Rempapa @ National Gallery Singapore - Heritage Flavours in a Casual Rice-Based Dining Concept

Rempapa, the Michelin-selected restaurant by Chef Damian D’Silva, relocated to National Gallery Singapore in November 2025, bringing its celebration of Singapore’s multi-ethnic heritage to one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. While Rempapa continues to champion the flavours and culinary traditions that have shaped Singapore, the new outlet takes a slightly different approach, placing a greater emphasis on rice-based dishes and familiar local favourites. The concept is also more casual and accessible, operating as a fully self-service restaurant that makes it easy to enjoy Chef Damian’s heritage recipes without the formality of a traditional sit-down restaurant. The space reflects that same philosophy. Natural light, warm tones and simple yet thoughtful décor create a welcoming environment that feels homely and relaxed. It is a fitting setting for food that is rooted in tradition, yet presented in a way that works well for today’s diners.

Babi Pongteh 4.8/5

Tofu

Braised Vegetable

The Babi Pongteh Rice Set ($17.90) was easily one of our meal’s favourites. A classic Peranakan dish, Babi Pongteh sees pork slowly braised with fermented soybean paste, garlic and shallots until the meat becomes incredibly tender and deeply infused with the rich, savoury-sweet braising sauce. The pork belly here was very well executed. The meat was beautifully braised, with the sauce penetrating the layers of pork and fat for an almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was rich and comforting without being overly heavy, with the fermented soybean paste adding plenty of depth and umami. The accompanying braised vegetables and tofu rounded out the meal, while the mushrooms were particularly enjoyable. Plump, juicy and thoroughly soaked in the braising sauce, they released a burst of savoury flavour with every bite. For fans of Peranakan flavours, this dish is worth seeking out.

Ayam Berempah 4.5/5

The Ayam Berempah ($9.90) offers a more affordable but equally satisfying option. The set comes with a deep-fried spiced chicken thigh, hard-boiled egg, peanuts, achar, ikan bilis and sambal. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant spice blend before frying, giving the exterior a lovely aromatic crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy. The accompanying condiments add plenty of flavour, too. Crunchy peanuts and ikan bilis add texture, while the achar brings a refreshing tang to balance the richness of the fried chicken. The sambal provides a gentle kick and ties everything together nicely. At just $9.90, it is particularly good value considering the location. Finding a satisfying heritage-style meal for under $10 in the heart of town is increasingly difficult. Our only slight disappointment was the rice. It comes with plain rice, and we felt a fragrant coconut rice would have complemented the Ayam Berempah even better, adding another layer of richness and aroma to the dish.

Kueh Platter of 6pc 4.2/5

We ended the meal with the Kueh Platter ($14 for 6 pieces), a rotating selection of handcrafted traditional kuehs freshly prepared from scratch by the kitchen. The platter offers a nice opportunity to sample several different local sweets in one sitting. During our visit, the selection included Kueh Bengkah, Kueh Salat, Sago Bandung, Sarang Semut, Kueh Kosui and Sugee Cake. Each brings something different, from the soft, fragrant textures of the traditional rice-based kuehs to the richer, butterier Sugee Cake. The variety also makes this a good option for sharing, particularly if you want to explore some of Singapore’s traditional sweets without committing to a single dessert. It was a delightful, nostalgic way to end the meal, and it reinforces Rempapa’s focus on preserving and showcasing the diverse flavours of our culinary heritage.

Rempapa’s move to National Gallery Singapore puts Chef Damian D’Silva’s heritage-driven cooking in a more casual, accessible format. The shift towards rice-based dishes and local favourites makes the menu approachable, while the flavours remain firmly rooted in the traditions that Rempapa has always championed. The Babi Pongteh Rice Set was the standout for us, with exceptionally tender pork belly and deeply flavourful braising sauce. At the same time, the Ayam Berempah is an attractive option for those looking for an affordable meal in the city. With its self-service format, welcoming setting, and accessible pricing, Rempapa at National Gallery Singapore works well for a quick lunch, a casual meal, or even a stop after exploring the galleries. More importantly, it continues Chef Damian’s mission of keeping Singapore’s heritage flavours alive, one comforting plate at a time.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Rempapa
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew’s Road
#01-02A
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 94591603
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kimpson's Table @ Far East Square - From Home-Based Delivery to Full-fledged Restaurant

Ten years after arriving in Singapore from Korea, Chef Patrick Kim is embarking on a new chapter with the opening of Kimpson’s Table at Far East Square. What started as a humble home-based delivery business has now evolved into Chef Kim’s first permanent restaurant, bringing his take on comforting Korean home-style cooking to the heart of the CBD. Drawing inspiration from the convivial atmosphere of traditional Korean eateries and the contemporary energy of Seoul’s Seongsu district, Kimpson’s Table centres on Hansang dining — a Korean tradition where rice, nourishing mains, and an assortment of freshly prepared banchan come together as a complete, satisfying meal. The menu is rooted in familiar Korean flavours, but what stood out to me was Chef Kim’s focus on dishes that are comforting, wholesome and made with plenty of care. Here are some of the dishes we tried.

Dak Kalguksu 4.2/5

One dish I enjoyed was the Dak Kalguksu ($15), which makes its debut at Kimpson’s Table. For those unfamiliar, Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish featuring hand-cut wheat noodles served in a comforting broth. Chef Kim describes it as the Korean cousin of Singapore’s ban mee, and I can see why. The noodles have that pleasant, chewy bite, while the warm chicken broth makes the dish especially comforting. The broth itself gives Dak Kalguksu more depth. It is made using the same signature chicken broth as Chef Kim’s Samgyetang, simmered for up to five hours with a combination of ingredients to extract a rich, savoury flavour. The noodles are served with shredded chicken and leeks, keeping the bowl relatively simple and letting the broth take centre stage. Despite its simplicity, it has a satisfying depth, with the tender chicken adding texture and substance to every mouthful. It is the sort of bowl that feels particularly comforting on a rainy day — warm, nourishing and uncomplicated.

Dak Bibim Kalguksu 4/5

If you prefer something with more punch, the Dak Bibim Kalguksu ($15) offers a dry and more intensely flavoured take on the dish. The same hand-cut wheat noodles are tossed in Chef Kim’s house-made sauce, which includes gochujang and a blend of other ingredients. The noodles are then topped with shredded chicken, cucumber and sesame seeds. Compared to the soup version, this has a much bolder personality. The sauce brings a savoury and mildly spicy kick, balanced by a touch of sweetness, while the fresh cucumber cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch. The chewy noodles also work particularly well with the sauce, making this a satisfying option for those who enjoy their Korean food with a little more heat and flavour.

Samgyetang 4/5

The Samgyetang ($18) remains the signature dish at Kimpson’s Table and is the very dish that helped build Chef Kim’s following during his home-based days. The bowl comes with half a French chicken immersed in a nourishing broth simmered for up to five hours with ingredients such as red dates, garlic, and ginseng. The chicken is tender and falls easily from the bone, while the broth has a gentle herbal character without being overly heavy or medicinal. Despite the long cooking process and rich ingredients, it remains surprisingly light and easy to drink. Interestingly, this very broth also forms the foundation of the Dak Kalguksu, creating a nice connection between the two dishes. For me, Chef Kim’s Samgyetang appeals because of its simplicity. No excessive seasoning or embellishment, just tender chicken and a deeply flavoured broth that feels wholesome and comforting.

Boneless Fried Chicken 4.2/5

Of course, no Korean meal feels quite complete without fried chicken. Kimpson’s Table offers its Boneless Fried Chicken in four flavours — Original ($15), Yangnyeom ($16), Soy Garlic ($16) and the new Bburinkle Cheese ($17). We tried the Original and Soy Garlic flavours. The bite-sized boneless pieces are fried until golden and crisp on the outside, while staying juicy and tender inside. The Original lets the fried chicken itself take centre stage, with a light, savoury seasoning that makes it dangerously easy to keep reaching for another piece. The Soy Garlic, meanwhile, brings a more pronounced savoury sweetness, with the fragrant garlic complementing the crispy chicken nicely. For those who enjoy more adventurous Korean fried chicken flavours, the Bburinkle Cheese is also worth checking out. Meanwhile, the Yangnyeom should appeal to fans of the classic sweet-and-spicy Korean fried chicken combination.

Potato Pancake 4/5

The Potato Pancake ($12) is a simple but enjoyable addition to the table. Pan-fried to order, it comes with a crisp, golden exterior while retaining a softer, more tender centre. A pleasant potato sweetness peeks out from beneath the savoury crust, making it a good sharing dish alongside the other stronger-flavoured items.

Cheese Potato Pancake 4/5

For something a little more indulgent, the Cheese Potato Pancake ($14) takes the same potato pancake and adds a layer of cheesy richness. The crisp edges and soft potato interior work well with the melted cheese, giving the pancake a moreish quality without making it overly heavy. There is also a Kimchi Pancake ($12) available for those who prefer something with a tangier and more savoury kick. Freshly pan-fried to order, the trio of pancakes makes for easy sharing and rounds out the meal nicely.

What I enjoyed about Kimpson’s Table is that the food does not try too hard to reinvent Korean cuisine. Instead, Chef Patrick Kim focuses on familiar dishes that are comforting, nourishing and rooted in the flavours he grew up with. The introduction of Dak Kalguksu is particularly interesting, especially for diners who may not have tried this Korean staple before. Its broth, made from the same painstakingly prepared stock used for the signature Samgyetang, also gives the menu a sense of continuity. With its Hansang-inspired approach to dining, Kimpson’s Table feels suited for both casual meals and gatherings where dishes are shared around the table. From comforting bowls of noodles and Samgyetang to crispy fried chicken and freshly made pancakes, the menu offers a strong mix of hearty, approachable Korean favourites.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Kimpson’s Table
Far East Square
134 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 049963
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9pm
Sat: 12pm - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to The Clan Hotel. Go around the corner of the hotel and walk to the lane behind. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]