[Review] A Taste of Peranakan Home: Bibik Violet is Violet Oon’s New Casual Café Gem

The Violet Oon Group, a name synonymous with refined Peranakan cuisine in Singapore, has just opened its most accessible and casual concept to date. Bibik Violet, an all-day cafe and bakery nestled within the beautifully restored Temasek Shophouse, aims to bring the everyday comforts of a Peranakan home kitchen to the masses, with a warm, welcoming vibe and wallet-friendly prices.

Stepping inside feels like visiting a beloved aunt’s (or ‘Bibik’s’) home.

The space is a thoughtful blend of warm wood, rattan accents, vintage tassel lamps, and vibrant splashes of batik. Heritage whispers from the details, including original Peranakan tiles salvaged from early 1900s shophouses. It is a setting that perfectly complements its mission to offer comforting, shareable food in a fuss-free, walk-in-only environment.

We were fortunate to get a taste before the public opening, and the experience was a delightful journey through familiar flavours with a distinct Volet Oon touch.

A meal here can start with their excellent small plates.

The Ngoh Hiang ($9.00) arrived perfectly crisp, with a well-seasoned pork and prawn filling.

The Kueh Pie Tee ($8.50 for 4 pieces) were delightful, bite-sized cups filled with a savory turnip mixture and a satisfying crunch.

The Ladies Fingers Sambal ($9.00) was another favourite for the night. Chilled okra is served in a spicy, piquant hae bee (dried shrimp) sambal, topped with crispy ikan bilis for a fantastic textural contrast.

A side of Achar ($4) provided the essential tangy, spicy crunch to cut through the richer dishes.

For mains, the Laksa ($13.50) is one of our favourites. The broth is fragrant and complex, rich with coconut milk and spices, yet not overly heavy. Packed with prawns, fishcake, and tau pok, the portion is hearty and justifies the heftier price tag than your usual hawker version.

Another must-try is the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90). The star is the crispy fried chicken, marinated in a deeply aromatic blend of herbs and spices that permeates every juicy bite, pairing beautifully with the fragrant coconut rice.

For those looking for hearty, rice-pairing dishes, the Babi Pongteh ($14.50) is an enticing classic. The tender pork belly is braised in a gentle, savoury fermented bean sauce, presenting something homely and memorable.

The Beef Rendang ($19.90) is a masterclass in slow-cooking, with the beef yielding effortlessly to a spice-packed, dry gravy.

For something familiar and homely, the humble Chicken Curry ($14.90) is a fragrant, coconut-based classic that is both comforting and flavourful. 

Rounding up the mains, the Buah Keluak Soft Rib ($19.50) transforms the traditionally challenging ingredient into a luxurious, deeply earthy sauce that clings to fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. A must-try dish for quintessential Peranakan flavours.

Seafood lovers should not miss the Ikan Panggang Sambal ($18.00), a beautifully grilled barramundi fillet smothered in a fragrant, tangy, and slightly spicy sambal that is utterly moreish.

To balance the meal, the Chap Chye ($8.50) is a comforting and essential vegetable stew.

Even the familiar Chicken Satay (6 sticks for $14.50) feels special here with its generous portioning and elevated presentation.

We washed everything down with refreshing local beverages like the Teh O and the zesty Rosella Lime ($3.90) and Calamansi Sour Plum ($3.90).

The enthusiasm for Bibik Violet was palpable even before its official opening. One diner, a woman in her mid-30s who arrived with her retired parents for a family lunch, shared, “I have dined at National Kitchen by Violet Oon before, and I am very happy to know that Bibik Violet was created to bring Peranakan cuisine to everyone, at affordable prices.”

Right behind them was Vincent, a 74-year-old retiree on a solo date. Impressed by his meal, he said, “I ordered the Nasi Lemak with Berempah, Chicken Satay, and Ladies Finger Sambal. I think I over-ordered and it felt like I was eating at a buffet! My favourite was the Satay… I might even consider coming back tomorrow to try the other dishes.”

It is worth noting that while some dishes share names with those at other Violet Oon restaurants, the recipes here are often different, tailored for the cafe’s more casual, everyday dining ethos.

No Peranakan meal is complete without kueh, and Bibik Violet’s assortment of handcrafted kuehs and cakes, like the signature Orange Sugee Cake, are baked daily and not to be missed.

With its opening drawing enthusiastic crowds, Bibik Violet is a welcome addition for the Violet Oon Group and a fantastic, affordable addition to Singapore’s culinary landscape as well.

Bibik Violet @ Temasek Shophouse

Address:
28 Orchard Road
Temasek Shophouse
Singapore 238832
(Next to Plaza Singapura, right by Dhoby Ghaut MRT)

Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 8am – 9.30pm
Weekends: 10am – 9.30pm
Last order is at 9pm