Bibik Violet has opened a second outlet at Great World, bringing its casual take on Peranakan food to the River Valley neighbourhood.
The name “Bibik” is quite fitting.
In Peranakan culture, it refers to a senior Nyonya aunt or matriarch, often the person who keeps an eye on the family kitchen and makes sure the old recipes are prepared properly.
Perhaps it is also a nod to Violet Oon, the name behind the group.
Bibik Violet takes a more everyday approach than a formal Peranakan restaurant.
You can drop by for Kaya Toast and kopi in the morning, have Nasi Lemak or Laksa for lunch, then pick up some Nyonya kueh or cake before leaving.
The Great World outlet is located on Level 2, with wooden accents, rattan details and green floral tableware that add some old-school charm without making the space feel overly themed.
The menu covers quite a lot, from Kaya Toast ($3), Peanut Butter Toast ($3.50) and Hae Bee Hiam Toast ($5.50) to Mee Siam ($7.50), Prata with Fish Curry Gravy ($7), Laksa ($13.50), Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50) and Chicken Macaroni ($9.90).
For something more substantial, there is Nasi Lemak Classic ($7.90), Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90), Nasi Lemak with Rendang ($18.90), Beef Rendang ($19.90), Fish Curry ($16.50), Chicken Satay ($14.50), Ngoh Hiang ($9), Tauhu Goreng ($8) and Kueh Pie Tee ($8.50 for four pieces).
I started with the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90), served with coconut rice, fried chicken, sambal, ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber and hard-boiled egg.
The chicken thigh was marinated with lemongrass and spices, then fried until the exterior formed a crisp layer of aromatic rempah.
The coconut rice was soft with well-separated grains, though I would have liked a stronger coconut and pandan aroma.
The Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50) came in a thick reddish broth with prawns, sliced pork, tau pok, greens and noodles.
Compared with the darker, more intense prawn noodle soups found at hawker stalls, this version was richer with a savoury seafood flavour.
I actually liked the pieces of pork lard floating on top, which added aroma and crunch (though slightly greasy).
I also tried the Kueh Pie Tee ($8.50 for four pieces), which arrived with the pastry shells and shredded turnip filling served separately.
You fill the cups yourself, then add the sweet sauce and chilli according to preference.
There is also a display counter filled with Nyonya kueh and local-style cakes, including Sugee Cake and Banana Loaf, which makes it easy to end up ordering more than planned.
Some of the spice levels feel dialled down for a broader crowd, but the menu is wide, and the prices are fair for an air-conditioned mall setting.
Bibik Violet works best as an easy, casual introduction to Peranakan food rather than a place chasing intensely robust flavours.
Bibik Violet
Great World #02-K101/K102, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Bibik Violet
Temasek Shophouse #01-05, 28 Orchard Road, Singapore 238832
Opening Hours: 8am – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
10 Modern Peranakan Restaurants In Singapore
Godmama (Funan)
Bonding Kitchen (Orchard Gateway)
Charlie’s Peranakan Food (Golden Mile Food Centre)
Nya Nya (Wisma Atria)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
View this post on Instagram
