National Kitchen by Violet Oon

"Instead of spending what looks like their entire budget on chandeliers, Violet Oon’s would do just fine with folding tables and blank concrete walls. Because when the food arrives, you won’t be able to focus on anything else. The restaurant serves upscale Peranakan food, and the must-tries are the dry laksa noodles, the beef rendang, and their buah keluak ayam, a stew made with chicken and candlenut that’s infused with fresh root spices." - anthony eu

"Art and sculptures aren’t the only treasures found in the National Gallery – on the 2nd floor is this restaurant from Violet Oon, Singapore’s own national treasure and one of its greatest ambassadors. The handsome, panelled 1920s-style dining room is an ideal backdrop to the cooking which, through its spicing, contrasting textures and enticing aromas, showcases Singapore’s unique culinary heritage. This is a restaurant with genuine charm." - Michelin Inspector

"Instead of spending what looks like their entire budget on chandeliers, Violet Oon’s would do just fine with folding tables and blank concrete walls. Because when the food arrives, you won’t be able to focus on anything else. The restaurant serves upscale Peranakan food, and the must-tries are the dry laksa noodles, the beef rendang, and their buah keluak ayam, a stew made with chicken and candlenut that’s infused with fresh root spices." - Anthony Eu

"Set in City Hall, now part of the National Gallery Singapore, this lovely dark-wood-paneled restaurant reflects the country’s rich Peranakan Chinese heritage in both design and fare. Traditional tile floors, marble-topped tables, nostalgic bentwood chairs, and vintage photos set the scene for a feast of rich dishes that mingle Chinese and Malay flavors. if you’ve never had this combination of cuisines before, prepare to be forever changed. Dive in headfirst and try the spicy chicken stew ( buah keluak ayam ), the zesty beef rendang , the chili crab, or the fish-head curry. If you’re with a group, order a spread of plates to share, like the fried eggplant with sambal sauce and the deep-fried tangy prawn, crab, and chicken dumplings."

"Set in the historic former City Hall building, now home to Singapore’s National Gallery, the National Kitchen by Violet Oon offers a beautiful backdrop for an Asian-influenced afternoon tea ($56 for two people). Get cozy on the museum’s scenic outdoor veranda and choose from traditional kopi (coffee) or hand-blended tea from the Singapore Tea Company. To eat? Take your pick from Chef Violet Oon’s sweet dishes like tea cakes laced with gula melaka (palm sugar) and tapioca cake infused with coconut cream. Or...go savory, with slow-cooked pulled beef buns and turmeric glutinous rice topped with fried coconut flakes." - Dan Q. Dao