Peranakan can be said to be one of the more obscure cuisines around this island. The lushness of its flavours deserve more appreciation. At White House Indocafe, the crossroads of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Malay, Indonesian and Chinese influences meet. Taste 8 of these quintessential and exquisite Indo-Peranakan dishes here:
1. Otah Klasik (SGD12)
We began with an appetizer unique to White House Indocafe, the Otah Klasikwhich is a delicately steamed otah in a curious texture of a 'chawanmushi' egg custard, seasoned with coconut milk and a fragrant blend of herb and spices. Presented in a shallow bowl, this otah in a chawanmushi texture was something I never knew I needed in my life until I tasted it. Please order this, this is so yummy! I really enjoyed this and it was swept clean in a jiffy!
2. Organic Ayam Buah Keluak (SGD24)
This enduring favourite, the Organic Ayam Buah Keluak is a dish comprising braised organic chicken with black nut and exotic spices. In this dish, the buah keluak has a strong, oily and moreish taste that is distinctively Peranakan style in the sauce and within the chicken as well. Even a small portion goes very well with rice.
3. Babi Pongteh (SGD18)
Another traditional well-loved dish at White House Indocafe is the Babi Pongteh, pork belly braised in fragrant soya bean paste and aromatic spices. The fatty pork slabs are really tender and succulent, with savoury and fragrant bean paste sauce that totally speaks to my tastebuds.
4. Kari Ayam Kapitan (SGD21)
This dish, the Kari Ayam Kapitan has more of a Chinese influence slant. It is made of organic chicken braised in authentic Nyonya curry, with a sweet and chunky sauce that is best drizzled over rice! I must say this is my favourite sauce out of all the dishes, and I can totally have a whole meal with just this sauce and rice.
5. Sambal Sotong (SGD18)
Here is something for the spicy dishes lovers! This stir fried fresh squid with Indocafe’s sambal spice blend is such a bomb with their chili, I was equally intimidated and enthralled by how spicy it is, very fragrant. This is not for those who can only accept 'mild to none spiciness' (like me).
6. Chap Chye (SGD14)
The Chap Chye might seem like it is too expensive for vegetables, but this Penang style braised mixed vegetables with pork skin and prawns in fermented bean curd sauce is one of the better ones out there done right. I guess that White House already has a strong consistency across the quality of its dishes, and this shines through their tasty Chap Chye.
7. Ikan Masak Merah (SGD28)
If I have to choose a favourite, it has to be this pan roasted codfish fillet served with homemade sweet and sour sauce! This dish is incredibly tender and delicious, I just couldn't have enough of it... right down to the last aromatic gravy bit!
8. Chendol Panna Cotta (SGD12)
I admit, I ordered it because there was 'Chendol' and 'Panna Cotta' together in its name. Who could resist that? I know I can't resist this coconut pudding with chendol, atap chee, red bean and gula melaka. It comes in the prettiest glass jar too, and you can drizzle the gula melaka as you deem fit into the panna cotta. It is quite sweet even on its own. Despite good execution, I think the combination might not have been completely suitable. The portion is quite small for its price though.
The beautiful and homely mansion setting is perfect for family gatherings and events. Reservations are advised at 6733 2656.
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
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