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]

Heartland by Enjoy @ Tampines - Introduces New Dishes With Familiar Flavours That Comes With Creative Twists

Tucked away in the heartlands, Heartland by Enjoy has expanded its menu with new dishes that blend familiar local flavours with modern café-style influences. From crispy sharing bites and fusion mee pok creations to hearty rice sets, comforting fish curry, and indulgent desserts, we dropped by to see whether these latest additions are worth the trip.

Block Party Mac & Cheese 2/5

New on the menu is the Block Party Mac & Cheese ($6.90), a fun little sharing dish made with breaded and deep-fried mac and cheese bites. They were nicely fried with a crisp exterior; however, we were expecting the centre to be much creamier and gooier. Instead, the filling was a little dry for our liking, so it unfortunately didn’t quite hit the spot for us.

Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 3/5

Mee Pok Carbonara 2/5

Out of curiosity, we tried both fusion mee pok dishes on the menu. The Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok ($15.90) comes with smoked duck and has a pleasant garlicky aroma, though we were hoping for a bolder garlic flavour. The Mee Pok Carbonara ($14.90), on the other hand, is topped with an egg that adds richness and creaminess, giving it a flavour profile closer to an authentic carbonara.

While both dishes offer an interesting fusion twist, we found the mee pok a little too soft, with the alkaline taste coming through more than we’d like. Cooking the noodles to a firmer, more al dente texture would greatly improve the overall experience.

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 4/5

Another new addition is the Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set ($13.90), which we found to be really good value for money. The set comes with BBQ chicken thigh, fragrant coconut rice, a fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and three different sauces on the side.

Our chicken portion was a little dry that evening, although we were assured this is not usually the case. We really enjoyed the rice. It had a lovely coconut fragrance, and the use of basmati rice kept every grain nicely separated instead of clumping together. A hearty and satisfying option for the price.

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 4/5

One of our favourite dishes from the evening was the Kampung Barra Fish Curry ($27.90). A whole piece of barramundi fillet is used, which means you get to enjoy the fish without having to deal with bones. The curry was rich and comforting, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice without being overly heavy. It also comes with tofu, tofu puffs and vegetables that soak up the curry beautifully. We also liked the crispy tofu skin served separately on the side. It added a nice crunchy contrast and was especially good dipped into the curry.

Drinks 4/5

We tried three drinks — the Coconut Smoothie ($7.90), Avocado Gula Melaka Smoothie ($7.90) and Coconut Coffee Ice Blend ($7.90). All three were enjoyable, with rich flavours and just the right amount of sweetness. A refreshing option which made them easy to drink alongside the heavier dishes.

Sago Gula Melaka 5/5

The Real Chendol 5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts — the Sago Gula Melaka ($5.90), which is new to the menu, and The Real Chendol ($6.90). Both were excellent and easily our favourite sweet treats of the evening. The standout was undoubtedly the gula melaka, which was rich, fragrant and tasted authentic without being overly sweet. These are definitely worth saving some room for.

Heartland by Enjoy’s newest menu offerings are a mix of hits and misses, but there are certainly dishes worth returning for, like the Kampung Barra Fish Curry and desserts.

The restaurant itself has a cosy neighbourhood charm, although the dining area is quite compact with tables placed close together. It also gets very busy during peak meal hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you’re dropping by. Overall, it’s a worthwhile spot for comforting local flavours, especially if you’re in the area and looking to try something new.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Heartland by Enjoy
Blk 481 Tampines Street 44
#01-267
Singapore 520481
Tel: +65 87766757
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines East MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the HDB blocks and walk to Tampines Street 42. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Street 44. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tanglin Cookhouse @ Tanglin Mall - All-New 90-Minute Nasi Lemak Buffet

Tanglin Cookhouse, known for its contemporary colonial cuisine, has recently launched a brand new Lemak & Co. à la carte Nasi Lemak Buffet. This 90-minute experience offers unlimited servings of 15 classic local nasi lemak dishes, spanning appetisers, mains, and desserts.

Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan

We began with Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan. The crisp belingo crackers, with their subtle bitterness, proved to be the perfect vehicle for the piquant housemade sambal.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments 3.8/5

Next came the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments. While the chicken was well-marinated and tender, it lacked the defining smoky char typically associated with satay. The peanut sauce was decent, though I personally prefer a more savoury profile.

White Rojak Quinoa Salad 4.2/5

The White Rojak Quinoa Salad was my favourite appetiser. Its refreshing mix of jicama, cucumber, and quinoa, tossed in a fragrant ginger flower dressing, made it an excellent palate cleanser and a welcome contrast to the richer dishes.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.2/5

For mains, the Ayam Goreng Berempah featured succulent spice-rubbed fried chicken topped with moreish rempah crumbs.

Braised Beef Rendang 3/5

The Braised Beef Rendang, made with slow-braised beef cheek infused with coconut, galangal, and spices, was somewhat disappointing. Some pieces were tender and delicious, while others leaned dry. The gravy also came across slightly too sweet.

Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok 4.5/5

The Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok was my favourite. The pan-seared fish was moist and flaky, crowned with salty fermented shrimp that beautifully enhanced the fish’s natural sweetness.

Turmeric Coconut Rice 5/5

The true highlight of the buffet, however, was the Turmeric Coconut Rice. This basmati coconut rice, infused with turmeric, was delightfully fluffy and aromatic. Honestly, even when paired simply with a fried egg, sambal chilli, and peanuts, it was satisfying enough to stand on its own.

Yam “Orh Nee” 4.2/5

To round off the meal, the Heritage Gula Melaka Sago Pudding offered a light and refreshing finish, with fragrant palm sugar and coconut. For something more indulgent, the warm Yam “Orh Nee” with Candied Ginkgo Nuts stood out. Unlike some versions that can be overly oily, this one was thoughtfully balanced and well executed.

Lemak & Co. is available all day, Monday to Wednesday, at $29.90++ per pax (min. 2 pax, with one drink per person), from 11am onwards.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tanglin Cookhouse
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#01-106
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 9382
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight down Grange Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe @ Enabling Village - A Pet Cafe, Pet Grooming Centre, and Training Ground for Special Needs and Disabilities

Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe is more than just a café tucked away in a cosy corner. It's a meaningful initiative that blends heart, hospitality, and hearty fare. As Singapore's first pet café and grooming centre that also serves as a training ground for individuals with special needs and disabilities, the space is as inclusive as it is inviting. Diners can expect a menu of affordable, comforting Asian favourites, with mains starting from $7.80 and appetisers from $3.80. Best of all, your furry companions are welcome to join, with fresh pet food available on-site.

Fried Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

The Fried Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.80 for 5pc) are a crowd-pleaser. Deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, each wing packs a punch of umami-rich prawn paste flavour. Comparable to the standard you'd expect at a solid zi char stall, they're delightfully addictive and well-executed.

Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah 3.8/5

A solid choice for those craving the familiar, the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($10.80) comes with all the essentials comprising fragrant coconut rice, crunchy ikan bilis, peanuts, a fried egg, and most importantly, a piece of spiced, tender ayam berempah that delivers on both aroma and flavour. The menu allows customisation with other protein options such as curry chicken, karaage, pork chop, luncheon meat, or tempura prawn, catering to every palate.

Fried Rice with Black Pepper Roasted Chicken 4/5

The Fried Rice with Black Pepper Roasted Chicken ($11.80) hits the mark for a simple yet satisfying meal. The roasted chicken is tender, nicely seasoned, and pairs well with the egg fried rice. Like the nasi lemak, diners have the flexibility to swap proteins, from salted egg karaage to prawns or mushrooms, making it a customisable comfort dish.

Tornado Egg Rice with Mushroom Treasure 3.8/5

The Tornado Egg Rice with Mushroom Treasure ($8.80) features fluffy rice blanketed by a soft, ribbon-like omelette. Its earthy mushroom sauce seeps into every bite, creating a savoury and creamy finish. Again, you can pick your preferred protein, which adds to the dish's appeal for return visits.

Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken 4/5

A standout on the menu, the Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken ($12.80) is bold and aromatic. The rich sauce is infused with sesame oil, coating tender chunks of chicken that absorb all that savoury goodness. Served bubbling in a claypot, it's a dish best enjoyed hot and steaming.

Golden Seafood Soup 4.2/5

Looking for something comforting? The Golden Seafood Soup ($11.80) delivers. A medley of seafood ingredients is served in a robust, savoury broth that's hearty and full of flavour, perfect for a rainy day or when you just need a bowl of slurping satisfaction.

Signature Mee Goreng 4/5

The Signature Mee Goreng ($8.80) is another winning dish. Wok-fried to perfection, the springy noodles are coated in a sweet, tangy sauce that clings to every strand. A runny egg is tossed in at the end, giving the dish an extra layer of richness and depth.

Bailey & Patch is more than just a café. It's a heart-led haven where people and pets dine together in a warm, inclusive environment. The menu doesn't try to be fancy but delivers well-executed, nostalgic flavours at accessible prices. Whether you're popping by with your pup for a casual meal or supporting the café's meaningful mission, it's definitely worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe
Enabling Village
20 Lengkok Bahru
#01-17
Singapore 159053
Tel: +65 8087 6692
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and cut through the housing estate to Redhill Road. At Redhill road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.[Map]

Choon Hoy Parlor (春花) @ Beach Road - A Singapore Soul Food Haven

With the relocating of The Masses, the space has been transformed into a new concept by Chef Dylan Ong — Choon Hoy Parlor (春花). This cosy spot offers Singapore soul food, featuring a multicultural smorgasbord of heritage and heirloom recipes and hawker dishes close to the heart of Singaporeans.

Mini Fried Pomfret 3/5

We began our dinner with the Mini Fried Pomfret ($8.90/5pc, $15.90/10pc), deep-fried to a delightful crisp. Paired with the accompanying Plum Tao Cheong Dip, it was a pleasant start, though it didn't quite stand out among the other offerings.

CHP Signature Our Rojak, Our Own Way 4.2/5

The CHP Signature Our Rojak, Our Own Way ($8.90) is a refreshing, modern take on the traditional local rojak. It comprises seasonal fresh vegetables like starfruits, Japanese cucumbers, jicama, and rose apple, topped with house-made Rojak ice cream and garnished with You Tiao, century eggs, and peanuts. This innovative twist on a classic dish was a delightful explosion of flavours and textures.

CHP Signature Salad: Ulam 3/5

Next, we tried the traditional Malaysian dish, the CHP Signature Salad: Ulam ($15.90). Served cold on crushed ice, it featured fresh seasonal vegetables like paku fern, white corn, rose apple, jicama, lady's finger, Japanese cucumber, papaya, and seldom leaves. It was accompanied by Sambal Belacan and Ginger Flower Emulsion dips. While refreshing, the raw vegetables might not appeal to everyone.

Coin Prata 5/5

The Coin Prata ($8.90) served like a taco paired with lamb masala and mint yoghurt, was a highlight. The lamb masala, which Chef Dylan learned from an Indian chef, was robust and flavourful. Coupled with the crispy prata, this dish was an explosion of flavours and textures—a must-try!

Pork Tongue 3.8/5

Having eaten beef tongue before, I was intrigued by the Pork Tongue. It was more tender than beef tongue and served in a Thai-style spicy sauce paired with a crispy cracker. If I hadn't known, I would have thought it was beef brisket due to its melt-in-the-mouth texture.

CHP Signature White Pepper Pig Stomach Collagen Soup 4/5

Served in a claypot, the CHP Signature White Pepper Pig Stomach Collagen Soup ($25.90) was hearty and comforting. The peppery soup, comprising whole garlic cloves, winter melon, goji berries, pig stomach, taukee, and chives, was a warm, satisfying delight.

CHP Signature 16Hrs Bone-in Coffee Angus Short Rib 4.5/5

Inspired by the local zichar dish coffee Pork Ribs — the CHP Signature 16Hrs Bone-in Coffee Angus Short Rib ($69/700-800g) was an elevated interpretation. The fork-tender beef short rib, grilled over binchotan and glazed with coffee umami sauce, was further garnished with fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish. This dish was a standout.

Teochew Braised Duck 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes was the Teochew Braised Duck ($69). Served with a set of condiments, including Tau Kwa Pau, sambal chilli, chopped boiled eggs, cucumbers, and yam mixed with fried hae bee hiam and fish cake, the braised whole duck leg was well-flavoured by the braising sauce for 1.5 hours and tender and succulent. The accompanying Tau Kwa Pau, a disappearing hawker dish, offered an additional way to enjoy this delightful dish.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 3.8/5

A good change from the usual Har Cheong Kai was the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($15.90/6pc). Instead of the usual whole chicken leg, it featured chicken winglets and drumsticks for a finger-licking good experience. Topped with serunding, it offered great textures and aroma.

CHP Signature Hainanese Kampong Chicken 3.5/5

A Lil Lard, A Lil Soy, A Lil Love Rice (Triple L)

The CHP Signature Hainanese Kampong Chicken ($15.90/Half, $28.90/Full) uses poached kampong chicken steamed with spring onion, ginger, and garlic. Served with minced vegetables lightly cooked in oil, soy sauce, sliced cucumbers, spring onion, and chopped ginger condiment, this iconic Singapore dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of Triple L Pork Lard Rice ($3).

CHP X Jelebu Signature Dry Laksa V2.0 3/5

The CHP X Jelebu Signature Dry Laksa V2.0 ($18.90) was wetter than expected. While the rempah was robust and fragrant, the strong cockles' flavour was not to my liking. However, I heard the restaurant has tweaked the recipe for an even more delicious version.

Yuzu Citron Cheng Tng 4.5/5

The Yuzu Citron Cheng Tng ($10.90) was an elevated take on the traditional Chinese clear soup dessert. It was simmered until flavorful with rock sugar, dried longan, dates, white fungus, sea coconut, karaya gum, and Korean yuzu citron, which gave the clear soup a deliciously new dimension.

CHP Signature Durian Chendol 4/5

Another local dessert inspiration was the CHP Signature Durian Chendol ($13.90). A gula melaka sponge cake base topped with pandan jellies, kidney beans, coconut ice cream, D24 durian puree, and corn espuma sauce, this luxe version of the traditional chendol dessert was a delightful end to our meal.

Choon Hoy Parlor (春花) is a gem for those seeking to relive the comfort and nostalgia of Singapore soul food. Chef Dylan Ong's innovative take on traditional dishes offers a fresh, contemporary twist that still holds true to its roots. Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a hearty meal, Choon Hoy Parlor promises a dining experience that's both satisfying and memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Choon Hoy Parlor (春花)
85 Beach Road
#01-02
Singapore 189694
Tel: +65 6266 0061
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road to Tan Quee Lan Street. Walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]