Showing posts with label .Area: Havelock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Area: Havelock. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

The Lobby Lounge @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - AI-Powered Personalised Wellness Afternoon Tea with Luli

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Looking for an afternoon tea experience with a wellness twist? The Lobby Lounge at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore has partnered with Luli to introduce an AI-powered Personalised Wellness Afternoon Tea, combining seafood-inspired bites, sweet treats and customised herbal tea recommendations.

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Available until 4 October 2026, the experience begins with a tongue scan powered by Aiteaic, Luli’s AI wellness platform. Guests then receive a personalised herbal tea recommendation based on their individual TCM wellness profile, making the pairing more personal.

Luli specialises in Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired beverages, combining traditional herbal ingredients with a contemporary approach to wellness beverages using natural, premium ingredients.

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Oceanic Treasures Afternoon Tea 3.8/5

Priced from $68++ for two, the afternoon tea features a selection of savouries and sweets from the hotel’s Oceanic Treasures Afternoon Tea, alongside Luli’s wellness teas. As my profile was ‘Balanced’, I was served the earthy and nutty Coix Seed and Adzuki Bean Tea.

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The savoury tier is seafood-focused with Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab, Seafood Glass Noodle Salad, Stone Crab Mango Salad and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta.

The Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab was fried crisp, while the Stone Crab Mango Salad was served chilled with a sweet-savoury combination.

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For something lighter, the Smoked Salmon Bruschetta had a familiar combination on crisp bread. The Seafood Glass Noodle Salad was pretty appetising, with a slight spice and tang, but we wished it had been served in a bigger portion.

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The sweet selection features Kahlua Tiramisu Chocolate Cup, Salted Caramel Macaron, Pistachio Chocolate Choux, Ruby Velvet and Philadelphia Baked Cheesecake.

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The selection offered a good mix of textures and flavours, ranging from chocolatey to fruity and sweet-savoury. We preferred the Pistachio Chocolate Choux for its mild sweetness and nutty notes.

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No afternoon tea would be complete without scones, and guests can enjoy unlimited Blueberry and Buttermilk Scones, served warm with clotted cream and a selection of jams.

For those looking to make the experience even more special, personalised wellness beverages are also available as add-ons, including a wellness mocktail at $12 for two or a low-alcohol wellness cocktail at $24 for two.

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Reservations can be made via their website here, by phone at 8168 1553 / 6233 1338, or by email to dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com, and quote SGFOODONFOOT10 to receive a special 10% off.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TEL Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Hup Lok (合楽) @ Havelock Road - From Wholesale to Table, Premium Seafood Without the Markup

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Hup Lok (合楽) is one of those under-the-radar gems that rewards those willing to venture off the main dining strips to Havelock Road. Helmed by a third-generation seafood wholesaler, the restaurant leverages its direct-sourcing advantage to offer premium, export-grade seafood at surprisingly accessible prices. By cutting out the middleman, diners can enjoy quality ingredients that would typically command a much higher price elsewhere. The setting is modest and unpretentious, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the food — honest, hearty dishes that celebrate the natural flavours of the sea.

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Alaskan King Crab Bee Hoon 4/5

We started with the Alaskan King Crab Bee Hoon ($38.80), a dish that immediately showcases the restaurant's value proposition. Featuring half an Alaskan king crab, it is hard not to be impressed by the generous portion at this price point. The dish arrives with a golden, crustacean-rich broth infused with the aroma of Chinese wine, lending both depth and fragrance. A mix of bee hoon and tang hoon provides textural contrast, soaking up the crab's sweet essence while retaining a pleasant bite. Luxurious yet comforting, this dish feels indulgent without the usual restaurant markup.

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Claypot Hokkien Mee 4/5

The Claypot Hokkien Mee ($18.80) is another crowd-pleaser, served bubbling hot in a claypot. Loaded with a medley of ingredients, including large prawns, pork belly, squid, lardons, and a lacy omelette, it leans towards a wetter, gooier style. While the prawn stock could be more robust for greater depth, the highlight undoubtedly lies in the four Ecuadorian "kami no ebi" prawns, prized for their size and natural sweetness. The accompanying sambal chilli could do with more punch, but considering the quality and quantity of ingredients, it remains a satisfying bowl of noodles.

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Teochew Braised Whole Duck Liver 4/5

A standout for those who appreciate offal is the Teochew Braised Whole Duck Liver ($38), available via pre-order. Thick slices of duck liver are braised in a savoury, slightly herbal broth that gently permeates the rich flesh. Unlike pan-seared foie gras, this preparation is lighter on the palate, with a clean, balanced flavour profile that makes it more approachable. The texture is luxuriously silky and buttery, melting effortlessly in the mouth while retaining an earthy depth.

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Grandpa's Promfret Soup (外公鱼汤) 4.2/5

Rounding off the meal is the Grandpa's Pomfret Soup ($13.80), a dish rooted in heritage and nostalgia. The broth is light yet deeply comforting, lifted by salted plums and tomatoes that add a gentle tang. Generously filled with fresh pomfret slices, it embodies the warmth of a traditional Teochew home-cooked soup, simple yet full of soul.

Hup Lok may not boast flashy interiors or a prime location, but what it offers is something far more compelling — exceptional value, quality seafood, and cooking that respects the integrity of its ingredients. It is little wonder that the restaurant has been quietly gaining traction through word of mouth. For those in the know, this is a spot worth bookmarking for a satisfying seafood feast without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hup Lok (合楽)
725 Havelock Road
Singapore 169647
Tel: +65 82589725
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Bukit Ho Swee Crescent, continue on Bukit Ho Swee Crescent to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. Cross the road to Beo Crescent HDB estate block 34. Cut through the HDB estate to Havelock Road. Turn left on Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King's Hotel - Welcomes The New Year With Blossoms of Fortune Dining, A Series of Specially Curated CNY Set Menus

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Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King's Hotel welcomes the Lunar New Year with Blossoms of Fortune Dining, a series of specially curated Chinese New Year set menus available from 30 January to 3 March 2026. Celebrating prosperity, vitality and good fortune, the menus bring together time-honoured Teochew flavours elevated with premium ingredients.

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Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The Sweet Happiness Set Menu ($142 per pax) opens with a Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng. Thick slices of smoked salmon offered a satisfyingly meaty bite, while the addition of candied cashews brought a pleasant sweetness and nutty crunch that lifted the overall texture.

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Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup 5/5

This was followed by Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup with Bird's Nest and Crab Meat, an elegant bowl of comfort. The soup was soothing yet refined, with well-balanced flavours that soothed the appetite.

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Signature South African 6-Head Abalone 5/5

The Signature South African 6-Head Abalone with Fish Maw and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce was a highlight. The abalone was tender and well-infused with umami from the glossy oyster sauce, while the fish maw retained a delicate springiness that carried the sauce beautifully.

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Pan-fried Cod Fish 4.5/5

Next came the Pan-fried Cod Fish with Golden Garlic Soy Sauce, a clear crowd-pleaser. The cod was moist and flaky within, contrasted by a crisp golden crust. Its buttery richness was complemented aptly by the savoury soy-based sauce.

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Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck 4/5

A Teochew classic followed in the form of Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck. The use of Irish duck, favoured for its more unctuous fat, produced richly flavoured meat, while the accompanying vinegary chilli dip provided a welcome acidity to cut through the richness.

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Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle 5/5

The much-anticipated Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle did not disappoint. The rice was satisfyingly sticky and chewy, made moreish with umami-laden diced scallops and fragrant Chinese sausage.

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Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, Steamed Niao Gao 3.8/5

Dessert concluded with Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, served alongside Steamed Nian Gao. Lightly crusted with crushed peanuts, the nian gao was punctuated with a delectable nuttiness, while the peach gum provided a gently sweet finish to the meal.

Early Bird Promotion
20% early bird discount, full payment must be made within the promotional period: now to 28 January 2026.
10% dine-in from 30 January to 3 March 2026.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tien Court Restaurant
Copthorne King's Hotel
403 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 63183193/ 63183198
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Holiday Inn Atrium (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123, or 186. Alright, 1 stop later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 7, 2025

SanSara @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront - Reopens with a New Interior and Revitalised Menu

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SanSara, the North Indian restaurant nestled along Robertson Quay at Grand Copthorne Waterfront, reopened on 1 August 2025, unveiling a stunning new interior and a revitalised menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the ancient culinary heritage of Awadh and India's regal palatial architecture, SanSara offers an immersive, soulful, and deeply authentic dining experience. This journey delights all the senses.

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Tali Hokkaido Scallops 3.5/5

A standout addition to the refreshed menu, the Tali Hokkaido Scallops feature plump, sweet scallops lightly marinated in turmeric and ginger. Pan-seared with chef's masala, they deliver a gentle coastal vibrance that's both fragrant and satisfying.

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Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka 4/5

The Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka features tender boneless chicken, marinated in crushed red chillies, yoghurt, and aromatic spices, then grilled over high heat. Each bite is smoky, juicy, and perfectly balanced in heat, with roasted edges and a bright hint of lemon that elevates the flavours beautifully.

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Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki 3.8/5

A comforting vegetarian starter, the Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki is a green pea and potato patty subtly spiced with cumin, ginger, and coriander. Pan-seared to a crisp golden-brown, the tikki is simple yet deeply satisfying, letting the natural sweetness of the peas shine through.

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Sailana Shevand 4/5

The Sailana Shevand is a luxurious reinterpretation of a royal prawn dish substitutes lobster, stewed in fenugreek, coconut cream, and a rich tomato-onion gravy. The sauce is so delicious that every bite begs for the accompanying naan to mop up every drop — a decadent indulgence.

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Vilayati Subzi 3.5/5

The Vilayati Subzi is a vibrant medley of seasonal "foreign" vegetables such as asparagus, water chestnuts, and tangy tomato, lightly sautéed and finished with fragrant garam masala. Each vegetable retains a pleasant crunch, allowing its natural sweetness to shine while providing a delightful textural contrast.

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Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas 3.5/5

The Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas is a refined take on Rajasthan's celebrated lamb shank curry, this dish features tender shank slow-cooked in a Mathania chilli-infused gravy. The sauce is rich, velvety, and smoky, enhanced by a subtle aroma from hot charcoal and ghee. While rum is added tableside, it can slightly overpower the curry's delicate fragrance.

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Bhuna Pyaz Our Kaju Ka Pulao 4/5

A fragrant and comforting rice dish, the Bhuna Pyaz Aur Kaju Ka Pulao combines slow-caramelised onions with toasted cashews and perfectly separate, fluffy basmati rice. Lightly infused with saffron, ghee, and whole spices, the dish offers gentle sweetness, nutty richness, and a warm, inviting aroma — a classic accompaniment that never disappoints.

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Olive Goat Cheese Naan 3.5/5

The Olive Goat Cheese Naan offers a modern twist on traditional Indian bread. Fresh from the tandoor, the naan is soft with a subtle chew, and blistered char spots add smokiness. Creamy goat cheese melts into the warm bread, while briny olives add savoury bursts to each bite, creating a layered, memorable flavour profile.

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Gajar Ka Halwa 4.2/5

A timeless dessert, the Gajar Ka Halwa is made from slow-cooked grated carrots simmered in milk, enriched with ghee, and lightly sweetened. Soft, slightly fudgy, and fragrant with cardamom, each spoonful evokes comforting nostalgia. Pistachios add a gentle crunch, rounding off a perfect finale to the meal.

SanSara's reopening is a celebration of North Indian cuisine at its finest — refined yet soulful, modern yet respectful of tradition. From luxurious seafood to comforting vegetarian bites, the menu beautifully balances depth, spice, and texture, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an elevated, authentic taste of India along Robertson Quay.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SanSara
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Po Restaurant @ The Warehouse Hotel - Celebrates Singapore Nanyang Heritage Cuisine

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This October, Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel unveils its brand-new menu, celebrating Singapore's rich Nanyang heritage and culinary traditions. Moving away from its previous mod-sin concept, the new direction is led by Head Chef Desmond Yong, who brings nearly two decades of experience, including his tenure as Head Chef at Rempapa, and a background spanning hawker stalls to refined kitchens. Together with his team, he has crafted a diverse yet concise menu showcasing dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan traditions. Treasured family recipes, either his own or generously shared by others, are reinterpreted with finesse.

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Samsui Chicken 5/5

For starters, the Samsui Chicken was a pure delight. Served chilled, the poached organic chicken was tender, with slightly gelatinous skin. Complementing it was a gingery, garlicky dressing that beautifully whetted the appetite.

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Singgang Serai 4.5/5

Another outstanding starter was the Singgang Serai ($24), inspired by a Eurasian fish curry. The mackerel stew, rich with turmeric rempah and coconut milk, was encased in a toasted rice shell and topped with a delicate tomato jelly. The jelly lent a fruity sweetness and gentle tartness that balanced the umami-packed stew, while the rice shell, reminiscent of a Japanese monaka, added mild sweetness and textural crunch to each bite.

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Ikan Kerabu 4/5

The Ikan Kerabu ($28) reimagines the classic Peranakan kerabu with yellowtail cured in ginger flower and plum dressing, topped with a tangy herb salad, sakura shrimp, and coconut. While the dish was delicious, the use of herbs and coconut could be less restrained to better accentuate its kerabu character.

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Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli 5/5

The Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli ($28) was scrumptious, featuring ultra-tender, slow-braised lamb in a rich, aromatic spiced curry. The meat had a lovely char that deepened its flavour, and the fluffy steamed rice vermicelli served as the perfect accompaniment to the heady curry.

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Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat 3/5

Among the main dishes, the Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat ($32) featured silky steamed egg beancurd topped with plump crabmeat in superior sauce. While enjoyable, it leaned more toward an elevated Japanese chawanmushi than a Chinese-style dish, perhaps because of the addition of ikura.

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Sotong Masak Hitam 4.5/5

The Sotong Masak Hitam ($30) showcased a Peranakan classic of squid cooked in its own ink. Stir-fried with rempah and reduced to a thick, glossy sauce, it was richly spiced with just a hint of heat. The squid roe, left intact, lent additional depth and creaminess, making each bite satisfying and full-bodied. The tentacles, coated in a blend of rice and corn flour, were a brilliant touch, adding crisp texture to this traditional dish.

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Itek Sioh 5/5

The Itek Sioh ($30) was prepared confit-style, simmered in tamarind, coriander seed, and dark soy sauce. It was easily one of the better duck leg confits I've had in a while, with meat that was perfectly tender and well-balanced in flavour.

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Babi Tohay 3/5

The Babi Tohay ($32) featured Iberico pork slowly braised in Po's house-made fermented krill paste and red rice paste. While the gravy was delectable, I found some of the meat slightly dry.

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Lobster Mee 4.5/5

The Lobster Mee ($58) offered a luxurious take on KL Hokkien Mee, brimming with pork lard and premium seafood. Udon noodles were used instead of the typical yellow noodles. While purists may miss the alkaline bite of the original, I appreciated the chewiness of the udon, which made the dish feel lighter against the dark, flavoursome soy gravy.

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Brinjal Fry 2/5

For vegetables, the Brinjal Fry ($24) featured South Indian-style pan-grilled eggplant, drizzled with honey and topped with spiced puffed rice and feta. While it aimed for an Indian-inspired profile, the flavours didn't quite come together, and the brinjal itself was slightly tough and watery. I was reminded of a stir-fried brinjal dish I had previously had over here. It was more rustic in presentation but homely and delicious in flavour.

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Nasi Telang 4.5/5

There's always room for rice, and the Nasi Telang ($12) was a fragrant pleasure, glossy with ghee and aromatic with herbs.

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Kueh Tingkat 3/5

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Yuzu Cheng Tng 3.5/5

For desserts, we had the Kueh Tingkat ($22), featuring three freshly made varieties of kueh, and the Yuzu Cheng Tng ($18). The kuehs were pleasant, though the kueh kosui was a touch too sweet and lacked the desired softness. The Cheng Tng was light and refreshing, elevated by a scoop of yuzu sorbet.

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Po's refreshed menu reflects Singapore's diverse culinary roots with heart and intent. Many dishes shine with thoughtful execution, though a few have lost a touch of their traditional soul in the process of refinement. Still, kudos to Chef Desmond Yong and his team for steering Po in a bold new direction amid today's challenging F&B landscape.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Po Restaurant
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0007
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7 - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]