Showing posts with label Har Gow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Har Gow. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Legendary Hong Kong @ Tampines Mall - A Taste of Hong Kong Dim Sum, Roast Meats and Cart Noodles

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Legendary Hong Kong first opened its doors at Jurong Point in 2014, bringing authentic Hong Kong cuisine to Singapore. Since then, the brand has expanded its presence locally, with its largest outlet opening at Tampines Mall in July 2025. I dropped by for a weekday lunch to check out its extensive menu, which spans traditional dim sum, Hong Kong-style roast meats, wok-fried noodles and nostalgic street food. With a menu offering a wide variety of familiar Cantonese favourites, there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a dim sum feast, a quick noodle meal or a hearty plate of roasted meats.

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Thick Rice Roll with Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls 4.5/5

The Thick Rice Roll with Deep-Fried Shrimp Rolls ($11.90) was one of my favourites of the meal. A more indulgent take on the traditional zhaliang, which typically wraps steamed rice rolls around crispy fried dough sticks, this version uses deep-fried shrimp rolls for extra flavour and texture. The silky, smooth rice noodle sheets were soft and delicate, wrapping around the golden, crispy shrimp rolls within. Each bite delivered a satisfying contrast between the tender, slippery rice rolls and the crunchy exterior of the fried rolls, with juicy prawns adding a natural sweetness and a firm bite. A drizzle of savoury Cantonese soy sauce brought everything together, seasoning the rice rolls without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavours. This well-executed dim sum dish stood out for its contrasting textures and generous prawn filling.

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Snowy BBQ Bun 4/5

The Snowy BBQ Pork Bun ($9.90) offered a sweeter alternative to the classic steamed char siew bao. Instead of the usual fluffy white bun, this baked version came topped with a crumbly, sugary crust that added a delightful buttery sweetness. Beneath the lightly crisp exterior, the bun was soft and airy, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweet topping. The filling consisted of diced Cantonese barbecued pork tossed in a thick, savoury-sweet sauce. The caramelised flavours of the char siew complemented the crust's sweetness, creating a moreish combination reminiscent of Hong Kong-style baked barbecue pork buns. Those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury flavours will likely appreciate this variation.

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Siew Mai 4/5

A dim sum staple, the Siew Mai at Legendary Hong Kong was a satisfying rendition of the classic steamed pork dumpling. While many dim sum restaurants serve three pieces per basket, the portion here comes with four, making it a little more generous for sharing. Each dumpling was packed with a substantial filling encased in a thin yellow wonton wrapper. The texture was firm and bouncy, with the minced meat holding together nicely without becoming mushy or excessively fatty. Every bite offered a savoury meatiness that made it an easy addition to a dim sum spread. Simple and familiar, it was a dependable rendition of a Cantonese favourite.

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Har Gow 4/5

Another essential dim sum order, the Har Gow arrived with neatly pleated, almost translucent skins. Thin enough to reveal the pinkish prawns within, the wrappers were also sufficiently elastic to hold their shape when lifted from the bamboo steamer. The highlight was the prawn filling, with a firm, springy bite and natural sweetness. The prawns remained juicy, with their seafood flavours nicely contained within the delicate dumpling skin. The balance between the tender wrapper and the snappy shrimp filling made this a well-executed classic. For lovers of traditional Cantonese dim sum, the har gow is a worthy addition to the table.

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Pan Fried Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Carrot Cake offered a pleasing contrast between its lightly crisp exterior and soft, tender centre. The radish cake was steamed, then sliced and pan-fried, giving the surface a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and almost silky. Studded with bits of Chinese preserved sausage and dried shrimp, the carrot cake had a savoury depth that complemented the radish's natural sweetness. The preserved sausage added richness, while the dried shrimp contributed a pleasant umami note. It was reasonably well executed, with a nice balance of textures and flavours, though it wasn't quite as memorable as some of the other dim sum dishes we tried.

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HK Cart Noodles 3/5

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Curry Fish Ball, Squid 3.5/5

For something more substantial, the HK Cart Noodles bring a nostalgic Hong Kong street-food concept to Tampines Mall. Inspired by the humble cart noodles traditionally sold by street vendors, the dish lets diners customise their bowls with a selection of noodles, ingredients, and toppings. With more than 20 toppings available, there is plenty of room to mix and match according to personal preference. We picked a selection that included pork ribs, radish, chicken feet, curry fish balls and curry squid.

The curry fish balls were enjoyable, while the curry squid offered a different texture and a savoury, curry-infused flavour. The variety of toppings makes the concept appealing, especially for diners who enjoy building their own bowls. However, the overall experience was less memorable compared with the other dishes we sampled.

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Original HK Fried Noodles 3.8/5

The Original HK Fried Noodles delivered a satisfying combination of texture and wok-fried flavours. The thin Cantonese egg noodles had a slightly firm, springy bite, holding up well during stir-frying without turning soft and soggy. The noodles carried a savoury seasoning with subtle 'wok hei', adding depth to the dish. The lightly toasted notes also gave the noodles a pleasant aroma, while the seasoning coated the strands evenly without making them overly heavy. It was a straightforward noodle dish that would work well as a shared plate alongside the dim sum and roast meats.

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Golden Crispy Prawn 4.5/5

The Golden Crispy Prawn was another highlight, particularly for its satisfying crunch. The prawns were coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crisp exterior that didn't feel excessively greasy. Beneath the crunchy coating, the prawns remained succulent and springy, with a natural sweetness that came through with every bite. The contrast between the crisp batter and juicy seafood made this a moreish dish that was easy to enjoy on its own. If you enjoy prawns prepared with a generous crunch, this is one dish worth ordering. 

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Four Treasure Platter 4/5

No Hong Kong-style meal would be complete without a selection of roasted meats. We had the Four Treasure Platter, which brought together Roasted Duck, Soy Chicken, BBQ Pork (Char Siew) and Crispy Pork Belly (Sio Bak) on one plate. Of the four varieties, the roasted duck and crispy pork belly stood out. The roasted duck had glossy skin and a layer of rendered fat beneath, while the meat stayed succulent and flavourful, with aromatic seasoning permeating the flesh. It offered the rich, savoury character expected of Cantonese roast duck. The crispy pork belly was equally satisfying, with a crackling skin that shattered with each bite. Beneath the crisp layer were alternating layers of fat and meat, providing a rich, savoury mouthfeel. The contrast between the crunchy skin and tender pork made it particularly enjoyable. The char siew and soy chicken rounded out the platter, offering familiar sweet-savoury and gently seasoned flavours. 

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Legendary Hong Kong at Tampines Mall offers a wide-ranging menu that brings together many familiar flavours of Hong Kong dining, from traditional dim sum and baked barbecue pork buns to cart noodles, wok-fried noodles, and Cantonese roast meats. With its extensive menu and spacious outlet, Legendary Hong Kong is a convenient option for a casual meal with family or friends in the east. Whether you stop by for dim sum over lunch or put together a larger spread of noodles and roast meats, there is plenty to explore on the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Legendary Hong Kong
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
B1-11
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 86901448
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Mansion 7 @ Tanjong Pagar - Exquisite Dim Sum and Classic Cantonese Creations with Innovative Twists

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Mansion 7 is a relatively new Cantonese restaurant located in the outdoor car park next to Tanjong Pagar MRT. It offers creative twists on classic Cantonese dishes while maintaining the use of high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation.

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The space is well-suited for gatherings and business meetings. The staff was enthusiastic about ensuring our comfort and knowledgeable about their food.

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Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird’s Nest and Crab 4.2/5

We started with an off-menu special: Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird's Nest and Crab. While the filling was milder than we expected, its natural flavours shone through, complemented by a crispy exterior.

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椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone 4.5/5

The 椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone (Seasonal Price) was such a treat. The abalone was perfectly tender with a slight crunch, coated in an addictive chili seasoning. Both my dining partner and I agreed it was one of the best abalone dishes we’ve had recently.

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潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings 4.2/5

Next, dim sum dishes arrived, beginning with the beautifully presented 潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings ($11 for 3). Wrapped in delicate skin, the filling of mushrooms, lemongrass, and crab meat was unexpectedly tangy but harmonised well.

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七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling 4.5/5

We moved to the steamed items, starting with their signature 七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling ($9 for 3). The thin skin was on point and carried within it juicy prawn chunks.

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芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns 3.8/5

The 芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns ($9 for 3) were slightly too sweet for our liking, and we wished for a stronger yam flavour.

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冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun 4.2/5

In contrast, the 冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun ($9 for 3) fared a lot better. I am not usually a fan of char siew buns due to how sweet they can get, but Mansion 7’s rendition is well-balanced, featuring a subtle brown sugar fragrance and smoky char siew.

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脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls 4/5

The 脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls ($9), while slightly oily, delivered a bold spice and crunch. The map tofu filling alone would be perfect with white rice.

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杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake 4.2/5

Mansion 7's inventive twists on dim sum can be seen in many dishes, such as the 杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake ($10). This dish features carrot cake layered with squid paste, served with a side of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

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Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce 4/5

Apart from dim sum, Mansion 7 also offers a wide range of live seafood, vegetables, barbecue meats and more. We had the Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce (Seasonal Price) and while the lobster was very fresh, I personally preferred a strong salted egg flavour. Other flavours are available to order, including steamed in HK style, sashimi style, wok-baked with truffle sauce and more.

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梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff 4.2/5

Moving on to desserts, we began with the visually stunning 梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff ($11). Its delicate, flaky layers enclosed a mildly sweet sweet potato filling.

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开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi 4.2/5

We enjoyed the 开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi ($9) as well even though the mochi skin was not chewy type we expected. It was generously stuffed with crushed pistachio filling, being nutty and fragrant.

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招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart 4.2/5

My favourite dessert was the 招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart ($13). These tiny bites were amazing, with oozy lava-like cheese filling contained in an extremely light and flaky tart shell. The cheese was rich but not overpowering.

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雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea 3.8/5

Finally, we tried the 雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea ($8), a unique traditional dish of hard-boiled quail eggs infused in a tea base with Chinese herbs and spices. This was more of an acquired taste.

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.


Mansion 7
30 Maxwell Road
#01-03
Singapore 069114
Tel: +65 6038 0295
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

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

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Yum Cha @ Chinatown - Celebrates 24th Anniversary with Nine Best Selling Dishes at $2.40 Each

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Yum Cha Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, first opened its doors with a mission to bring back the charm of the traditional dim sum tea house. Its nostalgic shophouse setting, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs, has become a beloved dining spot for dim sum lovers. Celebrating its 24th anniversary, Yum Cha has curated its nine bestselling dishes, each priced at just $2.40 until November 30, 2024.

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Squid Ink Dumplings 4/5

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Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings 4/5

No dim sum experience is complete without siew mai and har gow, and Yum Cha elevates these staples with a creative twist. The Squid Ink Dumplings and Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings are both plump and juicy, with a delightful presentation to match their flavour. At $2.40 for two pieces, these are absolute must-tries.

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Scallop Roll in Filo Dough 3.8/5

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Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls 3.8/5

Freshly fried dim sum is always a crowd-pleaser, and Yum Cha delivers with the Scallop Roll in Filo Dough and Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls. The former boasts a crispy, flaky exterior filled with fresh scallop, while the latter wins on presentation with its mochi-like skin. Both are available at $2.40 for two pieces during the promotion.

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Pan Fried Pork Pancake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Pork Pancake ($8.30) impresses with its generous portion of crispy skin encasing a hearty pork filling. This dish is perfect for sharing and pairs beautifully with Yum Cha’s selection of teas.

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Paper Chicken Wing 3.5/5

The Paper Chicken Wings ($7.60) feature two well-marinated wings wrapped in greaseproof paper. While not as standout as the other dishes, they offer a satisfying bite for those who enjoy flavourful, tender chicken.

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Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

The star of the tasting session, the Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll ($8.60), combines silky-soft rice rolls with the crunch of crispy youtiao. What truly sets it apart is the prawn paste stuffed within the youtiao, creating an explosion of textures and flavours. This dish is an absolute must-have!

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Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles 4/5

If you're craving something beyond dim sum, the Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles ($8.80) is a simple yet satisfying choice. Each strand of noodles is evenly coated in a rich soy sauce that delivers a smoky, wok hei flavour. Paired with fresh vegetables and tender slices of meat, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy classic, comforting Cantonese noodles.

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Launching on December 1st, these festive reindeer-shaped dim sum feature a mochi-like skin filled with a savoury mix of mushrooms and ham. Don’t miss this adorable holiday treat!

Drinks
In-House Cold Herbal Brews 3.5/5

Complete your meal with Yum Cha’s new range of cold herbal brews. The Chrysanthemum Tea with Wolfberries ($4.60) and Roselle Tea with Ginseng ($5.30) offer a refreshing finish to balance the rich flavours of the meal.

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With its anniversary menu, Yum Cha takes diners on a nostalgic journey through its most iconic dishes. The $2.40 promotion not only celebrates the restaurant’s 24-year milestone but also offers a fantastic opportunity for both regulars and new patrons to rediscover Yum Cha’s culinary charm. Whether you're a dim sum enthusiast or looking to explore traditional Cantonese flavours, this celebration is not to be missed.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yum Cha Chinatown
20 Trengganu Street
#02-01
Singapore 058479
Tel: +65 6372 1717
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1030am - 9pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon, except PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Burma Social @ Siglap - Singapore’s First Multicultural Restaurant and Bar Opens 2nd Outlet in the East

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Burma Social has recently opened its second outlet at Siglap. As Singapore's first multicultural restaurant and bar, this new space aims to offer an experiential immersion into the culture and heritage of the Burmese people, where traditional Burmese recipes take on modern interpretations infused with influences from its five bordering neighbours — Chinese, Thai, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Laotian.

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Kyar Pin Kyaw 2/5

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Siam Spiced Barramundi 4/5

From the Wok & Fried selections, we had the Kyar Pin Kyaw ($24), featuring fried lotus root slices tossed with Pin Sean Tamarind Sauce and Siam Spiced Barramundi ($28). I preferred the latter, which offered tender barramundi in an appetising chilli coriander sauce, complemented by crunchy pieces of mustard leaf stems. The fried lotus roots were a tad too saucy and salty.

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Silky Siam Truffle and Har Gao 3/5

What's interesting about this new outlet is the lineup of contemporary takes on dim sum. We had the Silky Siam Truffle ($18/4 pcs) and Har Gao with Green Curry Prawn Farce ($22/4 pcs). The truffle dumpling had an enjoyable skin, but the filling lacked texture, being simply a mixture of cream cheese and truffle. The latter was tasty with a well-seasoned filling, but it was rather ordinary without the green curry drizzle, which was supposed to be served together.

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Burmese Bao 2.5/5

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Pork Bao 2.5/5

The dim sum includes Bao Buns laced with Burmese spices. We tried the Pork ($24/3 pcs) and Burmese Bao ($20/3 pcs) versions. While the pork slices were unctuous and tender, they were overly sauced, which caused the bao to be soggy. Unfortunately, the Burmese Bao was a plant-based version with mock meat and was just as highly flavoured.

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Shan Kauk Swe Prawns 3.8/5

For mains, we had Shan Kauk Swe with Prawns ($36) with Burmese rice noodles and pickled mustard greens, and Curry Pyazzo ($28), a traditional Indian herb-infused curry served with Burmese salad, black chickpeas, and onion fritters. Both were equally mouthwatering with robust flavours. Shan Kauk Swe with Prawns is served with a spiced chickpea gravy, where you toss the rice noodles with the gravy when served. The spiced gravy had a fruity tomatoey flavour, which balanced the spices and savoriness of the dish perfectly. Sprinkled with crunchy condiments, the textural play in the dish was superb, though it could benefit from silkier rice noodles.

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Curry Pyazzo 3/5

As for the Curry Pyazzo, the chickpea curry was moreish with Indian herbs, offering textural enjoyment from the onion fritters. However, it was too soupy to be a satisfying curry without substantial ingredients.

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Gula Melaka Sago 3/5

For dessert, we had Gula Melaka Sago ($14). The freshly grated coconut was a plus, but I would have preferred a more proportionate ratio of sago to ice cream. After all, it is a sago dessert.

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.


Burma Social
907 East Coast Road
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 6016 9140
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Nearest MRT: Marine Terrace (TE Line), Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Terrace MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop opposite block 57 (Stop ID 92071). Take bus number 13 or 16. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]