Lounge Review: TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
Previously known as The Green Market, TGM is Plaza Premium Lounge's only airport lounge in Terminal 2 of the Singapore Changi Airport. TGM is probably one of the best-kept secrets in Changi Airport where airport lounges are concerned - it serves a mixture of Japanese and Korean Cuisine (as well as healthy options) here and it really resembles more of a restaurant than a typical airport lounge. TGM is located on Level 3, next to DFS's Whiskey House in Terminal 2 and it is accessible (and free!) to anyone with a valid Priority Pass Card or Plaza Premium Lounge access - TGM is also open to public and there is a rather extensive a la carte menu (chargeable) to select from.
Exterior
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
TGM looks nothing like a typical airport lounge - it is highly visible (you can literally see all the insides of the lounge from the outside) and it focuses a lot more on food and drinks than anything else. In fact, TGM looks really a lot more like a bar or a restaurant from the outside!
Corporate Menu (Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Access)
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
If you hold a valid Priority Pass membership card or a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access, it is highly possible that you will be able to access TGM for free. The OCBC VOYAGE Card offers unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges around the world for the cardholder and a guest (hopefully this benefit stays the same next year!) - this was my way of accessing this lounge.
As mentioned earlier, TGM is also accessible to the public (travellers who do not hold a valid membership card or credit card) and there is a rather extensive menu offering both Japanese and Korean cuisine. If you are accessing this airport lounge the 'free way', you will be given a Corporate Set to choose from - there are seven items on the menu and you will also be given a cup of warm green tea as well as a choice of non-alcoholic beverage. Remember you will also be able to earn Arrture Points on these visits (yes, including the free ones!) which you can then use to redeem for a range of products and services (e.g. lounge visit passes for your family and friends).
Chicken Teriyaki Set
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
Upon seating down, I was quickly given the Corporate Set Menu and I selected the Chicken Teriyaki Set which came with pan-fried chicken cooked with Teriyaki sauce, served with miso soup and steamed rice. The bento set also came with some Western-style sushi, pan-fried gyoza, fruits and some seasoned scallops. The chicken was surprisingly good (I mean, I would gladly pay for this outside) which is definitely unusual from most airport lounges (with the exception of higher-end ones like The Private Room and the SilverKris Lounge).
Beef Shogayaki Set
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
Since my OCBC VOYAGE Card has guesting privileges, I also managed to try the Beef Shogayaki Set which came with sliced beef fried with ginger sauce and onions served with miso soup and steamed rice. It was decent but not as good as the Chicken Teriyaki Set that I tried first. Other interesting options on the menu include the Sashimi Bento Set and the Korean Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup Set.
Sashimi (à la carte menu)
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
I also took the opportunity to try some sashimi from the a la carte menu and I was surprised to find that the quality of these were actually comparable to decent Japanese restaurants outside - the sashimi slices were thick and the quality of the fish was quite good. TGM is generally quite quiet since most people typically prefer to go to an airport lounge like the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 but if you are looking for a quiet place in Terminal 2 to get some work done (and also to feed your tummy), this might be a pretty good option.
TGM offers different seating configurations as well so even for a solo traveller, you will probably not feel out of place. I personally prefer the semi-private dining areas but there are plenty to choose from.
Universal Power Socket and USB Charging Ports
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
While you will not find a universal power outlet and USB charging port next to every seat (as in the case of the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1), there are plenty located around TGM and there is also one that is located reasonably nearby for each cluster of seats. Granted TGM may not be everyone's first choice in getting work done, but there is that option when you need it. Besides, if your flight is departing from Terminal 2, do you really want to walk all the way to Terminal 1 just to use the lounge?
Interiors
TGM - Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 2)
While I can't say that the TGM is my favourite non-airline alliance airport lounge since the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 offers a much more relaxed space, it certainly has the best food amongst the contract lounges. If you have unlimited Priority Pass or Plaza Premium Lounge access, it may be a good idea to settle your lunch/dinner (or even breakfast!) here before moving on to the Plaza Premium Lounge for some actual lounging and waiting.
The Travel Club Lounge in the Satellite Terminal of KLIA might be a good spot to work before your flight, but the subpar food and beverage offerings make it a poor choice for those seeking quality refreshments.