Showing posts with label Pastry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pastry. Show all posts

Friday, August 28, 2026

The Courtyard @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Exclusive Collaboration with World-Renowned Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour

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There is something rather special about an afternoon tea when the pastries are created by one of the world’s most celebrated pastry chefs. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore welcomes internationally acclaimed pastry chef Antonio Bachour for a limited-time collaboration, bringing his signature contemporary pâtisserie to The Courtyard.

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Known for his vibrant, highly refined approach to pastry, Chef Bachour has received eight prestigious international accolades, including the World’s Best Pastry Chef title from The Best Chef Awards and the Pastry Innovation Award from La Liste. With more than 25 years in the industry and eight recipe books to his name, his creations are as much about visual artistry as they are about flavour and texture.

For this collaboration, guests can look forward to an Afternoon Tea experience featuring a selection of Chef Bachour’s signature creations, alongside an assortment of cakes, pastries and viennoiserie available throughout the collaboration.

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Priced at S$75 per adult and S$45 per child, the Afternoon Tea is available from 15 August to 15 November 2026, with seatings from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 6pm. The menu takes a contemporary approach to the familiar Afternoon Tea format, moving from savoury bites into an indulgent line-up of pastries and sweets.

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Starting with the savouries, the Foie Gras Crème Brûlée offers a luxurious take on a classic French dessert, transforming the familiar crème brûlée format into an elegant savoury bite. The Crème Fraîche Tart with Caviar pairs creamy crème fraîche with the delicate salinity of caviar for a refined start to the experience.

The smaller savoury creations continue with the Lobster Roll and Lox & Choux, combining familiar ingredients with Chef Bachour’s polished pastry techniques. The lobster roll offers a touch of indulgence in bite-sized form, while the lox and choux cleverly brings together smoked salmon-inspired flavours with the light, airy texture of choux pastry.

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Of course, the sweets are where Chef Bachour’s personality really shines. The Exotic Pressed Sable showcases the pastry chef’s flair for balancing textures and tropical flavours, while Bachour’s Rocher is one of the highlights for chocolate lovers. Developed over his more than 25-year career, the creation takes inspiration from the iconic Ferrero Rocher and reinterprets it through Bachour’s contemporary pastry style, with layers of chocolate, crunch and richness packed into an elegant petit gâteau.

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Another standout is the Coconut Panna Cotta with Guava Soup and Tropical Fruits, one of two creations developed specially for Singapore. The combination feels particularly fitting for our tropical climate, pairing creamy coconut with the bright, fruity character of guava and tropical fruits. It is a refreshing contrast to the richer chocolate and pastry components.

The experience is rounded off with freshly baked Vanilla Bean Scones and a Mango Brioche. The scones bring the familiar comfort of Afternoon Tea, while the mango brioche adds a more tropical interpretation with its buttery, soft crumb and fruity character.

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Beyond the Afternoon Tea, guests can also get their hands on a collection of Chef Antonio Bachour’s signature cakes and pâtisserie creations. Highlights include the Singapore-exclusive Calamansi Yuzu Matcha Entremet (S$92 nett, whole), the second creation developed specially for Singapore. It brings together bright citrus notes from calamansi and yuzu with the earthy, slightly bitter depth of matcha, creating a combination that feels both distinctly modern and suited to local palates.

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The Chocolate Berries Basket (S$92 nett, whole) takes a richer direction, pairing chocolate with the freshness and acidity of berries. For something lighter and fruit-forward, the Berry Shortcake (S$82 nett, whole) offers a familiar combination elevated with Bachour’s signature precision and presentation. The tropical theme continues with the Piña Colada (S$82 nett, whole), inspired by the flavours of the classic cocktail and transformed into an elegant pastry creation.

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The selection also includes viennoiserie for those looking for something smaller. The Mascarpone Strawberry Bow Tie (S$10 nett) combines creamy mascarpone with strawberries in a beautifully laminated pastry. In comparison, the Pistachio Pain au Raisins (S$12 nett) puts a nutty spin on the classic French pastry, marrying pistachio with the familiar sweetness of raisins and buttery layers.

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What makes this collaboration interesting is the way Chef Bachour’s distinctive pastry language has been adapted for Singapore. His creations are immediately recognisable for their immaculate finishes, intricate layering and playful combinations. Still, the inclusion of tropical ingredients such as calamansi, yuzu, guava, coconut and mango gives the collection a sense of place.

For pastry enthusiasts, the Afternoon Tea offers an opportunity to sample several of Bachour’s creations in one sitting, while the cakes and viennoiserie provide an option to bring some of that pastry artistry home.

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You can order cakes and pastries online at shop.fullertonhotels.com, with delivery or self-collection available from The Fullerton Cake Boutique.

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The Antonio Bachour collaboration is available for a limited time at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, so it’s worth checking out if you enjoy contemporary pâtisserie or simply want to experience Afternoon Tea with a more modern, pastry-forward twist.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



The Courtyard
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778911
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:30am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk along the river to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Crystal Jade Group Celebrates National Day with Elevated Singapore-Inspired Creations

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In celebration of Singapore’s 61st National Day, Crystal Jade Group presents a thoughtfully curated National Day Collection that pays homage to the nation’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Available from 10 July to 30 August 2026 across its portfolio of restaurants, the limited-time showcase reinterprets familiar local flavours through the lens of refined Chinese cuisine. Staying true to its philosophy of honouring tradition while elevating it with culinary craftsmanship and premium ingredients, the collection brings together a series of inventive dishes that evoke both nostalgia and sophistication.

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Crystal Jade Palace: White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart 4.5/5

We had the opportunity to sample selections across several of its concepts, each offering a unique take on beloved Singaporean flavours.

Starting at Crystal Jade Palace, the White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart ($22 for 6 pcs) is an elegant bite-sized tribute to one of Singapore’s iconic seafood dishes. Sweet, succulent crab meat is delicately sautéed with ginger, spring onion and a generous hit of fragrant white pepper, before being nestled into crisp golden tartlet shells made from spring roll pastry. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of peppery warmth and natural sweetness, making it dangerously moreish.

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Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling 4.5/5

At Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, the Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling ($6.80 for 3 pcs) offers a clever reinterpretation of Singapore’s unofficial national dish. Crisp on the outside and soft within, the rice flour dumplings encase a fragrant filling of glutinous rice and tender chicken, infused with ginger, garlic and pandan. Served with a house-made chicken rice chilli, the dish captures the essence of the original while presenting it in a refreshing new format.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion: Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet 4/5

Another highlight from Crystal Jade Pavilion is the Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet ($18.80 for 8 pcs). The crisp ‘pie tee’ shell holds a vibrant rojak-inspired medley of jicama, pineapple and cucumber, lightly coated in rojak sauce. Crowned with a smoky chargrilled scallop, the dish delivers a lively interplay of sweet, tangy and savoury flavours with contrasting textures.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Sesame Otah Toast 4/5

Over at Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sesame Otah Toast ($14.80 for 4 pcs) gives a nostalgic favourite a refined twist. Inspired by classic prawn toast, it features a generous layer of house-made otah prawn paste, coated with sesame seeds and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The result is a fragrant, crunchy bite packed with spice and umami.

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Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Wok-Fried Prawns in XO Sauce 4/5

Seafood lovers will enjoy the Wok-Fried Prawns with Jackfruit & Pineapple in XO Sauce ($23.80/Regular) from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The prawns are plump and bouncy, coated in a robust XO sauce that delivers a savoury, mildly spicy punch. The addition of jackfruit and pineapple introduces a natural sweetness that brightens the dish and adds a unique tropical dimension.

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Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu 4.2/5

For something more adventurous, the Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu with Salted Fish & Minced Meat ($16.80/Regular) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen is a comforting claypot dish that showcases an often underappreciated ingredient. Silky pig blood curd and tofu are braised with minced pork and salted fish in a deeply aromatic base of ginger, garlic and chillies. Rich, savoury and intensely satisfying, it is a dish that rewards the more curious diner.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion: Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry 4.2/5

A hearty centrepiece comes in the form of the Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry ($42/Regular) at Crystal Jade Pavilion. The tender wagyu brisket is slow-braised in a fragrant curry enriched with pineapple, okra, onions and kaffir lime leaf. The pineapple lends a gentle sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef, resulting in a well-balanced curry that is both indulgent and distinctly local.

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Crystal Jade Palace: Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce 4/5

Carbohydrate lovers should not miss the Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce ($36/Regular) at Crystal Jade Palace. The thick vermicelli is braised with prawns and squid in a robust ‘sha cha’ sauce, delivering deep umami flavours with a pronounced wok hei. It is a comforting dish that draws clear inspiration from Singapore’s hawker fare.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly 4.2/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly ($6.80/pax) at Crystal Jade Golden Palace is a refreshing dessert that celebrates tropical flavours. The silky coconut jelly is paired with a generous portion of durian flesh and strands of chendol, offering a delightful balance between creamy richness and light sweetness.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion: Lychee Pastry 3.5/5

The Lychee Pastry ($12 for 3 pcs) from Crystal Jade Pavilion presents a delicate finish, featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with lychee and Chinese yam. While light and refreshing, the yam filling may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional fillings.

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Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Kaya Mochi 4.2/5

Lastly, the Kaya Mochi ($5.80 for 3 pcs) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is an addictive treat. The soft, stretchy mochi encases a fragrant kaya filling, delivering a harmonious combination of textures and flavours that makes it hard to stop at just one.

Overall, Crystal Jade’s National Day Collection succeeds in reimagining Singapore’s beloved flavours with creativity and finesse. Each dish reflects a thoughtful balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering diners a fresh perspective on familiar tastes while preserving their cultural essence. Available for a limited time only, this collection is a fitting tribute to Singapore’s vibrant culinary heritage and well worth exploring across the group’s various dining concepts.

PROMOTIONS
From 10 July to 30 August 2026, Jadeite Members and OCBC Cardmembers can enjoy 15% off with a minimum order of two National Day Special dishes at participating Crystal Jade restaurants. *Terms and conditions apply.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Monday, October 6, 2025

Kai Duck @ Takashimaya - Enjoy 30% Off Dim Sum & 50% Off Speciality Dishes For Members

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Iconic Duck Specialist Kai Duck, located at Takashimaya, is turning up the indulgence with an irresistible dining promotion offering 30% off the entire dim sum menu during weekday lunch and 50% off one of six signature specialities during dinner. All you need to do is sign up for Kai Duck’s free membership programme to unlock these privileges. Known for its modern approach to Peking duck and Cantonese cuisine, Kai Duck’s menu continues to surprise with creative reimaginings of familiar favourites and well-executed classics.

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Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers 4/5

Instead of the traditional crepe, the Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers ($23.20 for 4pc) is presented on crispy crackers paired with tomato and a sweet-tangy sauce. The contrast in textures — crisp cracker, tender duck, and juicy tomato — works harmoniously, while the sauce lifts the flavours and prevents the dish from feeling dry. It’s a playful and modern take on the classic that still respects its origins.

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Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce 4/5

The Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce ($12.80 for 4pc) offers a refreshing twist on a dim sum staple. Plump and generously filled with minced meat and prawn, each bite bursts with flavour. The pan-fried exterior adds a slight crispness, and the teriyaki glaze imparts a savoury-sweet note that adds depth to this reinvented classic.

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Deep-fried Yams and Pumpkin 4.2/5

A standout item, the Deep-fried Yam and Pumpkin ($9.80 for 3pc) impresses with its multi-layered texture. The top layer is light and crispy, followed by sweet pumpkin and fragrant yam. It is a delightful combination of crunch and softness, sweetness and earthiness. It’s a well-balanced and comforting bite that showcases the kitchen’s finesse.

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Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion 3.5/5

The Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion ($9.80 for 3pc) features a beautifully flaky pastry topped with sesame seeds, exuding a lovely aroma. However, the filling could be more generous and robust in flavour to better match the pastry’s fragrant richness. It’s pleasant but lacks the punch of the other dishes.

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Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa 4/5

A new addition to the menu, the Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa ($108) brings hearty satisfaction. The glass noodles absorb the savoury-sweet essence of the crustaceans, making every strand intensely flavourful. The crab is fresh and succulent, while the luffa adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Kai Duck continues to impress with its thoughtful modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. With the 30% off dim sum and 50% off speciality dishes for members, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit or discover this contemporary duck specialist at a great value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Duck
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#05-10/11
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 62355419
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]



Friday, June 6, 2025

Chef's Tavern @ Craig Road - Affordably Priced Exquiste European-Japanese Cuisine

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Chef Stephan Zoisl, previously of Chef's Table at Tras Street, returns with a brand-new concept – Chef's Tavern, a casual European-Japanese eatery tucked along Craig Road. Unlike the Western Omakase experience at his former restaurant, Chef's Tavern offers a more approachable menu built around premium ingredients, well-executed dishes, and warm hospitality.

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Tavern Style Teishoku Sets 4.2/5

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The Tavern Style Teishoku Sets are available during lunch (Mon–Sat, 12pm – 230pm) from $28++, and offer excellent value. Each set comes with a choice of rotating mains, such as pork or monkfish, served alongside salad, soup, vegetables, fruit and a choice of sourdough or Japanese rice. A satisfying and wholesome one-tray meal that combines quality produce and comforting flavours.

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Hokkaido Scallop Crudo 4/5

A refreshing and vibrant start was the Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($19). Stuffed with mint and shiso, the sweet scallops were paired with a tangy mango leche de tigre, pomelo sacs, calamansi juice, and topped with trout roe and avocado cream. Bright, zesty and texturally pleasing.

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Hamachi Sashimi 4/5

The Hamachi Sashimi ($18) was clean and simple, allowing the freshness of the fish to shine through. Paired with lightly pickled vegetables and grapes compressed in sweet Austrian wine, this was a light and elegant appetiser to whet the appetite.

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Anchovy Puff Pastry 4/5

The Anchovy Puff Pastry ($12) was another favourite. Ricotta cream and savoury anchovy on a crispy puff base, finished with olives. It had great flavour contrast and texture in each bite.

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Prawn & Lobster Ramen 3.8/5

The Prawn & Lobster Ramen ($24) came with a rich, house-made lobster bisque broth simmered over 24 hours. It was packed with deep umami and sweetness, paired with juicy Argentine prawns and an onsen egg. While I enjoyed the broth, the ramen noodles were a little too soft for my liking.

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Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta 4.2/5

A signature dish here is the Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta ($22). Chilled angel hair pasta is dressed in a tom kha coconut and lobster bisque sauce, topped with warm Argentine prawns and crispy artichoke chips, and finished with kombu, chives and lemongrass. It is a cold dish that is packed with flavour.

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Schnitzel 'Wiener Art' 4.2/5

Chef Stephan pays homage to his Austrian roots with the Schnitzel 'Wiener Art' ($28). Pork loin coated in kaisersemmel breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. It came with a butterhead lettuce salad in a citrusy vinaigrette, cranberry jam, fried capers, and anchovy brown butter, a delightful European take on comfort food.

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Maple Leaf Duck Breast 4/5

The Maple Leaf Duck Breast ($32) was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. Underneath the slices was a rich duck leg confit and duck jus. The dish was lifted with a mix of caramelised onion cream, shallot crumble, charred leek, pickled pearl onions and chive oil. It was a well-balanced and hearty plate.

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Alaskan Black Cod 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Alaskan Black Cod ($34). Pan-roasted with a crisp exterior and buttery interior, it was paired with earthy salt-baked celery root. The Madras curry beurre blanc and passionfruit gel added aromatic spice and acidity, finished with trout roe and tarragon oil.

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Pina Colada 4/5

The Piña Colada ($14) dessert was a fun play on the tropical cocktail. Coconut parfait, pineapple sorbet, rum caramelised pineapple and gula melaka sauce, all layered with crisp filo pastry. It was refreshing and not too sweet.

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White Peach Mousse 3.8/5

The White Peach Mousse ($14) came with white peach compote, oolong ice cream, buttery sable and berries in berry gel. Light and fruity, though the flavours were more subtle compared to the other desserts.

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Chocolate Gateau 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Gateau ($16) was an indulgent treat featuring multiple layers of chocolate mousse and glaze. Served with yuzu sorbet, yuzu gel, cocoa nibs, chocolate chantilly and popping candy. It is a well-thought-out dessert with different textures and a citrusy lift.

Chef's Tavern by Chef Stephan Zoisl is a great addition to the Craig Road dining scene. Whether you're looking for a value-for-money lunch or refined dinner plates, the dishes here deliver comfort, flavour and finesse without being overly fussy. It's a hidden gem worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chef's Tavern
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-02
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6224 4188
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]