Discover Marie’s Lapis Cafe: A Taste of Peranakan in Singapore

Introducing Marie’s Lapis Cafe

Located in Bedok North Street 3, Singapore, Marie’s Lapis Cafe is a delightful spot that began as a family business in 2018 and officially opened its doors on November 11, 2020. Run by 84-year-old Marie and her son Chris, this cafe offers a rich array of Peranakan dishes, with the famous kueh lapis taking center stage.

A Warm Atmosphere and Excellent Service

Upon arriving at the cafe, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from Chris and his relative Corinne. Notably, there are no GST or service charges, yet the quality of service here far exceeds that of many other places, making your experience all the more memorable.

Distinctive Cuisine at Marie’s Lapis Cafe

When visiting Marie’s Lapis Cafe, you can't miss the Buah Keluak Spaghetti (priced at S$19). This unique pasta dish is made with buah keluak, a nut with a distinctive flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask to swap the spaghetti for mee tai mak, a short noodle, and you won’t be disappointed.

Another standout dish is the Homemade Nasi Campur (also S$19), served with fragrant blue pea rice, enticing sambal prawns, and a beautifully plated sunny-side-up egg. All ingredients are artfully arranged, tantalizing your taste buds from the first glance.

An Authentic Peranakan Dining Experience

The ngoh hiang spring rolls here are also a must-try. With a crispy thin wrapper and a generous meat filling, they truly evoke memories of family meals. Don’t forget to ask for achar and sambal belacan, two condiments that elevate the dish to perfection.

Special Mee Siam

Lastly, don’t miss the Tok Kong Mee Siam (priced at S$14), featuring fresh rice noodles soaked in sauce, accompanied by prawns, boiled eggs, and tofu. The harmonious blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavors offers a rich culinary experience. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the fusion of traditional and modern Nyonya cuisine.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese visitors, you can enjoy Peranakan cuisine in Singapore without a visa for stays under 30 days. The flight from Vietnam to Singapore takes only about 2-3 hours with airlines like VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. Dining here is also quite affordable, averaging around 300,000 VND for a delicious meal.

Marie’s Lapis Cafe also features a variety of Nyonya kueh on weekends, so be sure to stop by if you get the chance. Follow the cafe’s social media pages for updates on new dishes and the upcoming second location opening in Raffles Place.

At Marie’s Lapis Cafe, you’ll not only enjoy unique dishes but also experience a cozy and familiar atmosphere that feels like home.

Article referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food