Showing posts with label Claypot Rice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Claypot Rice. Show all posts

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Ushering in Lunar New Year with Festive Elegance

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Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore welcomes the Lunar New Year with an opulent lineup of festive dishes and reunion feasts, available from 1 January to 12 February 2023. Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Li Bai’s offerings this year are both traditional and creative, featuring premium ingredients presented with flair.

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Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster and Hamachi Yusheng 4/5

Li Bai kicks off the celebration with a visually stunning Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster, and Hamachi Yu Sheng. Designed like a vibrant garden with an intricate snake motif in the centre, this dish pays homage to the Year of the Snake. The medley of crispy eel, succulent lobster, and fresh hamachi adds both texture and flavour, while the festive toss promises a year of abundance and prosperity.

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Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe 4.2/5

The Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe is a winner for a nourishing and comforting start. The crab roe infuses the dish with a burst of umami, enriching the already delicate flavours of the bird's nest. This soup strikes a fine balance between indulgence and subtlety, making it a highlight for those who love refined Cantonese soups.

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Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White, combines the meaty Alaskan King Crab's sweetness with the steamed egg white's silkiness. Enhanced with a drizzle of superior soya sauce, this dish is luxurious yet comforting, showcasing Li Bai's ability to highlight the natural flavours of premium ingredients.

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Braised 27-head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster 4.5/5

The Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster is a true delicacy. The abalone is perfectly braised to tender perfection, paired with a flavourful sauce and complemented by the richness of dried oysters. The addition of greens adds a touch of freshness to balance the dish's richness. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a taste of indulgence this festive season.

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Grilled Eel Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Dried Shrimp 4.2/5

Paying tribute to the Year of the Snake, Li Bai presents Grilled Eel Claypot Rice. The eel's snake-like appearance makes it a symbolic addition to the menu. The eel is grilled to perfection over fluffy, fragrant rice and enhanced with savoury Chinese sausage and dried shrimp flavours. The crispy edges of the claypot rice add a delightful textural contrast, making this dish a comforting favourite.

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Double-boiled Snow Fungus, Dried Apricot and Basil Seed 4.2/5

Refreshing and light, the Double-Boiled Snow Fungus with Dried Apricot and Basil Seed is an ideal dessert to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. The dried apricot's fruity sweetness complements the delicate snow fungus, while the basil seeds add a unique texture.

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Nian Gao, Water Chestnut Cake 4/5

Rounding off the meal, the Nian Gao and Water Chestnut Cake are delightful treats. The Nian Gao is chewy and subtly sweet, symbolising progress and growth, while the Water Chestnut Cake is light and refreshing, providing a satisfying conclusion to the festive feast.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant delivers a stellar Lunar New Year dining experience with its thoughtfully curated menu of traditional and innovative dishes. Highlights like the Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone, and Grilled Eel Claypot Rice showcase the restaurant's finesse in elevating classic Cantonese flavours. Whether dining in or celebrating with takeaway, Li Bai is an excellent choice for ushering in a prosperous Year of the Snake.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 67376888
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Lunar New Year Filled with Prosperity, Happiness, and Unforgettable Flavours

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Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in opulence at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Their meticulously curated Cantonese set menus, indulgent à la carte dishes, and exquisite takeaway treasures promise cherished reunions with loved ones. The restaurant's offerings deliver a harmonious blend of tradition and modern elegance, ensuring an unforgettable festive dining experience.

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Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.8/5

Toss to a year of abundance and happiness with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. This luxurious creation features a medley of premium ingredients: Japanese Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Irish Smoked Salmon, Sturgeon Caviar, and Salmon Roe, paired with vibrant shredded vegetables and crispy fried vermicelli. Each bite is perfectly complemented by the refreshing and zesty dressing, symbolising prosperity and abundance.

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Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe 4.5/5

The Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe makes a grand entrance. The suckling pig boasts perfectly roasted, crispy skin that crackles with every bite. Paired with soft, fluffy crepes, the dish achieves a delightful contrast of textures that is both indulgent and satisfying.

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Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot 5/5

The highlight of the feast is the Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot, a dish that showcases the epitome of luxury. This treasure trove includes delicacies such as 5-Head South African Abalone, Bird’s Nest, Fish Maw, Premium African Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace, Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, all steeped in a rich collagen-infused broth. Every spoonful of this dish feels like a celebration of prosperity and nourishment.

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Stewed Scampi Prawn in Black Truffle Cheese Sauce 4.5/5

Initially mistaken for lobster, the Steamed Scampi Prawn surprises with its immense size and tender, bouncy meat. Paired with a decadent black truffle cheese sauce, the scampi's natural sweetness shines through, creating a bold and luxurious dish.



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Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.8/5

A staple at Wan Hao, the Cantonese Style Claypot Rice is a comforting favourite elevated to new heights. The fluffy, fragrant rice is tossed in a superior light soy sauce and paired with foie gras and yellow eel for a refined touch. Add Chinese sausage and cured duck for an extra layer of umami, making this dish a must-try.


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Double-Boiled Bird's Nest, Pineapple Pastry, Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate 4.5/5

The meal concludes with an exquisite trio of desserts. The Double-Boiled Bird's Nest with American Ginseng and Rock Sugar in Whole Coconut is light and refreshing, a perfect palate cleanser after the rich dishes. The Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate is a delightful twist on a festive classic, with the tang of yuzu balancing the sweetness. Finally, the new Pineapple Pastry impresses with its buttery, biscuity texture and luscious pineapple filling, offering a modern take on a traditional favourite.

Available from 26 December 2024 to 12 February 2025, Wan Hao’s Lunar New Year menus feature 6- and 7-course set menus, starting at $138.80++ per person. For festive takeaways, online pre-orders begin on 26 December 2024 at Celebratory Delights, while walk-in purchases can be made at the Lunar New Year booth located at the hotel forecourt from 26 December 2024 to 28 January 2025.

Whether dining in or bringing the feast home, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant ensures a Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, happiness, and unforgettable flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel Singapore - A Springtime Feast of Togetherness For Chinese New Year

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Ya Ge (雅阁), nestled within the Orchid Hotel, welcomes the Year of the Snake with its Chinese New Year 2025 Menu, a vibrant celebration of togetherness and abundance. The menu features nine festive dine-in options, ranging from $98++ per person to $2488++ for groups of ten, ensuring every intimate or grand gathering is imbued with culinary excellence. For those celebrating at home, Ya Ge also offers a takeaway menu with a variety of festive delights.

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Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng 4.2/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without a Lo Hei, and Ya Ge takes it to the next level with its Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng. Designed in the shape of a snake to honour the Year of the Snake, the dish combines vibrant yellowtail, crispy eel skin, and finely shredded vegetables. The highlight is the house-made passionfruit kumquat dressing, which adds a fruity zest to the traditional dish. The presentation is elevated with koi fish-shaped mango puddings, providing a delightful, sweet finishing touch.

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Double-boiled Superior Soup with Whole Chicken and Shark's Fin stuffed in Pig's Maw 5/5

The Double-boiled Superior Soup is a showstopper. A deboned An Xin chicken and premium shark's fin are carefully stuffed inside a pig's maw, then slow-simmered in a broth brimming with flavours from old hen, chicken feet, chicken bones, lean meat, and white pepper. The result? A deeply comforting and indulgent bowl of soup with tender chicken and luscious shark's fin, perfect for savouring every last drop.

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Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Truffle Oil, Pine Nuts, Hokkaido Milk and Asparagus 4/5

This luxurious dish features Stir-fried Australian Lobster paired with tender white asparagus, enveloped in a rich Hokkaido milk and egg white sauce. A touch of truffle oil adds an earthy aroma, while pine nuts and caviar lend textural contrast and umami richness. Every bite feels decadently smooth and flavourful — a true highlight of the meal.

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Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck 5/5

The Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck is a crowd favourite. This masterpiece is dry-aged for 168 hours, marinated for 24 hours, and roasted to perfection. Smoked with a blend of Western and Chinese herbs, the duck's crispy, golden skin encases tender, flavourful meat, making it a sensory delight and a must-try dish for all diners.

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Braised 5-head Abalone and Pork Trotter with White Shiitake Mushroom 4.5/5

Slow-braised for over four hours, the Braised Pork Trotter is fork-tender, with its gelatinous skin melting in the mouth. Paired with premium 5-head abalone and white shiitake mushrooms, the dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, complemented by a rich, aromatic sauce.



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Claypot Chicken Rice with Chinese Sausage and Grilled Eel 4.2/5

The Claypot Chicken Rice is a comforting and elevated take on a classic. The rice, infused with the smoky essence of preserved meats like Chinese sausage, is fragrant and fluffy. Adding grilled eel as a topping enhances the dish with a layer of richness, creating a luxurious, flavourful finish.

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Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding 4/5

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Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries 4/5

The meal concludes on a refreshing note with two exquisite desserts. The Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding balances creamy sweetness with the tang of raspberry, while the Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries provides a sweet-and-sour symphony that is both light and invigorating, making it the perfect finale to a festive feast.

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Ya Ge's CNY 2025 menu will be available for dine-in from 13 January to 12 February 2025, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders made between 1 and 31 January. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2025-chinese-new-year

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, January 13, 2025

SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout @ Clarke Quay - Modern Japanese Kappo-style Izakaya with Extensive Range of Exclusive Artisanal Saké

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SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout is an izakaya tucked along South Bridge Road, between Clarke Quay and Raffles Place MRT stations. Specialising in modern Kappo-style Japanese cuisine, the restaurant exudes a cosy ambience with options for counter seating or regular tables.

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True to its name, SAKEMARU boasts an extensive selection of artisanal sakes, many of which are rare finds not typically available in other local establishments.

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Chef Kudo’s Omakase 4/5

The highlight of the menu is the signature Chef Kudo’s Omakase ($150/pax), while a la carte options are also available.

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Saikzuke

The omakase begins with Saikzuke, a curated appetiser platter. This includes monkfish liver delicately paired with ponzu sauce, a saucer of flavourful boiled spinach, sweet Annou potato tempura, dried horse mackerel, and a fresh cuttlefish sushi piece.

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Wanmono

The Wanmono soup course features a light yet hearty turnip soup, enhanced with cod milt and garnished with green onions.

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Sashimi

No omakase is complete without Sashimi, and we were treated to thick, fresh slices of tuna, sea bream, and mackerel.

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Yakimono

For our Yakimono course, we were served with buttery grilled scallops, brussel sprouts, and a tender slice of fish topped with sea urchin.

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Agemono

Next was the Agemono course, which consisted of three tempuras: smelt, lotus root, and tilefish. While the ingredients were fresh, we found the batter slightly bland.

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Sunomono

The Sunomono course showcased snow crab, grouper, and radish pickled in sweet vinegar, further dressed in Tosazu vinegar. While refreshing, it was a little too sweet for our liking.

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Gohan

The main course was Gohan, featuring grilled yellowtail served with saikyo miso claypot rice, paired with a cup of miso soup. The rice is lightly savoury, complementing the grilled fish. I particularly liked the clear miso soup that had depth.

If you are not able to finish your portion of rice, the staff can shape it into small onigiri for takeaway, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

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Kanmi

The meal concluded with the Kanmi course. While I wished there was slightly more azuki filling, this traditional Japanese sweet treat of strawberry daifuku came with a juicy, sweet strawberry encased in soft mochi skin.

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


SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout
55 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058686
Tel: +65 65132789
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat:1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Chulia Street to North Canal Road. Walk to the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Asia Grand (亚洲金阁) @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - Experience the Passion and Heritage of Cantonese Cuisine

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Located at Fairmont Hotel Singapore, Asia Grand (亚洲金阁) is a celebrated dining destination renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine, notably its legendary Peking Duck. With glowing recommendations from food enthusiasts, I finally made my way there for a weekday dinner with fellow foodie friends.

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Double Boiled Apple Soup with Fish 4.5/5

The meal began on a heartwarming note with the Double Boiled Apple Soup with Fish ($75). This comforting broth was a revelation — it was my first time experiencing such a unique combination. While the solid ingredients tasted mild, their essence had been beautifully infused into the soup, resulting in a rich and flavourful dish. It was so delightful that I couldn't resist having three bowls.

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Roasted Australia Quail 4.5/5

Finding quail on the menu of a Chinese restaurant is a rarity, which made the Roasted Australia Quail a delightful surprise. The quail was roasted to perfection, with its skin crisp and golden, while the meat retained a juicy tenderness. The execution was spot on, making it a standout dish.

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Crispy Peking Duck 4.8/5

Asia Grand’s Crispy Peking Duck ($108) lived up to its stellar reputation. The duck was expertly roasted, delivering a thin, crackling skin that was a delight to wrap in soft egg crepes with hoisin sauce. The presentation and precision in slicing the duck elevated the entire experience.

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Peking Duck 2nd Serving - Stir Fried Diced Duck with Lettuce 4.8/5

For the second serving of the Peking Duck (an additional $20), we opted for the Stir-Fried Diced Duck with Lettuce, a refreshing take on enjoying the leftover duck meat. Served as a wrap, this dish provided a lighter, herbaceous contrast to the richness of the first course.

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Portuguese Style Baked Scallop with Prawn 4.2/5

The Portuguese Style Baked Scallop with Prawn ($18/pc) was a showstopper among the contemporary offerings. The sweetness of the scallop and prawn paired harmoniously with the creamy, cheesy sauce, delivering an indulgent and satisfying finish.

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Homemade Mushroom Beancurd with Sesame & Crab Meat 4.5/5

Another highlight was the Homemade Mushroom Beancurd with Sesame & Crab Meat ($20). Topped with a sesame crust, the silky tofu offered a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. Coupled with sweet, succulent crab meat, the dish exuded elegance and finesse.

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Steamed Fresh Pa Ting with Minced Ginger 4.5/5

A must-try for seafood lovers, the Steamed Fresh Pa Ting with Minced Ginger (market price) showcased the fish’s natural fattiness and richness. The minced ginger and light soy sauce complemented the tender fish, enhancing its flavour profile without overpowering it.

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Slow Cooked Claypot Rice with Preserved Meat 4.5/5

Ending the savoury courses was the comforting Slow Cooked Claypot Rice with Preserved Meat ($18/pax). Fragrant and well-tossed in superior soy sauce, the rice itself was a treat. However, the preserved meats — Lap Cheong, Cured Duck, Yun Chang, and La Rou — took the dish to new heights, adding layers of umami and savoury richness.

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Sweeten Almond Cream with Peach Gum in Young Coconut 4.8/5

For dessert, we enjoyed the Sweetened Almond Cream with Peach Gum in Young Coconut ($16). This warm, velvety treat was infused with subtle coconut notes, creating a harmonious blend of nutty and tropical flavours. The peach gum added a luxurious touch, making it a perfect ending to the meal.

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Asia Grand offers a sophisticated dining experience with its masterful execution of Cantonese classics and innovative touches. Whether it's their famed Peking Duck or the indulgent Portuguese Baked Scallops, each dish is crafted with precision and care. Asia Grand is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Cantonese cuisine in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Asia Grand Restaurant (亚洲金阁)
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-22B
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6887 0010
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station.