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INDOCAFE - The White House @ Scotts Road - Alvinology

INDOCAFE – The White House @ Scotts Road

byalvinology
September 28, 2014
2 minute read
Mouthwatering spread of Peranakan delights
Mouthwatering spread of Peranakan delights

There are not too many Peranakan fine dining establishments in Singapore and INDOCAFE – the white house, is a nice new addition, started about a year ago.

Nestled along the lush tranquillity of Scotts Road and within walking distance from the Orchard shopping belt, the venue is a novel collaboration between a restaurant and Arts & Cultural Centre. 

The Arts & Cultural Centre is located just next door to the restaurant, housed in a similar styled building. Peranakan High Tea sets are available there, served with 100% Kopi Luwak or Moscato d’Asti. Guests can also enjoy cultural appreciation with a daily live musical and dance performance from 3.30pm to 4.00pm, enjoy hosted coffee appreciation workshops and purchase an array of Peranakan-inspired souvenirs at the retail shop.

When I arrived at INDOCAFE, the architecture itself was eye-catching. Remember the hit TV series, The Little Nonya? It’s like a walk into the set and Singapore’s colonial past:

The restaurant resides in a quaint, colonial-era black and white bungalow
The restaurant resides in a quaint, colonial-era black and white bungalow
Love the setting
Love the setting
A walk down memory lane?
A walk down memory lane?
Restaurant interior
Restaurant interior

Here are some of their signature dishes I sampled:

Welcome keropok and a glass of lemongrass drink
Welcome keropok and a glass of lemongrass drink
Classic Penang Otah - steamed spiced egg custard with fish, seasoned with coconut milk, herbs and spices
Classic Penang Otah – steamed spiced egg custard with fish, seasoned with coconut milk, herbs and spices
Kueh Pie Tee - top hat pastry cups filled with shredded sweet turnip served with crab meat and accompanied with homemade chili dip
Kueh Pie Tee – top hat pastry cups filled with shredded sweet turnip served with crab meat and accompanied with homemade chili dip
Close-up of the filling
Close-up of the filling
Ikan Masak Merah - pan-roasted cod fillet in red chili sauce (sampling portion)
Ikan Masak Merah – pan-roasted cod fillet in red chili sauce (sampling portion)
Rendang Sapi - slow cooked Wagyu beef rendang in special blend of spices
Rendang Sapi – slow cooked Wagyu beef rendang in special blend of spices (sampling portion)
Ayam Buah Kelauk - all-time Peranakan favourite braised chicken with black nut and spices
Ayam Buah Kelauk – all-time Peranakan favourite braised chicken with black nut and spices (sampling portion)
Chap Chye - Penang-style stir-fried mixed vegetables with shrimps in fermented bean curd sauce
Chap Chye – Penang-style stir-fried mixed vegetables with shrimps in fermented bean curd sauce (sampling portion)
Home Recipe Bubur Cha Cha - traditional Nyonya dessert soup of yam, sweet potatoes, sago and banana in a mixture of coconut milk and palm sugar
Home Recipe Bubur Cha Cha – traditional Nyonya dessert soup of yam, sweet potatoes, sago and banana in a mixture of coconut milk and palm sugar

Verdict?

Delicious! Peranakan dishes may look simple in presentation, but they usually involves a mix of many condiments, spices and ingredients, tediously handmade or blended together.

The Penang Otah is fluffy and flavourful, with generous chunks of whole barramundi fish fillet at the bottom. The Rendang Sapi, served with wagyu beef cheeks which have been braised for several hours, is tender and rich in aroma. The Ayam Buah Kelauk and Chap Chye are traditional Peranakan favourites and did not disappoint, keeping close to the flavours of traditional home-cooking. The Ikan Masak Merah is a bit too sweet for my liking, but I generally eschew sweet food and it might work for other diners. The Bubur Cha Cha packed a delightful surprise with the inclusion of banana which added extra sweetness and texture.

Price is slightly on the steep side, but the ambient is amazing, so is the presentation and cuisines. Definitely worth to bring foreign friends for a sample of Straits-Peranakan food and culture as well as for cosy gatherings with friends and love ones in a quaint, quiet environment with quality food.

INDOCAFE – the white house

Address: 35 Scotts Road, Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 6733 2656
Fax: +65 6733 2703
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm / 6pm – 10.30pm Daily
Email: [email protected]

Author
alvinology
Alvin is a marketer by day and blogger by night. He is a 100% geek who spends too much time surfing the web.

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