Showing posts with label Waffle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Waffle. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Guerilla Coffee @ Kallang Riverside - Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu and An On-site Roastery

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Guerilla Coffee, the homegrown speciality coffee concept, has unveiled its flagship outlet at Kallang Riverside, introducing an all-day dining menu. The space highlights the art of coffee, featuring globally sourced beans roasted in small batches onsite and a 'slow' coffee bar where curated filter brews are served. Beyond coffee, the outlet doubles as a hub for community engagement, hosting regular programs and events to enrich the coffee experience.

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Guerilla Butterboard 4/5

Guerilla Seasonal Butterboard ($18) was an indulgent offering that showcased house-churned butter generously spread across a wooden board. It was accompanied by seasonal fruits, sourdough, and house-made coffee salt. So decadent was the butter that some diners couldn't resist scraping every bit off the board! However, for the amount of butter on the board, definitely more sides are needed.

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Summer Chicken Salad 4.5/5

The Summer Chicken Salad ($18) was a refreshing and zesty dish. It combined a hearty amount of tender shredded chicken with crisp greens, juicy pomelo, and orange slices in a citrusy dressing.

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Buttermilk Chicken Waffles with Espresso Maple 3.8/5

A cafe-essential dish but uniquely Guerilla's: Buttermilk Chicken Waffles and Espresso Maple ($20). The buttermilk-marinated chicken is coated in a cereal-style batter, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. The accompanying house-made espresso maple syrup lent the dish a dark, complex note while tying it back to Guerilla's coffee expertise.

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Tamarind Sea Bass 4/5

The Tamarind Sea Bass ($28) offers a locally sourced fillet. Both sides were well-seared and delighted with a tender and flaky texture. The accompanying tamarind broth was light yet flavourful, with herbaceous and tangy undertones from ginger flower and lime.

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Grilled Pork Jowl 4.5/5

The Grilled Pork Jowl is a true crowd-pleaser. With an ideal fat-to-meat ratio, the pork was tender and flavourful with an enjoyable bite, elevated by a tangy Nam Jim Jaew sauce. The sauce cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing its flavours and making it even more appetising. For a more complete experience, house-made brioche is a highly recommended side. Its buttery sweetness provides a delightful contrast, complementing the pork's savoury notes and the sauce's acidity.

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Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck 4/5

We tried 2 desserts: the Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck ($16) and the Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread with Chantilly Cream ($12). The tiramisu was better executed, with bittersweet Savoiardi biscuits soaked in Guerilla No.2 espresso and Kahlua, achieving a perfectly balanced of sweetness. On the other hand, the banana bread fell short of expectations. Its cloying sweetness overpowered the chocolate and banana flavours, making it more reminiscent of a standard counter-style banana bread rather than an elevated dessert.

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Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread 2.5/5

Guerilla Coffee also avocates the 'slow coffee' movement, a philosophy that promotes mindfulness and a deliberate pace in both brewing and enjoying coffee. There is an on-site roastery to enable the team to source and roast small batches of premium coffee beans globally. In addition, you can even choose from a selection of beans to be roasted on the spot in just 15 minutes, allowing for a highly personalised experience. A 1-hour Auction Coffee Discovery Session ($148) is available for booking if you wish to take your experience up a notch.

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.


Guerilla Coffee
Kallang Riverside
51 Kampong Bugis
#01-03
Singapore 338986
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Crawford Street. Turn right onto Crawford Street and walk down Crawford Street. Cross the bridge at Kallang Riverside Park West across the canal. Turn left at Kampong Bugis. Walk down Kampong Bugis to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Momolato @ North Bridge Road - New Halal Dessert Cafe with Gelato, Kunafa Waffle and Savoury Options

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Momolato, a halal-certified dessert cafe, has opened its second outlet on North Bridge Road following the success of its first location in Haji Lane. The cafe now offers an expanded menu featuring plated desserts, savoury options, and signature gelato.

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The cosy 20-seater has a warm atmosphere and is adorably decorated.

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Gelato 3.8/5

Diners will be spoilt for choice at their 24 rotating Gelato flavours display. Scoops start at $5.30, with premium selections available for an additional $1. Unique flavours such as Popcorn Butterscotch and Hibiscus Apple offer intriguing options, although all that we sampled leaned toward the sweeter side.

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Warabi Mochi Coffee 3.5/5

From the beverage menu, the Warabi Mochi Coffee caught our eye. The Emerald Beast ($8.50) combines roasted Sicilian pistachio, pistachio milk, espresso, and warabi mochi, while the Shady & Nut ($7.90) features chocolate hazelnut milk, hazelnut bits, espresso, and warabi mochi. All warabi mochi used are homemade.

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Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa 4.2/5

A highlight is the newly launched Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa ($21), a plated dessert that pairs a buttermilk waffle with crisp ricotta-mozzarella kuna fa, Sicilian pistachio cream, caramelised banana, torched fig, and pistachio gelato, offering delightful textural contrasts.

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Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle 3.8/5

The savoury Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle ($16.90) features buttermilk chicken with truffle cheese sauce and maple honey, though the sauce could benefit from a thicker consistency.

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Cheddar Cheese Coin 3/5

It was a pity that our Cheddar Cheese Coin ($6.50) seemed to have less cheese added, which led to the lack of an oozy cheese stretch we were hoping for. Otherwise, the batter itself was buttery and fragrant.

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Yellow Fever 3.8/5

The Yellow Fever ($16) blends mango pudding, coconut cream, and mangoes in syrup, topped with coconut gelato, reminiscent of tropical desserts like mango sticky rice and mango sago.

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Korean Strawberry Cheesecake 3/5

Fans of mochi can look out for their mochi-centred desserts, such as the Korean Strawberry Cheesecake ($12). It has deep-fried mochi wrapped around Korean strawberry cheesecake gelato and drizzled with strawberry sauce. While the chewy mochi was enjoyable, the drizzle felt overly sweet and slightly artificial. We would also have liked the cheesecake flavour to be more distinct.

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Not Plain Jane 3.8/5

Finally, the Not Plain Jane ($12). This thin crepe is filled with fresh vanilla cream and topped with strawberries and French vanilla bean gelato. The sweetness here was well-balanced.

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.


Momolato
723 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198691
Tel: +65 9679 7268
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street to Jalan Pinang. Turn right onto Jalan Pinang. Walk down Jalan Pinang to North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Eden Cafe @ Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden) - A Beautiful Cafe Surround by Lush Greenery with Room for Improvement in its Food

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During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I visited the Chinese Garden to soak in the festive atmosphere with the stunning lantern displays and the Cloud Pagoda light show. Amidst the scenic surroundings, I decided to check out the newly opened Eden Cafe, located just beside the Cloud Pagoda. The café, with its picturesque location, seemed like the perfect pit stop to unwind and escape the heat.

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Ice White 4/5 and Matcha Latte 3.8/5

Given the sweltering afternoon heat, my companion and I opted to sit indoors in the air-conditioned section of the café, which was a welcomed relief from the sun. We ordered the Ice White ($7), which uses coffee beans from Dutch Colony, and a Matcha Latte ($7.50) for drinks. The coffee was smooth and balanced, with a satisfying hit of caffeine to refresh us for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the matcha latte was decent, offering a slight bitterness from the matcha that contrasted nicely with the milk. However, it could have benefited from a richer, more robust matcha flavour.

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Rendang Burger 3/5

For food, we started with the Rendang Burger ($20). The burger featured a juicy beef patty layered with rendang sauce, a fried egg, tomato, and arugula, all sandwiched between charcoal buns. The burger was served with a side of fries and achar, a nod to the local palate. Unfortunately, the rendang sauce didn't quite hit the mark for me. While the beef patty was cooked well, the rendang's flavour didn't complement it. The sauce lacked the rich, deep spiced profile typical of a good rendang, making the overall dish feel disjointed. Some tweaking could certainly improve the flavour harmony here.

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Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles 3/5

Next up was the Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles ($22), which had potential but ultimately fell short. The Har Cheong Gai (prawn paste chicken) itself was excellent — juicy, flavourful, and fried to a crispy perfection. However, the waffles didn't hold up their end of the dish. They lacked the expected light, airy texture, and there was an absence of buttery flavour. A crisp exterior with a fluffy inside is what makes a great waffle, but here, they were somewhat flat and lacklustre, making it a disappointing pairing with the well-executed chicken.

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While the ambience of Eden Cafe is undeniably beautiful, with its tranquil garden surroundings and cosy indoor setting, the food didn't quite live up to expectations. The Rendang Burger needed a more robust, more cohesive flavour profile, and the waffles in the Har Cheong Gai dish could benefit from a serious texture and flavour upgrade. That said, the drinks were refreshing and well-crafted, especially on a hot day.

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Eden Cafe is still relatively new, and with some adjustments in the kitchen, it will have the potential to be a dining destination that matches the serene beauty of its location. For now, the café offers a nice respite for visitors exploring the Chinese Garden, but I hope to see some improvements in their menu to make it a spot truly worth visiting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eden Cafe
Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden)
70B Yuan Ching Road
#01-04
Singapore 619629
Tel: +65 98630516
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Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 8am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]


Saturday, June 29, 2024

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant @ Flanders Square - Offering Dry-aged Sashimi and a Variety of Delightful Japanese Dishes

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Nestled in the quaint street just behind the City Square Mall carpark, Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant specialises in dry-aged sashimi, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.

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Chawanmushi of the day – Snow Crab 4/5

We started our meal with the Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($16.90). The jiggling steamed egg topped with sweet snow crab meat and ikura was pleasantly delightful, with a fresh hint of sweetness from the snow crab. This dish was a definite winner, and we really enjoyed it.

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Chawanmushi of the day – Scallop 3.8/5

Another chawanmushi we tried was the Scallop Chawanmushi ($16.90). It was a good dish topped with aburi fresh scallop and ikura, but it lacked the flavour depth of the snow crab version.

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Lobster Toro Don 4.2/5

The Lobster Toro Don ($59.90) is a premium don featuring fatty tuna (toro) dry-aged for 9 days, chunks of lobster meat with uni sauce, and topped with ikura. It is served with raw egg yolk for dipping the tuna. This dish was incredibly umami, and we scraped every single grain of rice from the bowl!

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Beef Wine Short Ribs 3.5/5

The Beef Wine Short Ribs ($45.90) offered fork-tender braised beef short ribs, making it an excellent appetiser for sharing if you're looking for something non-fish. However, we found it too salty for our taste, but it might be perfect for those who love beef.

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Seasonal Nigiri 4/5

The Seasonal Nigiri Platter provided a great mix of dry-aged and seasonal sashimi, allowing us to try different fishes, each with its own sweetness and flavour. A highlight of any Japanese meal, this sushi platter did not disappoint. Our selection included Chutoro, Isaki, Kinmedai, Smoked Salmon, Minced Tuna Maki topped with Uni, Aka Ebi with Ikura, Mikan Tai, Shimaaji, and Akami. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the current selection, as it changes seasonally.

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Chocolate Banana Waffle 3/5

Kozen has recently launched a dessert bar, open from 6pm daily until 1am, making it a great spot for late-night dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($14.90), accompanied by not-too-sweet chocolate ice cream and caramel macadamia. While the flavours were nice, the waffle itself wasn't crispy enough for our liking.

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Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant impresses with its innovative dry-aged sashimi and a variety of delightful dishes. The Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Lobster Toro Don were standouts, offering exceptional flavors and quality. While some dishes like the Beef Wine Short Ribs and Chocolate Banana Waffle had room for improvement, the overall experience at Kozen was enjoyable and worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in premium Japanese cuisine.

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


Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant 
22 Flanders Square
Singapore 209306
Tel: +65 6816 0253
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Kitchener Link. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Merci Marcel @ Katong - All-day Dining of Comfort Food with a French Flair in Merci Marcel’s 4th Outlet in Singapore

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Merci Marcel's 4th outlet sits in the heart of Katong, their first venture into the East. Located in Santa Grand Hotel, the casual French restaurant is decked out in a fun new colonial and contemporary interior.

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Early birds will be happy to have another spot to enjoy as they open every day from 8am into the night. Diners can expect a French tapas menu alongside speciality coffee, curated cocktails and French wines.

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Drinks

A centrepiece of this new outlet is the snazzy bar offering unique and vibrant selections of cocktails.

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Salmon Crudo 4/5

To start, we had the Salmon Crudo ($20), which had salmon tartare on tangy pickled enoki with a dressing of cucumber gazpacho to be enjoyed with bread. I personally expected a bit more of this, but the clean flavour profile may suit if you're looking for something light.

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Roasted Feta 4/5

The Roasted Feta ($16) is a decent sharing plate, with the slab of cheese served on a bed of poached pear, with slices of fresh pair, rosemary and a drizzle of honey and rosemary.

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Ravioles de Royans 4.5/5

Merci Marcel's Ravioles de Royans ($20 for Small, $32 for Large) has been one of their most loved dishes since its opening. The adorable bites of French dumpling pasta are filled with Tête de Moine cheese, served with a creamy sauce and further topped with cheese florets.

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It may look unassuming, but it gets more addictive with each bite. We loved how flavourful it was with the unadulterated taste of cheese, without being overwhelming.

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French Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

Fans of mac & cheese got to try their rendition of French Mac & Cheese ($25). The creamy and lightly seasoned cheese macaroni is held within a buttery, flaky pastry, paired with ham chiffonnade and cheese crisps. Surprisingly, it wasn't as heavy as we thought, and we thoroughly enjoyed the variety of textures.

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Marcel’s Waffle Iron Style “Croiffle” 4/5

The Marcel's Waffle Iron Style "Croiffle" ($11) was recommended by our server as her favourite on the menu for desserts. There's caramel, bananas and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to accompany the croiffle. While the combination was likeable, I preferred the croiffle to be served more warmly.

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Chocolate & Whisky Pie 4.2/5

We ended our night with the Chocolate & Whisky Pie ($13). The crisp shortcrust pastry and mildly sweet yet rich chocolate filling will easily satisfy any chocolate lovers.

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.


Merci Marcel
171 East Coast Road
Singapore 428877
Tel: +65 6015 0906
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Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 8am - 12midnight
Sun-Mon: 8am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Sea Avenue. Turn left onto Sea Avenue. Walk down Sea Avenue to East Coast Road. Cross the road at East Coast Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Portman's Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Celebrates Christmas with Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea

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Embark on a festive journey at Portman's Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, with their Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea experience. Available until January 4, 2024, this indulgent afternoon tea presents a luxurious spread of seasonal delights. The offering includes freshly baked homemade scones, a curated selection of savoury bites, and an array of delectable sweets that capture the spirit of the Yuletide season.

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Begin your indulgent afternoon tea at Portman's Bar with the delightful combination of Homemade Cranberry Scones, served with clotted cream and cranberry jam. Elevating the experience, savour the richness of Baked Brie Cheese with Honey. The presentation adds a touch of drama to the occasion, as a small paper cone is placed atop the cheese and lit in a burst of flames, imparting a subtle smoky flavour to the cheese. This theatrical touch enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable start to a luxurious afternoon tea.

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Some of our favourites include the Beetroot Polo Bun, which features sugared beetroot buns and a savoury filling of salmon and cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury notes. Another favourite is the Brioche French Toast Cube, generously adorned with creamy mushroom ragout and chicken meat loaf, offering a luxurious and comforting bite. For enthusiasts of sweet potatoes, the Waffle Basket, featuring a blend of Idaho and sweet potatoes drizzled with honey, is a must-try, promising a delectable blend of textures and flavours.

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Indulge your sweet tooth with the enchanting dessert options in the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar. The "Bauble" is a delightful creation, showcasing apple bavarois and cinnamon apple compote, offering a burst of fruity flavours. The "Gift Box" is a chocolate lover's dream, with a decadent combination of chocolate mousse and raspberry compote, all atop a chocolate sable, creating a rich and satisfying treat. Lastly, the "Santa Hat" is a whimsical delight, featuring vanilla mousse adorned with cherry morello, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. These intricately crafted desserts add a touch of magic to your afternoon tea experience, making it a truly memorable occasion.

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Complementing the delightful spread, the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar offers free-flow coffee or tea. Embrace the rich and indulgent flavours by opting for a Mocha or a classic Hot Chocolate. For those who prefer a refreshing twist, coffee and tea options are available in iced or hot versions.

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Priced at $58++ per person, this experience perfectly celebrates the holidays in style. To enhance your indulgence, complement your afternoon tea with a choice of wines, cocktails, or fresh oysters, available at an additional cost. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and savour the season's flavours at Portman's Bar.

For reservations, please call +65 6845 1119 or email portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com.

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.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]