Ever since Jewel Changi Airport opened in April, I've been travelling to the far far far east side of Singapore every week to explore the diverse food options that it offers. This time is for Violet Oon Singapore, a local restaurant that is celebrated for their showcase of Singaporean and Nyonya flavours.
You may wonder why is there a need to specially make a trip there when there are other more convenient Violet Oon restaurant locations at ION Orchard, National Gallery, Clarke Quay, and Bukit Timah.
Well, the concept of each restaurant differs a little, and this newest branch at Jewel actually brings together all the different elements under one roof. There are also specially-created dishes exclusively available here.
If that reason alone is not sufficient, this is also the group's biggest and most dazzling outlet to date.
The space is decked in modern Peranakan aesthetics, and diners can even catch a glimpse of the lush forest valley and majestic rain vortex if seated strategically. What the restaurant have to offer in terms of ambience is undeniably enticing.
But of course, the most important part of any dining experience is the food itself (at least for me). The extensive menu features an array of Small Plates ($14-$18), Asian-style Salads ($9-$25), Roti & Sandwiches ($15-$22), Noodles & Rice ($16-$26), Mains & Vegetables ($13-$34), and Ice Cream & Desserts ($8-$15).
Looking the prices, I can't exactly say a meal here would be inexpensive.
But if you're willing to fork out a little more for quality, do treat yourself to the delicious Otak Toast ($16). The chunky fish cake is carefully-crafted from mackerel mixed with a host of spices and drizzled with coconut cream resulting in an excellent texture and pleasant aroma.
I don't care too much about the otak's pairing with toast, but I guess it will serve the purpose well if diners are looking for a more substantial bite.
Roti Violet Tuna Wala-Wala ($15) is essentially fluffy roti prata topped with crispy tuna flakes seasoned with spices, mustard seeds and crispy curry leaf.
My suggestion is go for the Jewel-exclusive dishes that can't be enjoyed anywhere else.
These includes the moreish Crispy Kurobuta Pork Fingerlings with Garlic & Curry Leaves ($18), appetizing Mango Kerabu with Ikan Bilis ($10), Sayur Paku Gulai ($16) for some greens, BBQ Eggplant with Sambal ($13) which comes with a spicy kick, Ayam Panggang Katong (1/4 Chicken $16 | 1/2 Chicken $25), vegetarian-friendly Little India Vegetable Curry with Roti Prata ($17), and the not-to-be-missed Nyonya Poh Piah Party ($58 & $56).
Available in both Non-Vegetarian ($58) and Vegetarian ($56) version, the Fold-It-Yourself Family Poh Piah Party Set comprises of a rich bamboo shoot and jicama stew braised in house-made prawn bisque and Fujian bean paste, 6 fresh poh piah skins and a host of sauces and condiments to complete the essential poh piah party experience.
The beauty about this concept is that not only would you get to choose what goes into your very own poh piah, the experience is often engaging with interactions with fellow dining companions. You can somewhat tell the person's character from the way they roll even haha.
There is the option to add-on Steamed Blue Swimmer Crab Meat ($22) if you want your roll to be even more fancy.
I find the Ayam Panggang Katong (1/4 Chicken $16 | 1/2 Chicken $25) especially memorable. The lightly-spiced chicken is grilled to a most delightful tender and juicy texture. Its skin was suitably charred and had a tinge of sweetness as it's brushed with gula melaka syrup. Though the chicken is served with chili sauce, I thought it's good enough on its own.
We kept contemplating throughout our meal if we should order the Dry Laksa ($24) as our table is already crowded with so much food, but decided in the end that we'd probably regret much if we leave the restaurant without having it.
The thick bee hoon tossed in laksa gravy, and topped with prawns, tau pok and beansprouts was as awesome as we remembered it to be when we had it previously at the ION outlet. Rich, luscious and full of aromatic flavours. Love it!
For desserts, there is a selection of cakes including Sugee Cake with Calamansi Drizzle & Vanilla Ice Cream ($15), and Gula Melaka Tea Cake with Coconut Ice Cream ($15).
To be honest, I can't remember much about the cakes except it's rather sweet as my body has already gone into food coma by then. Perhaps I'd return to enjoy just the cakes alone during afternoon tea someday. The Pandan Gula Melaka Cake ($13) is calling me back.
The offerings at Violet Oon at Jewel have its certain appeal. Travellers can also pick up some snacks like Pineapple Tarts and Sugee Cookies at its retail section before flying off. However, my sense is that locals will "complain" about the prices especially when comparing prata to prata. Well, it's unfair but since when it isn't?
Violet Oon Singapore
Address: Jewel Changi Airport, #01-205/206, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663
Contact: +65 9834 9935
Website: https://violetoon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VioletOonSingapore/
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-11pm | Breakfast 10am-11.45am | Lunch 12pm-3pm | High Tea 3pm-5.45pm | Dinner 6pm-11pm
Prices are stated in Singapore dollars and subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST. Information is correct at point of published date.
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