Showing posts with label Century Egg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Century Egg. Show all posts

Friday, October 13, 2023

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖湖南菜) @ Mosque Street - Unlocking the Hidden Gems of Hunan Cuisine

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I can't believe it took me this long to stumble upon Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香H湖南菜). Surprisingly, they've been part of Singapore's culinary scene for 15 years, with four outlets scattered across Seng Kang, Bedok, Bugis, and Chinatown. I recently visited the Chinatown branch to unravel the wonders of Hunan cuisine.

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Hunan Style Fried Pork 4.8/5

A must-try at this eatery is their signature Hunan Style Fried Pork. The pork slices were incredibly tender and succulent, and the chilli peppers added a satisfying crunch. The bold black bean sauce and garlic flavours tied the dish together, creating a delicious medley of tastes and textures.

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Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli 4/5

The Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli was served in a mortar-like bowl, and our server masterfully pounded the crushed chilli from Changsha with the century egg. This technique allowed the spicy goodness to infuse into the preserved egg. While the texture might differ from everyone's cup of tea, I found it quite interesting and loved the unique flavour that the century egg brought to the dish.

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Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk is deep-fried to perfection. It had a wonderfully crispy exterior and a silky-smooth interior. However, the sauce could have been more robust to elevate the overall experience. It lacked that extra punch.

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Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.8/5

A delightful surprise came in the form of Stir-Fried Cauliflower. While it might seem like a simple dish, it was executed brilliantly. The cauliflower was cooked to a delightful crunch, and the fragrant pork crackling added a lovely crispy texture to the dish.

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Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp 4.2/5

The Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp was a pleasant surprise. It offered a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess, blurring the lines between Chinese and Western-style soups. Adding tofu, shrimp, carrots, and peas complemented the soup perfectly.

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Spicy Bullfrog Pot 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes was the Spicy Bullfrog Pot. It was spicy and fragrant, with the bullfrog meat being incredibly tender and clean-tasting. Hidden beneath the pile of bullfrogs were other ingredients like mung bean noodles and vegetables, adding depth to the dish.

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This was my first experience with Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, and it did not disappoint. I now understand why this restaurant has remained crowded and successful for 15 years.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
8/9/10 Mosque Street
Singapore 059488
Tel: +65 62255968
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Monday, July 3, 2023

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Park Hotel - Jia He New Sister Restaurant With A Bold And Contemporary Concept

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Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant, the latest addition to the dining scene at One Farrer Park Hotel, continues to impress with its bold and contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine. While its sister restaurant, Jia He Chinese Restaurant (a very doors away), offers wholesome and homely dishes, Jia He Grand takes things up a notch by presenting diners with multi-sensorial creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

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Trio of Starters 4/5

To start our culinary journey, we indulged in a trio of starters. The Sauteed Stuffed Mushroom with Truffle Sauce delighted our taste buds with its robust earthy flavours from both the mushroom and truffle. The Century Egg with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Vintage Vinegar presented a unique combination, with sweet beancurd skin wrapping around century egg and preserved sakura ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Lastly, the Crispy Pork Belly with Preserved Bean Paste, eaten like a Korean wrap, offered a delightful contrast of textures as the romaine lettuce refreshed the palate while complementing the crispy pork belly.

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Roasted Peking Duck 5/5

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The meal's highlight was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck ($88 Whole Duck), which I can confidently say is the best in Singapore. The duck was perfectly roasted, boasting a crispy skin that gave way to succulent and juicy meat. What truly set this dish apart was the toasted pancake wrap. Unlike the usual thin pancakes, these were soft and fluffy and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the Peking duck to a whole new level.

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Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

The Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup impressed with its flavorful broth and a piquant peppery kick that left a lasting impression. The pig stomach was expertly prepared, resulting in a tender, clean-tasting delight.

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Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu ($26/pc) offered a unique pairing of preserved sakura ginger with the firm and mildly sweet sea perch. The soy sauce added depth to the dish, complementing the fish's natural sweetness.

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Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple 4.2/5

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A dish that captured both our taste buds and attention was the Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple ($28/order). The grand entrance, with the beef brisket set ablaze at the tableside, added a touch of theatricality. Beyond the showmanship, the beef brisket was incredibly tender, and the pineapple infused the dish with an extra layer of fruity sweetness.

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Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus ($24/small) showcased luffa in a whole new light. The dish was perfectly prepared, offering a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The owner even playfully remarked that it looked like stir-fried chendol, adding an element of humour to the dining experience.

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Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth 4/5

The Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth ($42/small) was a standout dish packed with robust crustacean flavour. The combination of fluffy and crispy rice immersed in the delicious broth and the sweetness of the Boston lobster made every spoonful a pure delight.

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Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle 3.8/5

An unexpected dish on the menu was the Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle ($40/pax). This luscious creation combined purple potato noodles with a refreshing and appetising tomato soup, a delightful twist I had not encountered elsewhere.

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Almond Soup with Peach Resin 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savoured the Almond Soup with Peach Resin. Served warm and comforting, the soup struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, with a smooth almond base and delightful crunch from the peach resin. This dessert satisfied our sweet tooth and offered beauty and nutritional benefits.

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant continues to impress with its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, delivering innovative and visually stunning dishes. With its exceptional culinary offerings and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Park Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#01-01
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 65389688
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk down towards One Farrer Park Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Niu Dian Beef Noodles @ Balestier Road - Taiwan Michelin Bib Gourmand Beef Noodles

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The famous Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee - Niu Dian Beef Noodles from Taipei, Taiwan, opened in Singapore at VIIO @ Balestier. The establishment was founded by Mr Lin Chun Ying, a former head chef at a 5-star hotel in 2005, recreating his childhood memories of a delicious bowl of beef noodle incorporating some of his western cooking methods into his unique bowl of beef noodle.

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Chrysanthemum Milk Tea and Lychee Mint Black Tea

Niu Dian has also collaborated with homegrown bubble tea brand Palace Tea to provide diners with an authentic Taiwan dining experience. We tried its Chrysanthemum Milk Tea and Lychee Mint Black Tea.

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Trio Specialty Beef Noodles 4/5

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The Trio Specialty Beef Noodles in Original Soup ($19.90) comes with boneless rib cut, tendon, and golden coin. The chewy texture of the handmade noodles stood out for me, followed by the consomme-like soup brewed over 24 hours with various beef bone parts, mirepoix and herbs.

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Combination Specialty Beef Noodles 3.8/5

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Diners can also pick the braised soup to go with the noodle for an additional one dollar. To try the difference, we ordered the Combination Specialty Beef Noodles ($19.90) with boneless rib cut, tendon, tripe and golden coin in a spicy soup base. I prefer the original flavour to taste the depth and body of the soup, as the chilli did not raise the taste profile but only gave it a spicy finish.

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Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flaks 4/5

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Braised Beancurd 4.2/5

Complete the meal with a number of sides, such as the Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes ($5.90) and Braised Beancurd ($3.90). They are delightful sides that are worth ordering to go with the noodles.

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Note: This is an invited tasting.


Niu Dian Beef Noodles
VIIO @ Balestier
520 Balestier Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 329853
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, September 9, 2022

Monki (台灣小吃部) @ The Star Vista - Homely And Comforting Taiwan Cuisine

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Monki (台灣小吃部) is a Taiwanese restaurant that has moved into Star Vista, located just beside the taxi stand. I remembered visiting the cafe previously at Holland Drive, but I was only there for desserts. I will try out some of their snacks and mains this time.

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Taiwan Century Egg Tofu 3.8/5

We started with the chilled Taiwan Century Egg Tofu ($8), generously topped with pork floss and bonito flakes. While it is an appetising starter, I felt the century egg lacked that pungent I was looking for.

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Double Mix Mee Sua 4.2/5

There are a few combinations for the Mee Sua, and I went for the Double Mix Mee Sua ($11), picking the big intestine and oyster. The big intestine was not gamey. I recommend adding more vinegar and a dash of chilli to elevate the taste profile to enjoy the thick, smooth, and slurping goodness.

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Taiwan Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

The Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($9) comes with fragrant and fluffy rice topped with fatty braised pork. I like that it is very saucy, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious sauce for a delightful mouthfeel. It even comes with a braised egg and tau pok.

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Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet 4/5

We also ordered the Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet ($8) to complete our meal. It is incredibly huge, tender and juicy with a crispy coat.

The dishes here felt homely and comforting. Maybe I have been missing Taiwan since the closure of the border due COVIID.


Monki (台灣小吃部)
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-41
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 62588112
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 9pm
Fri: 1030am - 930am
Sat: 9am - 930pm
Sun: 1030am - 830pm

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

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Si Wei Mao Cai

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The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the life of many. I am also getting used to staying home during the circuit breaker measure period which is equivalent to a lock down many countries around the world has implemented to flatten the curve of the pandemic. The good thing is I can order almost anything I feel like eating and get them delivered to my place. I was craving for Sichuan cuisine so I decided to order from Si Wei Mao Cai in Chinatown. I have been to its sister brands but I have never dine there. It is a good opportunity for me to check out their food since I get it delivered to my home.

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Preserved Century Egg

I am not sure why foreigners find the Preserved Century Egg acquire but I love them. What the restaurant has done is they have layered it with some chilli oil and seasonings for that extra flavours. I enjoyed the fact the centre of the yolk is still lava, which in my opinion is the essence of the unami flavour. 

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Shredded Chicken with Chilli Oil

The Shredded Chicken with Chilli Oil swimming in a pool of chilli oil comes in chicken pieces instead of shredded chicken per the description in the menu. I feel that the chicken meat can be more tender. Otherwise the flavours are spot on.

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Mapo Tofu

One of my favourite dishes is the Mapo Tofu. Besides the spicy and mala shiokness, what I like is the distinct flavour of the fermented broad beans coming through the smooth and silky tofu.

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Stir Fried Jack Bean

Always remember to have your greens that is what mama will say. Hence being an obedient boy I ordered the Stir Fried Jack Bean. Slightly spicy it still has a nice crunch to it.

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Stir Fried Beef with Cumin

Another spices I like in Sichuan cuisine is cumin, hence I could not resist ordering the Stir Fried Beef with Cumin when I see it on the menu. The beef was tender with crunchy green chilli which is actually not hot. 

The restaurant offers both takeaway and island wide delivery at https://siweimaocai.oddle.me/en_SG
Use the code "SIWEI20" to enjoy 20% off.


Si Wei Mao Cai
33 Mosque Street
Singapore 059511
Tel: +65 62231170
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to Mosque Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, March 1, 2020

GO Noodle House @ 313 Somerset - Brings Famous Family Recipe Across The Causeway

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With over 37 outlets in Malaysia and Australia, GO Noodle House has finally opened in Singapore. Their first outlet is located at the basement of 313@Somerset, bringing their proven family fish bone broth recipe to our shore, which pairs excellently with their noodles and varies fishballs and meatballs. They even keep their master stock in a secret location behind fireproof wall, transporting them in -20 degree celsius blocks across the border.

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Hakka Sauce Handmade Noodles with Century Egg 4.5/5

I didn't go for the noodle soup during my visit as I have heard so much about their delicious Hakka Sauce Handmade Noodles with Century Egg ($9.90). What stand out is the thin and thick noodle coated with pork lard. Every strand is slurping goodness packed with aroma. Other components on the plate include black fungus, fried shallots, fried anchovies, minced pork, century egg and chilli oil giving them the extra textural enjoyment.

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Signature Bursting Meatball 4.2/5

I didn't order the noodle soup because I had the Signature Bursting Meatball ($10.90) which also comes with the delicious fine bone broth. A shot of Shao Xing Hua Diao Jiu which has been aged for three years is served separately for diners to pour into the soup. I would recommend pouring it into the soup, which elevates the soup with a distinctive aroma.

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The bursting meatball does not exactly has an oozing interior when one bites into it. It is juicy with marinated minced pork inside, somewhat like a cross between Fuzhou fishball and xiao long bao. Diners can also choose to add on other items to the bowl of soup. We chose to add on Squid Ball ($2.50) and Handmade West Saury Fishball ($2.50).

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Trio Platter 3/5

To complement the meal, there are other side dishes on the menu. I decided to have the Trio Platter ($21.90) which consists of Five Spice Meat Roll, Crispy Fuchuk and Gold Coin Bak Kwa. It is enjoyable but not the best I have eaten.

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At Go Noodle House Singapore outlet, there are exclusive specials such as fresh fish slice, premium beef slice cut from Australian ribeye and even the exotic frog meat.


GO Noodle House
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-37/38
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 63635323
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Yun Nans (云海肴) @ Jewel Changi Airport - Unveils Five New Dishes

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I am glad to be back at Yun Nans (云海肴) at Jewel Changi Airport. I had enjoyed the food when it first opened its door back in April 2019. I am back to try its new dishes, celebrating Yunnan cuisine in China, using fresh ingredients from the highlands of the Yunnan province.

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Spicy Fish Skin with Jasmine Petals 3/5

Fish skin is commonly served in Chinese restaurant nowadays but for something slightly different is the Spicy Fish Skin with Jasmine Petals ($6.90). The deep-fried fish skins are coated with a potpourri of traditional Yunnan spices, boasting a delightful hint of mala and crunchy bite.

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Century Egg with Grilled Capsicum 3.5/5

I love century egg and glad to see the restaurant has introduced the Century Egg with Grilled Capsicum ($6.90) as one of the five new dishes. The century egg is soused in a special Yunnan chilli sauce that has a spicy-tangy note.

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Fried Chayote with Dried Shrimp (Dried Chilli/Garlic) 4.2/5

The Fried Chayote with Dried Shrimp ($11.90) can be done in 2 ways, dried chilli or garlic. Chayote is a type of melon from Yunnan, that is cooked in almost every home in Yunnan. The restaurant even imports the dried chilli all the way from Yunnan.

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Double Boiled Pear with Golden Fungus and Snow Lotus 4/5

A hot dessert on the menu is the Double Boiled Pear with Golden Fungus and Snow Lotus ($5.90). A rare item is the wild golden fungus, a speciality ingredient from Yunnan province that has health benefit such as nourishing the lungs and good for the complexion. There is also wild snow lotus that is known to alleviate cough.

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Steamed Red Grouper with Green Peppercorns 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Steamed Red Grouper with Green Peppercorns ($48.80). Steamed to perfection is the tender and moist fish. What brightens the flavour is the fresh green peppercorns, which are fragrant and less numbing than their red counterparts.

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Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Red Mushrooms 4.5/5

While Yun Nans is known for their signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup, the Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Red Mushrooms ($22.90/$38.90) is as good too. The black feet chicken is double boiled for at least two hours with red mushrooms. The red mushrooms are priced delicacy, costing US$400 per kg, which are consumed only during celebrations and special festivals. It has full of nutrients such as amino acid and helps to nourish the blood.

Besides the five new dishes, there is also the children's menu, which offers two selections: Yunnan Rice Noodles with Shredded Chicken, Shredded Carrot and Black Fungus ($7.80); and Shredded Chicken Congee ($7.80). Each choice comes with fresh fruits, corn cakes and ribena.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yun Nans (云海肴)
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-17
Singapore 819666
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]