25 Establishments Serving Authentic Peranakan Food In Singapore

Boasting the title of the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, expect nothing but the best at Candlenut. Offering traditional dishes with a contemporary take, treat yourself by going for Chef Malcolm Lee’s Taste of Candlenut menu, where you’ll be taken on a culinary adventure to explore the myriad flavours of the Peranakan heritage. The current menu for April features offerings such as Ikan Gulai, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Bubur Cha Cha and Pumpkin Ondeh-Ondeh to finish.

Address: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Opening Hours: 12–3 pm, 6–10 pm daily

A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, the family-run The Blue Ginger now boasts of two outposts and is a well known spot for exquisite Peranakan cuisine. The original restaurant is tucked away in a beautifully restored shophouse along Tanjong Pagar, and the extensive menu is prompted by fond memories of hearty feasts, featuring a long list of starters, soups, meat, seafood and more. The Nonya Fish Head Curry is a staple. Simmered in a traditional home style curry, the red snapper dish is garnished with lady’s fingers and eggplant. While those keen to check out its elegant, contemporary eatery at Great World can get a taste of the outlet-exclusive Nyonya noodles and Buah Keluak Fried Rice. 

Address: Multiple outlets

Located in the colourful heritage area of Joo Chiat – arguably Singapore’s centre of Peranakan culture – Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen is a casual, no-frills establishment that serves authentic Nyonya food at prices that won’t break the bank. The dishes are prepared in the traditional way using recipes that have been passed down for years, using only the freshest ingredients. Must-try dishes at this halal-certified eatery includes Grilled Sambal Barramundi, where the fish is smothered in a mouth-watering sambal relish and topped with fresh herbs and thin slices of lime, and the Nyonya Beef Rendang, which features succulent beef chunks braised in a myriad of spices until tender

Address: 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585
Opening Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm daily

Another Joo Chiat stalwart, Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant has been serving comforting Peranakan dishes since 1953, making it one of the oldest spots in Singapore for Nyonya cuisine. Historical value aside, you can expect mouthwatering dishes that are skilfully prepared according to time-tested recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next. This spot is also said to be the Peranakan joint of choice for the late Lee Kuan Yew! Specialties include Ngoh Hiang, Nonya Chap Chye, and of course, the Ayam Buah Keluak.

Address: 200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427471
Opening Hours: 11 am–3 pm, 5:30–9 pm Mon to Fri, 11 am–3 pm, 5–9 pm Sat & Sun

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the long list of menu items at Peranakan restaurants, but fret not, there will be no such issue at Tingkat PeraMakan. The restaurant offers a no-frills menu which allows you to order individual sets which includes a main, two sides, a drink and a dessert, making it very straightforward and much less overwhelming. You should definitely give the Lamb Rendang, Nyonya Mah Mee, Sambal Sotong, Ikan Garam Assam, and Babi Pongtay a try when you’re here!

Address: Multiple outlets

For modern Peranakan cuisine, Godmama doles out innovative creations that put a unique twist to authentic dishes. Think Buah Keluak Fried Rice, Pork Collar Satay and Tiger Prawn Laksa Pasta to satisfy your cravings. Godmama also offers a range of Peranakan-inspired cocktails to go along with your meal. Try the heady Bunga Kantan Martini – bourbon mixed with tamarind and lemon juice and shaken with egg white for a velvety texture.

Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, #04-07, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11 am–10 pm daily

Unlike the other bigger names on this list, Charlie’s Peranakan Food is a little hawker stall that serves up hearty Peranakan dishes at very affordable prices. Take their Ayam Buah Keluak for instance, which is a chicken stew enhanced by the rich and slightly bitter flavours of buah keluak, or the Nangka Masak Lemak (jackfruit curry) and Gulai Tumis (tamarind fish curry) with a side of rice to carry all of that delicious gravy.

Address: 505 Beach Rd, #B1-30, Singapore 199583
Opening Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm daily

You can’t not bring up Violet Oon when talking about Peranakan cuisine in Singapore, and National Kitchen by Violet Oon is a restaurant that’s fitted with exquisite decor that’s much like a museum. Definitely go for the Kueh Pie Tee, Chicken Satay, Ayam Pong Tay, Beef Rendang, Garam Assam Fish and Dry Mee Siam! The colourful flavours will leave you coming back for more. 

Address: 1 St Andrew's Rd, #02–01, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: 12–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm daily

Situated at Binjai Park, IVINS Peranakan Restaurant is a family restaurant that will make you feel right at home. Expect homely meals with rich flavours that are guaranteed to satisfy, with signature dishes such as Curry Nyonya Fish Head, Babi Tauyu, Itek Sio, and Udang Masak Nanas. And make sure you leave room for dessert – like the Durian Chendol where  flavours of coconut milk, gula melaka and durian come together perfectly!

Address: 21 Binjai Park, Singapore 589827
Opening Hours: 11 am–3 pm, 5–9 pm Fri to Wed. Closed on Thurs

One of the newer restaurants on this list, Rempapa is an all-day-dining destination that showcases Singapore heritage food and its place in our national identity. The restaurant’s must-try Peranakan dishes include Baca Assam and Babi Pongteh. Other standouts include Singgang, a classic Eurasian dish that comprises deboned fish cooked in a paste of fresh chillies, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, shallots and candlenuts. You’ll also find contemporary creations with heritage flavours like the Buah Keluak Fried Rice, made with a fresh sambal paste, minced pork and the rich savoury “meat” of the buah keluak nut.

Address: 2 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-01/02/03, Singapore 409053
Opening Hours: 11 am–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm Mon to Fri, 10:30 am–3 pm, 6–10:30 pm Sat & Sun

A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for consecutive years, Nyonya recipes at True Blue have been kept in the family for generations, which makes dining here such a hearty experience. The restaurant is also fitted with traditional Nyonya furniture and decorated with artefacts and pictures that you can check outt while waiting for your food to arrive. A few of their legendary dishes include Ngoh Hiang, Janton Pisang Salad, Udang Kuah Nanas and Ayam Buah Keluak!

Address: 47/49 Armenian St, Singapore 179937
Opening Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm Mon to Sat. Closed on Sun

Known and loved for its warm, homely service and tasty dishes, Simply Peranakan Cuisine is the go-to spot for Peranakan food in Singapore after a long day of work or shopping spree. Appease your cravings by indulging in some of their bestselling dishes, such as the Beef Rendang, Assam Fish Head Curry, Ayam Buah Keluak, Bakwang Kepiting soup, and Ngoh Hiang!

Address: 28 Cavenagh Rd, #01-05, Singapore 229635
Opening Hours: 12–2:30 pm, 6–10 pm daily

Established in Katong in the 1980s, the House of Peranakan is a pioneer in Nonya cuisine, managed by a pure Peranakan family for three generations. We’ve even heard that some of the guests this place has seen include past presidents and even Thai royalty! Tuck into comforting favourites like Curry Fish Head, Ayam Sioh, Assam Prawns and Itek Sioh that will surely remind you of home cooked meals.

Address: Multiple outlets

Famed for their piquant sambal belacan, Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is a favourite among fans of Peranakan cuisine. With two outlets in Singapore, their delectable dishes are never too far away. Specialties to try include Bakwan Kepiting Soup, Gula Melaka Assam Prawns, Ayam Buah Kuluak, Curry Assam Ikan and Nyonya Fried Chicken Wings. Just get ready for a spicy punch!

Address: Multiple outlets

Started by husband and wife team in 1971 with the vision of bringing a taste of Nonya delights to the world, Molly’s Nonya Cake & Confectionery is now run by the couple’s children. They specialise in a variety of delicious kueh with an assortment of fillings from Ondeh-Ondeh to Kueh Lapis, Ang Ku Kueh and Kueh Dah Dah. They are also well known for their Fish Otah which comes in both spicy and non-spicy variations. Make sure to pick up some of those while you’re there!

Address: 104 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1121, Singapore 530104
Opening Hours: 4 am–6:30 pm Mon & Sat, 4 am–7:30 pm Tues to Fri, 4 am–5 pm Sun

INDOCAFÉ's grand black-and-white compound is a historic remnant of Singapore's past, so it's only fitting the cuisine boasts equal cultural significance. Fundamental Nyonya techniques, classic recipes and fresh spices result in fragrant offerings like Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang, and Organic Ayam Buah Keluak. Little tweaks to suit modern tastes are also constant feature in their menu, including dishes such as the Otah Klasik (steamed 'Chawanmushi' egg custard with fish fillet and coconut milk) and Chendol Panna Cotta, both great examples of traditional and modern coming together.

Address: 35 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228227
Opening Hours: 12–2:30 pm, 6–9:30 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

Housed within the former Joo Chiat Police Station, Baba Chews retains much of its colonial charm. Serving a variety of Mod-Sin dishes, the menu stands out with fusion dishes like Iberico Pork Ribs Pong Teh, Ayam Buah Keluak Burger and Chicken Rendang Lasagne. End off your meal on a sweet note with Ondeh Ondeh Cake or Kueh Durian!

Address: 86 E Coast Rd, Katong Square, Singapore 428788
Opening Hours: 6:30 am–10:30 pm daily

A name synonymous with Peranakan food, Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant is the brainchild of the Guan Hoe Soon Group. One of Singapore’s oldest nyonya restaurant, the brand has been serving authentic Peranakan food since 1953. Using secret recipes handed down through generations, the Ala Carte Nonya Buffet is an ideal choice to get initiated. Start with an appetiser before moving on to yummy mains such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Udang Sambal, Beef Rendang and more. Pair your meal with a traditional Chin Chow or Lime Cordial and choose from four different desserts to end your meal!

Address: Multiple outlets

A hawker stall situated in Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, Nyonya Pok Pok Kay doesn’t have the extensive menu of the other restaurants  on this list. In fact, they only have two items on their menu! But that doesn’t mean their Peranakan food is any less tasty. The Ayam Curry Kapitan comes with a hot bowl of chicken curry that is light and flavourful, while the Ayam Sioh is the perfect mix of sweet and sour thanks to the tamarind. Get them in a set with blue pea rice for a hearty Peranakan meal!

Address: 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-23, Singapore 519641
Opening Hours: 12–3 pm, 5–8 pm Fri to Tues. Closed Wed & Thurs

Nyonya Taste by Brew & Bar is a hidden gem tucked away in the East, run by a Peranakan family passionate to keep the Nyonya tradition and food alive. With signature dishes like Sotong Masak Hitam and Babi Pongteh, one will surely be pleasantly surprised by the unique flavours of Peranakan delicacies! What’s also special here is that the establishment has an equally wide selection of craft beers. Who knows, Peranakan food and beer might be the next in-thing!

Address: 6 Jln Pari Burong, Singapore 488672
Opening Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5:30–10 pm Mon, Wed to Sat. 5:30–10 pm Sun. Closed on Tues