Cafe in a preserved Dutch-era house specializing in gourmet burgers infused with Baba Nyonya and international influences, with an interior gallery feel.
A House with Stories
The Baboon House occupies a historic Dutch-era structure on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a street lined with colonial shophouses. The interior functions as both restaurant and informal gallery, with walls lined with found objects, artworks, and the accumulated aesthetic of the owner’s travels. This is not a polished concept cafe; the decor reflects genuine collecting and lived-in creativity.
The Burgers
Owner Roger builds burgers that blend Baba Nyonya culinary traditions with international influences gathered from backpacking. Rather than a fixed menu, burgers are iterated based on customer feedback and seasonal ingredient availability. Spice pastes, locally sourced, appear in patties and accompaniments. Bread is considered as carefully as the protein. Expect heat levels to vary; mention preferences when ordering.
Visiting
Open 10am to 5pm, Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, closed Tuesday. The cafe serves coffee, tea, and a rotating selection of drinks. Seating is scattered through the house - front counter, interior nooks, some outdoor space. Quiet, introspective atmosphere. Come unhurried; this is a place to linger, not rush through a meal.
