Dive into the world of Peranakan food at these authentic and modern restaurants in Singapore!
Alright, we know you’re hungry but first, let’s do a quick history lesson to get you acquainted with Peranakan food. From as early as the 15th and 16th centuries, the blend of Straits Chinese and Malay marriages led to the birth of a truly unique culture, giving us the iconic Nyonyas (ladies) and Babas (gentlemen). This cultural fusion is seen in everything from their traditional fashion and handmade crafts to the food that has come to define the Peranakan community. Much like its heritage, Peranakan food in Singapore is rich and bursting with complex flavours – a delightful blend of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian culinary influences that creates a heady mix of spicy, aromatic and comforting dishes. Hungry yet? Look no further for the best restaurants for Peranakan food in Singapore.
Best Peranakan food in Singapore
1. Candlenut
Helmed by chef-owner Malcolm Lee, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant delivers superb traditional dishes with a modern, elevated twist. For the complete dining experience, we recommend going for the Ah-ma-kase menu to savour a communal meal brimming with delights such as kueh pie tee, buah keluak, and curry made with refined touches and ingredients.
Must-tries: Blue swimmer crab curry, wagyu beef rib rendang, Aunt Caroline’s babi buah keluak
How much: Lunch course menu starts at $108, dinner course menu starts at $138, mains start at $26
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
Where: Candlenut, 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
2. Violet Oon Singapore
Helmed by renowned food connoisseur Violet Oon, her eponymous bistro celebrates Singapore’s rich cultural diversity. The chic and iconic restaurants serve elevated Nyonya staples like ayam buah keluak, dry laksa and sambal eggplant. Oh, and make sure you leave room for dessert – must-tries include kueh beng kah (tapioca cake with coconut milk and gula melaka) and pulut hitam (black glutinous rice) with coconut ice cream.
Must-tries: Kuay pie tee, dry laksa, Peranakan high tea
How much: Mains start at $23, high tea starts at $66 for two pax
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 10pm (timings vary with each restaurant)
Where: Violet Oon Singapore, multiple locations including National Gallery Singapore and Ion Orchard
3. True Blue Cuisine
Nyonya recipes at True Blue have been passed down through generations, making dining here a truly hearty and homely experience. The authentic decor – wooden windows, “tok panjang” tables, and intricate partition screens – sets the stage for a marvellous feast. Expect classic dishes like ayam buah keluak and chap chye (stewed cabbage with glass vermicelli) that capture the essence of Peranakan heritage.
Must-tries: Ngoh hiang, ayam buah keluak, sweet potato leaves
How much: Mains start at $28
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: True Blue Cuisine, 47/49 Armenian Street, Singapore 179937
4. Bonding Kitchen
For Peranakan flavours with a contemporary touch, Bonding Kitchen is a must-visit. Originally a private dining experience in Johor Bahru, it has since expanded into a full-fledged restaurant on Orchard Road. The space, adorned in soothing blue tones and fresh flowers, exudes a refined yet welcoming ambience. While the menu offers a range of classics, we’d say the standout is the kueh pie tee. Its delicate shells are lighter and fluffier than the traditional version, making each bite an absolute delight.
Must-tries: Chendol, beef rendang, babi pongteh
How much: Mains start at $26
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 9.30pm
Where: Bonding Kitchen, #02-18, Orchardgateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858
5. Rempapa
We can’t get enough of this casual eatery by chef Damian D’Silva. His passion for Singapore’s heritage cuisine shines through in every dish. If you’re craving something both familiar and unique, prepare for a multicultural feast that blends Peranakan, Chinese, Eurasian, Indian, and Malay flavours. Think sambal sweet potato leaves, chap chye, beef rendang, and buah keluak fried rice, alongside Hakka fried pork and chef Damian’s signature curry. And, of course, dessert is non-negotiable – the kueh platter is an absolute must-try!
Must-tries: Hakka fried pork, beef cheek rendang, sambal brinjal
How much: Lunch sets start at $48 for two people, dinner sets start at $99 for two people, mains start at $24
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 11.30am – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm; Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm
Where: Rempapa, #01-01/02/03, Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409053
6. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
This old school Peranakan restaurant in Singapore serves food made from recipes passed down through generations – that’s how you know they’re some of the best! The halal-certified eatery is comforting in its vintage ambience complemented by authentic, traditional food. We go back every time for its selection of signature dishes, because you can never go wrong with classics.
Must-tries: Sayur lodeh, ayam buah keluak, cincalok omelette
How much: Mains start at $16
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 9.30pm
Where: Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen, #01-02, 328 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427585
7. Simply Peranakan Cuisine
Want affordable and hearty Peranakan food in Singapore? This restaurant is perfect for newbies to the world of this unique cuisine. We love it for its warm, homely service and tasty dishes. Don’t miss out on some of the best delicacies including assam fish head curry, lobster noodles, and bakwan kepiting soup.
Must-tries: Nyonya seafood fried rice, ayam buah keluak, chap chye
How much: Mains start at $20
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
Where: Simply Peranakan Cuisine, #01-05, Hotel Chancellor, 28 Cavenagh Road, Singapore 229635
8. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Step into the welcoming space, you’ll be served a homely meal with a lick of heat – thanks to the signature sambal belacan which tickled our noses. Whether you’re heading to the east-side restaurant or its other outlets, you’ll be dining on delectable dishes. It might be a little noisy in the restaurant when it gets crowded, but that just adds to the lively atmosphere!
Must-tries: Ayam buah keluak, Nonya curry chicken, ikan assam pedas, BBQ sotong
How much: Mains start at $17
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm; Saturday – Sunday, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Where: Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant, #01-03, 11 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427744
9. Godmama
For modern Peranakan dining, make a date with Godmama. Offering a mix of classic dishes and contemporary creations, the restaurant whips up plates like popiah, lamb shank rendang and pulut hitam panna cotta to satisfy your cravings. We love the affordable weekday lunch sets and delish brunch dishes like otak otak benedict and dry laksa on weekends.
Must-tries: Beef rendang, ngoh hiang, pulut hitam panna cotta
How much: Mains start at $15.90
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm (timings vary with each location)
Where: Godmama, multiple locations including Funan and Parkway Parade
10. House of Peranakan
Boasting multiple Peranakan dining concepts, restaurant group House of Peranakan has been serving home-style Nyonya food ever since chef-owner Bob Seah established Peranakan Inn in 1985. We recommend tucking into smashing favourites like curry fish head, assam prawns and pulut hitam. Uncomplicated, honest and comforting – just the way we like it. Psst: some of the guests this place has seen include past presidents and even Thai royalty.
Must-tries: Assam fish, otak otak, ayam buah keluak
How much: Mains start at $18.80
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm (timings vary with each location)
Where: House of Peranakan, multiple locations including East Coast Road and Eng Hoon Street
11. Lynnette’s Kitchen
While it’s not a restaurant per se, this Peranakan private dining experience deserves a spot on your must-try list. Created by Lynnette Seah – Cultural Medallion winner and founding member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra – it offers a truly special way to enjoy Peranakan cuisine. Diners can either visit her home or invite her into theirs for a bespoke feast featuring signature dishes like buah keluak fried rice and jumbo squid stuffed with glutinous rice. It’s an intimate, one-of-a-kind affair that blends culinary artistry with personal storytelling.
Must-tries: Crab beehoon, buah keluak, nasi ulam
How much: Course menus start at $130 per person
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 10.30pm, bookings to be made at least 2 weeks in advance
Where: Lynnette’s Kitchen, book online
12. The Blue Ginger
Family-run and steeped in tradition, The Blue Ginger has been a go-to for exquisite Peranakan cuisine since 1995. A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, it’s a classic favourite that continues to impress. Purists will love the original Tanjong Pagar location, where signature dishes like beef rendang, pork ribs assam, and kueh pie tee take centre stage. Meanwhile, those looking for a more modern dining experience can head to its elegant yet casual outpost at Great World, where ayam buah keluak and Nyonya fish head curry await. Whatever you do, save room for the creamy durian chendol – it’s a must!
Must-tries: Ngoh hiang, durian chendol, kueh pie tee
How much: Mains start at $24
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm & 6.30pm – 10.30pm (timings vary with each location)
Where: The Blue Ginger, multiple locations including Tanjong Pagar and Great World
13. Ivins Peranakan Restaurant
For an affordable price, you can fill your plates with comforting Peranakan food like itek sio (braised duck in tamarind and coriander gravy), sambal prawns and curry fish head. And that’s the best part about this particular Peranakan restaurant in Singapore, we say. Notice a trend? They’re all dishes with gravy that you should definitely mix your rice in… you’ll thank us later.
Must-tries: Ayam buah keluak, beef rendang, assam fish
How much: Mains start at $12.10
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm; Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Where: Ivins Peranakan Restaurant, multiple locations including Binjia Park (temporarily closed until March 2025), Heartland Mall Kovan and Thomson Plaza
14. Daisy’s Dream Kitchen
If you find yourself at Temasek Club with a craving for Peranakan food, Daisy’s Dream Kitchen is the place to be. This family-run gem serves up mouth-watering delicacies crafted from time-honoured recipes, ensuring every dish is as authentic as it is delicious. Expect hearty, home-cooked flavours made with love – just like grandma used to make. Spice lovers, don’t miss the belacan chilli as it packs a real punch!
Must-tries: Ngoh hiang, chap chye, babi buah keluak
How much: Mains start at $8.80
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 11am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9pm; Friday – Sunday, 11am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Where: Daisy’s Dream Kitchen, #01-01, Temasek Club, 131 Rifle Range Road, Singapore 588396
15. TingKat PeraMakan
Founded by fourth-generation Nyonya Kathryn Ho, this Peranakan concept has been around the block since 2004. Even though the fancy PeraMakan restaurant at Keppel Club closed in 2020, its casual sister outlets are still dishing out the good stuff. Don’t miss out on the beef rendang or babi pong teh (braised pork in fermented soybean sauce) renditions. We normally go for the set meals with a main, two sides, a drink and a dessert, which are incredible value for money options!
Must-tries: Ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh, durian pengat
How much: Mains start at $11
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm (timings vary with each location)
Where: TingKat PeraMakan, multiple locations including Owen Road and Paya Lebar Quarter
16. Baba Chews Bar & Eatery
Housed within the former Joo Chiat Police Station, Baba Chews retains much of its colonial charm of the 20s. White walls brighten up the cosy establishment and colourful motif tiles contrast against metal mesh sliding panels that are more contemporary than stifling. But don’t be tricked into thinking this is a traditional Peranakan restaurant. The menu brims with dishes like Nonya fried rice and assam curry seabass alongside stand-out fusion plates of dry bak kut teh and chilli crab risotto. End your meal with the restaurant’s version of chendol or kueh durian, a variation of kueh dadar.
Must-tries: Ayam buah keluak, otah, beef rendang
How much: Mains start at $21
Opening hours: Daily, 6.30am – 10.30pm
Where: Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, Katong Square, 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
17. Straits Chinese Restaurant
Serving authentic Peranakan food in Singapore since 1953, this well-known chain is the brainchild of the Guan Hoe Soon Group. As one of the oldest Nyonya restaurants in Singapore, we believe the team knows a thing or two about Peranakan cuisine. Make sure you try the fatty braised babi pong teh and tangy udang assam goreng (fried prawns in spicy tamarind gravy). The curry fish head set is also a popular pick for catering.
Must-tries: Fish head curry, otah, beef rendang
How much: Mains start at $19.80
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
Where: Straits Chinese Restaurant, multiple locations including Cecil Street and Esplanade
18. Indocafe
Housed in a charming black-and-white colonial bungalow along Scotts Road, Indocafe offers a warm and inviting setting for enjoying Peranakan cuisine. Kick off your meal with classic appetisers like ngoh hiang – crispy five-spice minced pork rolls – before tucking into signature mains such as ayam buah keluak and rich, aromatic wagyu beef rendang. To round things off on a sweet note, indulge in traditional desserts like bubur cha cha, a comforting medley of yam, sweet potatoes and bananas in coconut milk, or the beautifully layered kueh salat made with glutinous rice, blue pea flower and pandan coconut custard.
Must-tries: Beef rendang, ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh
How much: Mains start at $25
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Where: Indocafe, 35 Scotts Road, Singapore 228227
Have your fill of Peranakan food in Singapore at these great restaurants!
