Rempapa, the Michelin-selected restaurant by Chef Damian D’Silva, relocated to National Gallery Singapore in November 2025, bringing its celebration of Singapore’s multi-ethnic heritage to one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. While Rempapa continues to champion the flavours and culinary traditions that have shaped Singapore, the new outlet takes a slightly different approach, placing a greater emphasis on rice-based dishes and familiar local favourites. The concept is also more casual and accessible, operating as a fully self-service restaurant that makes it easy to enjoy Chef Damian’s heritage recipes without the formality of a traditional sit-down restaurant. The space reflects that same philosophy. Natural light, warm tones and simple yet thoughtful décor create a welcoming environment that feels homely and relaxed. It is a fitting setting for food that is rooted in tradition, yet presented in a way that works well for today’s diners.
Babi Pongteh 4.8/5
Tofu
Braised Vegetable
The Babi Pongteh Rice Set ($17.90) was easily one of our meal’s favourites. A classic Peranakan dish, Babi Pongteh sees pork slowly braised with fermented soybean paste, garlic and shallots until the meat becomes incredibly tender and deeply infused with the rich, savoury-sweet braising sauce. The pork belly here was very well executed. The meat was beautifully braised, with the sauce penetrating the layers of pork and fat for an almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was rich and comforting without being overly heavy, with the fermented soybean paste adding plenty of depth and umami. The accompanying braised vegetables and tofu rounded out the meal, while the mushrooms were particularly enjoyable. Plump, juicy and thoroughly soaked in the braising sauce, they released a burst of savoury flavour with every bite. For fans of Peranakan flavours, this dish is worth seeking out.
Ayam Berempah 4.5/5
The Ayam Berempah ($9.90) offers a more affordable but equally satisfying option. The set comes with a deep-fried spiced chicken thigh, hard-boiled egg, peanuts, achar, ikan bilis and sambal. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant spice blend before frying, giving the exterior a lovely aromatic crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy. The accompanying condiments add plenty of flavour, too. Crunchy peanuts and ikan bilis add texture, while the achar brings a refreshing tang to balance the richness of the fried chicken. The sambal provides a gentle kick and ties everything together nicely. At just $9.90, it is particularly good value considering the location. Finding a satisfying heritage-style meal for under $10 in the heart of town is increasingly difficult. Our only slight disappointment was the rice. It comes with plain rice, and we felt a fragrant coconut rice would have complemented the Ayam Berempah even better, adding another layer of richness and aroma to the dish.
Kueh Platter of 6pc 4.2/5
We ended the meal with the Kueh Platter ($14 for 6 pieces), a rotating selection of handcrafted traditional kuehs freshly prepared from scratch by the kitchen. The platter offers a nice opportunity to sample several different local sweets in one sitting. During our visit, the selection included Kueh Bengkah, Kueh Salat, Sago Bandung, Sarang Semut, Kueh Kosui and Sugee Cake. Each brings something different, from the soft, fragrant textures of the traditional rice-based kuehs to the richer, butterier Sugee Cake. The variety also makes this a good option for sharing, particularly if you want to explore some of Singapore’s traditional sweets without committing to a single dessert. It was a delightful, nostalgic way to end the meal, and it reinforces Rempapa’s focus on preserving and showcasing the diverse flavours of our culinary heritage.
Rempapa’s move to National Gallery Singapore puts Chef Damian D’Silva’s heritage-driven cooking in a more casual, accessible format. The shift towards rice-based dishes and local favourites makes the menu approachable, while the flavours remain firmly rooted in the traditions that Rempapa has always championed. The Babi Pongteh Rice Set was the standout for us, with exceptionally tender pork belly and deeply flavourful braising sauce. At the same time, the Ayam Berempah is an attractive option for those looking for an affordable meal in the city. With its self-service format, welcoming setting, and accessible pricing, Rempapa at National Gallery Singapore works well for a quick lunch, a casual meal, or even a stop after exploring the galleries. More importantly, it continues Chef Damian’s mission of keeping Singapore’s heritage flavours alive, one comforting plate at a time.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Rempapa
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew’s Road
#01-02A
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 94591603
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 7pm
Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
