SINGAPORE, 16 JUNE – Nestled within the lush enclave of Dempsey Hill, Violet Oon Singapore at Dempsey Hill is a heartfelt tribute to the soul of Peranakan cuisine and Singapore’s spirit. Set within a grand restored heritage space adorned with salvaged Nyonya tiles, every dish and drink is rooted in time-honoured recipes, embracing tradition while highlighting carefully sourced ingredients by Chef Violet, that showcase native flavours and seasonal produce. Developed by Proof Creative, the restaurant’s revamped beverage experience is steeped in culture and framed by discovery; made in close collaboration with Chef Violet to pair perfectly with the rich flavours of Peranakan cuisine.
At the core of the beverage philosophy is a celebration of Singapore’s Places and Culture through the lens of culinary heritage, drawing inspiration from bustling neighbourhoods, family tables, and the comforting chatter of Singlish. Guests are invited on a spirited journey across the island’s multi-ethnic layers, from the terraces of Emerald Hill to kampung memories.
Main Dining Room at Violet Oon Dempsey
A Toast to Peranakan Heritage
The menu is anchored by two distinct collections: Rooted and Glam Singapura. Rooted explores nostalgic references through drinks like the Royal Rempah Club, a daiquiri featuring earthy rempah spices, pomelo and Planteray Cut & Dry, a coconut-infused rum that mingles perfectly with sambal spices. Or Midnight Straits, a luscious nightcap echoing kopi gao with candlenut orgeat and Lost Irish whiskey. In Glam Singapura, whimsy and wit come alive through drinks like Ho Mia, a negroni accented with laksa, lemongrass and rojak gin and Violet Bloom, a floral fizz for toasting the chef at violet hour, built with Brass Lion Butterfly Pea Gin – a naturally colour-changing and uniquely Singaporean gin inspired by Peranakan heritage.
Whether sipping Tropics of Kin, a creamy jackfruit Batida with garden herbs, or indulging in Ong Lai, a pineapple tart milk punch for festive fortune, every drink is a reflection of home, reframed with care.
“With profound respect for trailblazer Chef Violet and the iconic Violet Oon group, Proof Creative is keenly aware of the great honour and responsibility of preserving Peranakan style in cocktail form. The techniques and integration of flavours echo those that Chef Violet has championed over the years.”
– Karen Fu from Proof Creative, who led the development of the beverage concept, reflects on the collaboration.
Tropics of Kin, Rindu Roselle, Temasek Cooler, Midnight Straits
Zero-ABV Cocktail and Familiar Singapore Flavours
Spirit-free cocktails add an inclusive dimension. Tekka Spice blends vanilla yoghurt, spiced calamansi, and sarsaparilla inspired by Little India’s Tekka Centre, while Katong Drift nods to Tanjong Katong with curry leaf and green botanicals. Even the Swee Chilli mule features ginger beer and Violet Oon’s house made chilli sauce, channelling hawker-style heat.
Reverence for ingredients is evident throughout, from torched ginger flower and tamarind to jackfruit and roselle. Each one chosen not simply for local flair, but for the resonance they hold in the everyday Singaporean palate. Of course, no Violet Oon experience would be complete without Kopi and Teh. Brewed the traditional way with margarine-roasted Robusta, the Kopi selections anchor the menu in kopitiam culture, while Ice Kachang and Nanyang Breakfast are uniquely exceptional tea blends.
The spirit behind the restaurant’s essence is perhaps best encapsulated by Chef Violet Oon, Singapore’s doyenne of Peranakan cuisine and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Singapore Tourism Board: “My life’s work in Singapore food has been to curate, collate and celebrate Singapore cuisine. My family and I look forward to welcoming you to our table to share in the stories and flavours that have defined our cuisine, and our heritage.”
This sense of heritage, heart, and hospitality defines the entire experience at Dempsey Hill. As CEO Tay Yiming shares, “Our opening at Dempsey marks a meaningful milestone as we continue to grow and elevate the Violet Oon Singapore experience. This beautiful location allows us to bring our culinary heritage to life in a timeless setting surrounded by lush greenery—creating a space for our guests to savour the flavours and discover the richness of Singapore’s culinary culture.”
At Violet Oon Dempsey Hill, hospitality is not just service, but a cherished memory in the making and every drink tells a story of place, people, and the culinary soul of Singapore.
