Rempapa

Rempapa’s move from Paya Lebar Quarter to National Gallery Singapore has been one which has been mentioned quite a fair bit around social media outlets — in fact, Chef Damian D’Silva now has two (2) concepts that operates within the grounds of National Gallery Singapore; the other being Gilmore & Damian D'Silva that takes over the former premises of Hachi. Rempapa seems to have taken over the former premises of the Courtyard Cafe (these folks have made a move to Changi Beach Club; they also do run another concept named Food Principle that also operates at Alexandra Central and The Arcade in Collyer Quay). It does seem that the move of Rempapa to National Gallery Singapore also sees the slight shift of concept for Rempapa — Rempapa does seem to be more of a casual dining concept in Bay is designed to cater towards the masses, while the more elaborate Gilmore & Damian D'Silva caters to the fine dining category. The interior of Rempapa integrates the fittings of National Gallery Singapore into its design; sensitively creating a modern look whilst blending in to the colonial architecture of the space — the use of wooden elements and gold trims exudes classiness within the entire space, while a shade of turquoise helps to create a visual contrast that adds a bit of informality to an otherwise stiff environment. Tables at Rempapa are somewhat configured to seat groups of patrons visiting the establishment in four (4) pax or above; there are also more tables placed outside of the shop unit in the area of the entrance of National Gallery Singapore from Parliament Place. For those whom are visiting the establishment alone, there is also an area that features a bar counter with high chairs that faces the counter. Rempapa’s menu serves up Toasts from 8am to 11am for Breakfast, while the establishment serves up Nasi Lemak Sets and Heritage Rice Sets from 11am to 3pm — it also serves a variety of desserts that can be found in the Desserts & Kuehs section of the menu available from 11am to 6pm. Beverages served up at Rempapa will includes items split into sections such as Espresso-based Coffee, Local Heritage Kopi & Teh, Flavoured Lattes, Local Beverages, Tea Selection, Homemade Specialty Beverages, Other Beverages and Local Beer.

The highlight at Rempapa is most probably their Nasi Lemak Sets — an especially so for the Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak Set since it provides much value for patrons considering how it is priced at $9.90; pretty affordable when compared to the other dining establishments situated within the same building. That being said, the Heritage Rice Sets are the one to go for if one would like to really have a taste of Chef Damian D’Silva’s take on Peranakan fare without having to resort to visiting the more upscale Gilmore & Damian D'Silva. We found ourselves opting for the Ayam Gulai with Banana Bud, which is described in the menu to come with elements such as “chicken and banana bud braised in rich coconut gulai, layered with aromatic spices”. One thing that is worth noting about the Heritage Rice Sets is how all sets come with omelette and pickles by default — the pickles being Nyonya Achar. The Ayam Gulai does come pretty aromatic from the use of spices such as that of garlic, galangal, lemongrass, ginger, tamarind, cardamom, candlenut and more — the use of coconut milk in the gravy also provides a thicker and richer consistency to the gravy; almost like a wet version of a rendang and pairs especially well with the white rice that is being served on the side. The chicken flesh also does come off from the bones very easily; very tender and have already soaked up the flavours of the gravy here. The accompanying omelette that came with the bowl of rice was surprisingly delicious considering how we aren’t typically fans of such omelettes served with our orders — the omelette here does come with a distinct egginess whilst being smooth, soft and moist; also features bits of onions within for a bit of a soft crunch for a variance of textures. The Nyonya Achar here carries a refreshing tang with the soft crunch of the vegetables; all that with a bit of a crunch from the crushed peanuts that adds a dimension of nuttiness as well.

There is also a choice to upgrade any Nasi Lemak Set item or Heritage Rice Set item into a Set (Lunch) which adds two (2) pieces of Kueh and a beverage of the patron’s choice at $4.90 above the price of the Nasi Lemak Set item or Heritage Rice Set item opted. The Kueh that is part of the Set (Lunch) upgrade comes in an assortment in which is determined by the kitchen, and our order comes with a Kueh Bingka Ubi and a Bika Ambon. Both Kuehs were pretty well-made and were also pretty consistent to what we had tasted at Rempapa during its time in Paya Lebar Quarter as well as the Nonya Kueh that was once served by the now-defunct Fun Wan 饭碗 that was offered in collaboration with Chef Damian D'Silva. The Kueh Bingka Ubi carried a firm bite; we liked how the Kueh carried a consistency that was smooth yet firm with a soft bite despite carrying a little bit of the fibrous texture of tapioca, while the Bika Ambon came soft and airy with its honeycomb-esque interior; there is a deep earthiness that one would associate with brown sugar, but is nothing too sweet at the same time. We also liked how the Bika Ambon was chewy without sticking to the teeth. We also went with a Kopi (Hot) to go with the food items that we had ordered during our visit to Rempapa. We felt that this was quite a good Nanyang brew where the cuppa does come with a caffeinated kick from the aroma of the roasted Robusta beans; all that whilst coming with a splash of condensed milk which gives it an adequate level of sweetness for a good balance.

It does seem quite obvious that the move of Rempapa from Paya Lebar Quarter to National Gallery Singapore is a move that attempts to bring Chef Damian D'Silva’s fare to a wider audience — the current rendition of Rempapa does seem to be one that is positioned to be more of a casual dining concept; the menu steering clear of any communal offerings which was previously offered by Rempapa at its Paya Lebar Quarter. The communal-style fare in which Rempapa used to offer at its Paya Lebar Quarter location is instead fulfilled by Gilmore & Damian D'Silva which is a much attempts to create a much more upscale dining experience than what Rempapa used to have offered at Paya Lebar Quarter. Considering the direction taken for Rempapa at National Gallery Singapore, Rempapa does remind us somewhat of Bibik Violet at Temasek Shophouse — the common focus on serving up wallet-friendly Malaysian-style Nasi Lemak is especially familiar between both concepts, though we did like how Rempapa had decidedly kept things a little more Peranakan-themed with the offering of Heritage Rice Sets that includes iconic Peranakan dishes like Sambal Buah Keras and Ayam Gulai with Banana Bud. Prices of the items listed in the Nasi Lemak Sets and Heritage Rice Sets section are within the range of $9.90 to $29.90 — all dishes except the Lamb Shank Nasi Lemak Set being priced below $20. Would most definitely return to give their Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak Set and the various dessert items a go the next time; a spot that would most certainly be mentioned quite a fair bit in time to come!