Violet Oon needs no introduction when it comes to Peranakan cuisine, and this latest venture is nostalgia packaged into a cafe format.
Bibik Violet is located at Temasek Shophouse along Orchard Road (right opposite Dhoby Ghaut), a space that feels like a modern Peranakan living room.
Think rattan chairs, patterned tiles, and splashes of batik.
First impressions? Decor, music, and even the uniform are on point.
When I dropped by, the place was lively, with old friends having sets, office workers treating themselves to Nanyang favourites, and a few curious customers like me.
I arrived slightly before 11am, which meant I managed to order from the breakfast menu before the switch to the rest of the day’s offerings.
Expect items such as Breakfast Coffee & Toast Set ($7.20), Kaya Toast ($3), Peanut Butter Toast ($3.50) and Hae Bee Hiam Toast ($5.50).
However, I did think the toast could have been crisper and less sweet for my taste.
The Mee Siam ($7.50) was the one that I enjoyed.
The thin bee hoon soaked up a tangy, spicy gravy that tasted freshly made, with just the right balance of sourness and heat.
Topped with prawns, egg and tau pok, it had enough character to remind me of the kind of Mee Siam you would expect in a home kitchen, not just a café.
The all-day menu moves into more substantial territory.
One-dish meals include Fish Curry with Roti Prata ($13.50), Laksa ($13.50), Curry Chicken Noodle ($12), Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50) and Chicken Macaroni ($9.90).
The Nasi Lemak options range from the Classic ($7.90) to Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90) and Nasi Lemak with Rendang ($18.90).
Signature dishes are designed for sharing, such as Rendang ($9), Chicken Satay ($14.50), Ngoh Hiang ($9), Tauhu Goreng ($8), Ladies’ Fingers ($9), Fish Curry ($16.50) and Kueh Pie Tee ($8.50).
Enticed by the poster featuring the Laksa ($13.50), the bowl arrived rather quickly with a fragrant though slightly oily gravy, smooth and creamy without being overly heavy.
You get prawns, fishcake, tau pok, tau geh and a sprinkle of daun kesum that adds a herbal lift.
While the prawns were not my favourite part, the coconut base was deliciously creamy, carrying a gentle sweetness, with a good balance of warmth and spice.
I would have finished more of that gravy if it were not that oily.
Desserts and kuehs deserve their own mention, with a range from Chiffon Gula Melaka, Orange Sugee, Cempedak Cake, Butter Pound Cake, to Kueh Dah Dah.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Ang Ku Kueh ($3.50), which had this delicate thin skin and soft mung bean filling that was smooth and not overly sweet.
Some kueh and bakes sell out before mid-afternoon, which shows demand but also means you might want to come earlier for the full selection.
Prices reflect the Orchard Road location and sit-down service.
Bibik Violet gives you a way to taste familiar “Violet Oon” flavours at a lower price tag, in a space that is very charming.
Some dishes could be bolder in spice or fragrance, but others, like the Laksa and Kueh Kueh, hit the mark.
Bibik Violet
Temasek Shophouse #01-05, 28 Orchard Road, Singapore 238832
Opening Hours: 8am – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Bibik Violet
Great World #02-K101/K102, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
10 Modern Peranakan Restaurants In Singapore
Godmama (Funan)
Bonding Kitchen (Orchard Gateway)
Charlie’s Peranakan Food (Golden Mile Food Centre)
Filled in the Blank (Citadines Connect City Centre)
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