Peranakan indulgence at Indocafe, The White House
PUBLISHED February 18th, 2013 05:26 am | UPDATED June 6th, 2016 02:38 pm
You know when you finally get to a restaurant which has been around for some time, and you have that moment where you think – why have I not been here before? Well that was my sentiment towards Indocafe, The White House. If you’re into Peranakan cuisine…but perhaps something a little more modern and high end, if you haven’t yet graced their doors with your presence…then perhaps it’s about time you did.
Set in one of those lovely colonial buildings on Scotts Road (you know the ones I mean don’t you?), this is the place to savour every detailed flavour of fine Nonya dishes. And it’s a big job, as the menu is VERY extensive indeed!
First to wake up our palates was the Bok Nee – Black Fungus & Chicken Salad ($12). A mighty fine and fabulously zingy salad whose unique flavour is thanks to a playful lime and sambal dressing.
Tastebuds wide-awake and open, we moved onto the mains.
Those of you familiar with the quintessential Peranakan dish Ayam Buah Kelauk – Braised Chicken Scented with Black Nut ($24) will know that the Buah Kelauk is naturally poisonous. However fear not Nomads because when cooked accordingly, it’s perfectly safe and brings with it that wonderful, typical, smokey mushroom flavour. Delicious.
The Sapi Kicap Manis – Sweet Soya Sauce Beef Steak ($32) is a must here. Deliciously succulent pan-grilled Wagyu beef sirloin this is a good example of how Indocafe moves with the times and does contemporary well. Sticky. Sweet. Flavoursome. And very more-ish! This is definitely one dish I would come back for at the drop of a hat.
The Seafood (Silver Pomfret) Gulai Tumis ($40 for the version with silver pomfret) was another winner. The combination of the crispy exterior, delicate interior and rich sauce made for a happy marriage of elements.
Ever on the quest for a really good beef rendang, Indocafe’s is definitely up there, as it well should be for $32. The complex and unique flavours we have all come to know and love, unfolding layer after layer, was made all the more better by fabulously juicy chunks of Wagyu.
For seafood lovers, the Seafood Assam Nanas Pedas ($32 with tiger prawns) presents the perfect fusion of spicy, sour and aromatic in a stew-like dish.
What I love about the savoury dishes is that with every single one, you can REALLY taste the intricacies of the spices used in Peranakan cuisine which gives it its distinctive tangy, aromatic taste and density which we all know should be at the heart of Nonya fare, but can sometimes be, just that little bit off. But it really is spot on here, and I guess that’s thanks to the two Penang chefs at the helm who seem to really know their stuff.
Do be sure to leave room for desserts, because those on offer at Indocafe spell out true comfort, Nonya-style. My particular favourites were the Home Recipe Bubur Cha Cha ($8). Done well – which this one certainly is – bubur cha cha is quite possibly one of the most heart-warming of Nonya desserts.
Also don’t miss the Warm Banana Cake ($12), light, fluffy sponge cake finished off with incredibly more-ish salted peanut butter cream.
Once you’re finished with savouring the culinary delights of Peranakan cuisine, it’s time to sample some of the cultural kind as you can also pop across to the Arts & Cultural Centre for perhaps a spot of coffee appreciation, live performance or dance appreciation. All of this tucked away in a lush enclave off Scotts Road. Who knew?
Written by Ms Demeanour.
On this occasion, the meal was compliments of Indocafe: The White House
