National Gallery Singapore has announced the addition of two new dining concepts, Rempapa and Gilmore & Damian D’Silva by OUE Restaurants, as part of the Gallery’s ongoing F&B refresh. Helmed by acclaimed Singaporean chef Damian D’Silva, these concepts will celebrate Singapore’s diverse culinary heritage, offering an accessible all-day café alongside an elevated dining experience, both set to open in September 2025.

This collaboration marks an exciting addition to the Gallery’s refreshed F&B landscape, strengthening its commitment to offering dining experiences that complement Singapore’s rich cultural history. This holistic refresh, guided by research on visitor trends, and industry developments, aims to introduce a diverse inclusive, sustainable mix of dining options to enhance visitor experience and strengthen alignment with the museum’s mission.

Chef Damian D’Silva, recipient of the La Liste’s Artisan and Authenticity Award 2024 and the Singapore Tourism Board’s Special Recognition Award, is a renowned champion of Singapore’s heritage cuisine. His restaurant, Rempapa – a Michelin Selected restaurant and a beloved dining destination – will be relocating from PLQ to National Gallery Singapore. Additionally, Chef Damian will introduce a brand-new concept, Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, which will showcase uniquely Eurasian and Singapore heritage flavours, offering visitors a deep dive into the nation’s multicultural culinary influences.

Rempapa will be an all-day café, serving local comfort food with a modern touch. Designed as an inviting and accessible space for museum-goers and visitors alike, it offers affordably priced dishes, including signature rice bowls starting from $9.90++. Gilmore & Damian D’Silva will feature heritage dishes from the 1900s, inspired by Chef Damian’s grandfather’s era. The restaurant will focus on reviving these nearly lost flavours while offering a refined take on traditional Eurasian recipes, including some drawn from his grandfather’s personal recipes. Despite its elevated approach, Gilmore & Damian D’Silva will remain accessible to visitors.

The Gallery is excited to work with OUE Restaurants and Damian D’Silva to showcase Singapore’s culinary heritage. Through Rempapa and Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, Singaporeans and international visitors will be introduced to the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped the nation’s identity, reinforcing the Gallery as a space where history, culture, and community come together. In addition, Chef Damian has a personal connection to the Supreme Court – his grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva once served as its caretaker for over 20 years, and he spent much of his childhood within its halls, which now houses part of the Gallery. Chef Damian’s deep admiration for his grandfather and his lifelong commitment to heritage cuisine aligns seamlessly with the Gallery’s mission to celebrate and preserve Singapore’s cultural legacy.

Mr. Chris Lee, Assistant Chief Executive (Museum Experience and Operations) says, “The Gallery has always been a place where history, art, and culture intersect. This collaboration with OUE Restaurants and Damian D’Silva extends that experience through food, showcasing our cultural heritage in meaningful and accessible ways. 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 Southeast Asia, and its art and culinary heritage.”

Mr. Damian D’Silva, Executive Chef, says, “Returning to the former Supreme Court where I grew up and used to visit Grandad, 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. With the support of National Gallery Singapore, we’re not just preserving heritage, we’re elevating it for a new generation of diners and museum-goers, in a place that holds deep personal significance for me.”

The Gallery’s F&B refresh will be rolled out in phases, with more dining concepts to be announced in the coming months.