Across Asia, Peranakan and Nyonya cuisine is extremely popular, and for good reason! Boasting of unique, mouth-watering flavours, and rich food heritage and legacy (dating back to the 15th century!), these long-standing dishes offer travellers and locals alike a taste of the region’s celebrated history! Image Credit: INDOCAFÉ - the white house Facebook Page
In Peranakan culture, a “Nonya” or Straits Chinese lady, is measured by the level of her cooking. Nyonya cooking is a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Malay (and other Southeast Asian cultures) techniques & ingredients (including a myriad of spices); therefore standing apart as one of the most distinct and diverse, of local South-east Asian cuisines.
Cooking methods are known to be layered with complexity and texture — and no two dishes are ever the same, as food creations are an interpretation of preferred ingredients and flavours of the chef. The Peranakan cuisine wins high marks for earthy flavours, given the number of ingredients used in each dish. In this article, Expat Choice brings you a synopsis of Singapore’s most renowned restaurants celebrating Peranakan cuisine!
Cherki Peranakan Fusion
Bridging this generation gap, Cherki blends past and present, modern and traditional, to bring you modern Peranakan food and uniquely inspired craft cocktails that can both comfort our taste buds with the familiar and satisfy that desire for more. Founded by the people behind Hopscotch, the team behind Cherki is a blend of people from different backgrounds but one commonality, a love for food and drinks and a passion for serving. East meets West, with modern elements infused into the cooking. Cherki's food is especially unique in its composition of traditional Peranakan and modern food sensibilities that seek to tickle your taste buds with a fresh sense of nostalgia and a desire for more.
a. 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, #01-02, Singapore 018906
TRUE BLUE CUISINE
A completely authentic Peranakan dining experience can be found at True Blue Cuisine — located smack centre in the Pernakan enclave, Katong! Benjamin Seck, Owner and Head Chef of this charming restaurant; deeply recognizes that tradition matters, and performs a praiseworthy job at keeping it alive! Beyond the indigenous spread of delicacies served, the team has created a stand-out ambience, offering a truly wholesome cultural feel within its doors, and earning them a rightful place on Michelen’s Bib Gourmand List since 2013. Image Credit: True Blue Cuisine Facebook Page
a. 47/49 Armenian St, Singapore 179937
STRAITS CHINESE RESTAURANT
Founded in 1953, Straits Chinese Restaurant by Guan Hoe Soon, is recognized as Singapore’s oldest Nonya eatery! The flavourful foundations behind their long-time success are secret generational recipes which have been handed down and preserved carefully, along with using the freshest produce and choicest selection of spices. Reasonably priced menus have satisfied a great many celebrities, dignitaries and customers. Four consecutive years now, the Cecil Street outlet been an honorary feature in the Michelin Guide Singapore, reflecting consistent efforts to preserve the original Peranakan taste, making it an exceptional culinary experience. Image Credit: Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 133 Cecil St, Singapore 069535, #B1-01
INDOCAFE
Brilliant service and a tastefully decorated ambience, are paired with the memorable fine dining experiences you are sure to find at Indocafe! This restaurant offers an interesting adaption in their food menus, with a modern take on Peranakan cuisine — a version that falls closer to Indonesian cooking. The service is highly raved about and exceptionally appreciated by their loyal clientele. Image Credit: INDOCAFÉ - the white house Facebook Page
CANDLENUT
With Chef Malcom Lee as Captain of this Peranakan culinary expedition, as both Owner and Head Chef, you can rest assured that every morsel you indulge in at Candlenut will be a flavour-bomb! The usage of topnotch ingredients in their seasonal creations, elevate the senses with creative innovation, whilst preserving the traditional quintessence in dishes served. The unique level of refinery you will find here for authentic specialities, makes it obvious why Candlenut is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Image Credit: Candlenut Facebook Page
a. 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
w. www.comodempsey.sg/restaurant/candlenut
PERAMAKAN
Every satisfying mouthful you relish at Peramakan, can be traced back to credit Kathryn Ho, a fourth-generation Nyonya of Peranakan heritage (Malacca and Penang). This bedrock of deliciousness was founded with intention to preserve her rich culinary legacy, and keep dishes tasting much like legitimate home-cooked Peranakan cuisine. Their prided speciality is their in-house spice pastes! Dishes don’t disappoint in the least, as you feast your way through the array of these tradition-enriched dishes. Image Credit: PeraMakan Facebook Page
a. 460 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 119963
more locations here
THE BLUE GINGER
The birthing of The Blue Ginger is largely built around respect and celebration of the Peranakan culture — feasting together with your family and friends! Your experience will bring to light the team’s passionate strive to preserve the ancient heritage and tradition in their cuisine and service. Balanced with just the right touch of modernization, with intention towards keeping the unique Peranakan culture alive and relatable, this place is a must-visit for heart-warming meals that will bring you closer to loved ones. Image Credit: The Blue Ginger Facebook Page
a. 97 Tanjong Pagar Road 088518
NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON
The finest flavours of Singapore can be found and feasted upon at National Kitchen! Violet Oon’s richly recognized culinary experiences guarantee her promises to deliver customers with a dining experience to remember — welcoming you to sample their family’s treasured gastronomic legacy! With Peranakan cuisine being at the forefront of its branding, their menus also expand inclusion of Eurasion and Singaporean dishes. Image Credit: National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore Facebook Page
a. 1 Saint Andrew's Road, 02-01 178957
IVINS
For those seeking to find delicious, taste infused Peranakan food, yet keeping affordability of prices in mind — why not have a go at Ivins? Portion sizes are intentionally kept smaller, so your Peranakan appetite can enjoy being stretched to absorb a wider variety of dishes from this lip-smacking, traditional cuisine! Ivin’s highly pleasing, classic dishes continues to highlight this favourite spot for many in Singapore. Image Credit: IVINS Peranakan Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 21 Binjai Park, Singapore 589827
INDIGO BLUE KITCHEN
CLOSED
Aiming to allow its guests a chance to discover the heritage of history behind each of its classic Peranakan favourites — is what Indigo Blue Kitchen is all about! The Founder behind this kitchen, Mr. Desmond Lim (Les Amis Group Chairman), gained inspiration from his cherished memories connected to an impactful upbringing in a Peranakan household. Elevated refinery is carefully crafted on menus here, without diminishing old-time authentic flavours and tastes. Image Credit: Indigo Blue Kitchen Facebook Page
w. www.indigobluekitchen.com.sg
CHILLI PADI
Tracing its origins back to 1997, Chilli Padi has been successfully churning out Peranakan culinary wonders for decades now! Serving dignitaries, diversifying operational services, gaining a Michelin award in 2018, and having grown into a 250+ member enterprise — count as hallmarks of their growing success! Their unprecedented catering services, have this eatery listed as Singapore’s leading Peranakan cuisine food services company. Image Credit: Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 11 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427744, #01-03
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