Sampling modern Peranakan cuisine at Indocafé – The White House.
Prominently facing the T-junction of Scotts Road and Cairnhill Road, Indocafé – The White House is yet another establishment I’ve passed by numerous times. Occasionally read about too, but somehow never had the opportunity to dine at.
Thus, when Father suggested checking out the GSS 2018 ala carte buffet dinner promotion last Sunday, I agreed right away and enthusiastically went about preparing my camera. Having long been fascinated by Peranakan culture and cuisine too, I anticipated the visit to be a colourful evening, full of spicy flavours and exotic touches.
I’m delighted to say I wasn’t disappointed. The ala carte buffet experience was akin to a rice table dinner. Each mini-dish served was also something new to geek over.
Early evening ambience. Despite facing a major road, it feels like a different world the moment one steps through the gates, thanks to the lush greenery and colonial-era architecture.We were the first diners to reach! That meant I could leisurely photograph the restaurant interior.Nyonya Kebayas adorn the walls to complete the ethnic feel.
GSS 2018 Peranakan Ala Carte Buffet
Like I mentioned above, we were there for the Ala Carte buffet dinner promotion. This was in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale and consisted of a selection of 18 starters, main dishes, and desserts ordered from a menu.
The promotion poster for the buffet.I began with this. Assam Laksa: a favourite dish of mine! The broth was a little on the light side, TBH, but with so many other dishes to try, I guess that was a plus point.Udang Chili Goreng. The prawns were very fresh but the chili is not as potent as it looks. This might be disappointing to some diners but for me, it was just the right amount of fire.Traditional Peranakan Chap Chye. I was neutral towards this.Otah Klasik. Now this, I utterly adored. It’s not just the fluffiness, it’s the seductive, aromatic blend of coconut and spices suffusing every scoop. I enjoyed it so much I had two servings.The other winner of the evening. Wagyu Beef Rendang. I’m not really a fan of Wagyu; I mostly find it too tender or fatty. But in this case, the melt-in-your-mouth sensation complemented the Rendang spices perfectly.Inchi Kabin, described in the menu as “deep-fried organic chicken marinated in blue ginger and lemongrass rempah paste.” I thought the overall taste was a little too curry powder-like, though.What’s a Peranakan meal without the signature ingredient of Buah Keluak? This is Buah Keluak Fried Rice. It went wonderfully with Sayur Lodeh.Another view of the restaurant exterior, moments before we left.
Indocafé – The White House is at 35 Scotts Road, Singapore 228227. The GSS 2018 Peranakan Ala Carte Buffet promotion is ongoing till August 12, 2018.
