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
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]

Hathaway @ Dempsey Hill - New Restaurant At Dempsey Showcasing A Strong Local Influence Interlaced With French or Middle-Eastern Cuisine

A new addition to Dempsey Hill enclave is Hathaway by the same folk behind Bread Yard. The interior feels casual, more like a cafe/bistro though it categorises itself as a modern Asian restaurant. The menu showcases a strong local influence interlaced with French or Middle-Eastern cuisine.

I started with my daily dose of caffeine. I mentioned earlier that the place is more like a cafe because the restaurant has a proper barista coffee machine with skilful barista making each cup of coffee with beautiful latte art.

Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries 4/5

I have tried fries served in many ways such as curly, wedges, waffle, shoestring etc. but the Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries ($16) is a unique cut. It is almost like having a begedil topped with garlic and rosemary. It comes with za'atar labneh and chilli-lime cilantro dipping sauces.

Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang 4.2/5

We actually skipped the brunch menu and dived for the mains because we find them more interesting over the usual egg benedict and toasts. We started with the Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang ($42). The octopus grilled will kecap manis gives the tentacle a delectable sweetness and smokiness. 

Ah Nya's Fish Curry 4.2/5

The Ah Nya's Fish Curry ($32) is an exciting dish on the menu that comes with a whole fillet of local Kuhlbarra barramundi, fondant potatoes and a super long toasted bread to soak up that delicious curry sauce.

Seri Muka 4.2/5

The dessert at Hathaway is definitely worth your calories. We have the Seri Muka ($16) whereby the kueh salat is accompanied with a scoop of apom berkuah ice cream in pengat pisang sauce. The binding of Nonya kueh with western techniques delivers the traditional Nonya snack a new form of appreciation.

The Queen's Conserve 4.5/5

Last but not least, we have The Queen's Conserve ($16). A scoop of lavender ice cream is sandwiched two pieces of crispy and flaky kouign amann paired with passionfruit curd.

The food at Hathaway is really delicious and unique as they are items not commonly offered elsewhere. However, the price is quite expensive. For the cost of the mains, it almost the same as for the more high end or Michelin starred restaurant.


Hathaway
Blk 13 Dempsey Road
#01-07
Singapore 249674
Tel: +65 96650681
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Sun)

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]

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery @ Bedok North Street 4

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is a traditional shop located at block 84 Bedok North facing the public carpark just behind the famous block 85 Bak Chor Mee at FengShan food centre. From its home based business in 1968 it has moved to its current location in 1987 when the business picked up. It is heartened to still see traditional shop like this painstakingly doing hand made delectable traditional kuehs. Besides selling their kuehs to the general public, Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery also supplies them to hotels and catering companies.

The owner Gavan is very kind to allow us into the kitchen to have some hands on sessions making our own Ang Ku Kueh ($0.50/pc). It is also known as red tortoise cake because it looks like a tortoise shell while red is auspicious for Chinese and tortoise represents longevity. This is usually eaten during religious offering or our baby's one month birthday celebration.

Pulut Inti

Pulut Inti 4/5

Nowadays Pulut Inti ($0.50/pc) commonly comes in plastic wrap but Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery persists to upkeep the tradition and wrapped them in banana leave. I also got to try wrapping them and it was not as easy as it seen. A very delectable snack with caramelised grated coconut sitting on top of the blueish glutinous rice. The blue colouring of the glutinous rice is made from the clitoria flower.

Ku Cai Kueh 4.2/5

While I was there, I noticed 2 workers tirelessly making kuehs throughout my visit. They were making Ku Cai Kueh ($0.70/pc), Soon Kueh ($0.70/pc)and Peng Kueh ($0.80/pc) fresh on the spot. I simply adored the smooth crystal clear skin of the Ku Cai Kueh and Soon Kueh. They were one of the best I have tried.

Steamed Yam Cake 4/5 

Fried Yam Cake 4.2/5

Yam Cake is another favourite of mine that I will order whenever I have dim sum. At Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery, both the Steamed Yam Cake ($0.80/pc)and Fried Yam Cake ($0.80/pc) comes with delectable chunky yam bites, fragrant mushrooms and dried shrimps.

Mini Huat Kueh 3.8/5

These traditional colourful mini Huat Kueh will be attractive to children instead of those tradition bigger one that is usually used for religious offering.

Kotoh Ubi 4/5

Besides the traditional Chinese kuehs and cakes, Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery also makes their own Nonya Kueh. This is my first time to come across the uncommon Kotob Ubi ($1.20/pkt). Made of mashed tapioca and caramelised grated coconut, the gula melaka is the star as the tapioca and grated coconut was quite bland in nature.

Kueh Kao Swee 3.8/5

Kueh Kao Swee ($1.20/pkt) is steamed rice pudding rolled in grated coconut. It is a bit boring to be eating it alone without any sauce. I usually have them with gula melaka.

Oneh Oneh 3.8/5

The Oneh Oneh ($1.20/pkt) although was huge the proportion of skin and filling was quite balanced. The disappointment was the lacking of the squirting surprise of gula melaka when biting into it.

Bengka Ubi 4/5

Another version of the mashed tapioca, Bengka Ubi ($1.20/pkt) is baked rather than steamed. The springy and chewy texture was very enjoyable.

Kueh Lapi 3.8/5

This rainbow colour Kueh Lapi ($1.20/pkt) brings back a lot of childhood memories. I usually had it for breakfast and like to dissect it layer by layer.

Kueh Salat 4/5

I guess this is probably one of the more popular Nonya kuehs that everyone is familiar with as it is often available on most buffet spreads. Kueh Salat ($1.20/pkt) is made up of a layer of glutinous rice and kaya custard with a hint of pandan leaves fragrant.

Ubi Kayu 4/5

Another version of the tapioca kueh rolled in grated coconut, Ubi Kayu ($1.20/pkt) was a delish snack that you can't help going back for more.

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery has been working behind the scene supplying hotels and catering companies with their high quality handmade kuehs. Knowing who is the supplier, I would probably go to them directly in my next purchase. I was checking out their facebook page the other day and I realized they also sells kueh party sets similar to Sakae Sushi type. How cool is it? I probably would get one for my next gathering.


Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery
Blk 84 Bedok North Street 4
#01-21
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 64490815
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LekLimNonyaCake
Website: http://www.kuehkueh.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 4am - 6pm
Sun: 4am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok bus interchange. Take bus number 14 or 222 and alight 4 stops later. Journey time about 15 minutes.