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

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre - Cantonese Fare that Opens Only for 3 Hours

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Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen is a humble hawker stall nestled in a corner of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, helmed by Uncle Hong, who brings forth traditional Cantonese delicacies honed through years of experience at renowned Chinese restaurants, including the iconic Lai Wah Restaurant, established in 1963 by the legendary "Four Heavenly Kings of Singapore Cantonese Cuisine".

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Braised Fish Head 4.2/5

Getting a taste of the stall's offerings requires some strategic planning due to its limited operating hours. To secure a meal, one must arrive well before lunchtime. We arrived at 9:30 am to place our order, and by 11 am, our dishes were served. Unfortunately, those who came later, around 11 am, were all turned away.

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Taking the spotlight first is the Braised Fish Head ($25), an impressive dish both in portion size and flavour. The fried fish head is generously bathed in a light yet flavourful gravy, accompanied by vegetables, tofu, and taro.

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Sweet and Sour Pork 4/5

Among the array of claypot delights, the signature Sweet and Sour Pork ($7) stands out. Crispy pork, cloaked in a delicate batter, is enrobed in a sweet and tangy sauce, possibly tinged with hawthorn for a unique zesty twist.

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Claypot Pork Liver 4.2/5

The Claypot Pork Liver is a true gem. It boasts thick slices of pork liver cooked to perfection in a savoury brown sauce infused with the aromatic essence of ginger and scallions, sizzling in the claypot.

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Sea Cucumber Stew 4/5

The Sea Cucumber Stew presents bouncy sea cucumber alongside succulent roasted pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, all bathed in a rich and flavourful sauce.

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Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

For those craving a kick of heat, the Sambal Kang Kong delivers, offering crunchy kang kong stir-fried to perfection in a spicy and aromatic sambal sauce, providing a burst of flavour in every bite.

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Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

While the Prawn Paste Chicken doesn't quite steal the show like its counterparts, it still holds its own with its mild yet satisfying prawn paste flavour.

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Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice 4/5

Finally, the Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice wraps up the meal with its fragrant aroma and comforting wok hei, offering a simple yet satisfying conclusion to a wonderful meal.


Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith Street
#02-83
Singapore 050335
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Sago Lane. Turn left and walk down Sago Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, January 1, 2024

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium - Lavish CNY Set Menus and Takeaways

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Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium ushers in the Year of the Dragon with a line-up of perennial favourites for takeaways and seven celebratory set menus for dine-in.

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Boston Lobster and Ikura Yu Sheng with Passion Fruit Sauce 4.5/5

Boston Lobster and Ikura Yu Sheng with Passion Fruit Sauce ($268) - Xin Cuisine's Boston lobster yu sheng enticed with sweet and chunky lobster meats, complemented by a tangy-sweet passion fruit sauce. The occasional burst of saltiness from the ikura balanced the overall sweetness of the dish. Additional salmon, abalone, and crackers are also available for ordering.

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Xin’s Roast Suckling Pig 4/5

Xin's Roast Suckling Pig ($508/whole pig) will not disappoint with its exceptional crisp skin for an opulent feast. One day in advance is required for takeaway order.

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Braised Stuffed Scallop with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce 4/5

We tried several dishes from their set menus. Braised Stuffed Scallop with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce features a scallop with a prawn stuffing that enhances the texture and flavour, resulting in a delightfully meaty bite. The exquisitely prepared sea cucumber contributes to the dish with its soft and tender qualities.

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Australia Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

The Australia Beef Short Rib, braised with red wine, showcased a fork-tender meat. The red wine sauce heightened the rich flavours of the meat.

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Crab Roe Seafood Fried Rice 5/5

The Crab Roe Seafood Fried Rice was truly delectable, offering delightful textural bites from chunky prawns and scallops. What made it exceptional were the fried rice puffs skillfully tossed into the mix before serving. This added an additional layer of bite and infused a moreish aromatic flavour to the dish.

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Xin's Deep Fried Nian Gao 3/5

For dessert, we had Xin's Deep Fried Nian Gao. While the Nian Gao was wonderfully soft and chewy within the crust, I didn't quite enjoy the aftertaste of the batter.

Xin Cuisine's Chinese New Year Takeaways are available for order from 1 December 2023 till 24 February 2024 through its e-shop (singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/eshop). Xin Cuisine's set menus are available for order/dine-in starting 3 January 2024, and reservations for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner are now open.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Level 4
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Contact: +65 31382531
Facebook
Website 
Nearest MRT: Havelock Road (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, October 12, 2023

White Rose Café @ York Hotel - Debuts Classic All-Time Favourite Cantonese Claypot Rice Specials

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White Rose Café at York Hotel has recently launched its very first Claypot Rice Specials, available for a limited time only from 1 October to 30 November 2023. Four distinctly flavoured claypot rice are on the menu - Seafood Pao Fan, Wok-fried Black Pepper Angus Beef Claypot Rice, Black Olive Shrimp Claypot Rice, and Cantonese-style Chicken and Chinese Sausage Claypot Rice. Executive Chef Ho Chan Fei recreated this classic with all-time favourite Cantonese style to modern Asian flavours, with precise control of time, heat, and balance of the claypot during the cooking process to avoid burnt rice.

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Wok-fried Black Pepper Angus Beef 3.8/5

Wok-fried Black Pepper Angus Beef in Claypot was a rare delight, tantalizing with tender Angus beef coated in black pepper sauce and accompanied by an onsen egg. The sautéed onion, ginger, and spring onion added sweetness and a touch of freshness to elevate the overall taste. The onsen egg gave an extra oomph to the dish.

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Black Olive Shrimp Fried Rice 4.2/5

Black Olive Shrimp Fried Rice is uniquely delicious, a savoury Thai-Chinese style claypot rice featuring olive fried rice with egg as the base, topped with basil minced pork and crunchy cashew nuts. The texture of this dish was highly enjoyable, and the onsen egg beautifully bound the ingredients together.

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Cantonese-style Chicken and Chinese Sausage Claypot Rice 4.2/5

The classic flavour was good. The Cantonese-style Chicken and Chinese Sausage Claypot Rice is loaded with chicken, preserved Chinese chicken sausage, Chinese mushrooms, onsen egg, bok choy, and coated in dark soy sauce. The chicken was tender and exceptionally well-flavoured from marination. The sausages added richness and a mouthwatering depth of flavour to the dish, and I particularly enjoyed the chunks of mushrooms and bok choy, which complemented the meat perfectly.

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Seafood Pao Fun 3/5

Seafood Pao Fun features cooked rice soaked in a sweet and savoury broth served with sea prawns, clams, and sliced fish and topped with crispy fried garlic for a burst of flavour. While it was tasty, it was rather average.

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Sarawak Kolo Mee 3.5/5

Sarawak Kolo Mee is a new addition to their à la carte menu, served with wanton on the side. The kolo mee is flavoured with scallion oil and crispy pork lard bites, a simple combination that many of us found to be moreish and delicious. Personally, I would prefer the noodles to be more al dente.

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Singapore Rojak 4.5/5

Singapore Rojak is an amped-up version that delivers satisfaction. The culinary team went through more than 20 attempts to perfect the rojak recipe, even with precision in the cut of the ingredients. The result is a refreshing dish with chunky pineapples, cucumbers, and turnips, enhanced by the crunch of youtiao and an extra bite from jellyfish, making it irresistibly delicious. The prawn paste was elevated with calamansi, carrying hints of ginger flower, which paired exceptionally well with the distinct flavour of the century egg.

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Claypot Rice Specials Promotion
Period: 1 October to 30 November 2023
Time: 12pm to 1030pm (available for lunch and dinner)
Price: S$25*, inclusive of a Jasmine tea.

CREDIT CARD SPECIAL UOB card members enjoy 10% off the claypot rice menu. Valid for dine-in only. Offer is not valid or in conjunction with other offers and promotions.

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.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Hanamaruken Ramen @ Bras Basah - Popular Ramen Chain from Osaka Serving Braised Marbled Soft Bone Pork Rib in Rich Tonkotsu Broth

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This new ramen spot in Bras Basah is for you if you are a fan of meats and rich tonkotsu broths. Hanamaruken Ramen is a popular ramen chain founded in 1982 in Osaka and has now set up its space at the Lazada One building, a brief stroll from the MRT station.

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With its close proximity to SMU, SMU staff and students can also enjoy a discount here just by flashing the relevant staff/student pass.

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Signature Happiness Ramen 4/5

The highlight of the ramen menu is definitely their Signature Happiness Ramen ($22.80 for regular, $19.80 for junior), served with braised marbled soft bone pork rib alongside thin handmade noodles, bamboo shoot, nori and shoyu-flavoured tamago.

Unlike the usual tonkotsu broths that shout pork flavours, Hanamaruken's rendition has a distinct added touch of umami shoyu. Made of chicken and pork bones, the broth was simmered for at least 9 hours with a mix of spices and other ingredients. I enjoyed how creamy and nicely balanced it was without being overly salty.

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The massive slab of braised marbled soft bone pork rib was prepared by stewing for long hours, resulting in even its soft cartilage. While the meat was fork-tender, I found it too fatty and heavy for my liking. You'd enjoy this if you are a fan of such rich cuts.

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Double Happiness Ramen 4.2/5

For a greater variety of pork, try the Double Happiness Ramen ($19.80), which will include both a cut of the pork soft bone and two thick chashu slices. My dining companion and I preferred the chashu more for its better balance of fat and tender meat.

Apart from these two pork-focused bowls, the restaurant also offers Miso Ramen, Seafood Ramen and Tan Tan Ramen.

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Chahan Japanese Fried Rice 4/5

The owners enthusiastically shared with us about the Chahan Japanese Fried Rice ($9.80) being one of their favourite items on the menu. We can see why, as the Japanese pearl rice was fragrantly fried with eggs and bits of pork without being greasy. That said, I prefer my fried rice to be dry, while this leaned just a touch more wet.

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Gyoza 4/5

Diners can choose from a couple of sides such as Chicken Karaage, Ebi Tempura and hand-made Gyoza ($8.80 for 6pcs, $15.80 for 12pcs). The crisp wrap was delightful, but the filling could be more generous.

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Artisanal Sparkling Tea 4.5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the special range of Artisanal Sparkling Tea ($6.80) that the restaurant offers. Available on tap in three flavours - Osmanthus Squirrel, "Unknown Fragrance" and Lychee Red Tea, the owners introduced them as they found it to complement their ramen well.

I loved how each tea had a unique profile, and provided a refreshing break from the intensely rich ramen.

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.


Hanamaruken Ramen
Lazada One
#01-07
51 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189554
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Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Bencoolen (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, September 1, 2023

Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Weekend Brunch at Oscar's Delights with Fresh Seafood, Succulent Roasts, Artisanal Desserts and Exceptional Live Stations

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At Conrad Centennial Hotel, Oscar's offers an exceptional buffet experience that artfully blends local and international flavours. With live-grilled charcoal barbecue, noodle bar, a seafood counter, live waffle station and an enticing array of desserts, the restaurant boasts a diverse array of popular local and international dishes showcased across 15 different food counters.

The buffet experience at Oscar's commences with a captivating seafood on-ice display. The spread features an assortment of delicacies, including flower clams, dry scallops, slipper lobsters, mussels, prawns, and fresh oysters from Australia and Japan.

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The Pan-Seared Foie Gras showcases perfectly seared foie gras with a velvety texture. Accompanied by Pink Ginger Mango Puree, Green Papaya, and Passionfruit, it balances sweet and tangy flavours. The Pistachio Crumble adds a delightful crunch, enhanced by the savoury Duck Jus.

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For those seeking heartier options, indulge in the Kimchi Egg Fried Rice or the Wok-tossed Egg Noodles with Truffle Mushroom Sauce. In addition, be delight in the bold flavours of Kung Po Prawns and the rich tenderness of Beef Rendang. For a taste of Indonesian culinary heritage, the Indonesian Kapitan Chicken Curry promises a journey of authentic and aromatic spices.

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Savour the iconic flavours of Chilli Crab with Crispy Fried Mantou, a dish that encapsulates the heart of Singaporean culinary heritage. The star of the show is the luscious Chilli Crab, boasting tender crab meat enveloped in a rich and savoury sauce that is both spicy and indulgent. The experience is elevated by the accompaniment of Crispy Fried Mantou, a brilliant contrast to the crab's saucy goodness. The mantou's golden exterior yields a soft, fluffy interior, providing the perfect vessel to scoop up every bit of the delightful sauce. The combination of textures, from the succulent crab to the crispy mantou, adds an exciting dimension to each bite.

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Immerse yourself in a culinary adventure at Oscar's Signature Noodle Bar, a coveted station within the buffet that celebrates the essence of local flavours. Among the highlights is the Signature Seafood Laksa, a beloved classic that combines coconut milk's creaminess with aromatic spices' boldness. This robust dish features succulent prawns, tender fish cakes, and bean sprouts, all immersed in a luscious laksa broth that's both fragrant and satisfying.

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The Prawn Noodles Soup features plump prawns in a flavourful broth, accompanied by springy noodles and an assortment of tantalising condiments that enhance the overall experience. Other options at the noodle bar include the fish noodles soup and wonton mee.

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Not to be missed is the Charcoal Barbeque station, where a tempting array of grilled delights awaits. Indulge in a symphony of flavours as you savour signature offerings like the succulent Sambal Lobster, a harmonious blend of spicy and savoury notes that elevate the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. To taste the grill's artistry, the Moo Ping Pork Skewers present a smoky, tender bite beautifully complemented by their savoury marinade. The Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a timeless favourite, featuring perfectly grilled skewers served with a rich and aromatic peanut sauce that will delight the senses.

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Indulge in a delightful dessert experience at the live waffles station, where warm waffles are paired with an array of ice cream flavours. The Chocolate Fondue adds interactive fun, allowing you to dip various condiments into rich molten chocolate.

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The dessert journey continues with options like the Lava Cheese Tart, Creme Brulee, Hojicha Cake with Light Coffee Cream, and traditional treats like Bread and Pudding. Assorted Pralines provide the perfect finale to this sweet symphony.

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Oscar's buffet at Conrad Centennial Hotel offers a diverse and captivating culinary experience. It presents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, providing a refined presentation of Singapore's culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking local favourites or international classics, the buffet, with its carefully curated stations and diverse dishes, is a treasure trove of gastronomic treasures that promise to delight and captivate.

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.


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Breakfast Weekdays: 6am - 1030am
Breakfast Weekends & PH: 6am - 11am
Lunch Weekdays: 12pm - 230pm
Bruch Weekends: 1230pm - 330pm
A La Carte: 230pm - 6pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]


Monday, August 21, 2023

88 Pocha + BBQ @ Duxton - Bringing Together The Atmosphere of Pojangmacha and Korean BBQ Under One Roof

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88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton brings together the vibrant atmosphere of Pojangmacha with the enticing lure of Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ selection showcases good quality cuts, including Chicken Set, Duroc Pork Set and A5 Wagyu Beef.

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Duroc Pork Set 4/5

Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) comes with 180g Pork Belly, 180g Pork Jowl, Kimchi, Chinese Chives, and Watercress.

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Pork Belly

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Pork Jowl

The Pork Belly though thinly sliced, was as succulent as the Pork Jowl. The best parts were the charred bits, especially the Pork Jowl. The best way to barbecue the pork jowl is to cut it into small pieces when they are halfway done to get its edges charred and turn them into moreish morsels. The grilled kimchi and chives helped offset the fatty meats' richness.

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Seafood Tofu Stew 2.5/5

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Tteokbokki 3.5/5

88 Pocha + BBQ also offers a variety of stews to accompany the BBQ sets. We had Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and Tteokbokki. The stew could have been better. It wasn't much of a stew with a very thin consistency. The latter fared better. The rice cake was chewy with a nice bite, and the sauce complemented it well.

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Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

The BBQ set also comes with a complimentary Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, which is heated up and tossed with cheese when you are done with the meats. The taste was average, but it was a nice touch to complete the experience.

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To complete the experience of Pojangmacha, 88 Pocha also offers a wide range of beverages, from bottled beers, Soju, and Highball, to traditional Korean rice liquor and makgeolli.

Words and photos 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.


88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

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