National Kitchen by Violet Oon

National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #02-01, Singapore 178957
Tel: (+65) 9834 9935
www.violetoon.com

National Kitchen from Violet Oon (a national treasure in her own right!) is a stellar Singaporean addition to the dining scene and it could well be one of our favourite dinner spots at The National Gallery. The restaurant is small but beautiful – ceilings lined with pretty Peranakan tiling and glitzy chandeliers, dark wooden walls adorned with old black and white photographs that tell the often personal story of Singapore’s culinary heritage. Don’t miss their Beef Rendang – a deeply flavoured curry rich with sambal and spices, or their Dry Laksa, where instead of soup, the sauce clings to the rice noodles like laksa carbonara. You’ll have to fight your vegetarian dining partner for the Meatless Meatballs Rendang made of walnuts and mozzarella and slathered with spiced tomato coconut gravy. Even if you’ve left no room for dessert, plough on and at least share a slab of the Grated Tapioca Cake served with a side of coconut cream. This place is atmospheric, has great service and truly superb food – an all round winner for date night, a girls’ evening out, introducing out-of-towners to upmarket local food or even an informal business dinner.