National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore

1 St Andrew’s Road,

Singapore 178957

Reservations Line : +6598349935

Beautiful Peranakan flavors by local homegrown celebrity chef Violet Oon, an inspiring entrepreneur who was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organizations.

The timeless opulence of black marbled surfaces with gold trimmings and unique Peranakan tiles of National Kitchen brings me back to my youth days growing up in Penang, Malaysia. I have high hopes that National Kitchen will relive the flavors that I grew up with in Penang.

Peranakan culture was formed in the 15th century due to the interracial marriages between Straits Chinese and Malays. Its rich and complex flavors are a delectable mix of Chinese ingredients and Malay spices. Multiple spices are used in one dish that is lovingly cooked for hours. 

It was lunchtime and the restaurant quickly filled up with eager diners. My neighboring table was a group of beautifully dressed ladies who were very busy photographing the beautiful settings and their gorgeously plated food for their social media account.

The interesting choices of starters of Ngoh Hiang ($18) are served piping hot and the aroma of Chinese five-spice whets the appetite. The crunchy exterior is deep fried to perfection and filled with savory pieces of prawn and crab meat is truly delightful. Kuay Pie Tee ($18) did not disappoint. Finely julienned turnips slowly braised in aromatic prawn stock serve in a pretty and crispy little cup is a true delight to the senses. A quick peep at other tables shows that most of the diners think so too as their tables are also adorned with these two dishes.

Probably their most notable dish is the famed Beef Rendang ($25). Succulent pieces of beef shin cooked to perfection served with fragrant and creamy coconut cream sauce. The all-time favorite of  Buah Keluak Ayam ($25) boasts a spicy and aromatic chicken stew infused with the special flavors of buah keluak nut is another dish not to be missed.

The servings size is on the small side and leaves room for the desserts to complete the meal. Crowd favorites are Kueh Beng Kah ($15) served warm with a generous drizzle of freshly squeezed coconut cream and deeply caramelized gula Melaka syrup. My favorite childhood treat of melt in your mouth and bursting with flavors of gula Melaka is the Pulot Hitam with Coconut Ice Cream ($13).

The team of professional and attentive service staff brings the dining experience to the next level. The manager unobtrusively checked if we are enjoying the dishes and thoughtfully waived the bill for the desserts when it casually came up during the friendly chat that my husband and I were celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary lunch! Such thoughtful gesture leaves are such a delight and leave a lasting impression.

If you are looking for an authentic Peranakan experience, National Kitchen is the place to go. Please make reservations to avoid disappointment. I highly recommend it.