Allium @ Kensington Square - A Little-known 16 Seater Restaurant By Ex-Chef Of GastroSmiths And Humble Loaf

Kind of under the radar without much fanfare of its opening is Allium located at Kensington Square. The 16 seater restaurant is helmed by husband-wife team, Executive Chef Dillon Ng, formerly from The Humble Loaf and GastroSmiths and Pastry Chef Lusiana Hendrika, formerly of Sukha Delights in Bandung, Indonesia. The restaurant offers a multi-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menu, embracing both local and cultural Asian flavours through a timeless culinary style that is modern yet modest.

House Bread, Smoky Speck Butter 4.2/5

Changing their menu quarterly, I visited Allium in February for lunch to celebrate my friend, Alison's birthday. We have the 5-course Modern European Menu ($88+ per pax). Our lunch started with freshly baked House Bread, accompanied by Smoky Speck Butter. The pairing is so good that we asked for a second serving.

Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup

Next is the Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup. While the earthy mushroom flavour is prominent, I felt that it lacked the creaminess which I preferred.

Roasted Alliums 4.2/5

While the Roasted Alliums may not be the best of presentation, the onion and celeriac sweetness tasted heavenly. The honey-roasted seeds provide the textural contrast, while the house 'Boursin' cheese gave it an elevated creamy finishing.

Chorizo Iberico, Celeriac, Port Wine Glaze 4.2/5

Following that, we have the Chorizo Iberico and Celeriac dressed in port wine glaze. I am not too sure, but I think it is topped with shaved parmesan. The combination works wonderfully. It even reminded me of my travel to Spain. How I wish we can travel again.

Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie 4/5

For the mains, the guest has either the Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie and Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin. The seafood pot pie comes encased in a flaky shell which you can find black cod, scallop and oyster in it. 

Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin 4.2/5

The striploin, which has been beautifully cooked to medium-rare, is paired with duck fat potatoes with marrow gravy. Nothing fancy but simply allowing the natural flavour of the beef to shine.

Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

Wrapping up the five-course meal is the Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream. The waffle has a delightful texture, slightly chewy and fluffy with a lovely crisp on the exterior. As Chinese New Year was around the corner during my visit, the orange caramel ice cream gave the dish a delicious festive mood.

The modern European menu I had didn't showcase their philosophy of embracing local and cultural Asian flavours. While it is good, it did not wow me. I look at their upcoming March menu. I thought it is more exciting featuring dishes such as Sea Urchin, Local Mussels with Gazpacho "Sambal Cincalok", Fried Pomfret Pao Fan, Epok-Epok Mackerel etc.


Allium
Kensington Square
2 Jalan Lokam
#01-11
Singapore 537846
Tel: +65 88306230
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Eve of PH: 6pm - 10pm
(By Reservation Only)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Tai Seng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 76 and 80. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Serangoon MRT (Stop ID 66359). Take bus 22, 43 and 70. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62131). Take bus 58. Walk to desintaion. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The Grumpy Bear @ SAFRA Jurong - Serving Signature Chicken Chops With A Local Twist

The Grumpy Bear specialises in western cuisine and is known for its chicken chops that come with a variety of choices. It operates a few outlets in Singapore, with its latest opening at SAFRA Jurong. This new outlet has incorporated local flavours into its menu, alongside with its own range of ice creams.

Nasi Lemak Chicken 3.5/5

On the menu, you will find 2 interesting dishes with a local twist - Nasi Lemak Chicken ($18.90) and Grumpy Chicken Rendang ($18.90). Served with herb rice, fried egg and a dollop of sambal chilli, the oven-baked Lemak Chicken Chop was aptly flavoured with spices, tender and succulent. The quintessential sambal chilli was on the sweeter side, but it still very much brought out the full Nasi Lemak experience. In place of the usual fragrant coconut milk rice is herb rice that was aromatic with Italian herbs, and equally enjoyable. The fried egg can definitely be better.

Chicken Rendang 4/5

The Oven Baked Grumpy Chicken Rendang is made using herb rice topped with hearty chunks of Chicken baked and baked in special Rendang sauce. The rendang sauce was heady and robust with spices, and I love how the slices of tomatoes released bursts of tangy juiciness into the rich sauce. The rice was in distinct grains, which worked well with the rich chicken rendang.

Creamy Pasta with Prawns 3/5

There is also a variety of pasta. We tried Creamy Pasta with Prawns ($16.90). It was decent, but it wasn't satiable at all.

Mushroom Soup 2/5

As for sides such as Mushroom Soup, I suggest giving them a miss and just head for their chicken dishes and desserts. Mine had a strong taste of flour, and the croutons were simply stale bread crumbs.

Waffle with Ice Cream 3.8/5

The Grumpy Bear can also be the place of consideration for waffles and ice creams. The Grumpy Bear has its own range of ice cream, ranging from classic to premium. We tried Red Velvet Waffle with Pistachio and Blueberry Yogurt ice creams. The waffle was pretty fluffy with a crisp exterior, and the ice creams were light and not cloying.

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.


The Grumpy Bear
SAFRA Jurong
333 Boon Lay Way
#2B-02
Singapore 649848
Tel: +65 82996261
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D and E and walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 251. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey about 10 minutes. [Map]

El Carbon Grill House @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 - Halal Western Food Stall With An Authentic Charcoal Grill Concept

Situated within a coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio, western hawker food stall El Carbon delivers quality western food at wallet-friendly prices. The storefront has a unique aesthetic appearance and gives off fancier vibes which made it different from other stalls in the coffee shop. They also have 2 other outlets opening daily at Yishun and Tampines as well.

One of the highlights is that they use a Mibrasa oven (Carbon’ is Spanish for coal, and Mibrasa Oven uses only charcoal as fuel), which employs all the great taste and rustic techniques of traditional charcoal cooking - which means a hands-on versatile process that allows the chef to push the limits of a menu. This also allows the chef to closely monitor the temperature and fire to keep different batches of food consistent in taste.

Signature Roasted Half Chicken 4.2/5

First, we had their most popular dish - the Signature Roasted Half Chicken ($9.50). It is of little wonder why as their chicken is extremely crispy and juicy inside.

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips 4/5

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips ($7.50) - Different from other stalls, they use Haddock Fish for their version of Fish 'N' Chips. Crispy, and tender yet still firm on the inside, I was pleasantly surprised that the Haddock Fish did not fall apart when cut and picked up by the fork. Dip it in to the cheese sauce or mayo for either a savoury or tangy-sweet taste which paired well with the seafood sweetness. At just $7.50, it's definitely a steal.

Angus Ribeye 3.8/5

Done medium rare, the Angus Ribeye ($13) is tender with a rich beefy flavour. Furthermore, it's only priced at $13 for such a huge portion of beef, so there is nothing to complain about.

Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce 4/5

One of the starters we had was the Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce ($9.50). An interesting dish - the kicap manis sauce used is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce which gave the tender and smoky charcoal-grilled squid a delicious spicy sweet flavour.

Cheesy Tater Totes 4.2/5

My favourite goes to the Cheesy Tater Totes ($5). The mini hash browns are crispy and fluffy inside, layered with melted cheese and mayo which gave an extra boost in flavour without being too cloying. It definitely makes for an addictive side to the meal.

Forest Mushroom Soup 4.2/5, Garlic Bread 3.8/5

Another of our favourite starter is the Forest Mushroom Soup ($3) which is thick, creamy and loaded with a rich mushroom earthiness.

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.


El Carbon
Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
#01-2823, Food Loft
Singapore 560721
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to traffic junction. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Grill Ninety Nine @ Arab Street - Halal Restaurant Offering Quality & Affordable Western Cuisine

Less than 5 minutes walk from Bugis MRT station will bring you to Grill Ninety Nine at Arab Street. Serving western cuisine that is prepared using halal-certified ingredients, Grill Ninety Nine prides itself on its meat offerings, featuring good quality beef and lamb from New Zealand.

Crispy Crab Cakes 4.5/5

Appetisers may not be the primary focus of your meal, but you must try its Crispy Crab Cakes ($12.90) which is also available as a burger variant. When so often crab cakes are loaded with fillers, crusts that are too thick or over-fried even, these were thin and crisp, with the inside moist and well-seasoned to bring out the delicate flavours of the crab leg meat.

Cream of Mushroom 3.5/5

Cream of Mushroom ($6) is made in-house too. I loved the peppery-ness of it, which elevated the aromatic and earthy flavours of the mushrooms. It is very creamy and heavy, hence do share if you are going for it.

Ribeye Steak 4/5

Grill Ninety Nine's signature items are undeniably its steaks, served with a choice of black pepper, mushroom or brown sauce. We tried Ribeye Steak ($29.90 for 200g/ $45 for 425g). Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, it was skillfully grilled to the doneness we requested. What made it even tastier was the fresh medley of herbs, in particular rosemary, that accented its fats and juice. Steaks are served with either fries or mash potato. We had ours changed to their new side item, sweet potato fries, for tasting purposes. It is available as a side for $9.90.

A highlight on its menu is the offering of Raclette Cheese at $8.90, which you can add as a topping on your mains, be it steak, burger, pasta. Prepared a la minute after your main is served, get your phone ready to capture the wow moment as you see a huge dollop of warm, gooey raclette cheese being scraped and allow to fall onto your plate.

Oven Roasted Angus Beef Ribs 3/5

The much anticipated Oven-roasted Angus Beef Ribs ($49.90) didn't quite hit the mark. The portion definitely sells, which was a feast for the eyes when it was served to us, but the sticky glaze that coated the meat was too sweet, and the meat was not as tender as expected.

Jawbreaker 3.5/5

Moving on to burgers, Jawbreaker ($22) offers your ravenous soul with a triple handmade beef patty piled between freshly baked brioche buns. Each patty is about 150g and in between patties are pickles and inhouse sauces. I like the buns used here, they didn't go all soggy even then they had to hold what was being stuffed between them. The spices and herbs used in the patty flavoured the meat well, but the juiciness of the patties fell short from expectations. Without the natural fats and juice from the meat, it lacked the beefy flavour that I seek. Nacho cheese is used for the burgers here, and personally, I feel that hard cheeses that are sharper in flavours work better in burgers. That said, the whole visual entertainment and satisfaction derived from eating a three-tiered patty burger are still considered tummy and senses filling.

Nutella Brownie Milkshake 3.5/5

On the drinks menu, what stood out is the Nutella Brownie Milkshake ($10) that comes with a rich and moist brownie stick. I think this combination will also work should there be a hot version of it.

Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream 3.8/5

Desserts are simple, such as cakes, scoops of ice cream or housemade soft-serve ice creams. We tried the combination of Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream. The waffle was soft with a crispy exterior, and interestingly as they sopped up the ice cream, they attained a slightly chewy texture which accentuated the characteristics of Ondeh Ondeh experience. A handful more grated coconut would have made this dessert more complete.

Written and photography 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.


Grill Ninety Nine
142 Arab Street
Singapore 199828
Tel: +65 62927363
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Victoria Street towards Arab Street. Turn right onto Arab Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Black Marble @ Raffles Holland V - New Sizzling Hot Steak And Grill Concept By Renowned Chef Otto Weibel

Nicknamed ‘The Grandfather’ of the Singapore F&B scene, Swiss-born Chef Otto Weibel, the man behind the newly launched Black Marble at Raffles Holland V, believes flavours come from the grill and not the 'plastic bags'; hence sous vide meat is forbidden in his kitchen. That makes so much sense, and with those words, you can be assured of the quality of the food at Black Marble. Specialising in grilled items, Black Marble selectively sources meats from Australia, Japan and USA, and they will be all chargrilled to bring out the best of their qualities for you to savour upon.

Black Truffle Emulsion 4/5

Truffle-infused mushroom soups are typical these days but not with Black Marble. Instead of using bits or chunks of mushrooms for textures, Black Truffle Emulsion ($15.00) is spiked with puffed wild rice, crisped kale bits to juxtapose against the creamy mushroom emulsion.

Baked Brie Cheese 4.2/5

Baked Brie Cheese ($16) suits any occasions, be it as an appetiser, as a wine accompaniment if you are just here for a couple of wines, or even as a dessert. Freshly baked, it's like a cheese lava cake but trusts me, it's better than a lava cake. To complement the Brie, which isn't a particularly sharp varietal of cheeses, Acacia honey is used for its mellow and floral sweet notes, and the tiny sprigs of rosemary elevate that herbaceous characteristic. And if you notice the blackish drops on the cheese, that's not balsamic, though it tastes like one. It's actually fermented black garlic, and just a few tiny dices of it adds another depth to the taste of the cheese.

Lobster & Scallop Saffron Risotto 4.5/5

Although Black Marble specialises in grill meat, its contemporary western dishes are worth looking out for, such as this stunning Lobster & Scallop Saffron Risotto ($34.00). The heady lobster broth was well balanced with Cream Fraiche, and the finishing touches of grated parmesan cheese and smoked mullet bottarga provide just the right of saltiness to bring out the crustacean flavours of the dish. Firm and succulent meat of the seafood with the creamy contrast of the risotto, the dish is a winner.

45 Days Dry-aged Angus Bone-in Ribeye 4.5/5

That said, the star of Black Marble is its aged beef. This 45 Days Dry-aged Angus Bone-in Ribeye 600gm ($78.00) dry-aged in-house with Himalayan salt through a time-consuming process, and indeed, only chargrilling it will do justice to this stunning meat. Given such quality and the portion, we all agreed that the price tag is exceptionally friendly. That will have you think twice before opting for a regular steak next time.

Grain-fed Lamb Rack 4.5/5

Grain-fed Lamb Rack 350gm ($38) is equally impressive. The most feedbacks gathered were that one could hardly taste the gaminess at all.

From The Sea 3.5/5

Just to add some varieties to your table, From The Sea ($88) comes with Boston lobster tail, Tasmanian mussels, U6 tiger prawn, octopus and salmon trout. Compared to the rest of the dishes, this was a little underwhelming.

Burnt Banana & Buttermilk Waffle 3.5/5

For dessert, we had Burnt Banana & Buttermilk Waffle ($12) served with peanut butter ice cream. The waffles didn't disappoint us with its crisp exteriors and fluffy core. But I can definitely do more with the Baked Brie Cheese for sure!

Written and photography 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.


Black Marble
Raffles Holland V
118 Holland Ave
#02-01
Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 9641 6913
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning Hill - Offers A Revamped Menu With More Choices

Housed in a colonial bungalow nestled in the outskirts of Fort Canning Park, Lewin Terrace is known for its Japanese-French cuisine. With its revamped contemporary menu, expect a more extensive selection of its exquisite dishes, including ‘top up’ options if you would like a bit more from classic choices.

Lewin Terrace Cocktail

To get you started, perhaps order one of their cocktails from a menu inspired by Fort Canning Park’s Spice Garden at the Bar, such as this Lewin Terrace Cocktail of Sake, Sakura and Yuzu. For lunch courses, you will be presented with 6 starter options with 11 mains, as well as 4 types of dessert. A 2-Course ($38) includes a starter and main, or complete it with dessert in 3-Course ($58). For an all-rounded lunch with starter, two mains and dessert, opt for 4-Course ($88) that allows you to choose from one fish and meat main course each.

Cured Salmon 3/5 and Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

For starters, we had Cured Salmon with Pickled Vegetables and Fresh Truffle Mushroom Soup (+ $5) with 67°C Onsen Egg. The cured salmon allures with its cheerful colours. Refreshing but a tad too vinegary. I was more delighted by the latter, that came sealed with a paper thin membrane. Unveiling the bowl unleashed whiffs of truffle aroma and as you spoon the soup right from the bottom, an orangey egg yolk rises, with a creamy consistency that adds to the body of the soup.

Cod Fish 3.8/5

Ishikawa Fish 3/5

From the mains, we had Cod Saikyoyaki with Kyoto Saikyo-Miso, bathed in a dashi broth with a touch of yuzu. The cream added to the broth boosts the rich texture of the cod while the yuzu gives its buttery taste a lift. If you are more into seasonal dishes, it would be the Ishikawa Japanese Fish with Fresh Greens. Smoked with applewood, it was served to us in a smoking pot and I really love the therapeutic smell of the burnt applewood and coal emitting from the pot. But other than the execution of the dish, the dry texture of the fish is a letdown.

Wagyu Beef 4/5

From Meats, Lewin Terrace's Japanese Wagyu Beef (60g + $32) is highly recommended. Seared and paired with a homemade sauce, every bite releases its fats, juice and flavour that keep spreading to each and every corner of your mouth. A 100g may be a better option, if you love your Wagyu.

Desserts are interesting with a revolving themed Dessert Buffet included as one of the options, which is available from 1 - 3pm. The theme in September was Oh! Matcha x Matchaya Dessert, a collaboration between Lewin Terrace and Matchaya. What stood out for me are the mousse base items such as the Matcha Tiramisu, Babaroa, Hojicha Blancmange, Matcha Montblanc, not forgetting the homemade Matcha Ice cream! Come 3rd October, taking over the theme will be The Trinity Dessert Buffet with Matchaya, TWG Tea and Awfully Chocolate.

Matcha Heavenly Duo Parfait 3.5/5

If you love the surprises found in the layering of a Japanese parfait, Matcha Heavenly Duo Parfait would be a better choice - 8-layer parfait infused with tea products from Matchaya, topped with 94% Ishikawa gold flake. It is served with a bowl of warm milk where you whisk and create your own matcha latte.

The portions served are dainty, hence a 4-course set lunch may be a better choice. Though it is high up on a hill, Lewin Terrace is quite accessible with its main entrance situated at Coleman Street. Hence, do also considering dropping by for their Happy Hour, from 5 to 7pm on Tuesday to Fridays, for an aperitif or a glass of Kirin Beer at $8 nett and Glass of Wine at $10 nett. Probably one of the best ways to enjoy its historic atmosphere.

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.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

House of MU @ Mohammed Sultan Road - Combining Comfort European Dining & Burmese Teak Lifestyle

At a glance, House of MU at Mohammed Sultan Road may look like a furniture shop from the outside. It is not surprise as the new kid on the block combines food and collectible Burmese teak furniture, bringing a new homely comfort concept to the F&B stretch.

Soup of the Day - Cream of Mushroom 4.2/5

We started with the Cream of Mushroom ($9) for the soup of the day. The comforting and earthy soup uses button mushrooms that has been simmered for hours. The creamy consistency comes from the addition of cream, butter and milk. It is best to pair with some bread rolls and sticks from the Fresh Bread Basket ($8).

Pan Seared Scallops 4/5

Next we tried the Pan Serared Scallops ($18) which comes with a nice char on top of its sweetness. The French scallops are paired with the light and smooth cauliflower puree. I like the thoughtful addition of the fresh apple, lending a refreshing touch to the dish.

Truffle Cream Risotto with Crayfish 4/5

For variety, diners can create their own risotto or pasta at House of MU ($14). For carbo, diners can choice risotto, spaghetti or linguine. For the sauce, there are tomato, aglio olio, black ink (+$6), truffle cream (+$8). You can also have additional add-on such as chicken breast (+$5), veg lover (+$5), vongole (+$6), crayfish (+$6) and bacon (+$6) to make your meal more substantial. I had the Truffle Cream Risotto with Crayfish ($28). The rice is cool to an enjoyable al dente bite, absorbing the beautiful stock. It is further perfumed by the truffle scent.

MUnster Platter $138

As an advocate for communal dining to share their lives and ongoings over a good meal, you will notice item such as the Munster Platter ($138) which is good for up to 4 pax. The platter includes a medley of prime cuts of beef steak, grilled chicken, roast lamb, pork tenderloin and herb sausages, cooked over a combination of Japanese Bincho charcoal and apple wood logs for the smoky flavour.

Dessert Platter 4/5

Last but not least, end the meal on a finale with the Dessert Platter ($46). It comes with an assortment of macaron, creme brulee, bittersweet chocolate ice-cream, oreo cake with hazelnut cream, raspberry granita and frozen peanut butter popsicle. If you find the dessert platter some what familiar, you will be glad to know that pastry chef Song previously from Fat Lulu is now at House of MU.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


House of MU
11 Mohammed Sultan Road
Singapore 239010
Tel: +65 6732 1011
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down River Valley Road to Mohammed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohammed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]