Family Recipes, Quintessential Ingredients, Generational Legacy. Heavily steeped in tradition, one would think of Peranakan cuisine as rigid and resistant to change.
Well, I beg to differ.
Just like a colourful kueh lapis, we have to keep peeling back the layers.
With overarching influences from Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cooking, this beautiful convergence of different cultures remains open to change and constant experimentation. Why not enjoy the best of these culinary worlds?
Consider this as an in-case-of-emergency of sorts when you have sudden cravings for dishes like kueh pie tee or babi pong teh. These 15 Perfect Peranakan Stalls range from humble hawker food to high-end joints, which just goes to show how versatile this multicultural cuisine can be.
Without further ado, here’s to all things Peranakan, Baba and Nyonya.
Marie’s Lapis Cafe at Bedok should not be unfamiliar to you!
Originally a home-based business in 2018, this cafe is renowned for their beloved kueh lapis. The “Marie” in question is the Peranakan 80-year-old owner who continues to prepare the stall’s ngoh hiang, rempah and yes, even down to their kueh lapis. Marvellous Marie.
For those with a penchant for fusion delights, this one’s for you. The acquired Buah Keluak Spaghetti (S$18) is enveloped in a recognisable dark sauce from the Nyonya nut and accompanied by a spread of plump tiger prawns and scallops. According to our Office Chef, the seafood is worthy of an “impeccably-cooked award”. Need I say more?
Now for the hearty eaters, the Homemade Nasi Campur (S$18) is definitely a filling one. This dish includes a mound of blue pea rice, yellow omelette, bright-red sambal prawns, brownish-hued chap chye and Marie’s homemade ngoh hiang. Easily characterised by its vibrant colours, the nasi campur has an equally robust flavour.
Dessert time. Choose 2 Gelato Scoops (their selection includes Orh Nee and Ondeh Ondeh?!) and the Lapis Waffle (S$12) is all yours, complete with gula melaka drizzle on unique kueh lapis-esque waffles.
Oh, this cafe has “No Pork, No Lard, No GST, No Service Charge.” Try to say No to that.
537 Bedok North St 3, #01-575, Singapore 460537
+65 6970 8556
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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I guess the best Peranakan stalls originate from households.
Helmed by Aunty Lily herself, Aunty Lily Kitchen at City Plaza is a Peranakan-Indonesian food stall that was also a previous home-based business during the pandemic. Guess what, the genuine towkay is a hostel owner that provides accommodation for several Indonesian students!
Her signature Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang (S$7.50) comes with peanuts, sambal, ikan bilis, hard-boiled egg, succulent beef rendang and a generous portion of blue pea rice laced with notes of coconut. You may also add a side of Tempeh Hijau (S$1) or Chilli Tempeh (S$1) for a savoury touch.
According to Indonesian natives, Aunty Lily also serves the cheapest ayam penyet in the vicinity.
You can choose between plain or turmeric rice; the Ayam Penyet (S$7.90) is topped with fried shallots and served with sambal, tau kwa, tempeh bits and assorted greens. The star of the show? That perfectly crunchy, juicy and golden-brown ayam of course.
BTW, be sure to snag her handmade Nyonya Kuehs before they sell out. This includes Lemper Udang (S$3) and Kueh Kosui (S$3 for 6 pieces). While the Lemper Udang has an addictive hae bee hiam filling, the latter boasts a bouncy texture with grated coconut shavings.
Shiok ah.
810 Geylang Rd, City Plaza, #05-05, Singapore 409286
+65 8168 7536
Sat to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Closed on Fri
Website
3. Charlie’s Peranakan Food
Restaurant-quality Peranakan Food at a decent price? Charlie’s Peranakan Food is where it is at.
Quietly tucked away in a corner at Golden Mile Food Centre, this humble hawker stall is helmed by a husband-wife duo, Charlie and Amy, who have been serving the authentic Straits Chinese cuisine for years.
No gatekeeping…According to fellow reviewers, Charlie’s Peranakan Food is one of the best in Singapore. Cue the iconic Buah Keluak Tulang Babi (S$13) that features fall-off-the-bone pork ribs drenched in earthy Buah Keluak gravy with a heady aftertaste.
Yes, although the price is pretty steep for a hawker stall, do note that the preparation of these dishes is not only labour-intensive but also time-consuming. With that in mind, you may also opt for Ayam Rendang (S$8) – pieces of tender ayam served in a palatable sauce made from a delicate blend of spices.
Psst. You may expect something new with each visit! They have a seasonal menu that changes according to ingredient availability.
505 Beach Rd, Golden Mile Food Centre, #B1-30, Singapore 199583
+65 9789 6304
Daily: 11.30am – 7.30pm
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4. Nana Curry
Established in 1989, Nana Curry has been serving Peranakan-style curries for decades.
With 4 outlets in Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Bedok and Dover Crescent, its branch at Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre has clinched the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for 5 years in a row. WHAT! And most importantly, WHY?
You cannot go wrong with their Curry Chicken (S$4.50). Thick, rich and smooth, Nana’s Curry can only be described as comforting. If you prefer something meatier though, the Curry Chicken Drumstick(S$5) is the perfect option for you.
The hawker stall also has a variety of options from Curry Vegetable (S$3.50), Curry Pork Ribs (S$5) to Curry Fish Meat (S$6). If you want something with a fiery kick, the Curry Mutton (S$5) has a strong flavour profile – slightly tangy with a prominent aftertaste of mutton.
Serving dishes with varying levels of spiciness, pick your poison.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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5. IVINS Peranakan
Here’s one for my Westies.
IVINS Peranakan at Binjai Park (just a stone’s throw away from King Albert Park MRT) easily overshadows its other 2 outlets at Thomson and Kovan. Decorated with green tables and wooden seats, the homely decor will transport you back to your ah ma’s dining table.
Serving Nyonya dishes since 1988, this “casual dining” restaurant is a specialist in this multicultural fare. Be prepared to be blown away by dishes that regulars Peranakan’t get enough of.
The store-recommendedUdang Masak Nanas (S$16/ S$24) is a sweet, zesty and spicy bowl of pineapples and prawns in tamarind gravy. Bringing together the soil and the sea, this stew has a befitting earthy aftertaste. Not to be confused with the Babi Pongteh (S$14/ S$21), the Babi Tauyu (S$12/ S$18) is a yummy braised pork belly dish with black sauce and soya egg.
If curries are still up your alley, the Nyonya Curry Fish Head (S$30) is worth a shot. Self-explanatory, but this spicy curry has a ½ Snapper Fish Head that comes with vegetables like okra and eggplant. The subtle sweetness of the fish is a nice contrast to the tangy gravy!
Irresistible, IVINS-ible, IVINS.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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6. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant (源和春菜馆)
Did you know that this was Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s favourite Peranakan restaurant?
A titan in the realm of Peranakan cuisine, Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant (源和春菜馆) along Joo Chiat Road is one of the oldest Peranakan restaurants in Singapore. Established in 1953, it is a family-owned restaurant that has been passed down for 3 generations.
As reflected in its old-fashioned interior with marble round tables and dark wooden chairs, this restaurant heavily emphasises their strict adherence to authentic cooking methods and recipes.
According to a Peranakan friend, Nyonya dishes often involve luscious cuts of melt-in-your-mouth braised meat. Sooo I guess that it is fitting to try their Babi Pong Tay (S$16.80/ S$23.80/ S$30.80). This traditional dish features fork-tender babi in brown savoury sauce!
On top of Peranakan cuisine, Guan Hoe Soon also serves a tasty smorgasbord of Chinese food, including my favourite Chicken with Cashew Nuts (S$16.80/ S$23.80/ S$30.80).
You can travel back in time here.
200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427471
+65 6344 2761
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm
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7. Makko Teck Neo
We love hidden gems, and this is another. Located in the quaint vicinity of Telok Blangah Rise, Makko Teck Neo offers an array of Peranakan dishes at a decent price.
Here are 2 chef recommendations categorised under their menu’s “Nyonya Street Food”. Served with a portion of sliced eggs and tau pok, the Dry Mee Siam (S$6.50) is a springy vermicelli coupled with spicy tamarind and coconut sauce. Additionally, the Tauhu Goreng (S$8.80) is a deep-fried tauhu with roasted peanut sauce.
Catch their enigmatic Nyonya Laksa (S$6.50) which is only available on Wed and Sat.Bathed in a creamy curry goodness (from the coconut milk), the slurp-able rice noodles are added with your usual bean sprout, fishcake and tau pok.
I almost forgot the Achar (S$10). Compared to other achar sides out there, this is definitely on the pricier end. It includes a colourful pickled mix of cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, carrots, and red and green chillies though.
Justified?
Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise, #01-303, Singapore 090035
+65 6275 1330
Daily: 10am – 9pm
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8. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
Time machine or shophouse? Both lah. Also located along Joo Chiat Road, this Peranakan restaurant has an apt signage emblazoned with the characters “老娘惹 (old Nyonya)”.
Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen is where you will find good ole’ Peranakan dishes made from recipes passed down from the owner’s nyonya mother and grandmother. If you find yourself hankering for homey Peranakan food, this is the spot.
Their Tofu Buah Keluak (S$16) is perfect for those who are intimidated by the sable- coloured dish. Unlike other stalls, their rendition of the buah keluak is presented without its shell. Slathered in a gooey, black substance, the deep-fried tofu is surprisingly light on the palate.
To my bona fide egg lovers, be sure to try their popular Crispy Chinchalok Omelette (S$18). Akin to a fluffy cloud made out of eggs, the modern take on the classic egg foo young, is loaded with a textured blend of ingredients – fermented fish, prawns and vegetables.
You cannot complete a meal without dessert. Look out for Old Bibik’s decadent Goreng Pisang with Vanilla Ice Cream (S$12). Yes, topped with crushed peanuts, this combination of fried bananas and ice cream works.
Welcome home to home cooking at its best.
328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585
+65 8450 7996
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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9. Verandah@Rael’s
I first chanced upon Verandah@Rael at its pet-friendly Buona Vista outlet. Good news: the restaurant has a branch at Somerset too.
At first glance, most will be attracted by their storybook-inspired interior, but this story spells more. Using “closely-guarded heirloom recipes”, Verandah@Rael’s melds the warmth of Peranakan and Indonesian cuisines to create dishes made with the “ labour of love”.
Verandah’s Indo Rojak (S$8.90) is a refreshing appetiser that comes with a tangy paste made from chilli, tamarind and prawn paste in palm sugar syrup. Moving to the next chapter, the Nyonya Ngoh Hiang (S$18.90) is a hot-favourite crispy beancurd roll packed with minced pork, prawns and sweet water chestnuts. This was extremely addictive too.
Other personal favourites would include their Tau Yu Bak (S$19.90), a savoury-sweet braised pork soaked in caramelised soy sauce with spices, as well as Honey Pork (S$19.90). As its name suggests, the latter is a share of mouthwatering stir-fried pork drizzled with honey black sauce.
I would rewrite my first experience at Verandah all over again.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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10. Tingkat PeraMakan
Heard of the PeraMakan Private Dining experience? Meet its scaled-down version, Tingkat PeraMakan, which is located at Owen Road, Alexandra Retail Centre and Paya Lebar Quarter.
The famed chain is founded by Chef Kathryn Ho, “a fourth generation Nyonya of Malacca and Penang parentage.” With Peranakan food firmly rooted in tradition and family, Chef Ho’s menu is no exception.
Kick things off with some heat. Their recommended Beef Rendang (S$13.10/ S$19.90) is a must-try! Featuring tender pieces of braised beef shin in a bowl of spicy rendang, this satisfying protein will keep you coming back for more.
If you prefer something lighter, cue the Seafood Otak (S$12.80). Boasting a soft consistency, this PeraMakan-unique paste (made up of fish, squids and prawns) is grilled on a kunyit leaf. Surprisingly, their otak is not as fiery as your regular ones out there.
Spice-intolerants unite.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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Here lies the fusion of old and new.
Following its OG outlet at Funan Mall, Godmama now has a newly opened outlet at Parkway Parade. In honour of her godmother and mother, the Peranakan store founder, Christina Keilthy preserves traditional family recipes that she enjoyed as a child.
So, do not be surprised to see a multifaceted menu of classic and innovative Nyonya dishes that perfectly pair Godmama’s blue-hued Bunga Telang Jasmine Rice (S$1.50).
Starting off with outlet-exclusive specials, Funan’s All-Star Egg Skin Popiah (S$7.50) has a loaded filling of fresh prawns, stewed vegetables, assorted greens, minced and crispy garlic wrapped in a homemade egg skin crepe. At Parkway Parade, Godmama’s Crayfish Nyonya Yellow Mee (S$23.90) is topped with thin omelette slices, tender pork belly and crayfish in a flavourful stock of pork, chicken and prawns.
Brunch? On weekends and public holidays, indulge in the likes of Pulut Hitam Panna Cotta (S$10.90) with coconut shavings and Durian Pengat Buttermilk Pancakes (S$20.90) with Peranakan coconut milk durian compote and coconut crumble.
This is “Peranakan food at its best”.
For a list of locations and contact numbers, click here.
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12. True Blue Cuisine
How does it feel to fall into a warm embrace? According to its Michelin Bib Gourmand description, True Blue Cuisine at Armenian Street will answer that.
Set in a restored Peranakan mini-mansion, this is as authentic as you can get. Not to mention, the restaurant is situated right beside the Peranakan Museum. Eh, you can learn all about Peranakan culture and have a literal taste of it.
A staple in any Peranakan household has to be the Kueh Pie Tee (S$20). These crispy shells are filled to the brim with braised turnip and topped with herby coriander. Another favourite would be the Itek Sio (S$22), a serving of braised duck in a piquant yet sweet coriander sauce.
Up for some Kueh Chuchi Mulot? Take a bite of Kueh Tair (S$8), otherwise known as Peranakan Pineapple Tarts. This buttery pastry sports a huge mound of pineapple jam and a criss-cross lattice of narrow egg-washed strips!
True Blue is certainly quite gorgeous, but it also comes with an even prettier price tag. However, as soon as you step through those heavy wooden doors…
Time stands still.
47/49 Armenian St, Singapore 179937
+65 6440 0449
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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13. The Blue Ginger
Another pioneer in Singapore’s Peranakan scene? Say no more.
The Blue Ginger at Tanjong Pagar has another branch at Great World as well. However, its OG outlet has earned its spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 3 years. Not bad ah. Established in 1995, this iconic spot resides in a 3-storey shophouse that also hosts weddings and other events.
Start the feast rolling with their Gado Gado (S$16.50). Drizzled with roasted peanut sauce, this is a salad with blanched vegetables, boiled eggs, beancurd and potatoes. Leave some room for Nyonya staples too. This includes the Chap Chye Masak Titek (S$20), a comforting medley of mushrooms, cabbage and glass noodles cooked in sapid shrimp-based broth.
Stealing the spotlight will definitely be The Blue Ginger’s Ayam Panggang “Blue Ginger” (S$25). It is a smoky yet creamy signature with grilled boneless chicken thigh perfumed with coconut milk and other spices.
In their words, “an addictive crowd pleaser for sure.”
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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14. National Kitchen By Violet Oon
National Kitchen By Violet Oon is where you can be the tai tai you have always wanted to be.
Aptly located in the National Gallery, National Kitchen is a close contender to the stunning galleries in the museum. From its Peranakan tiling to the opulent 1920s-era bar (The Great Gatsby vibes), this atas restaurant has an equally bougie menu.
From 3pm to 5.30pm, National Kitchen offers their tiered Singapore High Tea Set (S$59++ for 2 pax). Forget about English scones or dainty tuna sandwiches and expect tidbits with a Singaporean twist. Think Chilli Crab Tartlet with Quail Egg, Bandung Agar Agar and of course, Kuay Pie Tee.
Want something heartier? The VO Curry Chicken (S$27) encapsulates what you can imagine in a bowl of fragrant curry – soft chicken and potatoes in a rich stew of nyonya curry powder with coconut cream. And for the seafood aficionados, the Sotong Rempah Titek (S$38) might be your most adventurous try yet.
Say hello to Chef Oon for me!
1 St Andrew’s Rd, National Gallery, #02-01, Singapore 178957
+65 9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 5pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
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15. Candlenut
Michelin Bib? Why not Michelin Star?
Last but not least, rounding this list is the World’s First Michelin-Starred Peranakan Restaurant – Candlenut at Dempsey. Adding a refined touch on classic Peranakan recipes, Chef-Owner Malcolm Lee has elevated the Straits Chinese cuisine to sublime sophistication.
Donning a gorgeous interior with glowy lanterns and lush decor, this restaurant is first-date or meet-the-in-laws material (go for it)! Taught by his Nyonya mother at a ripe age, Chef Lee cooks his dishes for hours to bring out the very best.
While there are many standouts, let’s go back to a simplicity that should be familiar to you. The Chap Chye (S$26) is a crisp mix of braised cabbage with pork belly, black fungus and beancurd in aromatic prawn stock. Meanwhile, the Candlenut Buah Keluak Fried Rice (S$28) is served with umami-filled black nut sambaland a sunny-side-up egg.
Now go bigger with the Candlenut Blue Swimmer Crab Curry (S$48). Leaning towards Thai-style curry, this heavy curry cream packs a punch worth mentioning. It not only features a spicy kick but encompasses layers upon layers of complex flavours yielded from turmeric, galangal, lime leaf and briny Blue Swimmer Crab Meat.
Save this for your next splurge.
17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
+65 1800 304 2288
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
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