Where To Find The Best Authentic Peranakan Dishes In Singapore

Nothing beats the tasteful blends of culture
By: Aqilah Najwa Jamaluddin
July 20, 2022

Peranakan food is distinguished by its strong, malty flavour and rich textures altogether. For those who don’t know, Peranakan cuisine is a delicious heritage dish that combines Chinese elements alongside Indonesian and Malaysian flavours and cooking methods. 

Years ago, cross marriages between Malays and Chinese gave rise to a subtle tradition of Nyonyas and Babas. This was subsequently transformed into authentic Peranakan attire, handcrafted arts, and, of course, delectable cuisine.

Just like the country, Singapore’s Peranakan foods are packed with distinct flavours, traditional aromas and culture. After all, it is a mash-up of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian cultures, bringing in a wild and magnificent blend of all things homely. Here’s a list of the top Peranakan eateries in Singapore for you to check out

Best Peranakan Restaurants in Singapore

1. The Blue Ginger

The Blue Ginger’s authentic Peranakan meals impress both foreigners and locals. You won’t be disappointed with favourites like ayam buah keluak (black nut mixed chicken), ngoh hiang (spring rolls loaded with pork mince and scallops), and chap chye (mixed vegetable broth). Your Singapore adventure will be enhanced by the wide variety of stews and soups and spices available here.

Address:97 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088518
Opening Hours:Everyday, 12pm–2:30pm, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Contact Information:+65 6222 3928

2. Candlenut

Candlenut is the very first Michelin-starred Peranakan eatery. Chef Malcolm Lee is in charge of the establishment, and he has taken the dish towards the next dimension while preserving its unique flavour. To develop and enrich the food, the restaurant employs the greatest seasonal products. Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, Wagyu Beef Rendang, and Buah Keluak Fried Rice are among the indulgent stews and skillet meals on the plate.

Address:17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Opening Hours:Everyday, 12pm–3pm, 6pm–10pm
Contact Information:+65 1800 304 2288

3. The Peranakan Restaurant

Source: TallyPress

A lunch at The Peranakan Restaurant is not cheap, but the outstanding service and unique dining experiences make it feasible. Ingredients here have been carried down through the ages and generations, and they are best experienced tok panjang style, which means an extravagant feast of scrumptious Peranakan favourites will be put out on large tables for you to savour with your loved ones. 

Address:442 Orchard Rd, Level 2 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879
Opening Hours:Everyday, 11pm-11pm
Contact Information:theperanakan.com

4. Violet Oon Singapore

Violet Oon’s namesake restaurant, led by legendary cuisine aficionado Violet Oon, showcases Singapore’s rich ethnic variety. The elegant and renowned restaurant provides traditional Nyonya dishes such as ayam buah keluak, dry laksa, and sambal eggplant. As for dessert choices,  kueh beng kah and pulut hitam with coconut ice cream are must-tries. Various outlets dot the island, each with its own personality, but the concept stays consistent, with black tiled floors, gold trim, and walled Peranakan tiles.

Address:Check all locations here
Opening Hours:Check opening hours here
Contact Information:Book your reservations here

5. House of Peranakan

House of Peranakan, which includes three Peranakan culinary ideas, has been providing home-style Nyonya food since chef-owner Bob Seah opened Peranakan Inn in 1985. Delicious specialties include curry fish head, assam prawns, and pulut hitam. Simple, authentic, and reassuring, just like how it is supposed to be. Even Singapore’s former presidents and the Thai monarchy have visited this restaurant.

Address:Check all locations here
Opening Hours:Everyday, 11pm–3pm, 6pm–10pm
Contact Information:Book your reservations here

6. Godmama

Make a reservation at Godmama for sophisticated Peranakan cuisine in the elegant interior ambiance or the patio area. To satiate your demands, the eatery prepares meals such buah keluak fried rice, pork collar satay, and tiger prawn laksa pasta, which are a combination of ancient cuisine and innovative inventions.

Address:107 North Bridge Rd, #04-07, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours:Everyday, 11am-10pm
Contact Information:+65 6970 0828

7. Tingkat Peramakan

This Peranakan idea, invented by fourth-generation Nyonya Kathryn Ho, has been around since 2004. Although the Keppel Club’s expensive PeraMakan restaurant closed in 2020, its informal sister locations continue to provide the delicious dishes. Don’t pass on the beef rendang or babi pong teh. The set dinners, which include a main course, two sides, a beverage, and a dessert, are reasonably priced.

Address:Check all locations here
Opening Hours:Everyday, 11.30am-9pm
Contact Information:Book your reservations here

8. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen

This legendary eating spot provides foods made upon traditions that have been passed down over centuries, which means they’re among the finest! The halal-certified restaurant’s historic atmosphere is matched by real, traditional meals. The fried sambal barramundi and the contemporary chinchalok omelette are two must-order items.

Address:328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585
Opening Hours:Everyday, 11.30am-9.30pm
Contact Information:+65 8450 7996

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