I was made redundant and had a load of time on my hands whilst I searched for new employment, I took the kids to school and had lunch with wifey pretty much every day. It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. But, of course, it ended and I had to be back to being an employed adult. Whilst researching where to eat, I found a new gem on the East Coast.
One I have walked past many a time but for some reason never ventured in. But today wifey and I did and I am so glad we did. This is a cracking place, this is Sinpopo in Joo Chiat Road, Katong. You can read the full review of Sinpopo at Islifearecipe HERE.
I’m going to steal some text from their menu to describe the style. Suffice to say though, it’s Peranakan. It’s a converted shophouse (still with original floor tiles in places). It’s minimalistic with basic colours and a mixture of textures like steel menus on the walls. It’s just uber cool. We really liked it and will be back with the kids for sure. 100% I know they will dig this spot too. Sinpopo in Joo Chiat Road, Katong is awesome. A must-try in my humble opinion.
To their menu, and I quote; “Sinpopo is an ode to Katong and its heritage. Since the 1950’s Katong has been well-known for its unique Peranakan culture and cuisine. Today, Katong is completely different. With a plethora of Western-style cafes and restaurants, large shopping malls, and condominiums, Katong’s heritage and its heritage businesses are being crowded out.
We want very much to keep it alive because it is a part of us. So we’re not just some hipster cafe. We don’t simplify or fusion-ise. We spruce up the old traditional recipes to keep them relevant.
I love this type of pride in your own place. Great work Sinpopo. Be proud because your space is amazing, and the food was of absolute quality. We will be seeing you soon.
I go hard for the recommended pork chop marinated in soy and I am so glad I listened to the recommendation because this was amazing. OK, I think it was a sous vide which you know I hate as a cooking technique but this is a thick pork cutlet so needs to be cooked properly all the way through. Some nice charring to boot or flaming as they call it and served with this insanely good Hainanese curry dip. Holy smoke this was so so good. Loved it. Amy and Jude would be all over this like a rash. We are so coming back.
Wifey goes full on for their Cod Fish dish. Baked Cod with Dao Jio Crust They call this Sinpopo’s unique Dao Jio crust, which is served on a bed of tang hoon tossed in their special garlic oil. Yeah, not one morsel was left on the plate by wifey. She said it was an amazing fish dish and she loved it. Double great work from Sinpopo. Two absolute winners so far!!!
OK, OK it looks like a bar of Coal Tar Soap. I hear you, but… This dessert was off the charts good. It is a jelly, yes, but a jelly that falls apart quasi melts in your mouth. I have never experienced anything like it. It’s savoury too. Not over-sweet.
It’s a bonkers good dessert and a must-try. This is Gula Melaka Tiramisu, a time-forgotten dessert. They call it a super soft Gula Melaka Agar Agar prepared with egg white for an amazingly light mouthfeel. Served in time-honoured tradition with cocnut sauce. It is just crazy good and it gets a huge recommendation from me. Must try!!!
Sinpopo Brand also has Sinpopo Cake, and once a year they even introduce Sinpopo Mooncake. Have a look at these. Perhaps I should do a Sinpopo cake review one day.
This is the rather amazing-looking Dar Dar Mille Crepe.
Here she is. Just a few doors down from I12 near the junction. It’s unassuming, so don’t do our mistake and just walk on by. Stop in, grab a beer and food and say hello. The staff are great guys. Yep mostly Filipino that we met today. Awesome, excellent service!!!
Our Conclusions About Sinpopo Joo Chiat
So there you have it, folks, we found this absolute gem in heartlands Katong. This is die die must try believe me. Keeping the heritage food flag flying which I love. This is Peranakan food at its best in Katong. Sinpopo in Joo Chiat is right up there with the best of the best on Red Dot. You simply must give it a go. I recommend that pork cutlet, if only it was still on the menu. Holy moly it’s good. Like WOW. So friends get your bum to I12 and walk across the street and come to Sinpopo in Joo Chiat. For more local restaurant reviews from ISLIFEARECIPE, click HERE.
ENJOY!!!
