Apparently Singapore isn’t the only country with a thriving Peranakan food scene: The Independent recently ran a story about how the cuisine “looks set to be the next big thing in British dining”. Coincidentally (or not), non-Peranakan restaurants around town are throwing out new menus with nonya flavors in mind. And if reading this has sparked a craving for the umami-rich heritage food, here’s where to go:
Ding Dong
Head chef Jet Lo, currently headlining the rotating roster of chefs at Ryan Clift’s cool nouveau-Asian tapas bar, introduces a Peranakan menu of reinvented classics like Asam Pedas salted barramundi, homemade black miso tofu and blue lobster bao. Good news for the undecided: choose the ‘Feed Us’ option at $55 per person to sample a selected range of dishes from the menu.
INDOCAFE
This contemporary Straits-Peranakan restaurant housed in a beautiful black and white heritage building is one of the go-to places for authentic Nonya food. A little less fusion and modern than some of its counterparts, they serve up some traditional dishes like Penang otah, a steamed spiced fish with a mousse-like texture, rendang sapi and bubur cha cha.
Lime
PARKROYAL on Pickering‘s restaurant rolls out a limited menu of dishes like ayam buah keluak (chicken), babi pong teh (pork) and udang masak nanas (prawns). Chef Nancy Teo doesn’t stray too far from convention and delivers a solid Nonya menu that starts at $45 for lunch.
Pan Pacific’s Pacific Marketplace
In light of the upcoming National Day, this swanky hotel rolls out a new afternoon tea menu that showcases our heritage with dishes like chicken curry, otak sandwiches, curry puffs, onde-onde and a delightfully fluffy pandan chiffon cake. Plus, food is served in a traditional four-tiered tiffin carrier, the tabao vessel of yesteryear. $58 gets you tiffin carrier fit for two people with tea and coffee.
Can’t get enough Peranakan food? Here’s our list of some of the best Peranakan restaurants around town.
