Glodok, Jakarta’s famed Chinatown and dining destination, has made its way into Singapore and, evidently, into the hearts of Siglap residences. Kota88 opened its doors in 2018, introducing easties (an endearing local term for east Singapore dwellers) to Chinese-Indonesian fare, otherwise known as Masakan Tionghoa-Indonesia. Lunch or dinner, the casual eatery is often packed with diners digging into dishes that straddle between Chinese zi-char favourites and Indonesian street food.
Many are familiar with the cuisine associated with predominant Muslim population. But as the world’s largest island country spanning 17,000 islands, it is actually home to many diverse cultures and, of course, delicacies. Most popular of this subset is the Chinese-Indonesian fare that prospered within the many Chinatowns that pepper the country. There, Chinese immigrants adapted to the local culture, ingredients and taste to create what is now known as Masakan Tionghoa-Indonesia.
Kota88’s menu sticks closely to tradition, with a focus on larger plates for communal dining. There are also individual portions for those coming in smaller groups but, chances are, you’ll want to fill up the seats to sample their incredibly extensive menu.
