National Kitchen by Violet Oon (National Gallery)

ABOUT

Violet Oon's unabashed love for, and knowledge of, the Peranakan culinary delights and culture of Singapore has manifested into cookbooks, Violet Oon Singapore, and, more recently, National Kitchen at the National Gallery. Given that we've compared her to Julia Child previously, it's safe to say tha ...More

Violet Oon's unabashed love for, and knowledge of, the Peranakan culinary delights and culture of Singapore has manifested into cookbooks, Violet Oon Singapore, and, more recently, National Kitchen at the National Gallery. Given that we've compared her to Julia Child previously, it's safe to say thatwe're fans.

Peranakans didn't shy away from colour and were known for their intricate or opulent decorations, and you'll definitely see hints of this philosophy in National Kitchen. Decadent dark panels and mirrored walls are lit up by elegant wall sconces whilst references to the Peranakan way of life are peppered throughout the space. Rattan ceiling fans, distinctive tiles, and typical Singaporean foliage like palm leaves and orchids are just a few of the touches that make National Kitchen special.

The food is an excellent introduction into some of the more famous Peranakan dishes like Sambal Timun Nanas (pineapple and cucumber with chillies, onions and lightly sweet rice vinegar), Kiam Chye Ark Thng (soup of duck with salted mustard greens and a hint of spice chillies), and Buah Keluak Ayam (a stew of tangy chicken and the traditional buah keluak nuts). National Kitchen has also opened its menu's borders a little, offering other cultural favourites like Eurasian Beef Brisket Semor and Hakka Abacus Beads.

Be warned though, while some of the dishes may be familiar and well-loved, the Peranakan options often prove to be divisive. Tuck in with an open mind though, and if you're looking for a sophisticated rendition of Peranakan food, you're in for a treat! (Dec 2015)

THE BUZZ

"Don't miss the butter prawn and the rich, balanced and slow cooked fish head curry which she takes to new heights." -SG Now "In addition to serving their famed Peranakan dishes, this true-blue Singaporean restaurant will also whip up a mouth-watering list of Indian, Hainanese, and Eurasian cuisine. ...More

"Don't miss the butter prawn and the rich, balanced and slow cooked fish head curry which she takes to new heights." -SG Now

"In addition to serving their famed Peranakan dishes, this true-blue Singaporean restaurant will also whip up a mouth-watering list of Indian, Hainanese, and Eurasian cuisine." -City Nomads

"Is there anyone better than renowned food connoisseur Violet Oon to helm the Singapore's national kitchen, if there was actually an official one? We think not - and the family couldn't have chosen a better name for their second restaurant at the Gallery." -Honeycombers

DISHES WE LOVE

Sambal Timun Nanas, Kiam Chye Ark Thng, Kuay Pie Tee, Buah Keluak Ayam, Beef Rendang, Fish Head Curry, Sayur Lodeh, Hakka Abacus Beads, Kueh Beng Kah, Eurasian Beef Brisket Semor

TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

This restaurant was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017 for its outstanding service and quality while maintaining as a favourite among reviewers on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site.