Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Rempapa @ Park Place Residences at PLQ - A Final Taste of Heritage Peranakan Recipes Before the Move

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Website
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]


Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Marché Singapore @ 313 Somerset - Explore The Refreshed Food Lovers’ Place with A New Bakery and Revamped Dining Hall

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313@somerset’s Marché Singapore has reopened after renovations, now welcoming guests to its refreshed and rebranded ‘Food Lovers’ Place’. The updated space introduces a brand new bakery and café corner on the ground floor, complementing the familiar basement dining hall. To mark the occasion, the bakery has also launched a new tiramisu for diners looking for a sweet treat.

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The dining hall’s former Swiss chalet theme has been replaced with a brighter, livelier interior, creating a more vibrant atmosphere. While the food stations remain, the focus is still firmly on freshly prepared dishes made with quality produce.

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Marché continues to make everything in-house, from freshly baked breads to hearty hot meals and its wide range of desserts.

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Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain 4.2/5

No visit to Marché feels complete without their signature rosti, so we headed straight for it. The Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain ($13.90) was as hearty as we remembered. It was crisp and golden on the outside without being greasy. We added Hearty Mushroom Ragout ($8.90), Velvety Sour Cream ($1.90), and Spicy Chorizo Sausage ($8.90) as toppings.

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German Pork Knuckle 4/5

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Whole Roasted Chicken 4/5

For meats, we went with two of the restaurant’s signatures, the German Pork Knuckle ($34.40 for Half) and Whole Roasted Chicken ($33). Both delivered on flavour, but the roasted chicken definitely stood out for its juiciness.

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Ocean Platter 3/5

From the seafood station, we tried the Ocean Platter ($35.90). While the prawn had a pleasant char and the squid was cooked to a tender bite, the salmon and barramundi were unfortunately on the dry side for us. The portion was also smaller than expected.

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Smoked Duck Breast Pizza 4/5

Right across from the seafood counter is the fresh pasta and pizza station. We opted for the Smoked Duck Breast Pizza ($29.90), which arrived fresh from the oven with a thin, crisp crust. The combination of smoky duck slices, melted cheese, and other toppings made for a balanced sweet-savoury flavour.

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Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble 4/5

For dessert, we followed the staff’s recommendation and ordered the Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble ($8.90). It was a good end to the meal with its balanced sweetness and crumbly texture.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Marché Singapore
313@somerset
#01-40
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6593 1703
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat: 10am - 1030pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]