The Bravery @ Amoy Street - Muslim-owned Cafe Reopens at New Location with Refreshed Brunch Menu

The Bravery has moved from Lavender Street, where it has stood for seven years to, a two-storey conservation shophouse along the trendy Amoy Street neighbourhood. The second storey also houses The Bravery’s in-house bakery, which churns out fresh bread and baked goods daily. With a full-service team led by Sous Chef Melvin Lam and award-winning Head Barista Maryvn Tan, customers can expect an elevated menu comprising new dishes, crowd-pleasing signatures, freshly-baked treats and quality brews.

Nova Cheese Toast 4/5

From the brunch menu, we had the Nova Cheese Toast ($16), where lemon and dill cream cheese is spread on house-baked sourdough bread and topped generously with smoked salmon, ikura, and microgreens. The side of silky smooth scrambled eggs was a welcoming addition to this classic brunch dish.

Steak & Eggs 4.2/5

The crowd-favourite Steak & Eggs ($23) was no less impressive as well, with tender grass-fed striploin served with a side of house-baked sourdough toast and sunny side eggs.

Cod en Papillote 3.5/5

The Cod en Papillote ($33) features cod fillet is baked in a paper bag with fennel, seasonal greens, herbs, microgreens, and soy broth to keep the fish tender and moist. It is served with a bowl of furikake-topped rice to complement the fish.

Seafood Alfredo 3.8/5

A dish with an umami punch is the Seafood Alfredo ($20). The creamy al dente spaghetti is complete with Tiger prawn, white clams, crab meat, ikura, and a crustacean oil made in-house by infusing roasted shellfish into olive oil.

Hojicha Milk 4/5, Dirty Matcha 4/5

The Bravery serves up signatures like the ever-popular Lavender Latte ($6.50) along with new offerings such as Hojicha Milk ($6.50) and Dirty Matcha ($7). Using beans from Allpress Espresso in Melbourne, which boasts of rich, chocolate notes with a full-bodied flavour, each cup of joe makes for the ideal morning or midday pick-me-up.

Gateau au Chocolat 4/5

We round off our meal on a sweet note with their variety of desserts. Available all day, the bakery churns out a wide range of bread, cakes and pastries, such as the crowd-pleasing Gateau au Chocolat ($6.90 per slice) filled with rich chocolatey decadence.

Lemon Meringue Pie 4/5

The Lemon Meringue Pie is enjoyable as well, with a lightly torched meringue atop, soft, tangy curd and crumbly base.

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 Bravery
50 Amoy St
Singapore 069876
Tel: +65 93882973
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 8am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 8am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Top 10 Home Based Businesses (HBB) That Are Worth Ordering

COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people's livelihood. Instead of waiting for the best for the world to turn better, many people have taken a brave and significant step forward to change and adapt to the new norm. This sees the birth of many Home Based Business (HBB), putting their baking and cooking skills to good use, supplementing some incomes for the family.

I have the chance to try a couple of these home-based businesses during this period, and here is a list of my top 10 home-based business that is worth ordering and trying.

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A Sweet Mess

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A Sweet Mess caught my attention for their Rainbow Ondeh Ondeh. They are soft and chewy, with oozing gula melaka in it. Importantly, it is not using those syrup type. She actually bought the gula melaka in a block, hand grate them and cook them. Their Banana Cake, Pandan Gula Melaka Cupcake, and Basque Burnt Cheese Cake received many raving reviews too.

Order via DM on Instagram @asweetmesssg

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Any Hao Bao

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To keep her parents occupied during circuit breaker, Francesca started AnyHaoBao for her parents to share their love of cooking. My favourite is their homecooked herbal chicken and achar. You get a whole chicken, cooked to tender. The herbal taste is relatively mild, so it should be acceptable to children. Interestingly it comes with two hard-boiled eggs. They also made Kong Bak Pau, but this is seasonal.

Order via DM on Instagram @anyhaobao

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Edibles Bake Shop

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My close friends will know that I am not really into dessert, hence for Edibles Bake Shop to make it my list, it has definitely won me over. The cupcakes are not overly sweet, well balanced and most importantly, very delicious. Serene is a very talented baker and does check out her beautiful cake. She can also customise cakes for that special occasion.

Order via http://www.ediblesbakeshop.net
Instagram @ediblesbakeshop

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Hei Piah Family

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The hardest-hit industry during the pandemic is the aviation sector. During this period, pilots and cabin crews are all grounded. Laura, an SQ cabin crew and her fashion designer husband, started Hei Piah Family to share her mother-in-law Prawn Fritter recipe. I tried their prawn fritter and fell in love. It is crispy on the outside and pillowy inside.

Order via WhatsApp +65 86964568
Instagram @heipiahfamily

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Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken

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Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken is a home base business started by Sandra Sim. She is one of the owners of Sum Yi Tai. Before I tried the soy sauce chicken, I have already heard my raving reviews. When I finally get to taste it, I was really impressed. Well marinated and infused with the fragrant soy sauce, the chicken was also tender and juicy. Not forgetting that super power chilli sauce that comes with it.

Order via https://www.ladybosschicken.com

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Lor Bak Mama

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Lor Bak Mama is started by Christine Yue, who has zero income when she has to closed her nail salons during the circuit breaker. Encouraged by her family and closed friends who have tried her lor bak, I am glad that I can get to savour this delicious braised pork belly that is cooked until melt in the mouth, absorbing the braising sauce that is packed with robustness.

Order via take.sg/s/6586680788
Instagram @lorbakmama

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No Name Bake Store

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I have tried many home bakers' bakes during this period, and I really like the pastry box from No Name Bake Store. For $30, you get 4 different pieces of cakes. There are Kaya Butter Roll, Blueberry Hill, Brownie Cheesecake and Chocolate Hazel Royal. For the upcoming festive seasons, it is rolling up a new pastry box. Do keep a lookout.

Order via online form
Instagram @nonamebakestore.sg

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Noni Home Made Cooking

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Noni caught my eyes for offering authentic Indonesia food. I tried both their Nasi Lemak and Nasi Liwet. I personally love the Nasi Liwet as this is my first time have aromatic rice with anchovies wrapped with banana leaves, cooked over the fire. It even comes with a whole grilled chicken leg and tofu. 

Order via Instagram DM or WhatsApp +6594464249
Instagram @noni.sg

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Slab Some Ribs

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Affected by the pandemic, Elaine, a sales manager for a local airline has been on furlough, and on a good month may get to work up to two days a week. With the inconsistent workdays and significant financial impact, she started Slab Some Ribs to supplement her income. I have known many home-based businesses but selling pork ribs probably is the first. What's more she has an interesting flavour like Kicap Manis. I heard she is introducing a new Korean flavour for the upcoming festive season.

Order via take.sg/s/6596942060
Instagram @slabsomeribs

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Two Bake Boys

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Another home-based business started by an SQ cabin crew is Two Bake Boys. There are a lot of home bakers during this period and mostly focus on bakes such as brownies, cookies and burnt cheesecakes. Two Bake Boys is different, it is probably the first HBB that offers Authentic Thai Tea Crepe Cake. Currently, it has already expanded its menu with new flavours such as Matcha, Strawberry and Tiramisu.

Order via https://www.twobakeboys.com
Instagram @twobakeboys

Firebake @ East Coast Road - Launches New Item And A Refreshed Lunch Menu

Firebake at East Coast Road has launched a refreshed lunch menu and new items. It has also adjusted its opening hours. It now opens from 9am on the weekend to accommodate breakfast and brunch crowd. As for weekdays, it has added more variety for its lunch menu, giving diners more choices.

It can't be any better to start your morning with fresh, warm woodfire bakes at Firebake. A modern take of our traditional breakfast is the Milk Buns with Traditional Kaya ($3.50). For the price, this is a steal to kick start the day. There are also the Firebake Morning Buns with almond, lemon and cinnamon ($3.50), savoury Cheesymite of cheddar cheese and vegemite ($3.50) and Firebake Croissant Rolls ($3, $3.50 with chocolate).

Firebake Tartine 4/5

The Firebake Tartine ($18 full portion) is an open-faced sandwich featuring a slice of Seedy, topped with mortadella with sundried tomato pesto draped over a pool of cheese fondue. The toppings will vary from time to time. The full portion is definitely good for sharing.

Seafood Risotto 4.2/5

The Seafood Risotto ($26) is now available for brunch, lunch and dinner. The Arborio rice is well fragrant by the seafood stock and white wine. It also comes with succulent cubes of scallop, sweet prawn tails and tender bits of mussels. That is not it. It even comes with stalks of grilled green asparagus and a whole grilled Mediterranean seabass fillet.

Firebake Wagyu Cheese Burger 4.5/5

The sight of the melted cheddar flowing down the Firebake Wagyu Cheese Burger ($18) already got me drooling before sinking my teeth into the juicy medium-done Australian wagyu patty. The patty is sandwiched between house-baked wood-fired sourdough potato buns. What brings the burger together is the thick tomato-based beef sauce, inspired by the traditional pastitsada stew.

Grilled Argentinian Striploin 4/5

For something more substantial, there is the Grilled Argentinian Striploin ($28). The 220g steak is grilled to medium over Firebake's traditional wood stove and served over a slice of rye bread, topped with a vibrant salsa verde. The steak though lean, it is packed with intense flavour with a delightful smokey char.

During weekday lunch, guests can now have a pick of an appetiser, main and desserts to add a little more variety for lunch. They can also choose between the 2-course menu (from $22) and a full 3-course menu (from $25).

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Firebake
237 East Coast Road
Level 1
Singapore 428930
Tel: +65 64401228
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Size S Coffee & Bakery @ Soi Ngam Du Phil [Bangkok]

Thanks to my Thai friend, Lita, she told that there was a cafe serving good coffee near the hotel I was staying. Hence I made my way to Size S Coffee & Bakery, just around the corner of my hotel. The cafe is really size S, as in small. It probably can only sit maximum 6 persons.

Latte 4.2/5

The cafe offers 2 blend of coffee beans. Single Origin Coffee from Colombia and their own Size S Blend Coffee consisting of Ethipia, Burundi and Thai. I had the later for my Latte which is nutty and full bodied.

Ice Latte 4/5

Thailand is known for its hot and humid weather. An Ice Latte would be a good choice to cool oneself from the heat.

Red Velvet 4/5

Size S Coffee and Bakery also offers a selection of mini bakes. During my visit, there were some mini macarons, tarts and cakes. We tried the mini Red Velvet ($55 Baht), which is moist and well balanced.

Coconut Cake 4.2/5

What I like most is actually the mini Coconut Cake ($55 Baht), which is light and moist. The crowning of the coconut cake is the shredded coconut cake that lifted the whole enjoyment.

The cafe owners are really serious in their coffee. Although the cafe is very small, it brews a cup of good coffee. I actually find the mini bakes rather cute in a way and it would not be too heavy to have for tea break or snack. What is more important, the cakes are delicious.


Size S Coffee & Bakery
5/25 Soi Ngam Du Phil,
Rama 4 Road,
Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand 10120
Tel: +662 2866117
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lumpini Station, Soi Ngamduplee Exit 1
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 730am - 6pm
(Closed every Sun)

Antoinette @ Penhas Road (Lavender) - The Salted Egg Yolk Croissant Craze Hits Singapore

So the Salted Egg Yolk Croissant craze has travelled south from Hong Kong to Malaysia and now to the shore of Singapore. Following Flavour Fling Cafe, Antoinette launches its own version of the Salted Yolk Lava Croissant ($6/90) at its flagship out at Penhas Road on 1 February 2016 at 11am, It is understand that all 300 salted egg yolk croissants are sold out within an hour.

Antoinette is already known for its flaky and buttery croissant made with quality French butter and traditional French method. To create the salted egg filling, Chef Pang uses real salted egg yolks, milk and sugar. The mixture is then hand sieved to a smooth and luscious texture. By the way, each croissant uses 3 salted egg yolks!

The moment of truth came when we cut open the croissant and seductive yellow lave flow out of the buttery layers. The first thing I noticed is the richness in color. Instead of the buttery yellow, the salted egg yolk lava is somewhat orangey in colour. I have to say this is the real deal. The creamy and grainy texture is packed with the salted egg yolk richness. No wonder 3 salted egg yolks is used for the filling. Quoting a comment from fellow foodie, it felt like eating salted egg yolk mooncake except that it is a croissant.

Antoinette salted egg yolk croissant's filling is also quite generous. I was literally cutting up the croissant and using it to wipe clean the salted egg yolk lava.

Currently the Salted Yolk Lava Croissant is only available at Antoinette at Penhas from 11am. There is only limited number of them each day. For the other outlets at Mandarin Gallery and Sofitel So, the salted yolk lava croissant will be available from 10 February 2016 at 1pm.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Oh My Tian @ Whampoa West

Oh my god did you hear the latest news, the folk behind Hatter Street has opened another new concept call Oh My Tian at Whampoa West. Inspired by the 16th century European design, the team has created the cafe to look somewhat like a carnival, fulfilling their internal fantasy.

Whoaffles 4.5/5

At Oh My Tian, guests will get to enjoy the signature Whoaffles ($5.50) from Hatter Street. It is still as good as I last remembered. Crispy on the exterior and dense inside. Add a scoop of ice cream for $9 with additional $3 for double scoops. Sauces such as salted caramel, chocolate, espresso butterscotch, maple & butter are available at an additional $0.50

Carrot Cake 3/5

The cafe also offers some bakes on their menu such as the Carrot Cake ($6.80). The cake has a nice dense texture. I like my carrot cake to be more nutty as I am not a big fan of cinnamon. Unfortunately this is the opposite.

Donut Burger 3.8/5

If we can have ramen burger, why not a Donut Burger ($13) which comes with a choice of beef or chicken patty, hashbrown, mushrooms, caramelized onions, cheddar, dressed with bbq sauce. I would not say this is the best burger but the gimmicky creation using the extremely soft donut turned out rather good considering cafe standard.

When I visited the cafe, it was only opened for a couple of days. I understand the cafe progressively will be introducing new creation, pushing the boundaries that will be based on their journey around the world.


Oh My Tian
34 Whampoa West
#01-79
Singapore 330034
Tel: +65 66121166
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Ugly Cake Shop @ GB Point (Kallang Bahru)

Started as a home bakery, owner and baker Lisa quit her corporate job a few years back to concentrate on her baking at a licensed central kitchen in Ang Mo Kio. With the encouraging online orders and limited kitchen space, The Ugly Cake Shop took the bold step and moved into GB Point at Kallang Bahru, having its own cafe space offering its signature cupcakes and cakes.

Do not expect any latte art or pretty instagrammable cafe food dishes at The Uglly Cake Shop. The Ugly Cake Shop is still very much focus on her bakes while the cafe space provides a convenient sitting area for guests that needs a break, to enjoy their cupcakes and cakes.

Juliana

 If you have not known, the cupcakes at The Ugly Cake Shop are named after the owner's favourite people such as Juliana (Salted Caramel with Sea Salt Flakes),  Melissa (Strawberry, Rum & Dark Chocolate).

Melissa

Other cupcakes available are Zesty Zee (Lemon), Jamie (Earl Grey), Sally (Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate). However the most popular cupcake is the Big Daddy (Super Chocolatey with Nutella & Valrhona), which is not in the picture. As you probably would have guessed, it is sold out.

Zesty Zee, Jamie, Sally 

The cupcakes at The Ugly Cake Shop ranges from $3.80 to $4.50.

Desmond

For a twist to the usual cupcake is Desmond, a grilled cupcake. The butter base cupcake is grilled and served with orange blossom cream and cherry compote. Do note that this is a special item and is not always available. Please check with the cafe.

With a kind heart and a vision to feed the poor. Lisa has pledged and donates 20% of its proceeds towards buying meat, eggs and other much-needed protein sources for the kids in Shallom School, a school set up by Brazilian missionaries and supported by Agape Baptist Church. Every baked good you purchase from The Ugly Cake Shop will help to supplement their meals!


The Ugly Cake Shop
GB Point
535 Kallang Bahru
#01-06
Singapore 339351
Tel: +65 82288300
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT; Geylang Bahru (DT Line), Potong Pasir (NE Line), Lavender (EW Line), Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 10am - 7pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 8pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Geylang Bahru MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to junction of Kallang Bahru and Geylang Bahru. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Potong Pasir MRT station (Stop ID 60269). Take bus number 107 or 853. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about. 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number  61, 107 or 175. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to junction of Kallang Bahru and Geylang Bahru. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite block 2C along Lorong 1 Geylang (Stop ID 80101). Take bus number 26. Alight 3 stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]