Photo: Violet Oon Singapore
Violet Oon, the doyenne of Singapore cooking, expands her eponymous brand with its first retail store. Smack at the heart of Ion Orchard’s third floor, the interior is decked out in the restaurant’s signature black and gold design. You’re bound to recognise the dark wood and colourful antique tiles that once adorned Peranakan shophouses. The aesthetic makes sense for Violet Oon as she is synonymous with Singaporean and Peranakan cuisine.
In the merchandise corner are cookies and cakes baked based on original recipes. Just in time for the festive season, the cashew, sugee and gula melaka cookies (starting from $16), as well as Handmade Pineapple Tarts ($28) and jars of Nonya Kaya ($12.50), are packed and ready for gifting.
On display at the cake counter are Financiers ($28 for 10), Rum Balls ($10 for three), Coconut Candy ($3 each) and Gula Melaka Rum Cake ($40). But if you’ve got a special occasion coming up and a few days to spare, order classics like the Carrot Cake and Black Forest Cake, or something with a local spin (read: Horlicks, Pandan Gula Melaka and Pineapple Gula Melaka cakes). Prices begin at $43.
Photo: Violet Oon Singapore
Diners can look forward to heritage British East Indian dishes such as the Mulligatawny Soup ($16) and modern creations like the Salmon with Kale Kerbau Salad ($26). The menus (yes, plural – they are ready to cater for all) offer Nyonya, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and Singapore’s British Colonial cuisine.
British classics get a bit of a twist at Violet Oon Singapore, just like how the Hainanese chefs in Singapore used to do it. Think: Hainanese Pork Chop coated with a cream biscuit crust ($34), Beef Hor Fun with slices of Black Angus tenderloin ($26) and Oxtail Stew in a brandy reduction over mashed potato ($42).
For something hearty, tuck into Violet Oon’s famous Shepherd’s Pie, served with house salad ($24). Other familiar favourites are the Kuay Pie Tee ($17), Ayam Buah Keluak ($23) and Fish Curry with Roti Jala ($29).
Just when you think that the flagship has covered it all, there’s more. Starting Nov 16, the restaurant will be serving afternoon tea from 3pm to 6pm. Inspired by Chef Violet’s personal childhood memories of enjoying teatime with friends as a young girl, the set will come complete with scones, open-faced sandwiches and tartlets. Plus you can expect local touches in the form of Bubur Cha Cha Panna Cotta and Kuay Pie Tee.
ION Orchard #03-28/29, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801; 9834-9935
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