“Laip sab chiak, laip sab tua”

Directly translated from Hokkien, it means “rubbish eat, rubbish grow.” But like many things in life, it’s deeper than it sounds. It’s about resilience — the belief that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s also something Singaporean parents used to say at the dinner table: finish your food, don’t waste.

That spirit is what this blog was built on — an attitude of honesty, humour, and an open mind towards food.

Founded in 2010, Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow started as a one-man protest against overly polished food writing. Back then, every other dish in Singapore was “to-die-for.” We wanted to tell it like it is — good or bad — and to write the way people actually eat: with heart, appetite, and opinion.

Over the years, we’ve eaten everywhere from hawker stalls to omakase counters, stayed in hotels from budget to boutique, and travelled across borders chasing flavours worth remembering. Through it all, one thing remains unchanged — our commitment to honesty.

We pay for most of our meals and review anonymously, because we believe that truth tastes best when it’s unfiltered. Occasionally, we join media tastings to connect with fellow writers, but our opinions have never been for sale. Advertorial rates may be negotiable — our morals are not.

Today, Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow continues that same mission, re-imagined for a new generation of readers. Expect food reviews that don’t sugarcoat, travel stories that go beyond checklists, and voices that speak freely — from long-time writers to new contributors who share our appetite for truth.

Here, you’ll find:

🍣 Real food reviews — written with integrity, not influence.

🧠 Thoughtful stories — exploring dining, design, and travel culture.

🗣 Voices — where Dr. Nat Ho and guest contributors speak without filter. Because Honesty Never Goes Out of Style — The RERG Way.

At the end of the day, it all comes back to the same belief:

Honesty First. Always. Since 2010.

From “Laip Sab Chiak” to Legacy — A Blog That Grew Up With Singapore.