Peranakan cuisine is, without a doubt, deeply-rooted in heritage. Blending Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques with Malaysian and Indonesian spices, each dish is uniquely prepared thanks to the chef’s personal touches. For our top recommendations of aromatic and flavourful Peranakan cuisine, head to the following restaurants. You won’t be disappointed.
The Blue Ginger
A trip to either of The Blue Ginger’s two outlets near town will no doubt earn you a satisfying feast, thanks to all the homely and comforting options which have been given a contemporary twist. Their signature Pork Ribs Assam is their rendition of the classic Perankan babi assam that’s usually prepared with pork belly, while the Sotong Keluak stands out as a seafood version of the typical ayam buah keluak. End off on a sweet note with their towering Durian Chendol that offers a heaping spoonful of D-24 durian puree.
Website: theblueginger.com
Address: Islandwide
Opening Hours: Varies by outlet
Candlenut
Proudly the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut at Dempsey Hill serves modern yet authentic Straits-Chinese cuisine. With Chef Malcolm Lee overseeing the kitchen, expect only the tastiest of heritage dishes, made with fresh seasonal produce. They’ve got a number of menus including the lunch and dinner Ah-Ma-Kase which spotlights their signature dishes, as well as the ala carte and vegetarian menu.
Website: www.comodempsey.sg/restaurant/candlenut
Address: Block 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
For simple yet authentic Peranakan cuisine, visit this long-standing Joo Chiat restaurant that has been around since 1997. Expect to enjoy all-time favourites done to exacting standards, such as the Nonya Curry Chicken, Fish Head Assam Pedas and Sayur Lodeh. The brand is also now known for its catering and even confinement meals for those craving even more.
Website: chillipadi.com.sg
Address: 11 Joo Chiat Pl, #01-03, Singapore 427744
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5:30pm–9:30 pm
Godmama
Godmama’s one of those reliable Peranakan restaurants with flavours that hit close to home. Must-try items include the All-Star Egg Skin Popiah, Babi Assam aka stewed assam pork and Satay Babi. The Funan eatery has got a brunch menu too, so try unconventional offerings like the Babi Assam Baked Eggs, Ayam Buah Keluak Burger and Buttermilk Banana Pengat Pancakes. Hungry yet?
Website: godmama.sg
Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, #04-07, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am-2:45pm, 5:30pm-10pm
House of Peranakan Petit
Feel like you’re dining in a Baba-Nyonya’s own home at House of Peranakan Petit, located within a former Peranakan enclave along Eng Hoon Street in Tiong Bahru. Some of their best eats include the Nyonya Ngoh Hiang, Ayam Sioh and Itek Sioh.
Website: houseofperanakan.com.sg
Address: 42 Eng Hoon St, Estate 169785
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Restaurant PeraMakan
Opened by a fourth generation Nyonya of Malacca and Penang parentage, PeraMakan offers a no-frills, authentic Peranakan experience, thanks to their delicious home-cooked meals. Just pick a bunch of items off the ala carte menu like Ayam Buah Keluak and Sayur Masak Lemak to share if you’re dining as a group. Their delicious Beef Rendang is also a classic!
Website: www.peramakan.com
Address: Islandwide
Opening Hours: Varies by outlet
Sinpopo Brand
The Sinpopo Brand restaurant at the charming Joo Chiat neighbourhood is a fantastic spot for Peranakan-influenced meals. Combining local dishes with Peranakan flavours, discover innovative Peranakan food creations, like the Ma Ling Luncheon Crisps, Muah Chee Salad and Rojak Slaw. Better yet, try a myriad of dishes when you share Sinpopo’s Signature Nasi Lemak Set for 2 with a friend.
Tuck into blue pea flower coconut rice alongside assam onion relish, har jeong kai wings, lam-yu marinated pork belly and more. Leave room for dessert if the Dar Dar Mille Crepe that’s a cross between a kueh dardar and mille crepe cake sounds enticing to you.
Website: www.sinpopo.com/content/restaurant.html
Address: 310 Orchard Rd, #02-22/27/29 Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am-9pm
Violet Oon
Serving Peranakan favourites with a local appeal is Violet Oon Singapore. There are four outlets, including their latest and biggest at Jewel Changi Airport (it even has an outdoor live charcoal grill). But whichever one you visit, you’ll always be treated to hearty and flavourful meals, largely inspired by the head chef’s personal heritage.
Website: violetoon.com
Address: Islandwide
Opening Hours: Varies by outlet
Lovers of traditional Peranakan flavours can get all their favourite dishes at these restaurants. From Nyonya chap chye to Ayam Buah Keluak, these traditional dishes are chock-full of varied flavours, and are a testament to the lingering Peranakan culture that has influenced Singapore to this day.
