Peranakan food is a cuisine deeply rooted in heritage, thanks to the inter-marriages between the Chinese settlers with Indonesians and Malays. A mix of these cultures' ingredients, spices and cooking techniques, the resulting Peranakan cuisine that we know and love today is rich and full of complex flavours. From authentic, home cooked-style dishes to classics with a modern contemporary twist, here are six Peranakan restaurants in Singapore to visit when you’re craving for some Nyonya cooking. Let us know which ones are your favourites by voting here!
1. Violet Oon Singapore
Helmed by renowned chef and restaurateur Violet Oon, her restaurants celebrate and elevate the humble Peranakan cuisine. There are several Violet Oon outlets scattered across the island, each with their own unique character, but its essence remains the same. The extensive menus also feature the same items with the exception of some exclusive to the restaurant. Our recommendation? Start with some Kueh Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang, before moving onto heartier mains like Ayam Buah Keluak and Oon's invention of dry rice noodles in a rich laksa sauce! Make sure to leave room for dessert such as the Kueh Beng Kah (tapioca cake with coconut milk and gula melaka) and Pulut Hitam (black glutinous rice) with coconut ice cream.
2. Candlenut
The world's first and only Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut takes a contemporary yet authentic approach to traditional Peranakan cuisine. Helmed by chef-owner Malcolm Lee, Candlenut offers superb traditional Peranakan dishes with a modern, elevated spin. The menu spans a wide selection of decadent curries and wok dishes, but for the complete experience, we recommend the Taste of Candlenut menu to savour dishes like Wagyu Beef Rendang, Ikan Gulai (snapper fillet curry) and Gula Melaka Cake.
3. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Chilli Padi has been one of the forerunners in the Peranakan food scene for decades. Stepping in, there’s no mistaking you're in a Peranakan restaurant with the red batik over the tables, framed kebaya on the wall, and the restaurant is even in a heritage shophouse from the pre-war era. Expect to enjoy authentic and comforting all-time favourites like Kueh Pie Tee, Ayam Rendang, and Sayur Lodeh. If you can’t get enough, the brand also does catering and even confinement meals!
4. The Blue Ginger
The core of Peranakan culture is relationships, so The Blue Ginger has created a warm and inviting space for get-togethers over hearty food. Family-run, the dishes here will satisfy more than your belly. Located in an expansive shophouse, expect homely classics and comforting options with a contemporary twist. The signature Pork Ribs Assam is their rendition of the classic Perankan babi assam, while the Sotong Keluak stands out as a seafood variation of the classic ayam buah keluak.
5. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant
Established in 1953, Guan Hoe Soon is known to be one of Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurants. Not sparing any effort, the original taste of Peranakan cuisine has been preserved here, and recreated using the freshest ingredients and best spices. The atmosphere is very old school, the decor is simple and no frills, but the dishes are the main star here. Choose from items like Ayam Buah Keluak, Sayur Lodeh and Udang Assam Pedas (prawns in spicy tamarind sauce). Dishes come in three sizes – small, medium and large!
6. PeraMakan
Helmed by a fourth-generation Nyonya, PeraMakan is founded on the desire to preserve the culture and heritage. The restaurant offers an authentic Peranakan experience with yummy home cooked-style meals. For casual dining in small groups, the Tingkat PeraMakan branches are the sister outlets of the flagship Restaurant PeraMakan. Whether you’re catching up with friends or celebrating your parents’ wedding anniversary, PeraMakan complements the occasion with their classic dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, Sayur Masak Lemak and Beef Rendang.