Great World

Bibik Violet has opened its second outlet at Great World. The 74-seat café is warm and colourful, filled with rattan, batik details, vintage touches and plenty of greenery, giving it more of a welcoming family-home feel than a typical mall restaurant.

The concept sits somewhere between a casual Peranakan eatery, kopitiam and bakery, which makes it an easy place to drop by throughout the day. The menu runs from kaya and hae bee hiam toast and Mee Siam to heartier favourites such as Nyonya Laksa, Nasi Lemak and Prawn Mee. For a proper meal, there are familiar Peranakan classics to share including Kueh Pie Tee, Satay, Babi Pongteh, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Chap Chye and the particularly indulgent Buah Keluak Soft Rib.

What makes Bibik Violet especially charming, though, is that the experience does not end with the savouries. The colourful kueh and cake counter makes it very tempting to stay for kopi and something sweet. Everything is made in limited batches, with newer additions at Great World including Black Sesame and Yam Ang Ku Kueh, alongside Kueh Talam with coconut cream and purple sweet potato. There is also a wider selection of nostalgic bakes, from Pandan & Gula Melaka Marble Chiffon to Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and Orange Sugee Cake.

I like that the food here does not feel like it is trying too hard to modernise Peranakan cuisine. Instead, it leans into dishes that are familiar, comforting and easy to enjoy, but packages them in a setting that feels fun and contemporary. You could come for a full family meal, but it works just as well for an afternoon kopi-and-kueh stop while shopping at Great World. The classic Chendol is also a permanent Great World exclusive, so save some space for dessert.

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Originally posted on Instagram