Mama Pinto’s Kitchen – Homey Eurasian Private Dining That’s Hard to Come By

Private dining concepts continue to flourish, but Eurasian cuisine remains a rarity in Singapore’s dining landscape. That was precisely why the foodie gang decided to try Mama Pinto’s Kitchen, opting for a Eurasian-focused menu, though Mama Pinto does a mix of Eurasian and Peranakan dishes. At $90 for 7 dishes, it’s also one of the more value-for-money private dining menus we’ve come across.

Pomelo Salad 4/5

We started with the Pomelo Salad, a refreshing opener that whetted the appetite. The natural sweetness of the pomelo is lifted with a spicy lime dressing, then topped with nuts, garlic crisp and dried prawns for extra crunch and umami.

Stuffed Beancurd Puff 4.2/5

Next came the Stuffed Beancurd Puffs, packed with minced beef and potatoes. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, the exterior gives way to a soft, hearty centre. Pair it with the sambal kicap on the side for a spicy-sweet kick that elevates the bite.

Itek Teem 4.2/5

The Itek Teem was a standout soup course. A good version hinges on a well-built broth, and here it’s slow-cooked with pork ribs for added depth, along with duck and salted vegetables. Mama Pinto even marinates the duck with brandy. Diners can add an extra splash of brandy to the soup for more flavour dimension.

Eurasian Beef Semur 3/5

The Eurasian Beef Semur unfortunately leaned on the tougher side due to the cut used. Stewed with onions, potatoes and carrots, the flavours were promising; a better choice of beef would have made this dish shine.

Eurasian Kari Devil 4.8/5

The clear favourite of the night was the Eurasian Kari Devil. This spicy chicken curry, brightened with mustard and vinegar, features tender chicken pieces, potatoes, and chicken sausages. Bold, tangy and full-bodied — the table unanimously approved.

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Eurasian Pork Tambrinyu 4.5/5

The Eurasian Pork Tambrinyu, an Eurasian take on babi assam, was another enjoyable dish. Using both pork belly and pork ribs, diners get two different textures: thick slices of belly for melt-in-the-mouth richness, and rib meat that slips off the bone effortlessly.

Eurasian Sambal Ma Juliana Prawns 4.5/5

We wrapped up with the Sambal Ma Juliana Prawns with Petai. The sweetness of the prawns pairs well with the spicy, tangy tamarind-based sambal, while the petai adds a distinct aroma and bite.

We ended the meal with a comforting homemade Pineapple Tart served with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. A simple yet satisfying finish, the warm tart and cold ice cream made a delightful pairing. I enjoyed it so much that I completely forgot to take a photo.


Mama Pinto
Upper East Coard Road
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Rempapa @ Park Place Residences at PLQ - A Final Taste of Heritage Peranakan Recipes Before the Move

I am back at Rempapa at Park Place Residences at PLQ before it closes its door on 03 October 2025, ahead of its move to its new home at National Gallery Singapore in late October. For this final stretch, the restaurant is offering a limited-time menu of heritage Peranakan recipes. This is likely the last chance to savour their Peranakan offerings, as I heard through the grapevine that these dishes may not feature at the new outlet.

Bandung Cincau 4.2/5

A drink I always order at Rempapa is the Bandung Cincau ($8). The rose syrup brings floral sweetness, while the grass jelly adds a chewy contrast. Simple yet refreshing, it’s a cooling accompaniment to the rich dishes.

Hati Babi Bungkus 4/5

Traditionally served during festive occasions, Hati Babi Bungkus ($14) is a labour-intensive Peranakan delicacy. Rempapa’s version is made with minced pork, diced liver, shallots, vinegar, coriander, dark soya, and sugar, all wrapped in caul fat before being grilled over charcoal. Smoky, savoury, and crisp, each bite is flavour-packed with a balance of richness and acidity. The topping of pickled mustard greens cuts through the heaviness, while sambal belacan on the side takes it up a notch.

Sayur Kachang Rempah Titek 4.5/5

The heart of Peranakan cuisine lies in its rempah, and rempah titek is one of the most essential spice blends. In the Sayur Kachang Rempah Titek ($18), long beans and sweet potatoes are simmered in a prawn-stock-based gravy perfumed with this aromatic paste. The result is a dish that’s layered, earthy, and deeply satisfying, with the sweet potatoes providing a lovely rounding sweetness.

Itek Teem 3.8/5

The Itek Teem ($20) is a traditional salted vegetable duck soup enriched with preserved plums, tamarind, and pickled vegetables. Served with a whole duck leg, it is tangy and comforting, though I found the broth a little light, lacking the robust body I was hoping for.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.5/5

An iconic Peranakan dish, the Ayam Buah Keluak ($28) is executed with respect for tradition. Each keluak nut is stuffed only with its flesh, pork fat, and salt before being stewed with chicken in a luscious, aromatic rempah, coconut milk, and tamarind juice. It’s soulful and rich, a dish that speaks of heritage and generations of culinary wisdom.

Papaya Masak Rempah Titek 3/5

The Papaya Masak Rempah Titek ($22) was a first for me. Semi-ripened papaya is stewed with rempah titek, salted fish, shallots, and dried shrimp. The flavours were bold and unique, though the papaya lacked the sweetness I was expecting. It grew on me as I ate more, but it may be an acquired taste.

Kueh Kosui 4.5/5

A meal at Rempapa would not be complete without their Kueh Kosui ($18). This steamed tapioca kueh with gula melaka, dusted with grated coconut, has been perfected by Chef Damian over the years. Soft, chewy, and fragrant, it’s the ideal sweet ending.

With the move to National Gallery Singapore, it remains to be seen what direction Rempapa’s menu will take. For now, this limited-time menu is not just a meal but a farewell to the Peranakan flavours that have been at the heart of Rempapa’s identity.

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
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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]