Rempapa Hari Raya 2023 Celebrates With Five Special Dishes

With the launch of the Cultural Celebration Series in 2022, Rempapa Hari Raya 2023 continues to celebrate heritage flavours this festive season. The celebratory series honours Singapore’s multicultural flavours and educates through the culinary legacies of our ethnic groups.

“As a child, I always look forward to Hari Raya. We always visited Dad’s best friend, Uncle Kadir and his wife Aunty Zainab who was an incredible cook. I remember sitting cross-legged on the floor and using my fingers to relish Rendang, Sambal Udang and her delectable Serunding with Ketupat.” Chef Damian D’Silva reminisces.

From 21 to 23 April 2023, Rempapa Hari Raya 2023 menu honours the festivities with five special dishes, created by Chef Damian and Head Chef Alan Chan. The line-up features traditional Malay dishes that draws on the fond food memories of both chefs during the occasion.

Rempapa Hari Raya 2023 – The Menu

Savour a repertoire of heritage food at Rempapa’s Hari Raya celebration Sambal Goreng ($26), literally translated as ‘Fried Chilli Paste’, is a staple Malay dish that consists of vegetables, tempeh, fried bean curd (tau kua) and prawns in a fragrant chilli paste. Serunding ($8), a side dish to accompany rice, is commonly associated with Javanese cuisine. A touch of tamarind is mixed into caramelised grated coconut for Rempapa’s version, inspired by Chef Damian’s memories of Aunty Zainab, a fond family friend who regularly presented tables of Indonesian-Malay fare for her loved ones.

For meaty accompaniments, there’s the Ayam Masak Merah ($38), which is prepared with GG French Chicken. The chicken is cooked in enriched tomato sauce and an aromatic mix of herbs and spices until the flavour permeates the meat.

The Beef Cheek Rendang ($44) follows a recipe belonging to Chef Damian’s grandad. This traditional dish is renowned for its laborious cooking process, so it’s often reserved for special occasions and celebratory meals. The fork-tender yet juicy meat is best paired with some serunding and ketupat.

Finally, there’s the Ketupat ($6 per portion), perfect for mopping up the flavourful rempahs. Rice is wrapped into diamond-shaped parcels and cooked in coconut milk; making it a great accompaniment to the more robust dishes on the menu.

When it comes to drinks, there’s a sweet childhood favourite — Bandung Chin Chow ($8 per portion). Rose cordial syrup is mixed with evaporated milk and topped off with chin chow for a refreshing bite.

Join Rempapa in the celebration of Singapore’s multi-cultural festivals with heritage flavours.