centre or Food Court and you wanna takeaway, try saying you wanna Tarpau. Only locals will understand what you saying.

[@d61helix]

this guy is so down to earth, he is essentially an ang moh local beng. 😂

[@demaniac89]

Beng meh. Idk what down to earth bengs u know 👀

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

His shirt is sb beng

[@Moviediedead]

He is very knowledgeable and well versed of 🇸🇬 👍

[@prst99]

He isn’t going to spend his life in Singapore. So he is just a long term expat.

[@d61helix]

@@prst99 he already sacrificed his sons to singapore what more do you want?

[@keffinsg]

Love the energy and attitude of this gentleman. ... Also actually "zi char" is correct. It is the Hokkien rendering of the word. "Zhu chao" is the Mandarin rendering.

[@wangshiyao]

Yup. Also he said it like 'zee shah'. For all those wondering it's more like 'zuh char' (like charcoal)!

[@ShadowMoon878]

I blame the influx china chinese. Bring back Hokkien and Cantonese and even Hakka! My grandma can actually speak fluent Cantonese and she is Malay

[@Styrax]

I love how Brian really understands and values the importance of immersing yourself in the culture of the environment you're in - That's such an essential tip that can't be overstated. I love his personality! Really proud to have him here in Singapore with us

[@BrianKennett]

Wow - stoked and very humbled by your wonderful words. Thank you so much. made my day, and some... THANK YOU!!!

[@VisitSingapore]

We love the whole interview with Brian! Such valuable insights about Singapore!

[@SpencerCampbellSG]

I'm sure Brian would like to do one with VisitSingapore now he's infamous!

[@skullevil]

@@SpencerCampbellSG @VisitSingapore The guy has integrated to the point that he has taught Max about zichar, called on fellow angmohs to move into HDB, and even pronounced on the age-old feud about whether the East is better than the West. I think STB staff can write submission to CE to collaborate on one of the next campaigns - cc MTI/ESG

[@SpencerCampbellSG]

I work with Brian on the blog and it's so much fun! The comments here are incredible!, we've both gone from giggling like school boys to being very emotional today, so thank you for so many kind comments. I've been here 25 years and can categorically say hawker food is in our blood, we'll always support it but more Singaporeans need to adopt an ang mo and drag their asses to your famous stalls to educate them because trust me we don't bite! Find us online, drop us messages, we are happy to hear from anyone and everyone about the local food and it's culture and share more about our food experiences here and elsewhere in the world! ❤

[@darrenpalanisamy91]

"Singaporeans are the worst drivers on the planet"? Wow! I thought Philippines has the worst drivers..😁

[@SuccessforLifester]

In my case I need an Indian or Malay to drag me to experience their cuisines. I am quite unfamiliar and only know their basic stuff

[@ShadowMoon878]

@@SuccessforLifester What for? If you local, you should already know. If not, go find out yourself. Be more open-minded.

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@ShadowMoon878 I don't know. And I often encountered unfriendly stall owners. I think they don't want to serve Chinese

[@sheldonh4341]

Hey, this guy mixes in better than some of those China folks who can't be bothered with our local dialects! When I listen to this Ang Moh, I'm thoroughly impressed. Singlish is NOT just a mish-mash of different dialects into English. It's an identity that we crafted ourselves, on this island in the center of the Straits of Malacca. Anyone who is capable of embracing our culture to this extent is worthy of becoming a 'true-blue' Singaporean. I welcome you.

[@ShadowMoon878]

YES! If you are in Rome, do as the Romans do! Same thing in Singapore. Assimilate to the culture instead of just sticking to your own kind! Some of those China migrants refuse to even learn basic English!

[@gng7790]

Thank you Brian for immersing in our culture & accept the good & bad of it. We love foreigners like you.

[@BrianKennett]

Here is my home... honesty is the best policy right. I'd be moaning about the UK if I was still there haha... Thanks so very much for the kind words -mind-blowing!!!

[@sc5534]

Brian is so spontaneous, frank and humorous. He’s certainly immersed himself into our local culture. Glad to have him living among us. Best of luck with the restaurant in the Philippines.

[@scorpio573]

Love this UK ANG MO. Like his style, thinking, way he talks and behaves. Singaporean here. Bless you, sir. You've got a good heart.

[@aravindiyengar1362]

I like the positivity and the practical sense of his thinking.. perfectly honest and a delightful interview

[@riennekoh3901]

So interesting listening to Brian. Max, would you like to interview Brian's boy to hear his experiences in NS? That should be interesting.

[@oliverkennett6816]

That would be me! I’m the son, Ollie! Everything my Dad said really is true, never thought I would say it but NS really did a lot for me! Happy to hop on a call if Max is interested 😁

[@tiarrr]

@@oliverkennett6816 did you really say i hate you to your dad? HAAHHHAaaaaaaaa

[@BrianKennett]

Chatting to Max about this right now haha... great minds...

[@riennekoh3901]

@@oliverkennett6816 Hi Ollie, it would be interesting to hear your experiences in NS and your perspective, so hoping that Max can do your interview! ^^

[@oliverkennett6816]

@@riennekoh3901 Unfortunately, Max only does in-person interviews and I am stuck thousands of kilometres away in the UK...

[@oliverkennett6816]

Max, thank you so much for the amazing video! I can see my Dad really enjoyed that one, and I’m really glad our story is touching a lot of people’s hearts. Your interviews are really inspiring to watch, and hits close to home for me :) Keep up the great work, and reach out if you want the son’s perspective haha!

[@MaxChernov]

thanks so much man! are the one who did NS? :)

[@oliverkennett6816]

@@MaxChernov Yes, that would be me! Proud ang-mo NSman here haha!

[@wangshiyao]

​@@oliverkennett6816 thank you for serving our country!

[@BrianKennett]

You next #1 - tell your story about NS through Covid ...

[@oliverkennett6816]

​@@wangshiyao It was a pleasure to do so!

[@angeluscorpius]

"Never Look Back" and "No regrets". I like that. And his shirt. The other thing as mentioned by some others (in the comments) is his humility. But if he mentioned that, he wouldn't be humble. 🙂 Humble people are never proud of being humble!

[@veronv4536]

Brian has great nuggets of wisdom. 🤩👏 Yes …impacting other ppl positively is one of the most powerful things we can do… not just for our kids/ family. 👏🌺 Another great interview Max …and by changing up the style …the pace is interesting....good job. 🌺💪💪🌺

[@harisadu8998]

From Russia, based in Singapore! Finally that's a much more accurate way to introduce yourself.

[@krisb-travel]

How did he used to introduce himself?

[@harisadu8998]

@@krisb-travel Hi I'm Max, a KZbinr from Singapore.

[@kimmytan6573]

This guy is humble and friendly, good influence to others.

[@clementihammock7572]

Sota is a good school, their IB results is outstanding. Congratz to Brian's Boy.

[@BrianKennett]

Thx so very much - he did so very well and yes now has his internship locked in with UBS - amazing!!!

[@raymondlow393]

What an interesting and relaxing video. ,kodos to both Max and Brian and thank you both so much for bringing this video to us. Brian's way of speaking was so localised and down to earth, the results of his 16 years s Living in Singapore. The way he named those foods at the hawker centre is evidence of him having immersed locally as he had mentioned. He even sent one of his sons to do NS, which shy to say, many parents are reluctant especially so for the PR parents. This is one of the most enjoyable videos I've watched so far 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@glennchua9043]

Brian have been living in Singapore for many years, i see him very often whenever i come to Siglap meeting friends and i know where he frequent in Siglap area.

[@mattdowie92]

Brian is a really likeable guy. I enjoyed this interview. The stuff he is saying at the end is some great advice for how to live! Cheers from Northern Ireland.

[@ncascadehiker]

Big hearted guy. Infectious energy. Fun interview.

[@BrianKennett]

Bless you. Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@Molloy1951]

Your most interesting and articulated interviewee so far.

[@drjennyli]

Lovely conversation as always . ❤ love his principles in life ❤

[@SharonTan-e3d]

Salute to Brian for being so upfront and honest - today I'm actually hearing that the expats think that hawker centres are unhygienic, despite their praises about SG being world class and safe. And to his point about being the only ang mohs in that hawker centre, there is not even 1 single ang moh if you're here in the 80s and 90s. So one step at a step 😛 Thank you Brian for loving our hawker food 🙂

[@everythingisawesome23]

Wow i really enjoyed this episode. The energy and the vibe of the guest is just great. Great Episode!!

[@P53eud0nym05]

Not an expat but i concur about expat school teachers being here on holiday. Read reviews about this one school with the parents calling it an overpriced play school. Parents said when they went back to UK their kids were last in class & couldn’t catch up which made them wonder what the school here “taught” them.

[@sherwinh1661]

hi max . im singaporean and always interested to hear perspective of foreigners living in singapore. keep up the good work. great series

[@ejsoh5291]

another excellent guest on your video! well done Max & Brian :)

[@babaseng]

So sorry to hear about your issue with ICA for your younger son. It's a good point for Singaporeans to reflect on, when we vote especially for populist ideals, it unintentionally hurts real people like you who contribute to Singapore's flavour and is what makes us strong.

[@BrianKennett]

Wow - that means a lot thank you!!! Hey, we love Singapore, our home: that was a nasty glitch in our 16 years here. Made us stronger and able to help others now, so every cloud has a silver lining I suppose!!!

[@singapoo]

This Ang Mo speaks Queen English but is so Singaporean

[@axianskin]

It’s King English now, excuse me !

[@singapoo]

I beg your pardon !

[@ordoabchao4202]

I think he is originally from that prison colony though.

[@aniumedyan]

I've been living in east for 15 years and i was always going local... My kid is in local school .i've been eating at same hawker for past 14 years

[@justglenc]

Thank you Brian for enriching our culture and your contributions to SG, . Yes, East side is the best side 😁

[@wrldtrvlr4vr]

This was an entertaining video. The guy had such positive energy.

[@derrickcsh]

A great and awesome interview to give us a foreigner perspective which had gone through the Singapore system. Brian insights is really quite indepth similar to a Singaporean. Maybe Brian's son should be interviewed too.

[@lylawoodward8603]

My dad was best friends with Brian, with me and my two sisters spending a large portion of our childhood with him (although we call him kenno)! He is such an amazing person, loved seeing him on this, makes us all miss him more ! 🥲

[@krisnanstravelvlogscomings3893]

I love this Ang mo and his perspective bring him back again for a interview

[@___Danny___]

This ang moh is so positive thinking. just do it , no regrets. 👍

[@stephenlim2852]

Looking back, National Service was a unique positive experience. We became a tightly knitted group of friends. Won't exchange it for anything else. We went through the seasons of life and grow old together. It is a blessing in disguise.

[@SuccessforLifester]

The people I know never have positive experiences about it. Very subjective this experience

[@tomeu9872]

Absolutely! Where else can you learn how to disssemble, clean, assemble an AR-15, M-16, Attach an M203 grenade launcher if neccessary? MRE is actually real tasty. Middle of Temburong Jungle, can eat pasta, macaroni with cheese, nasi briyani, lor mai kai. Water is also another thing to worry about. How to read direction even without a compass. Road march tells me about my average SOA (speed of advancement) while carrying almost 20 kg, walking in poor terrain. Northern dipper, southern cross, Cassiopeia and Orion constellations will guide the way. In the night, maintain light discipline. You don't turn on torchlights. We're soldiers. Not going hiking. Field first-aid. So much more to learn!

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@tomeu9872 I was from the era of heinz bean can and Yeos curry chicken. Also given hard tac biscuits and a strip of chocolate. For drinks we got lemonade powder.

[@joelng217]

Great Brian , you are so down to earth and sound so much like local .Come let's have kopi session !!

[@cheongwaimengfabian1584]

This is definitely one of the best videos made. Interesting and great topics discussed and shared.

[@ALESSIA20121]

This guy is so humble loved this interview!

[@impopquiz]

Zi Char/ zhu chao is basically a Chinese restaurant in a coffee shop/ hawker setting. He has buckets of energy it’s contagious! Hope he did eat what he ordered. 😅

[@minghuiyeo2609]

The stall owner is pronouncing the words in chinese and the guest is pronouncing them in hokkien. Both of them are not wrong. 😊

[@AmazingHadouken]

What an amazing video!! As usual!! But this one just rings a bell with me so much, especially after visiting Singapore just a couple of days ago 🤩🤩🤩

[@littlepixie2023]

Most interesting interview! Nice one, Max! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@muhammadsyafiqsam3618]

I love this guy. Thanks to him i'm your subscriber now 😂

[@BrianKennett]

Wow thx so so much (this is 'him') - made my day!!!

[@leongyet9896]

I used to live in the east and now move to the west. East side is the best especially comes to food. Every 10 steps you find a coffeeshop,eateries,hawker centres!

[@SuccessforLifester]

Easier to go JB via second link in the west. Also you got many mega malls in the west !

[@leongyet9896]

@@SuccessforLifester But malls not my favourite place. I find east side food one of the best and many eateries are opened till late nite or even 24hrs. Good thing is that I slim down a lot after moving to the west lol

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@leongyet9896 Ah.. east coast that stretch is good many eateries. I am at far end of Tampines, come night time mostly dependant on McDonald's

[@leongyet9896]

@@SuccessforLifester Bedok the best. Bedok north,bedok south,simpang bedok,siglap etc;

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@leongyet9896 yeah. I think Feng Shan runs the latest till around midnight. after that if still hungry can go to another coffeeshop nearby fengshan Cc, I think BLK 123, for dim sum or bak Chor noodles 24 hours.

[@jermel85]

This is one Ang mo i like to sit in the coffee shop and have a beer with.

[@peterlim5814]

i am glad Brian is enjoying his stay in SG. Need more of this kind of good-attitude "angmohs" in SG :)

[@BrianKennett]

Thx so much!!! Hey, it's home here, two kids born here... It really is home.

[@superlynnie]

LOL, when we go back for holidays, my white husband always end up sitting at the lao ah beng table at teh coffeeshop chatting with them. 😅how about interviewing some Singaporeans who have returned from staying overseas for a long time? would be nice to hear their point of views.

[@nageswararaup3626]

I came back after living in Australia for 24 years

[@chinchang5117]

I remember vividly that about 40 years ago, when I was still a child, I would feel giddy after taking a taxi!! Finally, today, I know why!!! Thank u!!!

[@FKCao-ry7in]

Enjoyed watching this video. Apart from the food for the stomach, etc... the video ended with the host asking the guest the question of the meaning of life. The food for thought. Interesting video, n will check out more videos from this site.

[@deonyang4000]

I like this angmo, very open minded person.

[@eatdriveplay]

14:40 - 'zichar' literally means 'cook and fry'. Its a kinda stall that every coffee shop has, that will let you order generally any fish/meat/chicken/vegetable dish/hor fun/fried rice/fried noodles - anything that cooks in a wok and pan.

[@GordonX5]

So so refreshing. Great stuff

[@joaoortizprospero7512]

probably one of your best interviews so far

[@s1399518]

hi Max, my hat off to you, you can always find interesting ppl to talk about interesting things about Singapore and about life ! 👍👍

[@ew0211]

This is the best ANG MOH in SG!

[@leewn2319]

Zi Char is Hokkien dialect for boil & fry. Such stalls basically cook mum styles home local food / dishes. It’s different street food such as Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow, Chicjen Rice, Laksa, Mee Rubus , Nasi Lemak , Prata etc

[@uwet.8826]

Zi char translates more like cook and fry.

[@kennyzeng21]

How bout stir n fry sounds better haha

[@wangshiyao]

​@@kennyzeng21 he means the literal translation haha 煮 doesn't mean stir

[@chanszechinn4154]

Touched my heart❤

[@yau6629]

Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, every bit of it.

[@decohdes]

This guest is great!

[@DALLEY_SANI]

Now i understand why ang mohs rarely go eat at hawker centre thinking its dirty but i noticed more ang mohs eating at hawker these days and great convo btw! And never look back and no regrets i live by too!

[@SuccessforLifester]

Our politicians too. They only appear in hawker centres during elections.

[@mariatachi8398]

Brilliant ❤ he knows much more than an average Singaporean.

[@BrianKennett]

Bless you!!!

[@humanshieldz]

His Singlish so cute 😂😂 and Yes the east!!!! Siglap to Katong!!! Even after moving away for nearly 2 decades i can't forget these places and i kept going back from time to time and it felt more like home than where i live!!

[@ignatiusneo]

Zi char is Hokkien and the lady said in mandarin which is Chu Chao. They are the same

[@singalore]

The mala at Siglap is really good btw! Siglap 936 Food House

[@conned]

Laksa enthusiast?!!. Lets go Max, to Janggut!!

[@SuccessforLifester]

You are not completely wrong about zi char. The lady gave you the mandarin pronunciation. It is actually hokkien

[@BrianKennett]

OK, I am now actually quite proud haha!!!

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@BrianKennett Zi is best pronounced as Tze.. like Sun Tze the philosopher. Then it would be quite perfect.

[@davidteh7909]

Excellent advices. Mala is not local hawker food. Yes, really expensive to cater for homesick PRCs

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

Regarding the taxi surging, i personally believe it's just laziness, if you want to drive smoothly you have to hover your foot at a certain point to maintain a certain speed. Some drivers are lazy to do that so they heavy foot light foot, to control speed

[@hitomikusanagi]

Pleasure meeting both of you today. Love your videos. Fantastic content 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrianKennett]

Same Same, lovely to meet you too - haha... had a great evening with Max today!!!

[@peterkhew7414]

Zi char, or 煮炒, literally means "cook & fry." Usually, they have a long menu of dishes that you can order à la carte, like a restaurant. Cai Png, or 菜饭, is cafeteria style, where you order by pointing at the food on display.

[@andrewstoran3630]

Great interview, this guys got a lovely attitude to life

[@SuccessforLifester]

The son is fortunate to be doing something relevant to his future career during his NS. He might be cursing in other combat vocations.

[@Stephenwoodward-j2w]

Kenno, you are a legend mate We soooo miss you Love you speaking from the heart and makes me proud to be English and prouder to have you as a mate That was awesome and brought back so many memories, good and bad But I have to say mate, you need to come to Auckland to see us, because the drivers here are way worse than Singapore CTP mate, useless…..

[@midasleong-rl8mj]

Best life advice never look back and impact others Thanks for another amazing interview you rock keep it up mate 👍😀😀

[@Slla-th5vt]

7:44 just so you know. Singaporeans are not kidding when they said they are sick of the over-influx of foreigners.

[@cherylpink1544]

Hi😊 chernov.....im cheryl pink watching your blog im here in philippines😮

[@MaxChernov]

I want to visit Philippines and interview foreigners there :)

[@leslieng9229]

So much wisdom. Love it.

[@BrianKennett]

Bless you... made my day and some!!!

[@jayleyy]

Brian is very receptive and insightful to the outlook of life. Burst of energies and down to earth! Really lovely and enjoy this interview session ❤️ As always, thank you Max for this wonderful video🎉 Edited: 🥲

[@MaxChernov]

Mark is glad that you like it

[@jayleyy]

@@MaxChernov 🤣 aishhshhhh sorry for the typo Max!

[@yip2454]

The taxi seasick is on point lol

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

Singapore have lots of food to eat, you literally can't finish. Food have high standard and competitive. Best in Singapore. Price a bit expensive. Leading to Ipoh still the best place in terms of price to eat delicious quality food. But Singapore have the vibrancy of a world class city. Ipoh is a nature, quiet living for those who are not the vibrant city but for those who like a quiet living city no jamp. Price too great even a budget like me is happy to live. The nature, you can climb on top of a small hill everyday to enjoy the cold fresh air at 5am, go up 30 mins and coming down 25 minutes, water fall, rivers, lots of eatery food court, Chinese restaurants stir fried Yr custom dishes, steam, all kind of foods. Every kind of food you have in Singapore, Malaysia also have.

[@kingbolo4579]

It's all a matter of comparison. I come from London, and I think Singapore is cheap.

[@SuccessforLifester]

Ipoh bean sprouts is big. Also the white chicken there is good

[@zaidiismail8981]

Awesome interview. Love the interaction

[@BrianKennett]

Thx so very much!

[@WestbrickFansGotNoBrains]

@@BrianKennett damn love your energy!

[@BrianKennett]

Bless you that means a lot. Thank you!@@WestbrickFansGotNoBrains

[@mwychen]

Nice video max! the food looks awesome 🎉

[@jebat92]

Great advice from Brian. Never look back. Never regret.

[@BrianKennett]

Thx so much, means a lot!

[@P53eud0nym05]

Never apologise FARKING DO IT Excuse the french 😂😂😂😂😂

[@BrianKennett]

Many thanks my friend: tad heart on sleeve hey!!! @@P53eud0nym05

[@lexchinqw]

Hi Max, I love your video! Side note, can ask Brian what brand his shirt is? It’s look good!

[@SpencerCampbellSG]

Rockmen Inside from Indonesia

[@hipposamadesu]

I almost give up home cooking because it's so much cheaper and convenient to eat at hawker center. I don't enjoy spending half an hour cleaning my kitchen and washing dishes 😂

[@Jalanampas-h6l]

East the is best , they got a marvellous airport, cool jogging beach tracks and a ferry terminal to indonesia or malaysia

[@victoriachen6879]

such a fun guy!

[@seventhstranger]

i think Brian is a fun person to talk to! wouldn't mind for a chat!

[@Jtwj2011]

I like this guy...

[@shiwaigaoren5794]

I like this ang moh!

[@BrianKennett]

Bless you!

[@chowzisiong7800]

I'm a born and bred Singaporean, and I actually think that SOME of our hawkers could be more hygienic. But I think you got to try to understand the hawkers. What different would you do if you were them to improve the hygiene, given the manpower constraints, etc?

[@yummycrepe]

To make hawker's food more hygienic, it starts with the government. It is not about just checking and grading hawkers. Look at the Japanese. Even serving tons of people they are so clean. Organizing lah bro.

[@SuccessforLifester]

If they could wrap the tables more often with sanitizer, it would make a big difference

[@livklopp2526]

That’s truly inspiring

[@sleepandrelaxation3395]

In the early days before we have hawker centres, all the streetfood is sold by street hawkers setting up temporary stalls along the roadsides. Everything from soya bean drinks to chicken rice to BKT to hokkien mee. For hygiene purpose, permanent hawker centres were built and all the street hawkers shifted into hawker centres or coffeeshops. To understand how things used to be, just visit neighbouring countries, where street hawkers are still very common. As for the Zi Char which is hokkien, Brian's pronounciation is very close.

[@fm86868686]

This ang mo gets it!

[@seechunchong9876]

Absolutely entertaining and lovely conversation/chat..Keep up the good work. Thanks

[@bernyplays]

Honestly I got a little offended knowing there are foreigners saying our hawkers are dirty. Good on Brian Kennett for shutting them down and feeling equally disgusted by those comments.

[@tttan1843]

It's true, dinner time, u don't see any ang mo even lunch time in the hawkers or coffeeshops