Walter Ponce
Service: **★★★│**Food: **★★★★│**Location: **★★★★│**Price: **★★★│**Portions: ★★★★
I visited few years back the National Kitchen by Violet Oon at the historic National Gallery building. The National Gallery restaurant has an old Peranakan opulent interior, with low ceiling where it can get noisy as the restaurant gets packed. There is also an outdoor dining area with views of Marina Bay Sands.
The menu at National Kitchen is curated to reflect Singaporeans’ life experiences.
I had the chance to try the unique Singapore High Tea Set ($56++ for 2 pax) which is served from 3pm to 5pm,
Diners are given a choice of beverage between* Tea* or National Kitchen’s very own local-style kopi: Kopi Vo. Similar to our high tea sets, the food was served to us on tiered trays. Forget about English scones and dainty tuna sandwiches though; all what was served here had a unique Singaporean style, just dressed up with the same elegance that traditional English high tea is served with.
There were quite a number of savoury dishes on the afternoon tea set. We were advised to start with the lowest layer and work our way up.
For the ‘main course’, we had Hae Bee Hiam Sandwich and Pulled Beef Sambal Pao. The spicy dried shrimp floss filling of the sandwich had great texture and was mildly sweet and spicy.
In the world of desserts, this is where I honestly wasn’t sure which was which. They all had unique flavours but what I did enjoy the most was what I think is the Kueh Dah Dah; Grated coconut cooked with gula melaka (palm sugar syrup) wrapped in pandan infused crepe.
The restaurant had a separate section adorned with various food items for takeaway. If you enjoyed certain dishes of the high tea, you can even buy something to take home, especially the sweet dishes such as the cakes. There is also a wide array of teas for selection.
You should try this experience and taste all the Singapore rich food culture surrounded by a great environment and atmosphere.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Website: https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/
**National Kitchen by Violet Oon Instagram: **https://www.instagram.com/violetoonsingapore/?hl=en
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #02–01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
What Is Peranakan Cuisine?
Peranakan (or Nyonya) cuisine comes from the communities descended from Chinese traders who settled in the Malay Peninsula centuries ago and married into local families. The result is a cooking style that mixes Chinese techniques with Malay and Indonesian spices and ingredients.
Typical elements you will see on a Peranakan menu include:
- Rempah, a spice paste of chilli, shallots, lemongrass, galangal and turmeric, which forms the base of many curries and stews.
- Belacan, fermented shrimp paste, used in sambals.
- Gula melaka, the dark palm sugar found in many desserts.
- Pandan and coconut, the backbone of colourful kueh (bite-sized cakes).
Well-known dishes include ayam buah keluak (chicken with black nuts), laksa, beef rendang, kueh pie tee (crispy pastry cups) and kueh dadar, the pandan crepe filled with coconut and palm sugar.
About Violet Oon
Violet Oon is one of Singapore’s best-known food personalities. She started as a food writer and broadcaster, and later opened restaurants focused on Peranakan and Singaporean heritage cooking. Her restaurants are known for elegant, colonial-style interiors that make traditional home recipes feel like an occasion.
About the National Gallery Singapore
The restaurant’s address is inside the National Gallery Singapore, which opened in 2015 in two landmark buildings: the former Supreme Court and City Hall. The gallery holds one of the largest public collections of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Even if you are only coming to eat, it is worth giving yourself time to walk through the building. The rooftop areas offer views over the Padang and towards Marina Bay.
Getting There
- MRT: City Hall station (North-South and East-West lines) is the closest, a short walk away.
- On foot: The gallery is in the Civic District, close to the Padang, the Esplanade and the Singapore River.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: Ask for the St Andrew’s Road entrance of the National Gallery.
What to See Nearby
The Civic District is one of the most walkable areas of Singapore. Nearby you will find:
- The Padang and St Andrew’s Cathedral
- Raffles Hotel, home of the Singapore Sling
- Asian Civilisations Museum, along the river
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
- Merlion Park and Marina Bay, a pleasant evening walk away
Tips for High Tea in Singapore
- Book ahead. Afternoon tea sets in Singapore are popular, especially on weekends.
- Understand “++”. Prices in Singapore restaurants are often listed with “++”, meaning service charge and GST are added on top.
- Eat from the bottom up. Tiered trays usually put savoury items at the bottom and sweets at the top.
- Try the kopi. Local-style coffee is brewed strong and often served with condensed milk.
- Check the timing. High tea is usually served only in a set afternoon window, so confirm current times before you go.
Restaurants in Singapore change menus, concepts and locations over time. Check the official website for current hours and whether high tea is still offered before planning your visit.
Similar Experiences in Singapore
If you enjoy Peranakan food, there are other ways to explore it in the city:
- The Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street, which explains the culture behind the food.
- Katong and Joo Chiat, a neighbourhood with colourful shophouses and Peranakan eateries.
- Hawker centres, where you can try laksa and kueh at very low prices.
FAQ
What is Kueh Dadar? A rolled pandan crepe filled with grated coconut cooked in gula melaka (palm sugar). It is one of the most common Peranakan sweets.
What does “++” mean on Singapore menus? It means service charge and GST will be added to the listed price.
What is the nearest MRT station? City Hall, on the North-South and East-West lines.
Is Peranakan food spicy? Some dishes are, especially those with sambal, but many are mild, and desserts are sweet and coconut-based.
Can I visit the gallery as well? Yes. The National Gallery has its own ticketing for exhibitions, so check its website for current hours and prices.
