What makes Singapore’s culinary landscape a peerless one is how it truly is a melting pot of literal flavours. As the home to a complex medley of cultures and heritage, this confluence brings forth a myriad of cuisines, each brimming with its own distinct palette of tastes and colours.

Beneath the veil cast by the dominant cuisines of major ethnic groups, there still exists multiple unique culinary heritages awaiting our discovery. Of this collective, one of the more prominent marginal ethnic groups is the Peranakan. With a lineage descended from a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian backgrounds, many have since been assimilated into the broader Chinese or Malay ethnic groups.

Despite this dilution of cultural identity, an enduring aspect of their history is their inimitable cuisine. Renowned for having bright, vibrant flavours that are familiar yet fresh, these dishes and the equally rich history behind them have seen a recent resurgence in the local gastronomical scene.

From gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants to humble family-owned eateries, here is a collection of 18 places where you can sample a flavourful slice of Singapore’s Peranakan food heritage.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/babachewssg/

BABA CHEWS

Normally we don’t attribute much more than somewhat palatable food to a hotel’s main café and restaurant, but the in-house restaurant for the Peranakan-culture-laden Hotel Indigo, Baba Chews, deserves a special mention.

Housed in the preserved 1928 Joo Chiat Police Station, Baba Chews too draws its inspiration from the rich Peranakan heritage of its Katong location. You can find a mix of the usual Western and local favourites, except many are served with a hearty Peranakan twist – like their Salmon with Laksa Sauce and Ayam Buah Keluak Burger – making for a less intimidating introduction to Nonya flavours.

86 East Coast Road
Katong Square
Singapore 428788
Tel: +65 6723 2025
Daily: 6.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Profile/tagohHS/

BUMBU RESTAURANT

Upon first glance, Bumbu may seem to be an odd choice for a Peranakan list with its predominantly Thai and Indonesian offerings. Although not widely advertised, it is one of the few restaurants that offer authentic yet fairly priced Nonya fare, with their Buah Keluak being a favourite among its regulars.

If you visit their Kandahar Street branch, not only do you get to dine under the shadow of the palatial Sultan Mosque, the interior of the restaurant is akin to a museum of Peranakan cultural relics from Singapore’s yesteryears.

44 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198897
Tel: +65 6392 8628
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway / Bugis
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/candlenut.sg/

CANDLENUT

Upping the ante, Candlenut is no stranger to gourmands and connoisseurs of Peranakan cuisine. Upholding its title as the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant for the past three years, this is the place to be if you wish to revel in the intricacies of Nonya food.

Flaunting the rigidity of traditionalists, Candlenut showcases the malleability of Peranakan fare without compromising on authenticity. By creating contemporary dishes around the essence of the cuisine, patrons can expect exciting taste combinations such as Kueh Pie Tee with Boston Lobster and Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang.

17A Dempsey Road
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 2288 (Local calls only)
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

CHARLIE’S PERANAKAN FOOD

Swinging to the other end of the spectrum, Charlie’s approach to Peranakan food is humble and homely, centred around the core of heartfelt cooking. A famed hawker stall in the past, Charlie (of the eatery’s namesake) found it difficult to stay away from his passion for cooking, returning in 2017 after an 8-year absence.

As though he hasn’t taken a break, Charlie continues to dish out genuine yet affordable Nonya fare for the masses, including the often overlooked but surprisingly robust Chap Chye, and the tender scrumptiousness of his Babi Pongteh.

505 Beach Road
Golden Mile Food Centre, #B1-30
Singapore 199583
Tel: +65 9789 6304
Daily: 11.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/chillipadinonyarestaurant/

CHILLI PADI

Another gem along the historic streets of Joo Chiat is Chilli Padi. The brand has been adorned with multiple accolades over the years for steadily cultivating the public’s palates for Nonya food over the decades with its exemplary yet reasonably priced fare. A feat considering interest in Peranakan food mostly burgeoned only in recent years.

While the food may not seem dissimilar to Chinese restaurants, the main difference here lies in the subtle difference in the seasoning and ingredients used. Expect flavours that are richer with a heavier dose of spices when dining here.

11 Joo Chiat Place
#01-03
Singapore 427744
Tel: +65 6275 1002
Daily: 11.30am –2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: https://godmama.sg/

GODMAMA

Despite being one of the newer Peranakan establishments, Godmama manages to entice with its modern Peranakan fare, netting a spot in the 2019 Chope Diners’ Choice Hall of Fame New Restaurant of the Year category

Helmed by a trio of Peranakans looking to keep the food of their heritage alive, you can find a blend of traditional favourites and modern iterations of Nonya cuisine inspired by their real-life Godmama. For the former, look towards either the egg skin popiah or the babi assam; for the latter, the Godmama’s Otak Otak Benedict and Buah Keluak Bolognese Pasta are popular choices.

109 North Bridge Road
Funan Mall, #04-07
Singapore 179105
Tel: +65 6970 0828
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

GUAN HOE SOON RESTAURANT

Operating since 1953, Guan Hoe Soon is one of the few remaining old-school Peranakan restaurants in Singapore. Found inside a shophouse along the streets of Joo Chiat, this eatery exudes a simple, time-worn charm similar to the comfort of a family dining room, finished with a small collection of Nonya vintage tableware.

From deceptively simple sides like their delightfully piquant otah, to more extravagant mains like the rich flavours of their assam pomfret, a meal at Guan Hoe Soon entails returning to the roots of the Peranakan heritage through an uncomplicated exploration of classic dishes.

40 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427764
Tel: +65 6344 2761 / +65 9633 2833 (Whatsapp only)
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

HOUSE OF PERANAKAN

 Bob Seah, owner of the House of Peranakan group of restaurants, is one of the bulwarks of the local Peranakan food scene. Besides upholding the traditional culinary culture of his heritage, Seah has reinvented multiple dishes without losing the spirit that defines the cuisine. This has accumulated into the introduction of claypot-based Nonya dishes like the Itek Sioh and into Peranakan-inspired items as with the Nonya Crayfish and Assam Prawns.

Still going strong, Seah continues to manoeuvre the kitchens of his establishments, handpicking his produce and experimenting with modern combinations of familiar Peranakan flavours.

103 Frankel Avenue
Singapore 458225
Tel: +65 6445 2404 / 6733 4411
Tue to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kembangan
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/indigobluekitchen

INDIGO BLUE KITCHEN

Indigo Blue Kitchen might initially feel like any other respected fine dining establishment with its bright interior and distinct lines. However, when you catch a respite within its walls, the sharpness of the environment softens with the warm service and homespun food, bringing about a relaxation not unlike that of visiting family.

Inspired by the memories of childhood flavours, the dishes here maintain the classic profiles of Peranakan cuisine, with the occasional injection of playfulness to ease the uninitiated into the fare. Despite its assuming appearance, their Nonya popiah is a must-try for its hidden kaleidoscope of flavours.

1 Scotts Road
Shaw Centre, #03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 3218
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/whitehouse.indocafe/

INDOCAFE

One of the more alluring facets of Peranakan fare is the fluidity of its fare; drawing influences from foundational Chinese, Indonesian and Malay cuisines, Nonya food can take on a spectrum of flavours, with different iterations drawing more from one base cuisine over others.

Amidst the polished wood and burnished antiques, Indocafe sits in a stately colonial bungalow, The White House. Serving up Peranakan food with heavier Penang influences, patrons can look forward to food hued with a more intricate complexity of flavours. Among their signatures are the quintessential rendang dishes and their lavish version of Assam Laksa.

35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 6733 2656
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Newton

Photo Credit: www.hungrygowhere.com/user/jenifer-tan/bb560b00

NONYA DELICATESSEN

Found in a kiosk-like area by an escalator in Bukit Timah Plaza, Nonya Delicatessen is testament to how a fancy kitchen is welcomed, but unnecessary in preparing genuine and tasty Peranakan food. Maintained by the second generation husband and wife duo, they spend each day preparing the menu through family-inherited traditional techniques.

Especially popular during lunch hour, keep an eye out for their aromatic Nasi Kunyit and luscious Nonya Laksa if you manage to beat the crowd. Complete your meal with some desserts; the nectarous Chendol and Chendol Agar Agar are longstanding crowd favourites.

1 Jalan Anak Bukit
Bukit Timah Plaza, #B1-K69
Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 6469 1166
Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 4pm
Thu: 11.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: King Albert Park

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/oldbibik/

OLD BIBIK’S PERANAKAN KITCHEN

Another gem located in the Peranakan enclave of Katong-Joo Chiat, Old Bibik is located on the ground floor of a hole-in-the-wall space along a row of dowdy shophouses. The interior is just as discreet, modestly decorated with marble-top tables and tiled floors; it can be easily mistaken for someone’s grandparents’ dining room if it weren’t for the bright menu hanging in its centre.

A wonderful spot to host family meals at, there are certain dishes that constantly make appearances on the surrounding tables. The foremost is Old Bibik’s Nyonya Curry Chicken, a much-acclaimed dish by regulars and newcomers alike.

328 Joo Chiat Road
#01-02
Singapore 427585
Tel: +65 8450 7996
Mon & Wed to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueGinger/

THE BLUE GINGER

While Candlenut is the only Michelin-star adorned restaurant thus far, there are other Peranakan establishments that serve just as enthralling fare without needing prospective diners to burn a sizable hole in their wallets.

Fitting this bill is The Blue Ginger, a Bib Gourmand awardee that prides itself in offering Nonya fare that doesn’t compromise on the cuisine’s abundant and nuanced flavours. A favourite by many of Peranakan lineage, but often overlooked for its glitzier cousins by the general masses, their signature Ngoh Hiang and Sotong Keluak might convince you to make this just your new go-to Nonya restaurant.

97 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088518
Tel: +65 6222 3928
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeranakanSG/

THE PERANAKAN RESTAURANT

True to its moniker, stepping into The Peranakan brings forth no doubt that you’re entering a Nonya abode, given how the place is embellished with constellations of geometric shapes and florals characteristic of traditional Peranakan décor.

Found in Orchard, a meal at The Peranakan is not meant to be a simple affair. Specialising in Tok Panjang, a type of Nonya feast commissioned by affluent Peranakan families to celebrate special and momentous occasions, dining here begets an opulent and elaborate selection of classic Peranakan dishes that will provide a comprehensive and decadent sample of what Straits fare is like.

442 Orchard Road
Claymore Connect, Level 2
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 6262 4428
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/tingkatpm/

TINGKAT PERAMAKAN

For those familiar with the PeraMakan brand, TingKat PeraMakan is the dressed-down version of its original counterpart, serving a similar spread albeit at more conservative portions and prices. Instead of having a to order a collection of sharing plates, tables can opt to instead subsist on solo portions to better tailor to their individual preferences.

Having a more economical price point does not mean the food is of any lesser quality. Their trademark Buah Keluak is still a delectably creamy delight, and their rendang dishes are equally enrapturing with their fork-pulling tender profiles.

10 Bukit Chermin Road
Keppel Club, Level 3
Singapore 109918
Tel: +65 6377 2829
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@annachung

TOK PANJANG NONYA CAFÉ

Move aside Nonya Delicatessen, you now have competition, and one that is on the same floor! Run by a plucky Peranakan patriarch, do not conflate this eatery with the House of Peranakan’s Tok Panjang lest you incur a (mostly) good-natured telling off by said owner.

Offering a similar spread of local favourites, the difference here is not only stylistic (the food is a tad sweeter) – the portions are heftier, the food is more heartfelt, and the service is a lot more personable. Aside from their beloved mee rebus and mee siam duo, their assortment of kuehs are marvellous as well.

1 Jalan Anak Bukit
Bukit Timah Plaza, #B1-52C
Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 9273 7979
Daily: 9am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: King Albert Park

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/truebluecuisine/

TRUE BLUE CUISINE

What better way to experience Peranakan culture than by dining within a restored century-old Peranakan mansion? In addition to savouring immaculately prepared Nonya dishes, all diners will have the opportunity to dine among the private collection of fixtures and mantelpieces of a wealthy Peranakan household for a true blue, immersive culinary experience.

After partaking in the restaurant’s Bib Gourmand awarded fare – their Udang Kuah Nanas and Oyster Omelettes are definitely worth a try –  continue your Nonya journey by heading to the Peranakan Museum next door to explore other aspects of the Peranakan culture.

47/49 Armenian Street
Peranakan Museum
Singapore 179937
Tel: +65 6440 0449
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

VIOLET OON

A darling of the local Peranakan food scene, Violet Oon has been steadily converting Singaporeans to her outstanding Nonya fare one dish at a time, enamouring palates and hearts alike with her exquisite flavours and elegant visuals. Each outlet is furnished in a contemporary palette and flourished with a liberal incorporation of traditional Peranakan elements.

Coalescing Peranakan classics with the gastronomical muses of her travels, from the refreshing sweetness of her Kuay Pie Tee to the poignant flavours of her flavourful fusion Buah Keluak Pasta, a visit here will bring you on a gastronomical round-the-world trip anchored by the familiar flavours of Nonya cuisine.

2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard, #03-22
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit:www.facebook.com/belimbingsuperstar/

The sister restaurant of The Coconut Club, Belimbing Superstar, has suddenly announced a ceasing of operations after a mere five months of opening. The news was conveyed through an official Facebook post on 21st January 2020, without any reason provided for the abrupt closure.

This news follows the recent passing of the company’s co-founder, Mr. Lee Eng Su, in September the last year. He passed on three weeks after Belimbing Superstar opened along Ann Siang Hill in August, but the Peranakan eatery still continued to operate afterward.

Founded upon the vision to raise the accessibility of Peranakan cuisine to Singaporeans, Belimbing Superstar offered authentic Nyonya dishes through an economical-rice concept. Their best-selling dishes included Pork Belimbing and Cincalok Bomb.

Well-frequented by office workers and CBD-goers, it’s safe to say that many are going to miss this beloved Peranakan establishment.

Boasting high ceilings, a bigger space and decked out in Peranakan-inspired tiles and furnishings, one-Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut offers an Omakase menu—which they cheekily call ‘Ahmakase’.

The restaurant has a different, somewhat contemporary approach towards Peranakan cuisine, delving away from traditional methods.

Boasting a wider array of dishes (ranging between S$20 – S$30 each), we got to try a good many dishes, with our favourites being the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, Turmeric, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaf and Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang, Serunding, Turmeric Leaf.

The Wok Fried Tiger Prawns, Petai Beans, Tamarind, Fried Shallots (S$28++) comes with plenty of crunch from the vegetables and the tamarind provided a sourish tinge to the dish. The prawns were sweet, succulent and complemented the strong flavours of the petai well.

The Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, Turmeric, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaf (S$32++) is something that instantly stole our hearts. The dish sees a generous portion of de-shelled crab, so much such that every scoop is riddled with bits, if not chunks, of fleshy crab meat.

The curry is spicy and rich in coconut, but just enough to give you that rich creaminess without overcompensating for the natural sweetness of the crab.

Executed decently but with room to improve, their Homemade Kueh Pie Tee Shell, Braised Local Turnip, Pork Belly, Prawns (S$20++) comes with 4 shells and a platter of ingredients for you to craft your own one-biter.

The ingredients were fresh and immaculately prepared, however, the turnip filling was a tad underwhelming with regards to seasoning. A quality that no amount of sweet sauce nor chilli can do to salvage, unfortunately.

An interesting take on the classic satay, the allure of this dish would be the choice of meat used. Kurobuta pork from Snake River Farm is known to be extremely well-marbled, tender and flavourful.

Licked with a sweet kicap manis glaze every few turns and allowed to develop a deep, caramel-coloured char on the outside, the skewers were truly sublime in both aroma and flavour, penetrating down deep into the meat.

An interesting dessert that comprises one of Nonya cuisines most prized ingredient, the Buah Keluak Ice Cream, Valrhona Chocolate, Chilli, Warm Chocolate Espuma (S$15++) intrigues with its nutty flavour and quirky make-up, that sees granules of pop rocks and chocolate.

Not something we would consider getting a second time, but it’s worth a try for its creativity.

Candlenut
COMO Dempsey
17A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: +65 1800 304 2288
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

At buffets, some of us lose all self-control and rationality as we devour way more food than what our bellies usually can take. The array of choices is a gastronomical galore for the glutton in us.

Quality of food aside, what’s as essential to such feasts is the company we are with. They say people who eat together, stay together, but eating in a group can be tricky sometimes with different palates and needs.

Katong Kitchen is an inclusive location for communal dining with family, friends, and colleagues. They are halal-certified with a buffet line-up that they expanded to feature familiar Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Eurasian dishes in addition to their Peranakan cuisine. Like their theme, it’s where the ‘Flavours of Singapore’ meet. There’s a selection of fresh seafood on ice, DIY dishes, as well as a hot plate and a noodle station where you can request for food that’s made-to-order.

This is definitely one place that will please one and all. If you haven’t been, here’s everything to love about Katong Kitchen.

Our readers can quote “ladyironchef” upon making reservations to enjoy 15% off Katong Kitchen’s lunch and dinner buffet from now until 30 June 2019.

Head towards the East of Singapore and get off at the main entrance of Village Hotel Katong (formerly Paramount Hotel), then go up to the fourth floor and you will see Katong Kitchen. A weekday buffet lunch costs S$40++ per adult and S$20++ per child, while weekend lunches cost S$50++ per adult and S$25++ per child.

Dinners on Mondays to Thursdays go at S$50++ for an adult and S$25 for a child, while the prices on Fridays to Sundays, eve of and on Public holidays are S$60++ per adult and S$30++ per child.

Settle in to the modern and cosy vibes of Katong Kitchen that reflects Peranakan culture with its panels of Peranakan motifs. Its central dining space is where you will be surrounded by the buffet stations. There are seats on the side that are ideal for a quieter cosy gathering.

If you prefer to work your way up to the mains, appetisers include Smoked Duck Salad, Baby Clam with Onion Dressing, Baby Octopus Salad, and Gado Gado. There’s a whole variety but as with the rest of the stations at Katong Kitchen’s buffet, most of the food items are put out on a rotational basis.

Explore the buffet range and stop by the live stations. Watch the chef cook up Katong Kitchen’s Signature Laksa with your choice of noodles and condiments. The laksa is robust with rich coconut milk flavour. There are also other rotational options such as Beef Ball Noodle Soup, Mee Rebus, or Prawn Noodle Soup at the live noodle station.

Walk down the line for a serving of Fried Carrot Cake (the white version). Copious amount of chopped garlic are first thrown into hot oil, giving off an irresistible aroma. Fat chunks of radish cake are cooked with generous amounts of fried eggs. Add however much condiments you need; the sambal chilli is a must.

Katong Kitchen also has Do-It-Yourself stations where you can toss up a Singapore Rojak or stuff Nyonya Kueh Pie Tees with only your favourite ingredients. If these items are foreign to you, Katong Kitchen has a step-by-step guide to teach you how to do it; anyone can enjoy it, including kids!

For the rojak, throw in lots of dough fritters and toss with as much rojak sauce as you wish. There are also side of cucumber, beansprouts and turnip. If you’ve got overseas guests dining with you, this Asian salad is one local delight you have to introduce to them.

Kueh Pie Tee—a quintessential Peranakan dish—is a bite-size item that really is braised turnip (same filling as popiah) encased in a crispy deep-fried pastry shell. The textural delight is sweet from its sauce and savoury from its ingredients which include boiled eggs and shrimps.

If you’re a meat lover, the carving station is where you can get your cuts of meat. Swing by for dinner and you’ll have the option of Roasted Ribeye with Rendang Mushroom Sauce.

Katong Kitchen also has a large skillet for more choices such as Satay Marinated Roasted Lamb, Grilled Chicken, and Grilled Prawns. Pair these meats with herby Baked Potato and Sauteed Asparagus for a wholesome plate.

Their range of Seafood On Ice includes Gong Gong Clams, Prawns, Mussels, and Flower Crabs. But if you’re here for dinner, you can indulge in unlimited Snow Crabs and Poached Salmon. Weekend dinners also includes Boston Lobsters.

The mains at Katong Kitchen feature cuisines from various cultures, so you truly have to sample everything for the full experience of the Flavours of Singapore. Other options include the Kam Xiang Crayfish, Sambal Stingray, and Katong Kitchen Assam Pedas Fish.

Other signature mains include the Peranakan classic Ayam Buah Keluak and an Indian-style dish of Devil’s Mutton Curry. The Shepherd’s Pie has an intensely bovine base of beef mince but we loved how substantially meaty the pie was; the Eurasian Oxtail Stew was fragrant sans the gamey taste. To round it off with carbs, there are options of blue-hued Nasi Bunga Telang and Chinese Ee-Fu Noodles.

Katong Kitchen also spoils you with a good mix of choices for desserts. If you’ve overstuffed yourselves with savoury items, end the feasting off with shots of chilled Durian Pengat for a taste of Singapore’s famed fruit.

What you must not miss, too, is the Ondeh-Ondeh Cake which has some crunch from gula melaka (palm sugar) granules.

Just look at this beauty! Another dessert to love is this gorgeous Chempedak Crème Brulee which is heavily topped with cut fruits and has a pasty base of jackfruit.

There’s also a variety of bite-sized kueh—for the uninitiated, kueh are heritage snacks made of glutinous rice flour with a pudding-like texture but firmer.

If you have belly space for something heavier, there’s also the American Cheesecake as well as Bread & Butter Pudding which comes topped with colourful marshmallows.

Our readers can quote “ladyironchef” upon making reservations to enjoy 15% off Katong Kitchen’s lunch and dinner buffet from now until 30 June 2019.. This promotion is not applicable on eve of and on public holidays and not valid with other promotions, discounts, privileges unless otherwise stated.

Buffet Lunch
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm
S$40++ (Adult), S$20++ (Child)

Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3pm
S$50++ (Adult), S$25++ (Child)

Buffet Dinner
Mon to Thu: 6:30pm – 10pm
S$50++ (Adult), S$25++ (Child)

Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 6:30pm – 10pm
S$60++ (Adult), S$30++ (Child)

*Child: Aged 6 – 12
Children under 5 years old dine free with every paying guest.
Prices may vary during festive periods.

25 Marine Parade
Village Hotel Katong Level 4
Singapore 449536
Tel: +65 6551 2141
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post was brought to you by Katong Kitchen.

The term ‘Peranakan’ is used to distinguish Chinese immigrants who settled down in Southeast Asia in the late nineteenth century. Males are referred to as Babas while females are called Nyonyas. Till today, the Peranakan culture is still very much alive as Singaporeans love the rich and distinctive flavours of Malay, Chinese and Indonesian cooking.

The traditional Peranakan cuisine is huge on spices, herbs and condiments so their dishes are naturally more full-flavoured and spicy as compared to the usual Chinese food. For a taste of authentic Peranakan food, you cannot go wrong at Spice Brasserie in PARKROYAL On Kitchener Road. You’d be happy to know that Executive Sous Chef Jimmy Bong is a true Baba with full Peranakan roots.

The all-new Baba and Nyonya Seafood Buffet spread will evoke nostalgia with exciting ‘live’ stations such as Cuba Lobster BBQ with Assam Manis, Crab Assam Pedas in Claypot, Chili Lime with Boiled Gong Gong and Cockle, as well as other crowd-pleasers including Salted Egg Crab and Wok-Fried Bee Hoon With Lala.

From 01 Mar to 31 May 2018, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to enjoy Spice Brasserie’s Baba & Nyonya Seafood Dinner Buffet at S$99++ for 2 pax. This special offer is only applicable for dinner buffets on Thursdays to Sundays.

CUBA LOBSTER BBQ WITH ASSAM MANIS

Sourcing their lobsters all the way from Cuba, Spice Brasserie’s Lobster BBQ With Assam Manis sticks true to the complex flavours of Peranakan cuisine.

Boasting sweet and sour sauce with freshly diced mango cubes, this tangy, savoury-sweet indulgent treat truly heightens the sweetness of everyone’s beloved lobsters. We bet you never had lobsters with such flavours!

CRAB ASSAM PEDAS IN CLAYPOT

An all-time favourite dish among the Peranakan community is Assam Pedas. You may be able to find many Assam Pedas recipes out there but Chef Jimmy Bong’s Crab Assam Pedas in Claypot is one to look out for.

Striking the perfect balance of sourness, spiciness and sweetness, this is an immensely satisfying and addictive dish for those who have a penchant for fiery hot food in general.

CHILI LIME WITH BOILED GONG GONG & COCKLE

Lime and chili are two essential ingredients you will find in a typical Peranakan kitchen and that is exactly what you will find to complement the Boiled Gong Gong & Cockle dish at the buffet counter.

While you may think nothing of conches, what really gave it that extra oomph was actually the chili sauce given by the side. Fresh, sweet conches with a dip of the housemade dip is the sheer beauty of simplicity.

SALTED EGG CRAB

What is a seafood buffet without everyone’s favourite Salted Egg Crabs in the line-up? If you are a fan of salted egg yolk dishes just like us, you know which is the station to make a beeline for.

Just the fragrant aroma of the salted egg yolk sauce was enough to make us salivate and one bite was all it took for us to reaffirm our love for this timeless recipe. The addition of chili padi adds just a subtle hint of spiciness to enhance the overall taste.

SPRING ONION GINGER CRAB

If all that spice is getting too hot to handle, take a break with Spice Brasserie’s Spring Onion Ginger Crab. This is a common cooking method found in Chinese restaurants and the mild infusion of ginger and spring onion really brings out the sweetness of the plump and juicy crab meat.

STIR-FRIED SOTONG IN WHITE PEPPER SAUCE

When you are ready to move on to other seafood dishes, check out the Stir-Fried Sotong In White Pepper Sauce. The fresh and tender squid we had boasted a wonderfully chewy texture and it was further elevated by the piquant, creamy peppery sauce.

WOK-FRIED BEE HOON WITH LALA

While the Wok-Fried Bee Hoon with Lala may not look the most appetising when compared with other magnificent crab specials, trust us when we say that this dish was the most well received dish at our table. Everyone was full of praises for it and the entire plate was polished within seconds—not joking.

Oh so comforting, the moist bee hoon is stir-fried in a light yet savoury seafood broth and is accompanied with clams and bits of spring onion. We must say, too, that we love the distinct wok hei.

SWEET & SOUR TOP SHELL & PACIFIC CLAM

Something else that will excite your taste buds is the Sweet & Sour Top Shell & Pacific Clam. The sharp flavours from the tangy-sweet sauce went really well with the naturally sweet top shells and clams.

This is pretty much a straightforward dish with outstanding flavours and it goes best with a bowl of white rice!

DIY SEAFOOD KUEH PIE TEE

Customise your very own Kueh Pie Tee because no one knows your preferences like you do. Add on that extra shrimp or have it with no coriander leaves if that doesn’t interest you.

In any case, the Kueh Pie Tee is so good that the true Peranakans would approve too!

A SWEET RANGE OF PERANAKAN DESSERTS

Round your meal up with traditional Peranakan treats such as Nyonya kuehs, Ice Kachang, Sugi Cake and Pandan Swiss Rolls.

For something out of the ordinary, we would suggest the Bubur Cha Cha. Instead of the sweet dessert you are used to, Spice Brasserie’s rendition is savoury and comforting. Curious about how it tastes like? Then you have to make a trip down yourself to try it!

The Baba and Nyonya Seafood Buffet happens every Thursday to Sunday, from  1 March 2018 until 31 May 2018. Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy the promotional price of S$99++ for two pax.

Spice Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

My Cosy Corner is a hole-in-the-wall Peranakan eatery tucked in the corner of Coronation Shopping Plaza, in Bukit Timah.

It is a place where you will feel instantly at home and the staff would occasionally have a friendly conversation with the customers.

Come here for great-tasting Peranakan dishes, local fare and Japanese bento sets.

Due to its rising popularity and limited space, do not be surprised if you see a long queue forming outside the eatery. We were lucky to find a table within 10 minutes of waiting time during off-peak hours.

If there is one thing that made My Cosy Corner famous, it has to be their legendary popiah (S$2.50). Freshly made to order, ours came with thick slices of moist bang kwang (Chinese turnip) and hard boiled egg wrapped in thin popiah skin. We could even hear a delightful crunch coming from the crispy garlic bits as we bit into it.

Amazed by the popiah, we decided to try out some of the other main dishes as well. Laksa at My Cosy Corner is going at S$5 and it comes with a full hard boiled egg, fish cakes and tau pok (beancurd puff). We liked that the broth was rich and there was a distinct coconut taste to it.

The Mee Siam (S$5) is a combination of sweet, spicy and sour notes and made better with small pieces of deep fried tau pok, dried shrimp and a boiled egg. While it left a good impression, we still preferred the other two dishes.

Other items on the menu you can find at My Cosy Corner include Japanese bento and udon dishes such as Gyu Don (S$16), Beef Teriyaki (S$9) and Kaki Udon (S$7.50).

My Cosy Corner
587 Bukit Timah Road
#02-02 Coronation Shopping Plaza
Singapore 269701
Tel: +65 6463 8286
Mon to Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

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