Rempapa @ Park Place Residences at PLQ - Chef Damian D'Silva Opens All-Day Singapore Heritage Cuisine Restaurant

I have been following Chef Damian D'Silva heritage cooking when he had a stall at Timbre+ Ayer Rajah, followed by Folklore and Restaurant Kin. But, unfortunately, he didn't stay long at any one place. Hence I was glad to hear he is making a come back with a new restaurant - Rempapa at Park Place Residences at PLQ. Rempapa offers an all-day dining concept where the eclectic menu caters for different times of day - Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.

Chickpea Curry with Roti/ String Hoppers 4.2/5

Available for both breakfast and brunch is the Chickpea Curry ($18) with either Roti or String Hoppers. Perked up by the addition of Kashmiri chilli powder and turmeric powder, it is an aromatic combo of Indian and Eurasian curry flavours. It's best to have it with the buttery crisp roti or let the string hoppers soak up the delicious curry.

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry with String Hoppers 4/5

I know Chef Damian can cook many cuisines, but Sri Lankan is new to me. The Sri Lankan Chicken Curry with String Hoppers ($16) is milder with tender kampong chicken thigh. Traditionally, Sri Lankan curry is a more watery kind of gravy that is perfect for the string hoppers, commonly known in Singapore as idiyappam or putu mayam, to soak up the curry.

Stir-fried Chee Cheong Fun 3.5/5

Chee Cheong Fun is a trending dish in the food scene this year, with several hawker stalls selling it, but they all sell the steamed version. Over at Rempapa, there is the stir-fried version. The Stir-fried Chee Cheong Fun ($13) is fried together with prawn, egg, and yellow chive. It is similar to our local white carrot cake replaced with smooth and soft rice noodle roll.

Seafood Curry Mee 4.8/5

The Seafood Curry Mee ($18) available during lunch and brunch comprises yellow noodles, bee hoon, pig skin, boiled prawns, fish cake, fresh cockles (optional), long tau pok and beansprouts. According to Chef Damian, his interpretation is from a Hokkien hawker dish served during the 1920s and 1930s. He has used his own curry powder blend for more subtle spice flavours. Sand prawns and dry shrimps are used to make the stock instead of coconut milk, resulting in a rich and umami soup base which I drank to the last drop.

Fish Nasi Lemak 4.2/5

Fried Chicken 4.5/5

The Nasi Lemak ($17) comes with either Fish or Fried Chicken. The fragrant coconut rice is accompanied by sambal, silver fish, egg and cucumber. Customers who opted for the fish nasi lemak gets a whole selar fish which is enormous! I prefer the fried chicken nasi lemak, which is comparable to the popular fried chicken nasi lemak from The Coconut Club.

Fried Chicken Curry Rice 4/5

To introduce heritage cuisine to the younger generation, Chef Damian introduces them to heritage flavours by giving the dish a modern presentation. He believes the food needs to be accepted by them first before trying and learning more about heritage cuisine. Hence, he has come up with the Fried Chicken Curry Rice ($16), presented as a Japanese curry with kaarage, combing the essences of Eurasian, Peranakan, Indian, Malay and Chinese cuisines.

Kedongdong Salad 4.5/5

For the dinner menu, the dishes are more communal. The menu is different from the breakfast, lunch and brunch menus. We had the Kedongdong Salad ($15) to kick start our dinner. I am not strange to the wing bean salad as Chef has served it before in his previous restaurant. However, the new version is less spicy, and he has added more shrimp floss.

Baca Assam 4.8/5

The Baca Assam ($38) is a dish that Chef Damian's granddad cooked only on special occasions. It is a lost Eurasian heritage dish that is a mix of Peranakan and Indian flavours. Beef brisket is used, and I enjoyed the tenderness. The addition of tamarind gives the beef brisket the tanginess, which cuts the richness and whetted the appetite.

Lamb Leg Rendang 3/5

The Lamb Leg Rendang ($38) is a classic Minangkabau dish cooked in a mix of wet spice paste. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed the rempah, the boneless lamb leg came across on the dry side.

Slow-cooked Belly Pork with Ah Seng Sauce 4.2/5

It is not all about Chef Damian's family recipes at Rempapa. The restaurant also showcases heritage recipes shared by the younger chefs to motivate their immersion into heritage cuisine. The Slow-cooked Belly Pork with Ah Seng Sauce ($23) is a heritage Hokkien dish that hails from Penang. The soul has to be the mildly spicy sauce on top of the pork belly. It is like having mala xiang gou.

Kueh Platter 4.5/5

Not to be missed at Rempapa is the daily assortment of kuehs. The Kueh Platter ($6 for 4pc, $10 for 8pc, $15 for 12pc) includes favourites such as Kueh Kosui and Kueh Ku, Kueh Bengkah, Pulut Bengkah, Talam Keladi, Sago Ubi, Lapis Pulot, Rempah Udang and others available on the day.

Rempapa is unlike any of Chef Damian's previous restaurants. At the new restaurant, Chef Damian introduces his 'Singapore New Heritage Cuisine', in which recipes drawn from the soul of tradition are reinvented with elements of different ethnicities to create flavour profiles that resonate with today's diner. Rempapa is not just a restaurant. It is the place where Chef Damian elevates Singapore heritage food to a status among the world's great cuisines. And where 'cultural sustainability' is nurtured through engaging the next generation of diners and mentoring fresh talent, seeing them take pride in Singapore cuisine and driving it to the next level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Rempapa
2 Paya Lebar Road
#01-01/02/03
Park Place Residences at PLQ
Singapore 409053
Tel: +65 94591603
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 930am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to Park Place Residences. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Relish @ Fraser Tower - Transformed Into Roketto Izakaya When Night Falls

For those that missed the food at Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low when it closed last year, you will be rejoiced to know that Chef Willin has brought the Mod-Sin DNA of Wild Rocket to Relish at Fraser Tower. When night falls, Relish will be transformed into Roketto Izakaya offering a casual dining bar concept featuring modern Singapore small bites and sharing plates, in the evening of Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Fish Collagen Broth 4.5/5

Having not dined in Wild Rocket before, I am not sure what to expect at Roketto Izakaya. Our first dish is the Fish Collagen Broth ($5). The flavourful and milky broth is from the essence of slow cooking the fish bones. No milk is added. The centrepiece is the fish cake that is coated with deep-fried egg. There is even fat choy in the soup. Chef Willin has kept the characteristic of our local fried fish soup but elevated it in his interpretation.

Har Jeong Pork Keropok 3.5/5

The Har Jeong Pork Keropok ($8.50) is quite addictive on its own. The thinly sliced pork belly is deep-fried until bacon-like crispy with the pungent prawn paste flavour. However, I am mix about the kaffe lime mayo dip. I felt that the intensity of the kaffe lime, sort of overpowered the prawn paste flavour.

Tandoori Pappadum Nachos 4/5

The Tandoori Pappadum Nachos ($8.50) is not your typical nachos with cheese dip. Instead, the corn chips are replaced with pappadum and paired with tandoori minced meat and yoghurt. An interesting take giving it an Indian influence.

Aburaage Rojak Salad 4.8/5

The Aburaage Rojak Salad ($15) elevated the local dish with the use of the Japanese aburaage in place of the local tau pok. The 'hae kor" ice cream substitutes the prawn paste sauce for rojak, binding the dish together. This is a brilliant dish that transforms a three dollar hawker dish into a fifteen dollar restaurant dish.

Har Jeong Tin Gai 4.2/5

The Har Jeong Tin Gai ($12) looks like chicken drumstick at one glance. They are really tender and juicy with a light crispy batter.

Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie 4.5/5

I thought the Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie ($15.80) is a crazy idea but Chef Willin actually made that happen, and it tastes delicious. You have to try it for yourself to know how great the combination really works. The curry chicken recipe is super shiok.

Krapow Prata Pizza 4/5

Chef Willin's love of Thai flavours can be seen in the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15). Instead of pizza dough, a crispy prata takes its place. It is topped with spicy minced meat, Thai basil, chilli and cheese.

Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings 3.5/5

The Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings ($8.50) comes with liquid rice and ikan bilis. It is a unique take of the traditional dish. However, it didn't quite excite me. I didn't like the skinny, crispy chicken wings. I prefer those that are tender and juicy.

Rendang Beef Cheek 3/5

While everything has been spot on so far, the Rendang Beef Cheek ($20) pales from the rest. The beef cheek probably has been sous vide which lacks the fibrous bite. The rendang also fell short in flavours and depth.

Char Siew Rice 3.5/5

Unfortunately, I didn't like the Char Siew Rice ($20) too. While the char siew is tender, it didn't have the char and sweetness that made me fell in love with the roast. The brown rice was a bit too hard and dry for me also.

Wild Rocket Chendol 4.2/5

Bur Bur Hitam 4/5, Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake $9.20

For desserts, we have Wild Rocket Chendol ($8.50), Bur Bur Hitam ($7.80) and Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake ($9.20). I would recommend saving some space for these wonderful desserts. I only hope I have a second stomach.

Although I have not visited Wild Rocket, I am glad that I still can taste some of the signature wild rocket dishes, in a more casual form at Roketto Izakaya. Chef Willin's modern Singapore cuisine indeed has brought our local food into a whole new level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Relish
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-12/13
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 69045458
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 3pm
Tue-Sat:  11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Colonial Club @ Changi Airport Terminal 3 - Discover Singapore's Heritage Story

A new restaurant has landed at Changi Airport Terminal 3 offering colonial favourites from different parts of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. Colonial Club is located at the departure hall, level 3 of Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Colonial Platter 3.5/5

Good for sharing is the Colonial Platter ($18.90) which comes with kueh pie tee, satay, inche kabin (nyonya fried chicken) and popiah. There is something for everyone. A delectable starter before the mains are served.

Otak Otak 4/5 and Roti Ayam 4/5

Inche Cabin Chicken 3.5/5

If you are not into a full meal, there are also delectable snacks such as Otak Otak ($6.90), Roti Ayam ($8.90) and Inche Cabin Chicken ($13.90). The Otak Otak, wrapped in banana leaf boosts the aroma of the spices mix in the fish paste. The Roti Ayam comes in a parcel of egg washed bread that has been pan fried and stuffed with chicken meat fillings marinated with Asian spices. Not forgetting the Inche Cabin Chicken which has been marinated withover 10 spices and coconut milk, then deep fried to crispy.

Straits Nonya Laksa with Soft Shell Crab 4.2/5

The Straits Nonya Laksa with Soft Shell Crab ($18.90) comes in a spicy rich coconut broth with rice vermicelli, cucumber, egg, fish, tofu, prawns and soft shell crab. The chef even travelled to Malacca to learn from local chefs. Its definitely a delicious bowl of laksa but its rather pricey.

Signature Colonial Club Nasi Lemak 4/5

The Signature Colonial Club Nasi Lemak ($15.90) is staked up into a tower. At the base is a piece of otak otak, followed by the fragrant blue pea rice, cucumber, fried egg and short rib rendang. I really applaud the effort to plate a simple nasi lemak into such a beautiful dish.

Colonial Style Hainanese Chicken Chop 3.8/5

Tender and juicy is the Colonial Style Hainanese Chicken Chop ($15.90). The chicken thigh coated with cracker crust is pan fried and then drenched in a special in-house tomato Worcestershire sauce. I love the addition of cubed fruits for that invigorating bite and fruity finishing.

Colonial Style Oxtail Stew with Toasted Bagutte 4/5

A classic dish on the menu is the Colonial Style Oxtail Stew with Toasted Bagutte ($15.90). Cooked for hours, the oxtail falls off the bone with ease. You can also find potatoes and carrot in the rich gravy. The best way is to enjoy it is to pick up the toasted baguette to mop up the piquant stew.

Kapitan Chicken Curry 4.2/5

Comes in a thick and creamy gravy is the Kapitan Chicken Curry ($13.90). The chicken is chopped into chunky pieces with big pieces of potatoes. It is great to go a bowl of rice or some toasted baguette to soak up that delicious gravy.

Crispy Skin Roast Chicken with Aromatic Hainanese Chicken Rice 4/5

You can find chicken rice almost at every corner of Singapore, so what makes the Crispy Skin Roast Chicken with Aromatic Hainanese Chicken Rice ($18 half/ $36 full) special here? Well I can't say it is special but definitely a notch better than a lot of chicken rice stalls out there. The succulent chicken has a delectable crisp on its skin and this is paired with aromatic rice. Not forgetting the chilli and ginger scallion sauces, which is an essential for the whole packet.

The menu at Colonial Club is quite huge catering for both tourist and local. This is a great place for tourist to get a bite of our local delicacies before leaving Singapore. However I do find the price a bit on the steep side but then its a known fact that food at airports are usually more expensive.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Colonial Club
Changi Airport Terminal 3
Departure Hall
65 Airport Boulevard
#03-33
Singapore 819633
Tel: +65 62140268
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily; 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport. Take Exit B. Walk to Departure Hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches New Weekend High Tea Buffet With Peranakan And English Delights

Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore launches a new Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet, which takes places on every weekend from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, where it will feature a variety of English and Peranakan signatures, enhanced with Nyonya highlights dishing out at live stations helmed by Pan Pacific Singapore chefs.

Served on a 22-metres long bar, diners can literally take a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic Peranakan signatures, such as the Nyonya Kueh, and Heritage Coconut Scones with Kaya and Pineapple Jam.

Not to be missed are all-time favourites – the D-I-Y Kueh Pie Tee. Make your own Kueh Pie Tee by your crispy tart shells with cooked turnip, vegetables, egg yolk and fresh shrimps.

The Nyonya Chicken Curry with French Baguette has a thick coconuty aroma with flavourful chicken and potato chunks. Best paired with the crispy French Baguette. Diners can also pop by the live stations serving Popiah with Sweet Turnips and Condiments and the hearty Pacific Lobster Laksa, a recipe created by the resident Nyonya Chef Nancy Teo.

Apart from the classics, delve deeper into the Orient with the unique East-Meets-West dishes where the chefs infuse Peranakan ingredients and spices into dishes. Expect Peranakan Pork Sausage with Achar, Otah Quiche, Ayam Panggang Skewers to excite taste buds.

Those who prefer a quintessential English afternoon tea can look forward to a curated lineup of finger sandwiches such as the Organic Egg Mayonnaise English Cucumber Sandwich.

Indulge in savoury delights including Roasted Beef and Apple Remoulade on Ciabatta, Norwegian Salmon and Fruit Puree on Malt Toast and Foie Gras Terrine and Fig Marmalade on Brioche.

Not to be missed is the Mini Wagyu Beef Sliders, which feature mini-sized tender beef meat with melted cheese in between pillowy slider buns.

Round up the weekend high tea with a plethora of petite sweets such as the Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake. Starring the cake of the month (April) - Matcha Opera Entremet. The cake flavour changes every month to excite tastebuds, so you will be in for a surprise with something different served in the following month.

One of my favourites is the fragrant and fluffy Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake, which is made using fresh juice extracted from pandan leaves and authentic Gula Melaka from Malacca. Expect intricate and delicious desserts such as the Araguani Hazelnut Royaltine Entremet as well.

Among the various sweets available, the buffet line also features a series of colourful macarons and homemade Bonbons with different flavours. It incorporates the bright colours, intricate beading and rich embroidery to reflect the elements of the Peranakan culture.

The Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet comes with two beverages of your choice. New additions to the beverage menu include two special cold brew teas – the Earl Grey infused with Orange and Cinnamon and Chamomile infused with Berries. For those who prefer the freshly brewed tea or coffee, pair the delectable canapés with a range of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet
Date: From 24 March 2018, every Saturday and Sunday*
Price: $48 per person, includes two beverages from the high tea menu.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods & Services Tax.
*Blackout dates apply, including eve of and on Public Holidays.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 230pm - 530pm

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