Eurasian fare an endangered cuisine?

The future of Quentin's Eurasian Restaurant hangs in the balance, and its departure would narrow an already limited pool of eateries serving such fare

- Cherie Lok

For nearly 18 years, it has stood at the intersection of Ceylon Road and Dunman Road, dishing out bowl after bowl of devil's curry, curry feng, prawn bostador and other Eurasian classics that are found at few other eateries around the island.

But with its lease ending at the end of 2025, Quentin's Eurasian Restaurant might bid its old home farewell. Chef-owner Quentin Pereira says his landlord, the Eurasian Association, has informed him that it will not renew his lease at the end of the year.

The association told The Sunday Times that the Eurasian Heritage Gallery, where Quentin's is currently housed, will undergo a refresh at the end of 2025 to promote and enhance access to Eurasian heritage, including Eurasian culinary traditions, for a wider audience in Singapore.

This is part of its broader efforts to ensure the gallery continues to offer new and engaging experiences for visitors, it says.

In the meantime, Mr Pereira, who has spent most of his career trying to preserve Eurasian culture and heritage, is still looking for ways to retain his Ceylon Road outlet.

While the 53-year-old has another outlet on Sentosa, which opened in 2019, the Ceylon Road restaurant occupies a special place in his memories. Over the years, it has become a place where the Eurasian community could find a taste of home.

Its departure could mark the closure of one of the most recognisable Eurasian restaurants in Singapore, narrowing an already limited pool of eateries serving such fare.

Peranakan-Eurasian hawker stall Popo And Nana's Delights no longer operates at Maxwell Food Centre, while Mary's Kafe, run by veteran local chef Mary Gomes, has shut its store. Ms Gomes now fulfils orders from her Jalan Ma'mor home with the help of her daughter.

Why is Eurasian food such a rarity in Singapore, and where can one get a taste of it here?

A FAMILY AFFAIR