Peranakan Private Dining
I have been a fan of Mama Jac’s Kitchenette since my first meal there in 2022! What captivated me most was Jacqueline’s dedication to Peranakan cuisine and her continuous research to revive forgotten recipes. Dining there is always a culinary exploration, and on this visit, we uncovered more forgotten Peranakan gems.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Jacqueline’s culinary focus is on Peranakan cuisine, despite not having any Nonya roots. Her dishes are drawn out of cookbooks and cherished memories of Nonya dishes and flavors she had come across. During the Covid period, she transformed her modest three-bedroom apartment into a private dining space, which she affectionately named ‘Mama Jac’s Kitchenette.’ This cozy venue quickly became known for its warm, homely atmosphere and personalized dining experiences.
Food Review
Our meal began with a selection of small bites, with the Babi Roti leading the pack. I only discovered Babi Roti when I started writing about food, and I don’t recall ever eating it as a kid. This dish is now hard to find in Singapore, but I managed to try it at Restoren Yut Kee in KL. Mama Jac’s version is inspired by the popular Cantonese prawn toast. The minced pork is first seasoned with coriander, nutmeg, and sand ginger, then spread on a piece of bread, which is subsequently deep-fried! The flavor of the minced pork is so tasty and nostalgic! I would order it in a pinch if it were served at a nice cafe somewhere! 4/5