Showing posts with label Mac & Cheese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mac & Cheese. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2026

Heartland by Enjoy @ Tampines - Introduces New Dishes With Familiar Flavours That Comes With Creative Twists

Mee Pok Carbonara 2

Tucked away in the heartlands, Heartland by Enjoy has expanded its menu with new dishes that blend familiar local flavours with modern café-style influences. From crispy sharing bites and fusion mee pok creations to hearty rice sets, comforting fish curry, and indulgent desserts, we dropped by to see whether these latest additions are worth the trip.

Block Party Mac & Cheese 1
Block Party Mac & Cheese 2/5

New on the menu is the Block Party Mac & Cheese ($6.90), a fun little sharing dish made with breaded and deep-fried mac and cheese bites. They were nicely fried with a crisp exterior; however, we were expecting the centre to be much creamier and gooier. Instead, the filling was a little dry for our liking, so it unfortunately didn’t quite hit the spot for us.

Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 1
Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 3/5

Mee Pok Carbonara 1
Mee Pok Carbonara 2/5

Out of curiosity, we tried both fusion mee pok dishes on the menu. The Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok ($15.90) comes with smoked duck and has a pleasant garlicky aroma, though we were hoping for a bolder garlic flavour. The Mee Pok Carbonara ($14.90), on the other hand, is topped with an egg that adds richness and creaminess, giving it a flavour profile closer to an authentic carbonara.

While both dishes offer an interesting fusion twist, we found the mee pok a little too soft, with the alkaline taste coming through more than we’d like. Cooking the noodles to a firmer, more al dente texture would greatly improve the overall experience.

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 1

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 2
Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 4/5

Another new addition is the Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set ($13.90), which we found to be really good value for money. The set comes with BBQ chicken thigh, fragrant coconut rice, a fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and three different sauces on the side.

Our chicken portion was a little dry that evening, although we were assured this is not usually the case. We really enjoyed the rice. It had a lovely coconut fragrance, and the use of basmati rice kept every grain nicely separated instead of clumping together. A hearty and satisfying option for the price.

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 1

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 3

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 2
Kampung Barra Fish Curry 4/5

One of our favourite dishes from the evening was the Kampung Barra Fish Curry ($27.90). A whole piece of barramundi fillet is used, which means you get to enjoy the fish without having to deal with bones. The curry was rich and comforting, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice without being overly heavy. It also comes with tofu, tofu puffs and vegetables that soak up the curry beautifully. We also liked the crispy tofu skin served separately on the side. It added a nice crunchy contrast and was especially good dipped into the curry.

Drinks
Drinks 4/5

We tried three drinks — the Coconut Smoothie ($7.90), Avocado Gula Melaka Smoothie ($7.90) and Coconut Coffee Ice Blend ($7.90). All three were enjoyable, with rich flavours and just the right amount of sweetness. A refreshing option which made them easy to drink alongside the heavier dishes.

Sago Gula Melaka 1
Sago Gula Melaka 5/5

The Real Chendol 1
The Real Chendol 5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts — the Sago Gula Melaka ($5.90), which is new to the menu, and The Real Chendol ($6.90). Both were excellent and easily our favourite sweet treats of the evening. The standout was undoubtedly the gula melaka, which was rich, fragrant and tasted authentic without being overly sweet. These are definitely worth saving some room for.

Heartland by Enjoy’s newest menu offerings are a mix of hits and misses, but there are certainly dishes worth returning for, like the Kampung Barra Fish Curry and desserts.

The restaurant itself has a cosy neighbourhood charm, although the dining area is quite compact with tables placed close together. It also gets very busy during peak meal hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you’re dropping by. Overall, it’s a worthwhile spot for comforting local flavours, especially if you’re in the area and looking to try something new.

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


Heartland by Enjoy
Blk 481 Tampines Street 44
#01-267
Singapore 520481
Tel: +65 87766757
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines East MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the HDB blocks and walk to Tampines Street 42. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Street 44. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]


Sunday, July 5, 2026

Meadesmoore @ Boon Tat Street - World’s Best Wagyu Striploin Now Served Exclusively Here

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Modern steakhouse Meadesmoore has recently reopened its doors at Boon Tat Street, unveiling a refreshed space alongside an even more exciting menu. Having established itself as one of Singapore’s leading steakhouses since its debut in 2021, the new menu underscores Meadesmoore’s commitment to sourcing-driven dining, with a greater emphasis on variety, provenance and the versatility of beef.

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Full-Blood Wagyu Striploin from Takeda 10

Among the highlights are two cuts exclusive to Meadesmoore. The first is the Full-Blood Wagyu Striploin from Takeda 10 ($220/400g), named in honour of Wagyu breeding pioneer Shogo Takeda. Produced by Australia’s renowned Pardoo Wagyu, this exceptional cut was crowned World’s Best Grain-Fed Sirloin at the World Steak Challenge 2025. Raised in the pristine coastal environment of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the cattle benefit from stringent breeding and feeding programmes that produce remarkable marbling and depth of flavour.

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Full-Blood Wagyu Striploin 4.8/5

Simply grilled over charcoal and basted with beef tallow, the Full-Blood Wagyu Striploin developed an outstanding caramelised crust with pronounced char, contrasting the buttery richness of the meat.

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Dairy Wagyu Tri-tip 4.5/5

The second exclusive is the Dairy Wagyu Tri-tip ($75/150g) from Hokkaido, Japan. Cut from the hindquarter of Hokkaido dairy cattle, this richly marbled steak offered a firmer, more muscular bite and a deeper, more developed beef flavour than conventional Japanese Wagyu. While I appreciated its robust character, I preferred the Full-Blood Wagyu Striploin, whose deep caramelised exterior harmoniously complemented the meat’s unctuous richness.

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Chef’s Cut 4.2/5

Working with lesser-known cuts is also central to Meadesmoore’s philosophy. We also tried the Chef’s Cut, featuring Intercostal Rib Finger Skewers and is sourced from True North Beef – a family-owned cattle business from Australia. Presented as skewers, this cut delivered the most pronounced beefy notes among the three, almost like indulging in an exceptionally luxurious beef satay.

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The accompanying sauces were great. The French Butter - Sauce L’entrecôte was fragrant and herbaceous, adding richness and a silky mouthfeel without overwhelming the beef’s natural flavour. Meanwhile, the velvety Bordelaise further amplified the steak’s savoury depth with its robust, wine-infused character.

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Roasted French Scallop 5/5

The evolved menu also creates room to showcase beef in more diverse and creative ways, such as the Roasted French Scallop ($18) topped with house-made dry-aged beef XO sauce. The scallops were delicious, charred on the edges, coaxing out their natural sweetness, which was further complemented by skordalia and charred leeks. Made with extra-dry-aged Wagyu chuck and rendered beef fat, the deeply savoury beef XO sauce delivered an intense hit of umami, adding depth to the dish’s creamy, sweet profile.

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Peruvian White Asparagus with Vichyssoise Emulsion 4.5/5

The side dishes proved to be stars in their own right. The Peruvian White Asparagus with Vichyssoise Emulsion ($18) offered a clever reinterpretation of the classic cold potato and leek soup. The delicate sweetness of the asparagus paired effortlessly with the chilled emulsion.

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Mac & Cheese 5/5

The Mac & Cheese ($22) was a standout. Using oversized giant fusilloni, the pasta offered a satisfyingly chewy texture that allowed the wheaty flavour to linger with every bite. A blend of Comté, Fourme d’Ambert, Gruyère and Grana Padano created a luscious sauce that coated the pasta without becoming heavy, enticing my palate with a subtle hint of blue cheese funk.

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Vodka Baba 3/5

For dessert, we had the Vodka Baba ($18). Beneath the flambéed meringue lay refreshing yuzu sorbet and a ginger-apricot compote. The combination reminded me of a Lemon Tart. While the flavours were enjoyable, I found the baba itself rather dry and crumbly. Personally, I would still choose a classic Rum Baba served simply with lightly whipped cream, where the spirit-soaked cake remains the true star.

Meadesmoore now partners with seven award-winning producers across Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland and the United States, allowing you to experience a wider range of breeds, terroirs and flavour profiles. Other signatures include the F1 Wagyu Denver from Ireland, F1 Wagyu Grain-Fed Angus Picanha from New Zealand, and the Heritage Wagyu Tomahawk from Australia.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Meadesmoore
21A Boon Tat Street
Level 2
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 6227 2247
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street and turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Then turn right onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]


Friday, June 5, 2026

Winestone @ Mercure Singapore on Stevens - Exploring The Longest Meating Ever Experience

Winestone38

Located within Mercure Singapore on Stevens, Winestone has recently refreshed its menu, doubling both variety and indulgence. Aimed at communal dining, its latest offering, “The Longest Meating Ever” ($88 for 2 pax, $118 for 3–4 pax), promises an expansive platter designed for sharing — a feast where hearty flavours meet convivial dining.

The centrepiece platter arrives generously loaded with an eclectic mix of dishes: Duck Rillette, Thai Beef Noodle Salad, Crispy Pork Belly, Gochujang Wings, Hamburger Steak with Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Mac & Cheese, Sauteed Mushrooms, Glazed Vegetables, and Caesar Salad, accompanied by smoky BBQ sauce, red wine jus, and béarnaise. It’s an ambitious spread that leans into variety, though the execution across the dishes is somewhat uneven.

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Caesar Salad 4/5

A straightforward yet satisfying start, the Caesar Salad delivers on freshness and texture. Crisp greens, crunchy croutons, and savoury bacon bits come together in a well-balanced dressing that effectively whets the appetite.

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Duck Rillette 2.8/5

The Duck Rillette fell short of expectations. While creamy and rich, it lacked the fibrous texture and depth that come from more pronounced strands of duck meat. The absence of bread at the time of serving was also puzzling and required a request to complete the dish.

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Gochujang Wings 3.8/5

One of the more enjoyable items on the platter, the Gochujang Wings boast a crispy exterior coated in a bold, slightly sweet-spicy glaze. Beneath the crust, the meat remains tender and juicy, making this a crowd-pleasing bite.

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Crispy Pork Belly 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly was rather underwhelming. Despite a promising cut, the execution felt overly simplistic, lacking the depth or finesse to elevate the dish beyond a basic deep-fried preparation.

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Hamburger Steak with Sunny-Side-Up Egg 3/5

The Hamburger Steak similarly missed the mark. While hearty in portion, it lacked the juiciness and flavour complexity expected of a well-executed version. Compared to stronger renditions elsewhere, this felt rather pedestrian and did little to anchor the platter as a meat-centric highlight.

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Sauteed Mushroom 4/5

A pleasant surprise, the Sauteed Mushrooms carried a rich buttery aroma with earthy undertones. Juicy and well-cooked, they complemented the heavier items on the platter nicely.

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Mac & Cheese 4/5

Comforting and indulgent, the Mac & Cheese delivered a creamy, cheesy richness that made it one of the meal’s more satisfying components.

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Thai Beef Noodle Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Beef Noodle Salad introduced a refreshing contrast with its tangy-sweet dressing and silky vermicelli. However, its distinct Thai flavour profile felt somewhat out of place within the otherwise Western-leaning platter, creating a slight disconnect in the overall composition.

“The Longest Meating Ever” is an ambitious concept that succeeds in variety and portion size, making it ideal for sharing and social dining. However, for a platter centred on meat, the quality and execution of key proteins — particularly the beef and pork — fall short of expectations. With refinement and a stronger focus on delivering well-executed meat dishes, the experience could better live up to its bold name.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Winestone
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
28 Stevens Road
#01-02
Singapore 257878
Tel: +65 64916100
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Nearest MRT: Steven (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
The Longest Meating Ever
Sat: 12pm - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stevens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the bus stop at Stevens Court (Stop ID 40229). Take bus number 105, 132, 190 or 972. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Meatsmith @ Telok Ayer Street - A Solid Spot For Quality Smoked Meats And Indulgent Comfort Food

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Located in the heart of Telok Ayer, Meatsmith has long been known for its smoked meats and American BBQ. Equipped with custom-built wood-fire elevation grills and giant Southern Pride smokers, the menu features burgers, steaks, sharing platters, housemade sausages, smoked beef brisket, burnt ends, and ribs smoked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours.

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Padron Peppers 5/5

To start, we had the Padron Peppers ($12). Generously seasoned with salt and blistered, the peppers carried a smoky, slightly bitter profile, elevated and rounded off by the accompanying harissa and labneh dip.

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Double Cheeseburger 5/5

Meatsmith’s burgers have become a source of comfort for many. We noticed a few regulars quietly enjoying theirs alongside a side or a glass of wine. We were treated to a Double Cheeseburger ($20), featuring double beef brisket patties, sandwiched between a housemade potato bun, with American, sliced cheddar, house pickles, and burger sauce. The patties were exceptionally juicy and flavourful, with smoky, caramelised edges that added depth to each bite. The bun was fluffy and buttery without turning soggy at the bottom, while the pickles provided just the right acidity to cut through the richness.

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Smoked Meat Platter for Two

Large-format sharing platters are a main draw here. We had the Smoked Meat Platter for Two ($98), comprising beef brisket, cheese and jalapeño sausage, lime and chipotle glazed pork ribs, Memphis pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, cornbread, buffalo sauce, smoked butter, and housemade pickles.

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Lime and Chipotle Glazed Pork Ribs, Memphis-style Ribs 5/5

The standout for me was the Pork Ribs. They were succulent and juicy overall, with the Lime and Chipotle glazed version delivering a more finger-licking, zesty stickiness. The Memphis-style ribs leaned towards a drier rub, resulting in a more pronounced crust.

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Beef Brisket 3.5/5

The Beef Brisket was tender but slightly on the drier side, though the ribbons of smoky fat helped retain some richness and enhanced its texture, especially when paired with the accompanying sauce and smoked butter.

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Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage 4/5

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Cornbreads 4/5

The housemade Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage was robustly spiced and smoky, pairing especially well with the sweet Cornbreads. I only wish there were more of the cornbreads, as they provided a morsel-like, sweet respite between bites of the savoury meats.

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Chicken Tenders 3/5

The Chicken Tenders weren’t particularly tender, but their golden-brown crust delivered a satisfying crunch and flavour with each bite. They were finished with a light drizzle of blue cheese sauce, though a more generous amount would have helped these chicken tenders stand out.

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Mac and Cheese 3/5

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Sweet Corn and Creole Butter 4.5/5

The platters can be made even more wholesome by adding sides. We had the Mac and Cheese ($10), the Kale and Feta Salad ($10), and the Sweet Corn and Creole Butter ($10). The latter stood out the most, with a pronounced smokiness that added depth to its natural sweetness. That said, given the choice, I would happily add on more cornbreads!

I can see why Meatsmith continues to hold its own as a go-to spot for hearty American BBQ. Be it solo diners, pairs, or larger group gatherings, its fuss-free format caters effortlessly to all, whether you are indulging in a well-made burger on your own or bonding over a satisfying, meat-centric feast with others.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Meatsmith
167-169 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068620
Tel: +65 6221 2262
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 530pm till Late
Sat & Sun: 12pm till Late

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Ensō Steakhouse @ CapitaGreen - Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse with Lunch Set Menu From $58++

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Ensō Steakhouse, nestled within COTU, the region's first multi-concept dining and entertainment venue, is a Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse that marries premium American cuts with modern Japanese grill expertise. All premium cuts are aged in-house. Their new lunch set menu is now even more comprehensive, starting from a 2-course set at $58++ and a 3-course set from $68++.

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Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice 4.5/5

Whetting our appetite was a hearty first course of Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice. The braised wagyu and maitake mushrooms were deeply steeped in umami, served over plump, pearly Koshihikari rice that complemented their textures and flavours. A slow-cooked egg with a sticky, creamy yolk brought it all together beautifully. I would gladly have it as a main if offered in a full portion.

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Hamacho Sashimi 3.5/5

Another first course, the Hamacho Sashimi, was a refreshing contrast. To complement the lighter profile of the sashimi, the dish was elevated with shredded myoga, shiso, and a fennel salad for a slightly spicy lift, as well as crispy potato. The latter adds both texture and an extra savoury dimension.

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Angus Bavette 5/5

As for mains, for dishes included in the base price of the set, the Angus Bavette (220g) is the one to go for. This loosely textured, lean cut from the cow's abdominal muscles surprised me with its depth of flavour, especially paired with a well-balanced red wine sauce. My prior memories of flank steak leaned toward blandness, but this was the complete opposite – tender and juicy, tantalising with beefy character.

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Grilled Salmon Salad 3/5

If you prefer something lighter, the Grilled Salmon Salad offers a seafood alternative. It's served with mixed greens, grilled avocado, and a bright, citrusy dressing, accompanied by crispy rice that lends a pleasant crunch. However, I found the salmon slightly 'stiff', lacking the succulence I hoped for.

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Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries

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Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese

Sides were indulgent and worth the calories. The thick-cut Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries were fluffy on the inside, with a savoury, golden crust. The Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese was comforting and rich, with al dente macaroni and juicy morsels of wagyu beef.

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Fuji Apple Crumble 4.5/5

Desserts were decent overall. Fuji Apple Crumble was a joyful treat featuring chunky, tender apple slices tucked beneath buttery-sweet crumbles and served warm with a scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream.

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Raspberry Almond Tart 3.5/5

The Raspberry Almond Tart had a lovely, well-baked crust, although I wished for a more generous amount of raspberries to bring out its fruity depth more effectively.

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Indeed, Ensō Steakhouse knows its beef well. Beyond the Angus Bavette, the lunch set includes other premium steak cuts, making it a solid choice for steak lovers seeking quality and value.

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.


Ensō Steakhouse
COTU
CapitaGreen
Levels 38
138 Market Street
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 64164800
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cecil Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Cross Street (against the flow of traffic). Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]