Showing posts with label Babi Pongteh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Babi Pongteh. Show all posts

Monday, December 1, 2025

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Limited Time 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu For This Decemeber

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Nestled within The White House along Scotts Road, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining is a six-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awardee. Helmed by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, the menu showcases more than two decades of his refined understanding of Peranakan flavours. For this festive season, INDOCAFÉ is launching a 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu. Priced at $68, the 5-course Signature Tasting Menu highlights the restaurant’s must-try dishes and serves as an excellent introduction to its Peranakan offerings.

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Trio Platter 4.5/5

We began with a Trio Platter of quintessential Peranakan snacks: Ngoh Hiang, Kueh Pie Tee, and Otah Otah. Each was delectable, but the Ngoh Hiang stood out for its well-executed meatiness and juiciness.

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Fish Maw Soup 4/5

This was followed by the Soup of the Day, a light Fish Maw Soup that was homely and comforting.

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Babi Pongteh 5/5

For mains, there is an option between Babi Pongteh or a $10 top-up for Wagyu Beef Rendang. The Babi Pongteh is prepared using Spanish Iberico pork, marinated in fermented soybean paste and stewed with potatoes, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, aromatic spices, onion, and garlic. The restrained use of fermented soybean paste kept the dish well-balanced without tipping into the common pitfall of excessive saltiness. The pork was flavourful and unctuous, as Iberico pork should be, offering a satisfying balance of meat to fat ratio. The accompaniments of potatoes, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots were tender and had thoroughly absorbed the rich, savoury gravy.

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Wagyu Beef Rendang 4.8/5

The Wagyu Beef Rendang is a crowd favourite. Succulent and gelatinous, the beef was robust in flavour, with a deep, aromatic richness that clings beautifully to each piece.

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Sayur Lodeh 3.8/5

The side dish, Sayur Lodeh, featured a thoughtful addition of fried tempeh for textural contrast. While enjoyable, I would have preferred the vegetables to be simmered longer for a softer, more traditional texture.

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Fish Head Curry 4.8/5

If you’re a fan of Fish Head Curry, the add-on option is highly recommended. At $48++ (usual price $58++) for a whole fish head, it is excellent value. The fish was moist and flaky, and the curry was enjoyable without being overly rich in coconut milk. The brinjals and lady’s fingers were also cooked to the right doneness, remaining intact and fresh.

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Kueh Salat 5/5, Bubur Cha Cha 3/5

For dessert, you can choose between Kueh Salat or Bubur Cha Cha. The Kueh Salat, with its light and creamy pandan custard layered over sticky glutinous rice, was the more satisfying of the two. The Bubur Cha Cha was decent but leaned more towards the ordinary.

This is my second visit to INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining, and I genuinely feel it’s an underrated spot for Peranakan cuisine. The food was even tastier than during my first experience, and the dining space, which feels both nostalgic and elegant, remains truly unmatched. 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu is available from 1 to 31 December 2025, only on weekdays for both lunch and dinner, excluding PH and eve of PH. Maximum of 8 guests per booking.

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.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Friday, September 5, 2025

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Peranakan Afternoon Tea, Celebrating The Rich and Vibrant Flavours of Singapore's Heritage

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In honour of SG60, Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore has rolled out a Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavours of Singapore's heritage.

Those with a good appetite will be pleased to know that the Weekend Afternoon Tea menu is served buffet-style and features live stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order. The spread offers traditional Peranakan classic dishes as well as a beautiful selection of sweets.

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Welcome Drink- Nyonya Bloom

Our afternoon tea experience started with the Nyonya Bloom, a welcome drink that combined peach and passionfruit with the fragrance of pandan and a hint of gula melaka. It was a sweet and refreshing drink for the afternoon. We also got to choose two other beverages from a selection of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

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Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee

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Nyonya “Kerabu” with Baby Abalone

We then headed over to put together some light bites to start. The Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee stood out with its vibrant red shell and tangy-sweet flavours. At the same time, the Nyonya "Kerabu" with Baby Abalone offered a refreshing mix of herbs and spices, with the tender baby abalone for a touch of indulgence. The shells for both were nice and crispy!

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Mackerel Mousseline in Soft Charcoal Bun

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“Bakwa” and Meat Floss Double Decker

Instead of the typical finger sandwiches often seen at afternoon tea, they have Mackerel Mousseline in a Soft Charcoal Bun, as well as a playful "Bakwa" and Meat Floss Double Decker, both offering distinctly local flavours. These were presented in a pull-out drawer as part of the buffet format, though they would have been more enjoyable if warmed up, as the bakkwa was slightly tough when served at room temperature.

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Nyonya Laksa

One of my favourite dishes at local-themed afternoon teas is always laksa, and the Nyonya Laksa from the Live Station did not disappoint. It was easily the best dish of the afternoon for me, thanks to its rich, thick, and flavourful gravy. You can choose toppings of shrimp, beansprouts, quail eggs, and fish puffs. I enjoyed this so much that I had multiple bowls, a perk of the buffet-style service.

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Babi Pongteh

The Babi Pongteh with Blue Pea Rice and Achar was also quite enjoyable. The pork was soft and tender, and the rice had a lovely, subtle fragrance. The accompanying achar added a nice crunch to the dish.

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Five Spice “Lor Bak”

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Peranakan Stuffed Chicken Wing, Crispy Lobster Popiah

There were three other savoury bites, the Five Spice “Lor Bak”, the Peranakan stuffed Chicken Wing in Inche Kabin style, and the Crispy Lobster Popiah with tamarind-pineapple gravy. These unfortunately did not appeal to me, as I found them a bit dry with a slightly processed mouthfeel.

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Bananas Foster

Moving on to the sweets, the Bananas Foster live station is a highlight of this buffet experience. Watching the bananas being sautéed in butter and brown sugar adds a touch of theatre to the experience. The warm, caramelised bananas and crepes are served with your choice of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, mango compote, vanilla ice cream, or raspberry passionfruit sorbet. Very delicious and indeed decadent!

You will want to leave some stomach space to sample all the pretty cakes on display. The cakes were well done, and I enjoyed all of them.

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Strawberry Shortcake

The Strawberry Shortcake was lovely and light, with fresh strawberries layered between soft vanilla sponge, Speculoos crumble, and Madagascan vanilla Chantilly. Each bite felt like eating a delicate cloud.

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Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart

The Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart was equally delightful, featuring a luscious blend of sea salt caramel and Hukambi milk chocolate cream nestled in a crisp, buttery tart shell. It's slightly on the sweet side due to the caramel, but still very enjoyable.

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Fish Tank

The Fish Tank immediately catches your eye, with vibrant blue pea jelly resting atop a matcha financier, finished with a light and zesty yuzu whipped ganache. A highly photogenic cake!

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Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar

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Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux

The Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar features a vibrant, tangy passion fruit mousse atop a pistachio sponge and crunchy base, offering a refreshing balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavours in every bite. The Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux, meanwhile, is light and airy, filled with a rich, velvety hazelnut praline custard that melts in your mouth.

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Golden Sultana and Classic Scones

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones are served to the table, presented in a cloth wrap to keep them nice and warm. They are accompanied by orange marmalade, strawberry jam, and rich English clotted cream. A must-have at any afternoon tea experience.

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The Peranakan Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 2 August to 16 November 2025, with two seatings available: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (First seating) and 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Second seating).

On weekends, the afternoon tea is presented buffet-style with live stations and is priced at $68++ per person, or $88++ per person with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne. For children aged 6 to 12, it is priced at $34++. On weekdays, the afternoon tea is served at the table and is priced at $58++ per person, or $78++ per person including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Reopens with New Peranakan Dishes

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Nestled within "The White House" along Scotts Road, the reopening of INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining unveils the iconic colonial-style bungalow that has been transformed into an enclave that embraces both modernity and the vibrant heritage of Peranakan culture. Its interiors blend Peranakan influences with a touch of modern sophistication, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. The new menu, curated by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, features old favourites alongside new dishes showcasing his understanding of Peranakan flavours developed over more than 20 years of culinary experience.

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Belinjo Crackers

We were delighted with a mouthwatering complimentary welcome snack - crunchy Belinjo Crackers with Sambal Belacan, Gula Melaka & Acar. The sambal belacan whetted my appetite, with its piquancy laced with a hint of hit, making it the perfect dip throughout the meal. I love the crunch from the acar as well.

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We started with the Trio Platter from its Signature Tasting Menu - Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang, Otah Otah. Individual items are available in the ala carte menu. Within the Kueh Pie Tee ($19) is braised shredded turnip, topped with dried prawns and crabmeat. The shredded turnip retained a good crunch and aptly seasoned, and a touch of the vibrant chilli sauce lifted its flavours. Both the and were equally delightful. The Ngoh Hiang ($19) showcased an excellent proportion of pork and chopped water chestnuts, resulting in a testy, juicy meat roll. Nonya Otah Otah ($16) was tasty with chunky mackerel fish, and Nyonya herbs and spices were also quite balanced.

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Itek Tim (tasting portion) 4/5

We also had a soup starter - Itek Tim ($14), a salted vegetable duck leg soup. It boasted a profound tartness from pickled mustard greens, balanced with fruity sweetness imparted by tomatoes. The duck meat was cooked to tender. The soup was also elevated with shaved nutmeg for a subtle lift and a dash of brandy for a depth of flavour.

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INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang (tasting portion) 4.5/5

Moving on to the Mains. We savoured the INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang ($38), elevated with premium Wagyu beef cheek. The beef cheek is cooked with spices, shrimp paste, chilli and coconut milk for over three hours, followed by additions of Nyonya rempah and a medley of fresh aromatics. The beef was tender and moist, and the flavours were well-rounded without overly intense.

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Babi Pongteh (tasting portion) 4.5/5

INDOCAFÉ also amped its Babi Pongteh ($28) with Spanish Iberico pork. The pork is marinated to the bone with fermented soybean paste and then cooked with potatoes, aromatic spices, onion and garlic. Having Spanish Iberico pork prepared in this manner for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was being executed. Despite the absence of the usual chunky layers of fats and skin found in a regular pork belly, the flavours and texture were not compromised.

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Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan (tasting portion) 3.8/5

We also had a seafood fish - Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan ($39). The Patagonian toothfish is deep-fried and dressed with ginger flower and Thai sweet and sour chilli sauce. It was tasty with a firm and succulent texture, although a thinner crust would have been preferable.

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Dry Laksa 3/5

We tried its Dry Laksa ($26) with Argentina Red Prawns. The laksa lacked the robustness and punch we expected, and the prawns were a bit mushy in texture.

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Sago Gula Melaka 4.5/5

Ending things on a sweet note - Sago Gula Melaka ($14) was indulgent with prime D24 durian pengat. The sticky sago pudding was lightly sweetened with gula melaka and doused with warm coconut milk, bringing the elements together into a harmonious delight.

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Kueh Salat 4/5

The Signature Kueh Salat ($15) was aesthetically presented, featuring a scoop of coconut ice cream adorned with desiccated coconut and crushed peanuts. While the pandan coconut custard was deliciously creamy, the glutinous rice layer could be softer to combine better with the custard. The overall sweetness was on the higher side.

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Kerinci

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To complete the dining experience, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining has also incorporated artisanal coffee offerings and exclusive beverages. During our meal, we had a refreshing mimosa to complement the richness of the food. When it came to desserts, between Gesha Passiflora ($19) from Colombia and Kerinci ($11) from Indonesia, I opted for the latter, which offers tasting notes of tropical fruits, dried fruits, berries, stone fruits with a wine-like sweet finish.

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Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 28, 2023

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine

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In collaboration with Chef Philip Chia, a local culinary master and best-selling cookbook author known for his Peranakan cuisine, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents "Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine" at Town Restaurant alongside their signature spread of local and international fare. From 14 August to 14 September 2023, you can taste Chef Philip's prowess as a purveyor of Peranakan cuisine in the dishes created in the lunch and dinner buffet menus from Monday to Saturday.

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Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th’ng

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Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad

We started with some cold salads that whetted our appetites with zesty and piquant dressings - the Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th'ng (Peanut Candy) Dressing and the Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad. Both salads were ultra-refreshing, featuring crunchy cucumbers, juicy pineapples, and prawns and eggs that added delightful textures. I found them rather addictive - the fiery dressings had a good amount of heat and acidity yet were well balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and pineapples.

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Otah Otah

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Ngoh Hiang

Familiar and well-loved appetisers Ngoh Hiang and Otah Otah are also available.

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Kueh Pie Tee

One of the highlights is the DIY Kueh Pie Tee station, complete with crispy, thin tart shells and well-stewed turnips.

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Babi Pontay

The Mains were superb. The Babi Pontay (braised pork belly in fermented soybean sauce) was truly memorable, featuring fork-tender and unctuous thick-cut pork belly, along with generous chunks of mushrooms and bamboo shoots that had absorbed the flavoursome sauce, softening and enhancing their taste.

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Ayam Buah Keluak

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Beef Rendang

Other meat dishes featured include tantalising Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken and black nuts in tamarind gravy) and Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef curry). Both delivered flavoursome and tender meats, and it was even more satisfying when I had them together with the warm and fragrant Jasmine rice served alongside.

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Assam Pedas

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Udang Goreng Assam

Seafood dishes provided a delightful addition to the line-up. The Assam Pedas was a highlight for me; the sour and spicy gravy was irresistible, accentuated by substantial chunks of pineapple that had been simmered to release bursts of sweet and tangy juice with every bite. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender and flaky texture. The Udang Goreng Assam (fried prawns with tamarind) were finger-licking good.

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Nyonya Chap Chye

And my favourite, Nyonya Chap Chye, didn't disappoint either! The vegetables had been braised until tender, absorbing the delectable umami broth.

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The dessert counter showcases a live station serving Chendol, along with an array of bite-sized kueh such as Kueh Salat, Bengka Ubi, Kueh Kosui, and more. My personal favorite is the Rainbow Lapis, which in my opinion was the best Rainbow Lapis I have had to date. They were so good that you had to be quick, as they were snapped up shortly after being replenished.

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Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Flavours
- Executive Lunch Buffet Monday to Friday S$48* per adult, S$24* per child
- Seafood Symphony Dinner Buffet Wednesday and Thursday S$128* per adult, S$64* per child
- Dinner Buffet with Barbecued Selection Friday and Saturday S$118* per adult, S$59* per child
- International Lunch Buffet Saturday S$68* per adult, S$34* per child

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]