Babba is no more: New casual eatery Riang takes over its spot at Serangoon

Modern Peranakan eatery Babba has shuttered quietly, less than nine months after its opening at Jalan Riang in Serangoon. In its place is Riang, a casual-dining concept that serves Western-Asian fusion cuisine. 

Both concepts are by the folks behind The Brewing Ground in Joo Chiat.

When Babba first opened in February, it won the hearts and tummies of foodies, thanks to its dual concept of a picture-perfect brunch selection with a Peranakan flair in the day, and authentic Peranakan dishes in the evening. Standouts include its homemade banana cake, Nyonya otak and beef rendang. 

Fans were thus shocked when Babba announced on its social media accounts on Oct 24 that its last day of service was Oct 30.

Riang opened a few days later, on Nov 2, with largely the same decor, taking over Babba’s rattan chairs, terrazzo stone tables and overhanging plants.

Speaking to HungryGoWhere, a spokesperson for The Brewing Ground — which has been serving the brunch crowd in Joo Chiat since January 2021 — said the team was “very grateful” for the followers they have and the family they have built.

When queried on the reason behind the closure, the spokesperson said: “Babba emerged as an idea out of the pandemic, hoping to cater to this lovely neighbourhood (by) bringing the love of Peranakan cuisine to you.”

The spokesperson added that the team does “not have any future plans for the brand” at this point.

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Be that as it may, loyal fans of Babba will be relieved to know that Riang has retained Babba’s pastry chef and will continue serving the same desserts as its predecessor, such as its beloved homemade banana cake. There will also be new creations on the menu. 

Riang, like Babba, has a concept of serving different menus at different times of day. The brunch menu, available from morning till 4.30pm, serves brunch-related food and beverages, such as pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and tartines. 

This is supplemented by the mains and salads menu, available from 10am to 4.30pm, that has items such as hot-fried chicken burger (S$17).

The sunset menu, available from 6pm, features starters and big plates appropriate for communal sharing, such as a fried chicken and banchan (S$25) and vanilla tiger prawns (S$28).

A highlight at Riang is the Riang Breakkie (S$16), a hearty set where you can opt for your choice of meat (thick-cut bacon or a chicken sausage), choice of bread (sourdough or brioche) and choice of eggs (scrambled, sunny side up, soft-boiled, or over-easy). Each set also comes with a hash brown. 

The Riang team hopes that the new concept would bring “comfort and camaraderie to the neighbourhood” with its selection of food and drinks that cater to diners from sunrise to sunset.

Riang is on the GrabFood delivery service. You can also book a ride there.