Peranakan food is considered a speciality food, and Violet Oon is the first name that comes to mind for Peranakan cuisine in Singapore. They have a new concept called Bibik Violet in the revamped Temasek Shophouse, offering a casual setting for their classic Nyonya dishes.
Retro Peranakan Interior
The restaurant is designed like a Peranakan home, from the original floor tiles to the vintage trinkets that adorn the corners of the space. It’s colourful, cosy and homey!
The chairs are rattan and wood, spotted with greens, purples and reds. There’s even a corner where they sell their own kaya jam, kopi and tea.
Bibik Violet Menu
The menu focuses on classic Peranakan dishes that are eaten every day, differing from the celebratory style of the usual Violet Oon outlets.
Check out their full menu here!
This outlet offers breakfast sets like the Breakfast Kopi & Toast ($7) with soft-boiled eggs and Kaya Toast, and the Prata with Fish Curry Gravy ($7).
There’s the selection of Peranakan classics like Rendang ($19.90), Fish Curry ($16.50) and Udang Nanas ($18.50).
They also have single plate dishes good for fuss-free meals, including Nasi Lemak with Rendang ($18.90) and Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50).
You can also choose from drinks like Kopi, Teh and housemade drinks.
Classic Peranakan Dishes
We tried a selection of signatures, starting with the Nyonya Laksa ($13.50). This was the star dish for us!
It had an intensely thick and flavourful gravy but wasn’t too cloying, punctuated by the spice from the rempah.
We kept going back for more, and the serving size is more than generous for one person.
We also had the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berampah ($14.90). This was served with generous chunks of crispy, tender chicken that was well-seasoned!
A nice added touch were the crispy strands of seasoning, alongside the fragrant coconut rice and savoury sambal.
The Babi Pongteh ($14.50) and Buak Keulak Short Ribs ($19.50) are Peranakan mainstays, and their iterations were simple but flavourful.
Between the two, we enjoyed the Babi Pongteh, with its melt-in-your-mouth tender pork and umami-rich gravy. Highly recommended to get a side of rice with this!
Another surprising favourite was the Ikan Panggang Sambal ($18). The fish was tender and sweet, complemented by a tangy, spicy gravy that was moreish.
There was also a Chicken Satay ($14.50), served alongside a classic peanut sauce. This was simple but well done with a nice char from the charcoal.
Dessert
The dessert menu varies daily, with a selection of traditional Nyonya kuehs and tarts.
We sampled their Ang Ku Kueh and Kueh Salat, both of which were decadent and enjoyable!
Some daily bakes include a Pulut Hitam Tart and Cempedak Cake.
The Pulut Hitam Tart captured the taste of the traditional dessert almost perfectly and wasn’t too sweet!
Peranakan Food In Singapore
The vibe and offerings at Bibik Violet are unpretentious and comforting, making for the perfect place for gatherings!
Check out more restaurants in Singapore:
- Violet Oon Singapore Dempsey Hill: Elegant Space With More Unique Peranakan Flavours
- La Vache! – This Parisian Steak Restaurant at Gemmill Lane Only Has One Main Menu: Steak & Unlimited Fries
- Fi Woodfire Thai: Thai Grill Restaurant At Shaw Centre With Lychee Woodfire Stove
Bibik Violet
28 Orchard Rd, #01 05, Singapore 238832
Weekdays: 8am – 9.30pm
Weekends: 10am – 9.30pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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