Local celebrity chef Violet Oon's latest venture features char-grilled satays and meats alongside her celebrated Peranakan classics. Decked out in dark woods and intricate tiles, the space is reminiscent of her other restaurant National Kitchen at National Gallery, and equally chic. This is where we'll bring foreign friends for modern Nonya food with flair, and then take them for drinks around the quay after! Start with the satay — both the Chicken Satay ($14) and Pork Satay Hainan ($16) boast meaty skewers with loads of flavour, and a killer chunky peanut sauce. Also from the grill, the Garam Assam Barramundi with Pineapple and Ginger Flower ($32) is punchy and tender, albeit pricey for its portion. Fill up on the comforting Chap Chye (braised vegetables, $15) and famed Dry Laksa ($22), which is redolent with aromatic dried shrimps (hae bee). We'd skip the Buah Keluak Otak ($16), unless you're a big fan of the nut's smoky, slightly sandy personality. Save space for the stellar Chendol with Durian Pengat Sauce ($15). It comes topped with fragrant durian pengat AND durian pureé, and we're told the shaved ice is made from gula Melaka syrup, so it's consistently flavoured. Pro tip: The restaurant fills up fast so make reservations early.
Avg Price: $35 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh