Showing posts with label Salad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salad. Show all posts

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Hanare by Takayama @ Takashimaya - Indulge in the Limited-Time Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 at $158

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Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya has launched a limited-time seasonal Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 diners at $158, and it's a luxurious feast not to be missed. This exclusive set menu includes a selection of dishes from appetisers to dessert, offering a fine balance of flavours and premium ingredients. Available to just 10 diners per session for lunch and dinner daily, the exclusivity of this meal makes it an enticing option for those looking to indulge in something special.

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Aburi Scallop Salad 3/5

To begin, diners can choose from three salads: White Bait Salad with Plum Dressing, Aburi Scallop Salad (+$18), and Aburi Wagyu Beef Salad (+$22). We opted for the Aburi Scallop Salad. The scallops were plump, fresh, and slightly torched, which enhanced their sweetness. Paired with wakame seaweed and greens, the sancho dressing added a refreshing zest to the dish. While the scallops were delightful, the salad felt somewhat predictable and lacked the wow factor to warrant the additional price.

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3 Kinds of Seasonal Sashimi 4.2/5

Following the salad was the Seasonal Sashimi, featuring three types of fresh fish. Thickly cut and beautifully presented, the sashimi was a highlight, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and each bite was a testament to the quality and care taken in sourcing ingredients. It is a substantial and satisfying dish for sashimi lovers.

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Snow Crab Chawanmushi 5/5

The Snow Crab Chawanmushi was another highlight of the meal. The steamed egg custard was silky smooth, with each spoonful bursting with the sweetness of the snow crab. The addition of ikura (salmon roe) added a delightful salty pop, complementing the creamy texture of the chawanmushi. This luxurious version of a classic dish elevated the dining experience with its rich and delicate flavours.

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Signature Kamameshi 5/5

A signature at Hanare, the Kamameshi (traditional Japanese rice dish) is a must-try, and luckily, it’s included in this set. Diners can choose from four varieties: Fried Garlic Kamameshi, Salmon and Ikura Kamameshi (+$12), Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi (+$18), and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24).

We went for the Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi. The fragrant rice, cooked in a specially brewed dashi stock in a traditional iron pot, was topped with female snow crab, ikura, mushrooms, and edamame. The umami-packed rice was served with miso soup and pickles on the side, and every bite was satisfying, with the crab's sweetness enhancing the overall depth of flavour.

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HanareSep24-26
Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu 4.5/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu, where 200g of premium, breaded beef fillet is served golden and crispy on the outside while retaining a juicy, tender core. The real fun starts when diners get to grill the gyukatsu to their preferred doneness on a hot plate. The beef's rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture made it the highlight of the meal and a true indulgence for meat lovers.

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Frozen Yuzu & Mango Prafit with Candied Yuzu Peel 3/5

The meal ended on a refreshing note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait with Candied Yuzu Peel. The tartness of the yuzu paired with the sweetness of the mango created a well-balanced dessert, light and palate-cleansing after a rich meal. The candied yuzu peel added an extra touch of elegance and texture to the dessert.

The Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set is a delightful experience for those looking to indulge in a curated menu of premium ingredients. While the Aburi Scallop Salad didn't quite justify its additional cost, the freshness of the sashimi, the luxuriousness of the chawanmushi, and the flavourful kamameshi and gyukatsu more than made up for it. The meal ended on a sweet and satisfying note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 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]

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - Popular Cafe With Intricate Entremets Now Serve Hot Savouries

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Lucine by LUNA, the new cafe opened by the popular homegrown patisserie LUNA, has made its debut at 111 Somerset, offering an expanded menu that includes exclusive hot savouries and unique flavoured lattes.

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Much like their flagship on Amoy Street, Lucine continues to serve the intricately crafted cakes and pastries that have made LUNA a favourite among dessert lovers and cafe-goers.

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Tiramisu Latte 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Latte ($8.50) is a standout on the drink menu, which pleasantly surprised us with its balanced sweetness. Unlike many overly sweet-flavoured lattes, this one was creamy and came with a ladyfinger for dipping into the latte.

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Black Sesame Latte 4/5

We also tried the Black Sesame Latte ($8.50) but felt that the black sesame flavour could have been more pronounced.

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Eggplant Salad 4/5

On the savoury side, we started with the Eggplant Salad ($12.90). The highlight of this dish was the panko-crusted eggplant fritters, which were crunchy and well-seasoned. The base of mixed lettuce, baby spinach, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes and onions was dressed with roasted red capsicum dressing.

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All Day Breakfast 2.8/5

The All Day Breakfast (from $8.90) was a customisable option that started with scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough, and salad greens. Unfortunately, it didn't impress us as much as we had hoped, as the sourdough was thin, and the scrambled eggs lacked creaminess. We also had add-ons of Tater Tots ($2), Creamed Spinach ($3.90) and Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms ($3.90) as sides, but they fell short of expectations.

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Spam & Cheese 4.2/5

We were more impressed by the Spam & Cheese Sandwich ($10.90), which featured thick-cut chicken spam and cheddar, served between toasted brioche. The crisp crust on the fried spam and a tangy sriracha mayo added just the right amount of tangy heat. Each sandwich is accompanied by a side of mixed greens.

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Pistachio Roulade 4.5/5

Of course, LUNA's handcrafted entremets were the highlight of the visit. The Pistachio Roulade ($8.80) was a personal favourite, featuring a soft pistachio chiffon sponge layered with nutty pistachio cream and a tangy raspberry compote.

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Blossom 4.2/5

The Blossom ($8.50) is an excellent choice for something more refreshing. This dessert offers subtle sweetness and a floral fragrance, combining strawberry elderflower yoghurt mousse, strawberry curd and compote, rose sponge, and feuilletine crunch.

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Citrus Tart 4.2/5

If you're in the mood for a bright and tangy dessert, the Citrus Tart ($8.50) won't disappoint. With its tangy lime curd, orange confit, and vanilla sponge all nestled in a vanilla tart shell and topped with chantilly cream, it provided a well-balanced and zesty finish to our meal.

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.


Lucine by LUNA
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 9.30am - 6.30pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am - 9pm
Sun: 9.30am - 7.30pm

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

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Social Bar & Bistro @ Republic Plaza - Western Fare and Handcrafted Cocktails in the Heart of CBD.

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Social Bar & Bistro at Republic Plaza offers Western fare and handcrafted cocktails in the heart of the CBD. The comprehensive menu features a range of appetisers, pastas, pizzas, and mains.

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Spanish Garlic Prawns 3.8/5

We started with two appetisers: Spanish Garlic Prawns ($18) and Chilli Crab Sliders ($18). The Spanish Garlic Prawns were delectable, served in a rich, garlicky sauce that begged to be soaked up with the accompanying toast — a perfectly appetising start to the meal.

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Chilli Crab Sliders 2.8/5

The Chilli Crab Sliders felt more like Mantou with a chilli crab dip, aside from the slice of cucumber tucked between the fried buns. The chilli crab filling was unexpectedly saucy, with a fiery kick that may appeal to those craving bold flavours.

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Smoked Salmon Salad 3/5

Catering to the health-conscious lot in the CBD, the menu offers a variety of salads available in both half and full portions. The Smoked Salmon Salad ($18) was wholesome, featuring greens, eggs, and tomatoes, though the balsamic drizzle could have been more inventive.

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Grilled Barramundi 3/5

We opted for the Angus Beef Burger ($22) and Grilled Barramundi ($24) for mains. The Grilled Barramundi was slightly dry, but the creamy mashed potatoes slightly mitigated the texture.

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Angus Beef Burger 3.8/5

The Angus Beef Burger, with its hearty 200g beef patty in a beautifully toasted buttery brioche layered with caramelised onions and cheese, was tantalising overall. Even more so with the ultra-crisp fries. A less compact and dense patty might have elevated the texture more.

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We also tried two simple but delightful cocktails — Apple Crisp ($22) and Mad for Mango ($22). Both were bourbon-based and were just $10 on ladies' night; they were a great addition to the meal.

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.


Social Bar & Bistro
Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 91701395
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 1030pm
Fri: 1030am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

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

Friday, September 20, 2024

Hayop @ Amoy Street - Offshoot of Manila's Favourite Filipino Restaurant Manam

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Hayop is the latest addition to Singapore’s dining scene, an offshoot of Manila’s beloved Manam, bringing a modern twist to classic Filipino cuisine. Situated in a lively part of town, Hayop is all about showcasing the vibrant flavours of the Philippines while offering diners a glimpse of the country’s famous hospitality.

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Ensaladang Hayop 4/5

We kicked off the meal with the Ensaladang Hayop ($14), a refreshing and vibrant salad that sets the tone for the meal. Winged beans and green mango are the stars of the dish, tossed in a salted egg yolk vinaigrette and garnished with red radish, house-pickled watermelon rind, and salted egg white crumble. The crunch from the winged beans, the tangy bite of the green mango, and the savoury vinaigrette all come together beautifully. It’s light but packed with flavour, a great way to awaken the palate.

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Lumpia 3.8/5

Next up, we tried the Lumpia ($14/2pc), which, at first glance, reminded me more of a taco than what is known in the Philippines as spring rolls because it has Chinese origins introduced by Hokkien immigrants who made their way to the Philippines during the pre-colonial period. This fresh version of Lumpia is made with roasted heirloom baby carrots, soy-braised jackfruit, pickled jicama, minced garlic, and crushed peanuts, all wrapped in house-made mung bean crepes. The jackfruit's earthiness and the vegetables' crunch give it a unique texture and flavour.

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Manam's Crispy Palabok 4/5

We then moved on to the Crispy Palabok ($26). This dish takes the traditional Filipino noodle dish Palabok and adds a creative twist. Here, crispy glass noodles replace the usual soft rice noodles, topped with charred baby cuttlefish, tiger prawns, chicharron, tinapa flakes (smoked fish), crispy garlic, and spring onion. As the shrimp and annatto sauce are poured over the crispy noodles, they soften and soak up the rich, savoury flavours. It turns into a slurping goodness, with the sauce harmonising everything together.

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Manam's House Crispy Sisig 4.5/5

One of my favourites of the evening was Manam's House Crispy Sisig ($22). Sisig is a quintessential Filipino dish, and Hayop's version doesn't disappoint. This crispy and sizzling version is made from pork jowl and cheek and is packed with flavour, elevated by fried garlic, red chilli, and spring onions. The contrast of textures from the crispy pork and the softness of the other components made every bite a joy. This is one dish I'll be returning for.

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Kamatis 4.2/5

The Kamatis ($6) was a light and zesty salad made from fresh heirloom tomatoes tossed in calamansi vinaigrette with crispy silverfish. It was a simple dish showcasing the tomatoes' natural sweetness with a hint of tang from the vinaigrette. The crispy silverfish adds a bit of saltiness and crunch to round out the flavours.

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Adobong Dilaw 4/5

Next, we had the Adobong Dilaw ($36), a unique take on adobo, which is often regarded as the national dish of the Philippines. This version features tender Duroc pork belly braised in turmeric and coconut vinegar sauce, accompanied by roasted bone marrow and garlic confit puffs. The turmeric added a warm, earthy note to the rich adobo sauce, while the roasted bone marrow provided an indulgent, creamy texture. This dish was a flavourful and creative interpretation of a Filipino classic.

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Manam's Wagyu & Watermelon Sinigang 4.2/5

One of the most intriguing dishes of the night was Manam's Wagyu & Watermelon Sinigang ($56). This tangy tamarind-based soup typically uses pork, but Hayop's version substitutes it with grass-fed NZ Wagyu short rib, adding a luxurious twist. The charred watermelon was an unexpected but delightful addition, lending a subtle sweetness that complemented the broth's tartness. It's a unique spin on sinigang that brings depth and complexity to this comforting dish.

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Buko Pie 4/5

For dessert, we had the Buko Pie ($14), a Filipino twist on the American apple pie. Instead of apples, the pie is filled with sweet, creamy coconut (buko) and topped with buttery crumble, whipped coconut cream, parmesan, and cheddar cheese. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours worked surprisingly well, with the cheese adding an interesting contrast to the rich coconut filling. It was a satisfying way to end the meal.

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Halo-halo 4.2/5

Finally, we had the iconic Filipino dessert, Halo-halo ($18), which translates to "mix-mix." Hayop's version of this shaved ice treat combines milk, leche flan, ube halaya (purple yam jam), candied beans, and jelly, all topped with a scoop of ube sorbetes (purple yam ice cream). The flavours and textures were a delightful mix, though it reminded me slightly of Singapore's ice kachang. It's a vibrant and refreshing dessert, perfect for a warm day.

Hayop successfully brings a taste of modern Filipino cuisine to Singapore, blending tradition with creativity. While some dishes are more experimental, they remain rooted in the rich heritage of Filipino flavours. The Crispy Sisig and Wagyu & Watermelon Sinigang were the highlights for me, showcasing the boldness and inventiveness of the menu. Whether you're familiar with Filipino food or a newcomer, Hayop is definitely worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hayop
104 Amoy Street
Singapore 069924
Tel: +65 8028 9012
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun, Mon)

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, September 16, 2024

Joie @ Orchard Central - Meatless Fine Dining with A Rooftop Dining View

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Perched atop Orchard Central, Joie offers a unique fine-dining experience that is not just for vegetarians or vegans. With a creative meatless menu featuring a delightful Korean twist, this upscale restaurant caters to all occasions, whether you're celebrating a memorable moment or simply enjoying a meal with a view.

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Surrounded by the lush greenery of a rooftop garden, we were fortunate to be seated at one of the best tables, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset as we enjoyed our dinner.

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Welcome Drink, Roasted Korean Sunchoke Tea and Artemisia Tea

We had the 6-Course Dinner, priced at $78++ per person, which includes three starters, a vegetable dish, a main course, and dessert. As there were 2 of us, we had the opportunity to sample all the options available on the course menu.

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“Tuna Tartare” 4/5

This dish truly impressed with its creative use of watermelon to mimic tuna. Served with crispy rice paper, sesame powder, egg yolk gel, apricot, and pickled pears, the Tuna Tartare was both appetising and refreshing - a perfect start to the meal.

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Joie’s Crispy Layered Fries 4/5

An elevated take on a classic, these Crispy Layered Fries are made with imported potatoes from Holland and served with fermented kimchi, gochujang mayo, and black garlic mayo. Each fry offers a combination of textures and flavours that make every bite unique.

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Charcoal Makgeoli Slider 3.8/5

The Charcoal Makgeoli Slider, which includes halloumi cheese sandwiched between charcoal buns, comes in two pieces per person. The combination of pickled radish, arugula, kimchi puree, and the signature egg yolk gel make this dish enjoyable, although not a standout.

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“Ddukgalbi” Century Scotch Egg 4/5

An additional starter from the ala carte menu we get to try was the "Ddukgalbi" Century Scotch Egg, a unique twist on the traditional British dish made with century egg. Paired with gochujang and black garlic mayo, this dish is a must-try for century egg lovers.

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Grilled Roots Vegetables 2.8/5

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Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina 3/5

We had both vegetable options on the menu, but unfortunately, both dishes were underwhelming compared to our starters. The Grilled Root Vegetables are tough and lacking flavour. As for the Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina, while the sweet cherry tomatoes were enjoyable, the burrata was unfortunately dry. The dish was garnished with olive oil powder, a unique touch, though it didn't elevate the overall experience.

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Mapadubu Lasagna 3/5

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Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak 4/5

We also got both options for the mains on the course menu. Despite being inspired by mapo tofu, the Mapadubu Lasagna lacked the distinct flavours of the dish. The texture of the lasagna sheets was inconsistent; they were soft in some areas and tough in others, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

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The Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak was the highlight of the main courses. Served on a hot plate with homemade black pepper sauce, the monkey head mushroom's texture closely mimicked a steak, making this a satisfying dish.

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Burnt Basque Cheese Cake 3/5

Unfortunately, the Burnt Basque Cheese Cake served with an Oreo crust, and homemade milk ice cream was too dense, more reminiscent of a New York cheesecake than a Basque-style one. It was enjoyable but could be lighter in texture. Joie has recently added a new dessert option to the menu - Black Sesame Ice Cream - which was unavailable at our visit.

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Joie also offers other set lunch and dinner options daily:

• 3-Course: $38++ per person (lunch only, Monday to Friday except public holidays and eve of public holidays)
• 5-Course: $58++ per person
• 6-Course: $78++ per person
• 8-Course: $98++ per person (available for both lunch and dinner)

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The spacious restaurant includes four private dining rooms, perfect for hosting special gatherings.

Entrance

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


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]