National Gallery Singapore has just unveiled a premier destination for heritage dining with the launch of The Caretaker’s Room, an exclusive private dining space within the acclaimed restaurant, Gilmore. Helmed by Chef Damian D’Silva—widely regarded as the “grandfather” of heritage cuisine—the venue offers an intimate intersection of fine art and diverse regional flavors. This new addition allows guests to dine surrounded by the gallery’s iconic architecture while exploring a menu that honors Singapore’s multicultural domestic roots.
A Legacy Reimagined Through Fine Dining
The venue holds deep personal and historical significance. It is named after Chef Damian’s grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, who served as the sole custodian of the Supreme Court back when it occupied the building that now houses the National Gallery. By situating the private room in his grandfather’s former workplace, Chef Damian creates a tangible link between the city’s judicial past and its vibrant culinary present.
The space is designed for privacy and prestige, catering to groups of up to 16 guests, or smaller parties of eight for half-room reservations. Separated from the main restaurant’s bustle, it provides a quiet sanctuary for those looking to celebrate Singapore’s identity through both sight and taste.
A Masterclass in Regional Flavors
The Caretaker’s Room serves as a canvas for Chef Damian’s expansive repertoire, blending Peranakan, Eurasian, Malay, Indian, and Chinese culinary traditions. The menus are meticulously structured to offer varying levels of immersion:
- Standard Set ($80 lunch / $120 dinner): Features signature highlights from Gilmore’s rotating seasonal menu.
- Peranakan Feast ($150): A deep dive into Nyonya culture, featuring labor-intensive classics like hati babi bungkus (pork and liver wrapped in caul fat) and the essential, earthy ayam buah keluak.
- Multi-Ethnic Selection ($180): A curated tour of Singapore’s diverse heritage through a variety of communal plates.
- The Chef Experience ($250): The most premium offering, where Chef Damian hand-selects ingredients from local wet markets to create a bespoke, one-of-a-kind menu based on the day’s best produce.
Traditional Techniques and Communal Spirit
True to the spirit of heritage dining, meals in The Caretaker’s Room prioritize communal sharing and historical accuracy. Guests can expect rare delicacies such as banana blossom kerabu and hee peow soup—a comforting broth rich with fish maw and handmade prawn balls—alongside hearty mains like gerang assam snapper and babi chin.
The “Chef Experience” remains the highlight for enthusiasts, emphasizing traditional preparation methods that are increasingly rare in modern commercial kitchens. Because these menus rely on traditional slow-cooking techniques and fresh market sourcing, they require significant lead time and coordination with the chef.
Planning Your Visit
The Caretaker’s Room is currently open for reservations, though its exclusivity means planning is essential.
- Capacity: 8 to 16 guests.
- Lead Time: Bookings must be made at least one week in advance; bespoke menus require longer notice.
- Location: Inside Gilmore at the National Gallery Singapore.
For those looking to host an event that is as educational as it is epicurean, this new space offers a rare opportunity to taste the history of the Lion City directly from one of its most dedicated culinary guardians.