Showing posts with label Mantou. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mantou. Show all posts

Monday, January 24, 2022

PARKROYAL on Beach Road - Celebrates Lunar New Year With Local Festive Favourites At Ginger And Bespoke Tipples At Club 5

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Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road ushers in the Year of Tiger with a repertoire of uniquely local festive favourites, available from 15 January 2022 – 15 February 2022. As a halal-certified all-day dining restaurant, it is an ideal place to gather with colleagues, friends and your loved ones for a wholesome feast.

We started our buffet feast with a mini Chinese New Year Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng perfect for two. It was rather fun as there aren't many options out there made for two servings.

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Butternut Pumpkin Soup 3/5

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Double-boiled Soup 4/5

As starters, we had the festive special Butternut Pumpkin Soup and Double-boiled Soup which was homely and comforting.

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Cereal Lobster 4.5/5

For the main festive spread, the Cereal Lobster was my favourite of all. The meat was plump and sweet, and the savoury-sweet cereal crust made it even more delicious.

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Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce 3/5

Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce had a nice smokey flavour imparted from the grill.

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Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun 3/5

Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun had a delicious broth rich with chicken stock, but the taste of the crayfish was rather bland.

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Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts 3.5/5

I enjoyed the Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts too - seasoned to bring out the ingredients' natural flavours. I love how the roasted pine nuts add crunch and accent the dish with the dish nuttiness.

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Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider 4/5, Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou 3/5

The festive spread includes two delightful finger foods - Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider and Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou. The Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider surprised us with a very yummy piece of chicken Bakkwa nicely grilled to render the fats and a nicely toasted fluffy bun. The latter, on the other hand, was a tad dry.

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If your dinner feast ends early, drop by Club 5 for bespoke tipples. On the menu, you will find cocktails characterised by the interesting stories of Bugis Junction, Arab Street and Beach Road. It draws inspirations from its surrounding locations that are rich in history and heritage,

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For a bold and smokey drink, go for Paper Flames, presented with some theatrics. For a lighter citrus drink yet laced with a tinge of complexity, you can try High Tide Swizzle concocted with cashew orgeat and passion fruit.

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During the lunar new year, guests may opt for either a pair of personalised Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey with distinct fresh fruity notes or a twin bottle deal of either Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin or Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum from $288 onwards.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 8am - 1030am
Wed-Sun: 8am - 1030am, 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 23, 2020

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Singapore - New Peranakan Afternoon Tea With A Series Of Heritage Cocktails

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Inspired by InterContinental Singapore’s heritage roots in the rich cultural Bugis precinct, and in celebration of the nation’s 55th birthday, The Lobby Lounge presents a new Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, which will be available from 1 August to 31 October 2020. Showcased on a multi-tiered stand representing a heritage food journey, the new afternoon tea repast is amped up with locality, featuring creations with locally-farmed ingredients such as strawberries, kale and arugula, alongside iconic delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

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The elegant high tea includes modern renditions of Peranakan desserts such as the Ondeh Ondeh Cake which features a kaya sponge cake with coconut mousse and luscious caramel gula melaka core.

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The Banana Genoa Cake has a subtle sweet caramel flavour topped with caramel whipped cream, kumquat curd and jelly cubes.

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The pair of Ang Ku Kueh was interestingly crafted into 2 different shapes, symbolising the female and male kueh, filled with delicious mung bean paste.

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Not to be missed are the delicate cups of Chendol jelly, red bean, coconut and palm sugar, as well as the Pulut Hitam Chiffon Cake with salted coconut cream.

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Instead of the normal scones, the afternoon tea serves unique flavoured scones such as the Milo and Lemon Scones, served alongside gula melaka coconut jam and clotted cream.

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Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Kale Pesto Crab Sandwich featuring pesto made from Singapore grown kale and crab meat.

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One of our favourites is the Deep-fried Rendang Chicken Mantou, which is fried to a golden crispy brown, yet fluffy inside, encasing tender and flavourful rendang chicken meat.

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We enjoyed the fragrant Five-spice Kurobuta pork Ngoh Hiang topped with sweet and spicy mango as well.

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Another notable highlight is the Kikorangi Blue Cheese Strawberry Crostini, comprising New Zealand farmed cheese and locally grown strawberries on a peanut butter crostini, sprinkled with crushed walnuts and hazelnut.

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The Lobby Lounge has also launched a series of Heritage Cocktails crafted in honour of the journey of Sang Nila Utama, The Prince of Palembang, who founded the Kingdom of Singapura in 1299. Each cocktail in this series represents a part of his journey.

Savour Crown Into The Sea, a light cocktail made up of Havana 3, Apricot Brandy, Peach Schnapps and Ginger Beer served with slices of lime, representative of the great storm mid-journey which led to the Prince throwing his crown overboard as a gift to the sea to calm the storm, allowing him to reach Temasek safely. The last of the series, The King of The Jungle, is a ruby red cocktail comprising a mixed flavour profile of indigenous herbs like kaffir lime, star anise and cinnamon, which lift the palate. This concoction was inspired by the lion that Sang Nila Utama spotted upon landing which prompted him to name the island Singapura.

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$88 for two guests, inclusive of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
$118 for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Tattinger Brut Champagne, fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com, or speak with us at +65 6825 1008

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Le Fusion @ Robertson Quay - Contemporary Tinkering With A Unique Twist of Ingredients

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Le Fusion at Robertson Quay is a chic restaurant and bar opened by husband and wife duo. The duo has put together an array of modern Chinese dishes inspired from the travel around the world.

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Focaccia Rose Mantou 3/5

Diners at Le Fusion will be greeted with the Focaccia Rose Mantou. Similar to the bread and butter served at a Western restaurant, the mantou is made from a blend of pumpkin and original flour with hints of oregano paired with vinaigrette dressing on the side.

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Rougle Foie Gras 4/5

An unusual pairing is the Rougle Foie Gras ($25). The pan-seared foie gras rest atop a bed of Chinese glutinous rice, elevated by the tangy mandarin orange-infused in-house sauce. The combination may sound weird, but surprisingly it is pleasantly balanced with a refreshing touch.

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Imperial Double Boiled Soup 4.5/5

The Imperial Double Boiled Soup ($28) is Le Fusion's luxe rendition of the traditional Buddha Jump Over the Wall. The nutritious soup which has been double-boiled overnight is packed with richness drawn from the essence of the premium ingredients such as abalone, scallop, dried oyster and a myriad of Chinese herbs. I would recommend having a sip of its original taste before adding the Nu Er Hong Rice Wine, which gives the soup a new taste profile with an added tinge of sweetness.

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Crispy Pork Belly Mantou 3.5/5

A delightful dish on the menu is the Crispy Pork Belly Mantou ($12). The slow-roasted succulent pork belly with crispy crackling skin is sandwiched between soft fluffy mantou with a mix of marinated salted vegetables, mayonnaise and crushed peanuts. While I enjoyed the dish, I thought the sweet and spicy Thai chilli sauce may be a better alternative to the mayonnaise.

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Braised Abalone Seafood Rice 3.8/5

The Braised Abalone Seafood Rice ($38) is an "atas' version of the Chinese Mui Fan. The rice is drenched in a special savoury consomme and comes with a medley of seafood such as Tasmania 6-head abalone, scallops, fish, squids, mussels and prawns.

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Trio Pasta 3/5

Still on carbo is the colourful Trio Pasta ($38). The trio pasta flavours are green pesto, red chilli crab and sesame squid ink. While it is pleasing to the eyes, it doesn't really translate to the taste.

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Crispy Pork Roulade 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we started with the Crispy Pork Roulade ($32).  The pork belly is stuffed with a mixture of uncased sausage meat and roasted in the oven. The result is a succulent interior with a crisp, crunchy exterior. It is paired with baby tomato soaked overnight in Shanghainese plum wine, deep-fried mantou and piquillo yuzu emulsion.

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Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack 4/5

Coated with breadcrumbs and Provencal herbs is the Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack ($46). I enjoyed the rub on the lamb rack, giving it a beautiful flavour complementing the tender lamb rack.

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Tsingtao Beef Fillet 3.5/5

Lastly, we have the Tsingtao Beef Fillet ($42) which has been tenderized through 12-hour infusion with Tsingtao beef. While the meat is cooked to perfect tender, I didn't like the bitterness beer taste that distracted me from appreciating the natural sweetness of the meat. What stood out was actually the cauliflower pommes mash at the side. It was so soft and delicious.

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Le Fusion Chendol 3/5, Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner we have the Le Fusion Chendol ($14) and Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous ($14). I preferred the panna cotta over the chendol. The chendol lacked the coconut milk fragrant and gula melaka bittersweetness. I also think the restaurant needs to reconsider how the desserts are served. Though it looks elegant in a glass, it is hard for the diners to get to the ingredients to enjoy the dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Fusion
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-7/8/9
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 63639966
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1am
Sun: 4pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, August 24, 2019

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Journey Through A Baking Odyssey With Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins

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InterContinental Singapore’s Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh was recently awarded by World Gourmet Summit as the Pastry Chef of The Year 2019. In celebration of his recent accolade, diners get to indulge in the new Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins at The Lobby Lounge available from 1 August to 31 October 2019.

Inspired by Chef Ben’s humble beginnings and his love of sweets, each treat in this afternoon tea presentation tells a story of his foray into culinary arts, documenting key milestones in the illustrious chef’s career.

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We were treated to a beautiful multi-tiered stand which showcases a gorgeous array of desserts that represents Chef Ben’s pastry endeavours. Starting from the Kueh Lapis - first cake baked with his grandma in preparation for Chinese New Year to the desserts which helped him clinched his first championship winning at overseas competitions.

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Highlights include the Apple Ginger Chocolate Praline, which helped Chef Ben Goh clinched his winning at his first overseas competition at Food & Hotel Malaysia in 2009. Also the Peach Melba Cheesecake, which helped him clinch his first International Championship in 2013 (World Dubai Hospitality Championship 2013). We loved the subtle sweet peach aroma which complemented the light creamy cheesecake perfectly.

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Another favourite is the Chocolate Lemongrass Pineapple Cake which won him his first Japan Podium at Japan Cake Show in 2015. Covered in rich chocolate decadence and a tinge of lemongrass aroma, this exquisite creation by Chef Ben hit all the right notes with its texture and flavours.

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Take a trip down memory lane with the authentic Buttercream Cake, reminiscent of his childhood. Simple as it looks, but every bit as delicious with its soft fluffy texture and complimenting cream which adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake.

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Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Bacon Onion Quiche, Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with White Truffle Cream, and Smoked Chicken, Chicken Floss and Coleslaw on Charcoal Bun.

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A favourite would be the Crabmeat Mantou, with a juicy piece of crab meat on creamy avocado and a touch of caviar. Complete with a crispy piece of mantou to add a crunch to the savoury treat.

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Not forgetting the all-time favourite Cranberry Lemon Scones and English Scones with strawberry jam, fig jam and clotted cream.

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Further elevate your indulgent afternoon experience with a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, with unlimited servings of ice cream such as the Yoghurt Yuzu ice cream and Strawberry Sherbet, which came in second runner up at Mondial Des Arts Sucrés 2018. We loved the smooth creaminess of the ice cream, filled with a refreshing tanginess from the yuzu and strawberry, which makes for the perfect end to the delectable classic afternoon tea treat.

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Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1 August to 31 October 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at S$78* for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108* for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Full of Luck Club @ Holland Village - Launches New Menu Showcasing Progressive Cantonese Cuisine

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Full of Luck Club at Holland Village is a modern Cantonese restaurant that subverts the traditional style of Chinese dining. Hues and pastel colours set for a cheerful and jazzy mood, aligning with its hip Cantonese bites and beverages. With that direction in mind, it has launched new selections of Chinese baos, beverages and items from its Signature and Prestigious set menus.

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Green Tea Macchiato 3/5

I ditched my usual cup of Chinese tea and opted for its Green Tea Macchiato ($12) to go with the dishes. To fully appreciate tea macchiato, one is advised to sip the tea directly from the glass instead of using a draw. That allows the respective layer to greet your taste buds individually before harmonising each other. Mine is a simple concoction of Emperor's tea infused with gin, tea, milk foam. This macchiato tea series is inspired by Taiwanese beverages. Though the drinks are quite creative especially when I like tea cocktails, I don't quite see how this gel with the theme.

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Huat Huat Fried Chicken Bao 4/5

The Bao series is one of the most popular items here especially back when modern mantou was on the roll last year. The bao here have taken on a slider form, so that diners get to try more flavours. Huat Huat Fried Chicken Bao ($3.50) is the latest creation. I thought it looks really adorable, like a puffed-up fried chicken burger. The kimchi sauce really gives this bao a strong identity with its robust flavour. The fried chicken was tender and moist with just a thin deep fried crust.

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Flowers of Life 3.8/5

Flowers Of Life ($7.50) is a light bite with a TCM twist. These fried cordycep flowers are made moreish with house made seasonings. The most common substitutes would be enoki or mushroom fries hence I find this quite a brilliant dish. The taste is right and it suits the oriental theme too.

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Chef's Signature Honey Glazed Char Siew, Genghis Khan Premium Pork Rib 4/5

Roast meats is a quintessential Cantonese dish and is usually the star of the restaurant. Both its Chef's Signature Honey Glazed Char Siew ($14) and Genghis Khan Premium Pork Rib ($18) are refine and rather exquisite in taste. The char siew came with a glistening sugar armour. It had a balance of meat and fats, neatly sealed up by a layer of caramelised sugar which bring the flavours together as it melted away in my mouth. As for the pork rib, although I'm not familiar with Mongolian sauce, this mildly spicy sauce did jazz up the pork rib quite a bit.

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Crunchy Medley of Vegetables with Lilybulb 4.2/5

Balance your meal with a plate of its nourishing Crunchy Medley of Vegetables with Lilybulb ($12). I love ginko and it's rather rare to find them in a savoury dish. For stir fried dishes, wok hei is like your umami that adds dimension to the flavour but that comes only when the chefs are highly skilled. And indeed they are in here.

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Yuan Yang Hor Fun 3.5/5

The same goes for its Yuan Yang Hor Fun ($16). The wok hei is very pronounced in the stir fried hor fun. The fried hor fun atop gave the dish its crunchiness, along with a good portion of fish slices, leafy greens and beansprouts.

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Sakura Ebi Fried Rice 4/5

I enjoyed the Sakura Ebi Fried Rice ($14) a lot. Each grain is neatly separated, loaded with crunchy cubed fresh prawns. Both sakura ebi and tobiko can be quite salty but as there's minimum seasoning in the fried rice, both flavoured the rice just right.

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Osmanthus Raindrop Cake 2.5/5

For desserts, I was hoping for some good Cantonese homemade desserts. However, since this is a modern Cantonese place, you will get desserts such as my Osmanthus Raindrop Cake. I thought it is rather blend and a waste of effort. Perhaps, traditional Cantonese desserts may still be the team's forte.

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Prosperity Shooter 3.8/5

Ended the meal with a Prosperity Shooter ($16 for 2) which is supposed to aid digestion with its mint infused vodka, fermented pineapple, basil and yakult foam. I love it! It may be a bit strong but very refreshing.

Presentations may have changed but the essence of Cantonese food is pretty much still there. It reminds me a lot of the Asian fusion restaurants and bars that I patronised in Melbourne, which imbue a strong underground vibe within. Perhaps, Full of Luck Club could be slightly naughtier to fully stand out among the Chinese restaurants that dominate the area.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Full Of Luck Club
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]