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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kerinci

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.

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
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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]

Jam at Siri House @ Dempsey Hill - Transports One To A Luxurious Home Dining Experience

A new kid on the block at Dempsey Hill is Jam at Siri House. The new restaurant is a partnership with luxury property developer, Sansiri. The space houses a Sales Gallery, Art Space, Retail as well as the restaurant Jam at Siri House which elevates home dining and drinking experience with exquisite food to share and cocktails to match.

Belinjo Crackers Crab Fat Crema 3/5

Before starting the lunch proper, we started with some bar bites. One of the specials for the week was the Belinjo Crackers Crab Fat Crema ($13). I thought it was quite a bold decision to use belinjo cracker as not many people like the bitter aftertaste. I have to say the kitchen smartly balanced it with the crab fat crema, giving it a touch of acidity. On a culinary angle, I applaud the team for turning simple ingredients and elevating them into a delicious dish. As a consumer, I may think twice about the price as I can buy a packet of belinjo crackers and enjoy them in the comfort of my sofa.

Chicken in a Biscuit 3.5/5

A fun dish to be eaten by hand is the Chicken in a Biscuit ($12). This is inspired by the popular children's snack, Chicken in a Biskit but given face lift using the chicken fat to make the cookies. Even the chicken skin is turned into golden crispy crumbs and placed on top the cream cheese for that extra texture crunch.

Beef Fat Popcorn 4.2/5

A very dangerous snack on the menu is the Beef Fat Popcorn. Coated and perfumed by the layer of beef fat, this is addictive dangerous. I could not stop going back for more.

Scallop 4.5/5

The Scallop ($30) which has been dressed with yuzu, extra virgin olive oil and black truffle is sweet, savoury and briny in taste. Something unique from similar scallop dishes is the addition of flash fried crispy kombu that gives it an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Spicy Potatoes 4.8/5

A must order at restaurant Jam is the Spicy Potatoes ($16). I have never know potato can taste so good until now. The Hasselback potatoes is baked and fried to a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. It is paired with mala mayonnaise that simply transformed it into a delicacy. Not only that, it is further fueled by the crispy beef lardons and parmesan with a drizzle of mala oil.

Broccolini 4/5

A simple and clean vegetable dish is the Broccolini ($25) that is adorned with fresh burrata, sumac and pickled onions. I enjoyed how the char gives the broccolini a layer of smokiness with a slight crisp exterior.

Cod 4.2/5

The Cod ($38) is beautiful cooked to a nice crisp on the skin while the flesh is firm and moist. It is paired with mushroom dashi and asari clams that have been smoked in the restaurant's charcoal oven. Lastly the cod is topped with ginger and coriander that have been fried in hot oil till golden and fragrant before pouring on top of it. Just like how the Chinese cooked their fish.

Pappardelle 4.5/5

Featuring homemade fresh egg pasta is the Pappardelle ($33) that has been tossed in a rich and concentrated bisque like sauce, extracted from the prawn and lobster heads that has been roasted with butter and cooked down with cream and mirepoix. It is accompanied with mussels smoked in the charcoal oven and pan roasted tiger prawns.

Apple and Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Apple and Ice Cream ($17) is the pastry chef's take of the apple crumble. Infused in rosemary caramel, the apples are browned in butter deglazed with calvados and the same caramel sauce they have been infusing in. They are then laid on a bed of crumb made from brown sugar, oats, butter and flour, paired with cinnamon and clove ice cream, and garnished with apple chips. What I also like about this dessert, is that it is not overly sweet.

S'mores 4/5

S'mores ($18) usually are very sweet so I was glad that the rendition here is not so. Sandwiched in between the graham cinnamon biscuits is raspberry ganache and marshmallow, sprinkled with sea salt. Pick it up with your hand and bite into the rich and intense filling with a hint of sourish from the raspberry to cut that sweetness.

Overall I like and enjoyed the food at restaurant Jam, there is a lot of thoughts in elevating simple ingredients into a beautiful dish with plays of flavours and textures. However it may also be an issue as diners may feel overpaying for a dish, which can be a reality especially when the portion is rather small too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jam at Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]