Saturday Mornings: Chef Violet Oon on Peranakan Food Heritage and How It Still Defines Modern Singapore

Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen has a delicious conversation with Chef Violet Oon, the nation’s beloved Peranakan food ambassador. Her newest Bibik ("autie" in Malay) Violet Cafe at Great World brings handmade kueh, nostalgic bakes, durian specials, and comforting favourites to a warm, vibrant space designed to feel like a Bibik’s home. She describes her two cafés as a celebration of Peranakan warmth with rattan chairs, batik accents, vintage recipe books, and heritage treasures. At the entrance, a kueh counter greets guests with handmade Nyonya treats, house‑made kaya, and kopi and teh blends. Chef Violet shares why Peranakan cuisine is rising globally, how heritage food connects generations of Singaporeans, and why authenticity matters more than ever. Bibik Violet joins the flagship outlet at Temasek Shophouse, continuing the group’s mission to preserve and elevate Peranakan culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.