Amara Singapore celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Singapore with its new “Local Legends” series, which will launch in January 2025 at Café Oriental. This initiative features collaborations with celebrated chefs and iconic dining institutions, with each installment highlighting unique culinary traditions through a showcase of their heritage recipes and signature flavours.
The series debuts with home chef Christina Hunter of Hunter’s Kitchen (@hunterskitchensg). Originally from Ketapang in West Borneo, Christina is known for her authentic Indonesian cuisine, which is often imbued with subtle influences from her Teochew-Peranakan heritage. Her private dinners and curated menus consistently sell out.
Sambals and Kerupuk
Sambal Mangga
The semi-buffet spread showcases a selection of Christina’s homemade sambals and kerupuk (chilli pastes and crackers). The sambals were particularly captivating with their bold and punchy flavours. The Sambal Mangga, crafted from young mango, stood out with its tangy profile, while the lesser-seen Sambal Terong, made with eggplant, delivered a robust and spicy kick. In fact, they were all addictive.
Lontong 5/5
Hunter’s signature Lontong elevated this humble dish to a new level. My bowl was topped with tender Opor Chicken, Sambal Goreng Beef Petai, and Balado Quail Eggs. The homemade compressed rice cakes were perfectly textured — firm yet tender — and paired harmoniously with the well-braised vegetables in a light coconut milk gravy, creating a comforting and flavourful combination.
Asam Garam Sotong 4/5
For the main course, diners had two set options. Set One offered a choice between Suak Chui Koi (chilli chicken) and Asam Garam Sotong (squid cooked with tamarind), while Set Two featured Rawon Beef, a Javanese-style beef stew infused with keluak nut. I opted for the Asam Garam Sotong, which was perfectly cooked and coated in a punchy gravy. The dish was accompanied by Nasi Liwet, aromatic rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, along with Sayur Lodeh Tauco, Balinese omelette, Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis, and Bakwan Jagung. The rice was particularly noteworthy, adding an irresistible, aromatic richness to the plate. The crunchy bits of the Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis were a tad saltish, but they added another layer of aroma and flavour to each bite.
Pisang Goreng 4/5
Es Teler 2.5/5
The desserts featured were Pisang Goreng and Es Teler. The Pisang Goreng offered the satisfying contrast of sweet, creamy banana encased in hot, crispy batter. However, the Es Teler — a chilled dessert of mixed fruits and coconut — was slightly lacklustre.
The next installation of Local Legends will feature a collaboration with acclaimed Chef Damian D’Silva of Rempapa in March 2025, highlighting Singapore Heritage cuisine. More exciting collaborations will be unveiled throughout 2025.
Reservations for Local Legends – Cafe Oriental x Hunter’s Kitchen can be made at https://reserve.oddle.me/en_SG/amarasingapore/ticket/5744. For two days only on 16 and 17 January 2025, Christina will tantalise diners with a semi-buffet dinner, priced at S$108++ per person, limited to 50 reservations per day.
Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.
Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am – 830pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]