Violet Oon is a Singapore institution. If you want an authentic taste of Peranakan food, some amazing service, and an awesome environment, this is the place you go to.
The Ambience, Service and the Staff
Violet Oon has 4 branches. The one at Ion is my go-to branch. It’s a popular restaurant and I recommend making reservations here. I generally do that via Chope. I have been here several times. The friendly and professional staff have always had my table ready, and have had me seated within a minute or two of my arrival with water and menus provided straight away.
The restaurant is decorated in Violet Oon’s signature green and gold tones and can perhaps best be described as chic classic. They have very comfortable seats.
The Food
I’ve dined here in various group sizes – from being a solo diner, to a party of 5. This restaurant is best enjoyed with a large group of friends. On weekdays, they offer a set meal with a starter, a main and a dessert. When partaking a set meal, I generally go for the Kuay Pie Tee, the Beef Rendang, and the Gula Melaka Ice Cream. They’re really efficient and serve food very quickly.
The Kuay Pie Tee is crispy with a comforting filling, served with elegance. The beef rendang is perhaps the best that I have ever eaten anywhere, and the gula melaka ice cream provides a sweet ending to a satisfying meal without being overwhelmingly sweet.
Set meals are available at lunch on weekdays. On weekends, I’ve dined a-la-carte with friends. We ordered the chicken skewers as starters. They come served in threes, are large and cooked to juicy tenderness. We’ve also ordered the Chicken Curry with Roti Jala, and Violet Oon’s Shepherd’s Pie with house salad. The Chicken curry is beautifully cooked with the undertones of coconut milk coming through a full bodied curry flavour, offset by a soft texture of the roti. The Shepherd’s Pie is comforting fare with a flaky crust.
We finished up with the Coconut Ice Cream (our favourite), the Gula Melaka Tea Cake, and the Kueh Beng Kah which offers a rich, smooth texture.
The Price Point
When dining here at lunch, we usually end up spending around $35 on the set meals. For our a-la-carte experience, we spent between $40 and $80 per person for lunch (a few of us had ordered alcohol). While this may sound like it’s a bit on the pricey side, you’re dining at one of Singapore’s premium locations. I personally feel that the experience and the price point are a good match.
The Final Verdict
In closing, Violet Oon is a restaurant that one should experience when visiting or living in Singapore. They offer a modern twist on traditional favourites, and an amazing culinary experience. This location is great for business lunches, dates, and celebrations with friends and family. I’m a regular here and keep going back for more.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #03-22 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801.
Also at Clarke Quay, The National Gallery of Singapore, and the Jewel at Changi.
Phone: +65 9834 9935.
Website: https://violetoon.com/violet-oon-singapore-at-ion-orchard/
