National Gallery Singapore launching two restaurants by chef Damian D’Silva

SINGAPORE – After the recent exit of several food and beverage (F&B) tenants at the National Gallery Singapore, the museum announced – in a statement on April 8 – two new dining concepts to be helmed by veteran local chef Damian D’Silva. 

Slated to open at the Gallery in September, all-day-dining cafe Rempapa, known for its multicultural Singaporean cuisine, will relocate from its current premises at Park Place Residences at PLQ in Paya Lebar.

Rempapa will serve “local comfort food with a modern touch” and offer signature rice bowls priced from $9.90++.

The Gallery will also house Gilmore & Damian D’Silva. It is in honour of chef D’Silva’s grandfather Gilmore D’Silva, who served as the Supreme Court’s caretaker for more than 20 years.

Inspired by his grandfather’s era, Gilmore & Damian D’Silva will feature heritage dishes from the 1900s and revive “nearly lost flavours”.

Prices have not been revealed, but the restaurant is expected to offer a refined take on traditional Eurasian recipes, along with his grandfather’s recipes. 

Chef Damian D’Silva, 68, says: “Returning to the former Supreme Court where I grew up and used to visit granddad is incredibly meaningful. Food has always been a powerful way to tell stories, and with these two concepts, I want to bring to life the flavours and traditions that define Eurasian and Singapore heritage cuisine. 

“Gilmore is a new chapter for me and a way to honour the nearly forgotten recipes of my grandfather’s era with greater depth, refinement and respect.” 

Both eateries are under OUE Restaurants, the food and lifestyle arm of real estate and healthcare group OUE Limited. The group also runs one-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Shisen Hanten, rooftop restaurant-bar Vue and chicken rice specialist Chatterbox. 

OUE’s two new restaurants add to the existing famed establishments at the Gallery: National Kitchen by Violet Oon and the three-Michelin-starred French restaurant Odette. 

Eateries that exited in the past six months after their leases at the museum ended include Cantonese restaurant Yan, one-Michelin-starred Art di Daniele Sperindio and Smoke & Mirrors bar. 

Mr Chris Lee, the Gallery’s assistant chief executive (museum experience and operations), says: “Rempapa and Gilmore & Damian D’Silva are more than just restaurants, they are a tribute to the diverse stories and flavours that have shaped our nation. 

“We hope this addition enriches the visitor experience, creating a space for conversation, connection and a shared appreciation of Singapore and South-east Asia, and its art and culinary heritage.”

More new concepts will be added to the Gallery in the coming months, as part of its ongoing F&B refresh. 

Chef D’Silva adds: “With the support of National Gallery Singapore, we’re not just preserving heritage, we’re elevating it for a new generation of diners and museumgoers, in a place that holds deep personal significance for me.”