Showing posts with label Biryani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biryani. Show all posts

Sunday, September 27, 2026

10|Scotts @ Grand Hyatt - The Weekend Grand Afternoon Tea

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On weekdays, afternoon tea at 10|SCOTTS takes on a more traditional format, with a selection of savouries and sweets presented on a tiered stand. On weekends, however, the experience becomes a little more indulgent. The Weekend Grand Afternoon Tea features a more substantial semi-buffet spread, allowing diners to graze at their own pace through salads, charcuterie, cheeses, sandwiches, appetisers and hot dishes, before ending on a sweeter note with freshly baked scones and a selection of dainty desserts presented on a stand.

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Hot Chocolate and Coffee

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Juices

The spread is complemented by a generous selection of drinks, including a welcome drink of Saicho Jasmine Sparkling Tea, free-flow juices, and two servings of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

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Salad Bar

At the Salad Bar, diners can choose a pumpkin salad or build their own plate from a selection of fresh greens and leafy vegetables, accompanied by assorted condiments and dressings. It is a light way to begin before moving on to the other items.

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Charcuterie and Cheese

The Charcuterie selection features freshly sliced meats accompanied by chutney, pickled onion, cornichons and olives. Cheese lovers can also stop at the Artisanal Cheese counter, which features a curated range from Les Frères Marchand, served with chutney, dried fruits, seeds, nuts, and crackers.

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Sandwiches

The Sandwiches section features an assortment of simple finger sandwiches, including familiar favourites such as egg mayo, lobster and chicken buns. While the flavours were decent, the selection felt conventional and didn’t leave a strong impression.

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Smoked Salmon Waffle

I preferred the Smoked Salmon Waffle with Cream Cheese from the live station. Prepared fresh in small batches, the waffle was still warm and crisp when I tried it.

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Roast Beef with Roasted Vegetables

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Butter Chicken with Biryani Rice

For something hearty, we also offer dishes such as Roast Beef with Roasted Vegetables, Butter Chicken with Biryani Rice, and Mushroom Soup. These warmer dishes give the afternoon tea a more substantial feel and make it feel closer to a light lunch than a conventional afternoon tea.

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Sweets

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Scones

Once you have had your fill of the savouries, the scones and sweets are brought to the table on a tiered stand. This also ensures that the scones arrive warm. Both traditional plain and raisin scones are available, accompanied by clotted cream, seasonal jam, and an interesting kaya foam that adds a local touch to the classic afternoon tea staple. I was also impressed by the selection of five sweets, all thoughtfully composed and distinct from one another.

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Calamansi Meringue Tart

The Calamansi Meringue Tart was one of the more refreshing options, with citrusy calamansi curd balancing the meringue’s sweetness on a crisp tart base. Interestingly, the curd is made using fresh calamansi harvested from the hotel’s own garden.

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Black Glutinous Rice Mousse with Thai Mango

The Black Glutinous Rice Mousse with Thai Mango is another contemporary take on familiar Asian dessert flavours. I particularly enjoyed the contrast from the little bits of glutinous rice within the mousse, which made it rather unique.

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Date Sponge

The Date Sponge was another delicious confection, paired with gula melaka and vanilla Chantilly. The combination brought together warm caramel notes with a light creaminess.

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Bandung Pudding

Local flavours continue with the Bandung Pudding, comprising layers of smooth milk pudding and fragrant rose jelly. I am usually not much of a pudding person, but this was surprisingly enjoyable.

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Banana Chocolate Moelleux

My favourite, however, was still the Banana Chocolate Moelleux, made with Guanaja dark chocolate and banana compote. Chocolate and banana is a classic combination that is hard to go wrong with, and this was pure chocolatey goodness.

Salad bar and pumpkin salad-2

Overall, the Weekend Grand Afternoon Tea at 10|SCOTTS makes for a relaxing afternoon with plenty to eat and drink. The elegant yet comfortable lounge setting complements the unhurried nature of the experience. With weekend seating from 2pm to 4.30pm, you have ample time to settle in, linger over a drink, and leisurely work your way through the spread. Do note, however, that takeaways are not permitted for the afternoon tea, including any remaining items from the sweets stand.

Charcuterie and cheese-4

Weekend Grand Afternoon Tea:
One Seating 2:00PM - 4:30PM (Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays)
SGD 65++ per adult | SGD 30++ per child (6-12 years old)
Beverage Package at SGD 50++ per adult, includes Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne
Beverage Package at SGD 70++ per adult, includes Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne, selected red wines, white wines, rosé wines, cocktails and mocktails

Weekday Afternoon Tea Set:
2:00PM - 4:30PM (Monday to Friday)
SGD 50++ per adult | SGD 25++ per child (6-12 years old)
Beverage Package at SGD 50++ per adult, includes Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne
Beverage Package at SGD 70++ per adult, includes Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne, selected red wines, white wines, rosé wines, cocktails and mocktails

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


10|Scotts
Grand Hyatt
Lobby Level
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 67381234
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Monday, July 27, 2026

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore - The Lobsterfest Returns, Spanning Both Local and International Flavours

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Lobsterfest returns to Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore, bringing back its extravagant buffet dedicated to one of the ocean’s most prized delicacies. Available exclusively for dinner from 6 July to 6 September 2026, this year’s edition showcases lobster prepared in a multitude of styles, spanning both local and international flavours.

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Seafood On Ice station

We kicked off the feast at the impressive Seafood On Ice station, where fresh Boston Lobsters took centre stage alongside an abundant selection of premium seafood, including Korean Snow Crab and other chilled favourites.

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Langoustine Parmesan Wheel Risotto

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Boston Lobster Thermidor

Among the live stations, the creamy Langoustine Parmesan Wheel Risotto was an indulgence, with sharp Parmesan accenting its creaminess, while the Boston Lobster Thermidor proved to be a crowd favourite. The rich cheesy sauce slathered atop boosted the textural enjoyment of the lobster meat.

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Sarawak White Pepper Lobster

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Indonesian Lobster Curry

The buffet also celebrates the vibrant flavours across the region with hearty creations such as Sarawak White Pepper Lobster, Indonesian Lobster Curry, and Lobster Claypot Biryani.

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Lobster Claypot Biryani

The latter was particularly memorable, featuring fragrant, spice-laden rice that was wonderfully moreish.

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Pickering Lobster Laksa

The Pickering Lobster Laksa didn’t disappoint. The laksa gravy was robust and aromatic, delivering plenty of depth to the dish.

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Lobster Claw and Sotong Masak Hitam

Over at the signature Peranakan station, the standout dish was the Lobster Claw and Sotong Masak Hitam. The rich, inky squid gravy lent deep umami and briny notes that beautifully complemented the sweetness of the lobster.

LOBSTERFEST AT LIME Buffet Dinner
6 July to 6 September 2026
Monday to Thursday: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Friday to Sunday: First seating: 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Second seating: 8:30pm - 10:30pm

Dinner Buffet: S$138++ per adult (Monday–Thursday) | S$148++ per adult (Friday–Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays & Public Holidays)
Children aged 6–12 years dine at 50% of the adult price.

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.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8889
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Rare Gem Showcasing Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

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Along the vibrant stretch of Duxton Road, Club Rangoon continues to stand its ground in Singapore's ever-evolving dining landscape. Having first visited shortly after its opening in August 2024, it is heartening to return nearly a year and a half later to see the restaurant not only surviving but refining its identity. In a city where dining concepts come and go with startling frequency, Club Rangoon remains a rare gem — spotlighting contemporary Burmese cuisine, a cuisine still relatively underrepresented in Singapore.

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Laphet Hummus 4.2/5

The Laphet Hummus ($14) offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of a familiar staple. Infused with fermented tea leaves, the hummus carries a distinctive Burmese accent that is earthy, umami-rich, and gently herbaceous, setting it apart from its Mediterranean counterpart. The texture is luxuriously smooth, almost velvety, serving as a canvas for the nuanced flavours of laphet and tea leaf oil drizzled atop. This "gentle funk" adds intrigue without overwhelming the palate. Paired with warm, pillowy pita, it becomes an addictive starter that invites repeated scooping.

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Short Rib Skewers 4.2/5

The Short Rib Skewers ($18 for 2pc) exemplify the restaurant's knack for balancing richness with brightness. Grilled to tender perfection, the beef boasts a melt-in-the-mouth texture, accented by a light smoky char. What elevates the dish is the Burmese-style chimichurri, sharper and more herbaceous than the traditional Argentinian version, cutting cleanly through the meat's fattiness. The accompanying pennywort salad lends a refreshing crunch and a slightly bitter note, rounding out the dish with finesse.

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Samusa Thoke 4/5

A beloved Burmese street food classic, the Samusa Thoke ($12) is a medley of textures and flavours. Crispy potato samosas are broken apart and tossed into a warm, comforting yellow split pea soup, allowing them to soak up the broth while retaining bits of crunch. The addition of shredded cabbage and fresh mint introduces a crisp, cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a bright, zesty lift. The interplay between warm and fresh elements makes this dish both hearty and refreshing.

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Ohn-No Khout Swel 4/5

The Ohn-No Khout Swel ($20) delivers a comforting bowl of coconut chicken noodle curry. Rich yet approachable, the mildly spiced broth is thick enough to coat each strand of egg noodles and envelop tender pieces of chicken. A halved boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, while crunchy yellow rice crackers provide textural contrast. With lime and chilli on the side, diners can easily adjust the balance of acidity and heat, making it a highly customisable and satisfying main.

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Wet Thar Dan Dauk 4.5/5

A standout on the menu, the Wet Thar Dan Dauk ($34) is a luxurious take on Burmese-style biryani. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron and ghee, forms the base for a generous portion of slow-cooked pork knuckle. The meat is incredibly tender, with gelatinous richness that melts effortlessly on the palate. To offset this indulgence, a side of tangy green mango salad provides a refreshing acidity and crunch, ensuring each bite remains balanced and enjoyable.

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Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw 4.5/5

The Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw ($22) showcases the depth of Burmese "dry curry" techniques. Featuring okra and tofu stir-fried with a robust masala blend, the dish delivers concentrated, caramelised flavours with every bite. The tofu absorbs the spices beautifully, while the okra adds a tender, slightly crisp texture. A touch of tamarind introduces a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the warmth of the spices, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and well-balanced.

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Laphet-yay Ice Cream 4.5/5

Ending on a high note, the Laphet-yay Ice Cream ($14) is a creative homage to Burmese milk tea. Smooth and creamy, the ice cream captures the bold, slightly tannic notes of black tea, mellowed by the sweetness of condensed milk. The addition of a banana and jaggery crumble introduces a contrasting texture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The interplay between warm, earthy flavours and the cold creaminess of the ice cream makes for a refined yet comforting dessert.

Returning to Club Rangoon, the progression is evident. The refreshed menu feels more confident and cohesive, with flavours that are better defined and more attuned to the local palate without losing their Burmese essence. This second visit not only deepened my appreciation for the cuisine but also highlighted the restaurant's growth in bridging tradition and modernity. In many ways, Club Rangoon continues to play an important role in introducing and evolving Burmese cuisine within Singapore's dynamic food scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - New Menu with Focus On Sustainability Dining By Chef Isaac Henry

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Sofitel Singapore City Centre has a new Director of Culinary and Beverage on board - Isaac Henry. His culinary experience spans continents, honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in both Paris and Singapore. As a strong advocator of sustainable dining, it is no surprise that you might have spotted him on the host of a six-part docu-series on Channel News Asia titled 'Zero Waste Kitchen'. On the refreshed Racines's menu, other than its attention-grabbing fashion magazine-style design, new signatures are introduced that were conceptualised with the environment in mind.

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Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse 4.8/5

Chef Isaac would like to call the Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse a marriage between Asian food and French dishes – reflecting the restaurant's signature cuisine. The chicken liver is locally sourced, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. A small portion of duck liver is blended with chicken liver, cream and egg to achieve a velvety texture. Adding sweet and tangy Chinese black wine vinegar elevates this mousse to another level brilliantly, much like how a fruit compote complements the richness and flavour of a liver pate with a delightful touch of sweet acidity. It formed a luxurious spread for the sourdough bread served on the side.

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Charred Asparagus with Housemade Hollandaise 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the Charred Asparagus, which differentiates itself with a tantalising combination of flavours and textures brought to life by creamy housemade Hollandaise, umami Shio Kombu, and sugar-roasted Almonds ($26). The asparagus, charred on an open-fire grill, was laced with a delightful smoky nuance, adding a flavour depth to the dish. The creamy and substantial sauce lent a satisfying mouthfeel to the asparagus, with its sweetness aptly balanced by the savoury shio kombu. The almond candies provided a morish textural crunch, completing this enticing plate of asparagus.

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Otak Otak 4/5

Otak Otak ($18) features a spiced Spanish Mackerel Fish cake roasted in a Banana Leaf parcel served with housemade cincalok sauce. Chef Isaac used one of his oldest recipes when craving for otak-otak abroad, and none was readily available. Using a traditional way of making otak otak, made by blending slow-cooked rempah paste for two hours, he also added fresh water chestnuts for texture. I like the lightness of this Otak Otak versus some, which are more assertive in terms of the spice content. The cincalok sauce enlivened its taste even further.

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Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Ngoh Hiang features Crispy Five-Spiced Seafood Wrapped in Beancurd Skin Served with Housemade Chilli Sauce ($18). Crusted within was a juicy seafood filling made with sotong paste, prawn meat, and crabmeat. Instead of the sweet sauce, we have a punchy house-fermented chilli sauce resulting from blended spices that is left to sit for a day to ferment.

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Prawn Biryani 4.5/5

Chef Isaac's Smoked Argentinian Red Prawn Biryani Served with Salted Yoghurt ($36) is a "nontraditional version", which is a cure for hangover to me. The prawns were pre-seared, effectively sealing an incredible amount of juices within the heads. You will get everything in one spoonful by layering the rice with Spiced Ghee and Cashews and masala made with prawns. Although the rice was saucier than I would have liked it to be, the presence of the well-caramelised onions and the salted yoghurt served on the side provided a great balance to the masala.

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Crispy Scale Red Snapper 4.8/5

The Crispy Scale Red Snapper ($42) comprises pumpkin puree, wilted baby spinach, squid ink, and beurre blanc. Snapper is also locally sourced from a farmer who slaughters and fillets it Ikejime-style, which kills it instantly, resulting in less blood and tender flesh. It gives it a much whiter, tastier flesh. Indeed, what we had was beautiful, moist and tender with a supreme taste. What I also appreciate is how the scales were left intact and crisped with hot oil as a means to minimise wastage. As the presentation of such dishes has a typical neutral flavour profile, the accompanying wilted spinach is cooked with squid ink to add that extra savoury element to enhance the flavour profile of the fish.

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Sliced Beef Hor Fun 4.2/5

Sliced Beef Hor Fun features a wok-tossed thinly sliced Argentinian Grain-fed Beef with Flat Rice Noodles and Garlic Crisp ($38). While it is tough to attain a deep wok hei flavour into the rice noodle, this is nonetheless a very decadent version with soft and tender Beef Argentinian striploin. I also enjoyed how sweet the spring onions were, which balanced the flavour of this highly flavour dish. Attention is paid to the Garlic crisps. They are coated with flour and then fried to get a long-lasting crisp. However, I preferred a broader type of flat rice noodles for a better texture.

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Sautéed Clams Manila Clams 4.8/5

Sautéed Clams Manila Clams ($60) stood out with a heedy broth. Chef Isaac uses locally sourced Manila clams, which do not have many sand sediments and are sweet in flavour. Tossed in Aged Guanciale, Housemade Nduja Butter and Parsley Pistou, the broth had so much body and packed a punch of flavour. The Nduja is sourced from a Basque country (France), producing milder' nduja. Hence, the sweetness of the clams was still very much present. Parsley Pistou was sharp, accenting the broth with herbaceous nuances.

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Almond & Logan 4/5

For dessert, Chef Isaac's rendition of the Almond & Logan surprised me with an aesthetically pleasing plating and an exceptionally creamy Almond jelly. The white fungus could have been more cooked through for a softer texture.

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Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie 4.5/5

Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie Salted Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream ($23) is a comfort food that will lift your spirits. The Skillet baking creates crisp edges with a moist and gooey centre.

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Textures of Meringue 3/5

Pavlova features Textures of Meringue with Passion Fruit Sorbet, Micro Basil and Strawberries ($22). I find most meringue desserts to be on the sweeter side; hence, this is my least favourite of the lot.

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]