After two outlets in National Gallery and ION Orchard, Violet Oon Singapore has their first standalone outlet in Dempsey Hill! This concept presents an expanded menu of Peranakan flavours in a rich and historic space, inspired by Oon’s experience and heritage.
Modern With Peranakan Touches
The new outlet is housed in a refurbished heritage building, boasting an impressive 6,000 square feet of space. It sports a sleek black exterior framed by lush greenery that makes it feel like a quiet getaway.
It’s interior is even more gush-worthy. The main seating area has a black and white colour scheme with touches of gold, complete with hand-beaded chandeliers for that extra touch.
There are refurbished Peranakan tiles incorporated into the decor, drawing inspiration from the brand’s Peranakan heritage.
There are private rooms that fit 8 or 12 guests, plus a dedicated mezzanine space that can host 20 guests. Everything is ornate and grand, but somehow still feels cozy and inviting!
Violet Oon Dempsey Menu
The menu presents a broadened selection of Peranakan dishes with a special touch. Aside from the classics, there are more heirloom recipes and dishes usually reserved for celebrations! You can check out the full menu here.
One such dish is the Nasi Ulam ($48, 2-3 pax), a rice salad with fresh herbs like Daun Kemangi (lemon basil) and Daun Selasih (Thai basil). It’s served with shredded fish, prawn and toasted coconut for a fragrant finish.
Some items will only be available when the ingredients are in season, such as the rare Sambal Belimbang Udang, made with the sour beblimbang fruit.
Other hearty dishes include Garam Assam Fish ($28) with red snapper and pineapple, and Babi Pongteh ($27), braised pork belly in bean paste and cinnamon. There is a plant-based menu available as well!
This outlet also has a cocktail menu inspired by Singapore flavours! Drinks include the Royal Rempah Club ($23) with rum and rempah honey, and the Ho Mia ($25) with rojak gin. Mocktails and non-alcoholic versions are available too.
Kerabu Kacang Botol
The Kerabu Kacang Botol ($18) salad used thinly sliced winged bean in a spicy, tangy dressing. It was light, crunchy and appetising, with a pleasant lemongrass fragrance.
Seafood
The Fuyong Hai Crab ($24) reminded me of seafood omelettes at zi char restaurants. It had well-seasoned and silky egg, crab and charsiew. This was simple but tasty!
Something unique was the Gulai Nangka with Prawns and Salt Fish ($28). This dish featured young jackfruit and prawns in a curry gravy. The jackfruit was reminiscent of an artichoke with a slight sweetness.
Despite being coconut-based, it was light and not cloying! The salt fish added an umami that enhanced the sauce and made it great with rice.
A favourite dish was the Assam Nanas Barramundi with Pink Ginger Flower ($32). The barramundi was grilled perfectly with a charred skin but juicy centre!
I especially liked the pineapple and ginger flower compote, which added a zestiness and sweetness to complement the fish.
Meats
The Hati Babi Bungkus ($24) is a special dish. It’s a traditional Peranakan delicacy of pork liver meatballs, wrapped with caul fat.
Liver can be a polarising protein but it was well-prepared here! There was no gaminess or funky liver taste; just a savoury meat flavour perfumed by coriander seeds.
The meatballs also had a good bite and not the usual mushiness associated with liver!
If that isn’t your fancy, their Daging Panggang Sambal Hijau ($69) is a good option. The Wagyu Ribeye M/B 4-5 was grilled to a juicy medium rare and served with a green sambal.
The sambal was spicy but cut through the richness of the beef, which I appreciated.
Desserts
The Roti Jala with Banana Pengat ($16) is a sweet take on roti jala, usually served with curry. Their iteration featured a coconut cream and bananas cooked in gula melaka, which paired great with the slightly chewy roti jala.
Coconut lovers will enjoy the Coconut Delight ($16), with coconut jelly, coconut ice cream and fresh coconut meat!
Cocktails
I tried the Phoenix Glory ($19), a mocktail flavoured with coffee, roselle and pomelo. It had a complex flavour for a mocktail!
There was smokiness from the coffee and sweetness from roselle, plus a citrusy finish that lightened the overall flavour.
Peranakan Food In Singapore
Violet Oon Singapore Dempsey Hill provides another opportunity to experience more Peranakan cuisine in an elevated, stylish atmosphere! We highly recommend it for family gatherings and special occasions.
Check out more eats in Dempsey:
- Puzzle Coffee Opens Flagship Store in Dempsey, Has All-Day Menu Items Like Buttermilk Pancakes & Matcha Lava Cake
- Huber’s Butchery: 14,000sqft Contemporary Farmhouse-Inspired Butchery & Bistro in Dempsey Hill
- Restaurant Air: This Dining Spot In Dempsey Makes You Feel Like You’re In Bali
Violet Oon Singapore Dempsey Hill
7 Dempsey Rd, #01-05, Singapore 249671
Mon-Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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