Bibik Violet, an authentic Peranakan cafe, sits within a unique space: inside Temasek Shophouse

While Bibik Violet is often known as the more casual counterpart to Violet Oon Singapore, the uniqueness, we find, lies in its setting: the Temasek Shophouse, which is technically housed within a century-old heritage building.

Temasek Shophouse has been newly renovated, and it shows. Brighter, airier, and far more pleasant to wander than other parts of town.

Inside, we’re greeted with soft sunlight and music coming from a grand piano, tucked somewhere in a room down the winding corridors.

Gently filled with cafes and ample seating (remote workers, rejoice), Temasek Shophouse really feels less like a shophouse and more like a public mansion.

We made our way through the snaking corridor to reach Bibik Violet, where it’s already surrounded by excited, famished customers. The plush “lobby” just outside lends a homely feel, so even queuing felt oddly pleasant.

To skip the wait, we opted to sit right at the entrance, at the bar table, facing the hungry, queueing customers... which isn't the best idea if you're going to be eating something messy, like Laksa.

Having settled in, we chose four can’t-go-wrong classics from the menu:

The Laksa ($13.50) and the Classic Bibik’s Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90). Accompanying our dishes are a Kopi ($2.70) and an Iced Teh ($3.00).

Generous chicken, rice, peanuts and ikan bilis. Generous everything, really.

The Nasi Lemak arrived, looking opulent, and we straight out ogled. It was exactly as it looked: fantastic and rich, with sambal that was spot on. Coconutty rice. Deliciously crispy fried chicken — juicy and tasty.

Generous laksa, but the unpeeled prawns were a challenge...

The laksa is rich and aromatic, but honestly, it’s hard not to pick Sungei Trishaw Laksa or Janggut Laksa over it, both in taste and price. The unpeeled prawns also left me a little stranded with sticky fingers... and no serviettes were provided.

The drinks are quite alright — perfectly serviceable kopi and teh.

But alas, it was a quick lunch before we dashed off to our next stop, so this was all we managed. If time (and stomach space) allowed, we would’ve happily added the Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50) to the table, or gone full comfort with the Chicken Macaroni ($9.90).

The Ngoh Hiang ($9.00) and Kueh Pie Tee ($8.50 for four) were also calling out to be shared, and we wouldn’t have said no to ending with the Sago Gula Melaka ($4.90) or Almond Jelly with Longan ($6.90).

Tell us, what would you have ordered? Or if you’ve already been here, what did you end up getting?

📍Bibik Violet, 28 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238832