JFK-FRA-SIN-BOM Suites booking - Suggestions for a day transit and TPR Access

[LifeInCMH]

Hi,

I was hoping to get some clarifications from SQ experts for my upcoming JFK-FRA-SIN-BOM Suites trip.

1. I am intrigued by this Book the Cook feature. Does JFK and FRA catering offer memorable meals (non-beef/veal) that are must have?
2. I was hoping to simply sample the Indian Shahi Thali meal on the SIN-BOM sector - would it be possible to get that in addition to BTC from SIN catering?
3. What's the best way to get into the city? MRT? Has anyone availed the free SIN tour from T2/T3 and terminate tour at the city and simply return by taxi/MRT?
4. Really not into sightseeing, but will appreciate suggestions for memorable meals within the city. I like S'pore street food (dim sums, laksa, satay etc). Any recommendations for these near Orchard area?
5. Will I be able to use TPR as a arrival lounge (arriving from FRA) to freshen up and use it on the way out to BOM? Luggage should have been checked all the way through, but I may have a carry-on that I may need to store at Changi.
6. What would a taxi cost from Orchard area to Changi cost and how much time should I allow from city for a 7 PM departure at T2.

Thanks for all your help.

[SQflyergirl]

Can't answer 1,2 and 4 as I'm not a foodie.

3: taxi. MRT is cheaper yes, but taxis aren't exactly super expensive, but significantly quicker
5: yes, you can. In and outbound traffic mix in Changi. So nothing to stop you from using the TPR first to freshen up before clearing CIQ to go to town.
6. not very much maybe SGD18-20 but you'll have to pick up the ride from a taxi rank, and there are several along the orchard road area. You'll want to be in the queue before rush hour so say 4.30 at the latest.


Welcome to SQTalk

[yflyer]

Welcome to SQTalk, LifeInCMH!

4. Really not into sightseeing, but will appreciate suggestions for memorable meals within the city. I like S'pore street food (dim sums, laksa, satay etc). Any recommendations for these near Orchard area?

The good thing about Singapore is that it is a compact country, so you don't really have to restrict yourself to Orchard area to eat a lot of good food in a short time. Lots of eating places are just a short taxi or MRT ride away. And many of the eating places are close to the sights as well.

Are you in transit? If you only have a short time in Singapore, apart from Orchard Road, I would recommend you spend a little time around the Esplanade, Padang (Where the cricket ground is), Fullerton and Marina Bay. There is good street food at Makansutra Glutton's Bay next to the Esplanade.

http://www.makansutra.com/eateries-v...ion.aspx?mid=1

A little more out-of-the-way, but if you like Laksa, and want to see an older part of Singapore, check out Katong Laksa in Joo Chiat / East Coast Area.

http://328katonglaksa.com.sg

Lots of good dim sum in Singapore, at all price points!

Some dim sum recommendations below. Way too many to choose from. Everyone has favourites...

Top End
Summer Palace at the Regent Hotel http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Singa.../Summer-Palace

Wah Lok at the Carlton Hotel
http://www.carltonhotel.sg/dining/wa...rant-singapore

Cherry Garden at Mandarin Oriental
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/sing...cherry-garden/

Mid/Upper-Mid

Taste Paradise (Various)
https://www.paradisegroup.com.sg

Crystal Jade Kitchen (Various)
http://www.crystaljade.com

Imperial Treasures (Various locations, including Changi Airport)
http://www.imperialtreasure.com/en/c...ne/description

Value/Inexpensive/Local (For the adventurous)
Red Star. Extremely crowded, not far from Chinatown. Go for the food, not the ambience.
http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapo...ar_restaurant/

Swee Choon. Hugely popular, inexpensive dim sum next to a red light district.
http://www.sweechoon.com/en/location.htm

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If you want one memorable meal in Singapore that you would be hard pressed to replicate anywhere else, go for Peranakan Cuisine, which has recently been featured on SQ's BTC menu as well.

The best Peranakan cuisine is home cooked, but if you don't have Peranakan friends or relatives, a good option is True Blue, in the city not far from Orchard Road.

http://www.truebluecuisine.com/true-blue-cuisine/

[LifeInCMH]

@yflyer

These are fantastic recommendations! I will be sure to review these, but am already intrigued by the katong laksa and Swee Choon! Now, if only I could find laksa, dim sums and chilli crab all in one place! BTW I am in transit arriving 7 AM and departing 7 PM. So was thinking of availing of free tour (a refresher, as I have been there numerous times before 10+ years ago), get off somewhere near Orchard and wander around sampling hawker food...

[yflyer]

@yflyer

These are fantastic recommendations! I will be sure to review these, but am already intrigued by the katong laksa and Swee Choon! Now, if only I could find laksa, dim sums and chilli crab all in one place! BTW I am in transit arriving 7 AM and departing 7 PM. So was thinking of availing of free tour (a refresher, as I have been there numerous times before 10+ years ago), get off somewhere near Orchard and wander around sampling hawker food...

Glad the info is useful!

If you are interested in Katong Laksa, go for it! A very easy 15 min taxi ride (25 min on bus number 14) from Orchard Road.

For Swee Choon, unfortunately your schedule rules it out, because the opening hours are quite unique for a dim sum outlet: 6pm to 6am, probably because of the...ahem...location. But you see students, families and tourists there in the evening -- perfectly safe and family friendly as long as you don't stray into the wrong lanes.

I am not sure if you are able to depart the free airport city tour mid-way during the tour -- best to check with them.