Best Peranakan Restaurants In Singapore

Singapore keeps finding new ways to mess with your dinner plans in the best way possible. Peranakan food is the current obsession. It’s Chinese meets Malay in the kitchen, and the results are loud, proud, and impossible to forget. You’ve got that coconut richness, the punch of belacan, the sour kick of tamarind, all balanced like a tightrope walker. If your phone is open to “Peranakan food near me” or you just want the best Peranakan food Singapore serves up, keep scrolling. BusyKidd’s eaten ourily across the island, from Katong shophouses to Dempsey hideaways, and these Peranakan restaurants are the real deal. Addresses, prices, must-orders, no filler.

Peranakan culture is the backstory that makes the food taste better. Chinese traders rolled into Malacca way back, married local women, and their kids built a whole new world. Colorful tiles, beaded slippers, and recipes that take three days to prep. Nyonya is what they call the women who ran the show in the kitchen. (Nonya is just the lazy spelling; same thing, same nonya food.) In Singapore, Katong and Joo Chiat are ground zero. Walk down the street and you’ll smell rempah frying before you see the signs. Peranakan cuisine is built on patience. Pound the spices fresh. Ferment the buah keluak nuts. Slow-cook the rendang until it forgets it was ever tough. Fewer bibiks are teaching the next generation, so Peranakan restaurants are carrying the torch now. Even a Peranakan buffet lets you taste the full spread without committing to one dish. Let’s get to the eating.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Vegetarian Restaurants, Soup Restaurants in Singapore.

Fancy Peranakan Restaurants Worth The Splurge

Candlenut

Image Credit: Candlenut via Facebook

Candlenut sits in Dempsey Hill like it owns the place, and it kind of does. First Peranakan restaurant to snag a Michelin star, back in 2016, and still holding it. Chef Malcolm Lee grew up eating his grandma’s food and decided to level it up. The room is warm wood and low lights, the kind of spot you take someone you want to impress without trying too hard.

The Ah-Ma-Kase menu starts at 128 bucks for lunch and feels like a love letter to Peranakan culture. Wing bean salad hits first, crunchy with sambal belacan that wakes up your tongue. Blue swimmer crab curry is pure coconut velvet with a slow burn. Ayam buah keluak is the main event, chicken so tender it falls apart in that inky, nutty sauce. Wagyu beef rendang has been simmering forever with a spice mix that’s basically a secret society. Kueh salat for dessert is sticky rice under pandan custard, sweet but not cloying. Candlenut is the best Peranakan food Singapore has when you want the full experience. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that makes you feel like family, even if you’re paying for it.

• Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
• Must-Order: Ayam buah keluak, blue swimmer crab curry
• More Details

Pangium

Pangium opened in the Botanic Gardens and quietly collected a Michelin star in 2023. Only 20 seats, so book early or cry later. Malcolm Lee again, this time going hard on local, seasonal ingredients. The space is all glass and greenery, calm enough to hear the food arrive.

The tasting menu is 258 bucks and worth every cent. Starts with pang susi, a fluffy bun hiding a kaya-like surprise. King prawn fritters come with tea tree mushrooms that taste like the forest. Buah keluak otah sits on nasi ulam, herby rice that smells like a garden. Tau yu bak is pork belly braised in soy with sea cucumber for that wobble. Roasted wawa cabbage finishes with smoke and sweetness. Pangium is the best Peranakan food Singapore offers when you want quiet luxury. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that feels like the future without forgetting the past.

• Address: 11 Gallop Road, Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259015
• Must-Order: Buah keluak otah, tau yu bak
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Violet Oon Singapore

Image Credit: Violet Oon via Instagram

Violet Oon Singapore is the name your auntie drops when she wants to sound cultured. Multiple locations, but the National Kitchen at the National Gallery is the prettiest, with chandeliers and Peranakan tiles everywhere. Violet Oon herself is a legend, and the menu is her greatest hits.

Dry laksa costs 28 bucks and disappears in minutes, spicy coconut noodles with fat prawns. Ayam buah keluak is dark and mysterious, the nuts giving it an almost truffle vibe. Shepherd’s pie gets spiced beef and mash. Ngoh hiang rolls are crispy meat cigars. Pulut hitam is black rice pudding that hugs you from the inside. Violet Oon is your answer when Peranakan food near me needs to be central. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that makes Nyonya food in Singapore feel timeless.

• Address: Multiple spots, try 1 St Andrew’s Road, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
• Must-Order: Dry laksa, ayam buah keluak
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The Blue Ginger

The Blue Ginger has been in Tanjong Pagar since 1995, picking up Michelin Bib Gourmand awards like stickers. The shophouse is small, with blue tiles on the floor, old photos on the walls. No nonsense, just food.

Beef rendang at 28 bucks is soft enough to cut with a spoon, coconut and spices doing the heavy lifting. Ayam buah keluak has that earthy punch. Chap chye is veggies in fermented bean sauce, simple but packed. Sambal udang brings prawns in chili that makes you sweat happily. The Blue Ginger is solid when you want the best Peranakan food in Singapore without the song and dance. It’s a Peranakan restaurant for regulars.

• Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518
• Must-Order: Beef rendang, ayam buah keluak
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Godmama

Image Credit: Godmama.sg

Godmama is three Peranakan women keeping their moms’ recipes alive in Funan Mall. Bright space, weekend brunches, the kind of place you stumble into and stay for hours.

Egg skin popiah is 12 bucks, fresh roll with stewed veg and prawns. Ayam buah keluak at 28 is comfort in a bowl. Sambal udang comes with blue pea rice that looks too pretty to eat. They do buah keluak bolognese pasta because why not. Brunch Otak Otak Benedict is eggs with spicy fish paste. Godmama is Peranakan food near me for city days. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that keeps things light.

• Address: 107 North Bridge Road, #04-07 Funan, Singapore 179105
• Must-Order: Egg skin popiah, ayam buah keluak
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True Blue Cuisine

True Blue Cuisine is part restaurant, part museum. Antiques everywhere, family photos, the works. Benjamin Seck cooks straight from his grandma’s notebook.

Kueh pie tee at 15 bucks are crispy cups with turnip and prawns, sweet sauce on top. Babi pongteh is pork so soft it melts. Itek tim is sour duck soup that resets your palate. True Blue is the best Peranakan food Singapore has when you want stories with dinner. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that time-travels you.

• Address: 47/49 Armenian Street, Singapore 179937
• Must-Order: Kueh pie tee, babi pongteh
• More Details

Indocafé – The White House

Indocafé lives in a black-and-white bungalow on Scotts Road, mixing Indonesian and Peranakan vibes. High ceilings, lazy fans, and garden seats if you’re lucky.

Oxtail soup is 18 bucks and warms you to the bones. Ngoh hiang rolls at 12 are crispy, five-spice heaven. Ayam opor buah keluak adds coconut cream to the classic. Indocafé is Peranakan food near me with old-school charm. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that feels like a getaway.

• Address: 35 Scotts Road, Singapore 228227
• Must-Order: Ayam opor buah keluak, ngoh hiang
• More Details

Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant

Image Credit: Josephine Tan via Google reviews

Guan Hoe Soon is the OG, open since 1953 in Joo Chiat. Plastic chairs, bright lights, zero pretense.

Ayam buah keluak costs 25 bucks with fresh nuts cracked that morning. Chap chye is a veg mountain. Sambal kangkong has just enough chili to make you reach for water. Guan Hoe Soon is heartland Peranakan food done right. It’s a Peranakan restaurant your uncle swears by.

• Address: 200 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427471
• Must-Order: Ayam buah keluak, sambal kangkong
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Cherki

Cherki is the cool kid in China Square Central, with neon signs and batik walls. Cocktails are strong, food is playful.

Peranakan pizza at 22 bucks is flatbread with rendang and cheese. Buah keluak fried rice is smoky and addictive. Gula melaka old-fashioned cuts the spice. Cherki is Nyonya food in Singapore for night owls. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that parties.

• Address: 1 Straits Blvd, #01-02, Singapore 018906
• Must-Order: Peranakan pizza, buah keluak fried rice
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Baba Chews Bar And Eatery

Baba Chews took over the old Joo Chiat Police Station, kept the brick walls, and added good vibes. Brunch, dinner, drinks, it does it all.

Chili crab tagliatelle is 28 bucks of local sauce on pasta. Otah you tiao at 12 stuffs fried dough with fish paste. Ayam buah keluak burger is messy and glorious. Baba Chews is Peranakan food near me with a twist. It’s a Peranakan restaurant that doesn’t follow rules.

• Address: 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
• Must-Order: Chili crab tagliatelle, otah you tiao
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Charlie’s Peranakan Food

Charlie’s is a stall in Golden Mile Food Centre, cheap and cheerful. No AC, just fans and fast service.

Beef rendang is 8 bucks and spicy enough to clear sinuses. Sambal prawns are market fresh. Add rice, you’re full for under ten. Charlie’s is Peranakan food near me on a budget.

• Address: 505 Beach Road, #B1-30 Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
• Must-Order: Beef rendang, sambal prawns
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Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant

Chilli Padi does a Peranakan buffet for 22.80 bucks in Joo Chiat. Always packed, always worth it.

Ayam pongteh is pork and potatoes gone soft. Itek tim is sour duck soup. Kueh pie tee station lets you build your own. Chilli Padi is a Peranakan buffet that feeds armies.

• Address: #01-03, 11 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427744
• Must-Order: Ayam pongteh, kueh pie tee
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Daisy’s Dream Kitchen

Image Credit: Daisy’s Dream Kitchen via Facebook

Daisy’s Dream Kitchen is inside the Temasek Club, run by Daisy (yes, Selena Tan’s mom). You need a member or a booking, but the food is fire.

Ngoh hiang balls at 12 bucks are chunky and crisp. Squid in ink is dark and intense. Beef rendang smells like lemongrass heaven. Daisy’s is Peranakan food with soul.

• Address: 131 Rifle Range Road, #01-01 Temasek Club, Singapore 588406
• Must-Order: Ngoh hiang, beef rendang
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The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore

The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore is in Claymore Connect, with tiles and antiques everywhere. Classic menu, classic execution.

Ayam sioh at 22 bucks is chicken with coriander and tamarind. Babi Assam is pork in sour gravy. It’s the best Peranakan food Singapore has for old-school fans.

• Address: 57 Lengkok Bahru, #01-477, Singapore 151057
• Must-Order: Ayam sioh, babi assam
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Nyonyas & Gentlemen Restaurant

Nyonyas & Gentlemen Restaurant is in The Fullerton Hotel, fancy but friendly. Bibik recipes with hotel polish.

Nonya laksa is 18 bucks, creamy with prawns. Chap chye is veg heaven. It’s Nyonya food in Singapore for special lunches.

• Address: 25 Marine Parade Rd, Level 4 @, Singapore 449536
• Must-Order: Nonya laksa, chap chye
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Bonding Kitchen Orchard Singapore

Bonding Kitchen Orchard Singapore started as home dining in Malaysia, now in Orchard Gateway. Family-style Nyonya plates.

Six courses for 109 bucks (two people) include kueh pie tee and wagyu rendang. Bakwan kepiting soup is crab meatballs in clear broth. Bonding Kitchen is Peranakan food near me for shoppers.

• Address: 277 Orchard Road, #02-18 Orchardgateway, Singapore 238858
• Must-Order: Kueh pie tee, wagyu rendang
• More Details

Nyonya Pok Pok Kay

Nyonya Pok Pok Kay is cheeky; the name means fried chicken in dialect. Classics are serious, though.

Ayam buah keluak at 25 bucks is rich. Pok Pok Kay chicken is spicy and crunchy. It’s the best Peranakan food Singapore has for laughs.

• Address: 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-23 Hawker Centre, Сингапур 519641
• Must-Order: Ayam buah keluak, pok pok kay
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House Of Peranakan Petit

House of Peranakan Petit is tiny, perfect for tasting without exploding. Petite portions, big flavors.

Nonya kueh at 8 bucks comes in pandan, gula melaka, and yam. Chap chye is light. House of Peranakan Petit is nonya food for samplers.

• Address: 42 Eng Hoon St, Estate 169785
• Must-Order: Nonya kueh, chap chye
• More Details

Buffets And Casual Spots

Straits Kitchen

Straits Kitchen at Grand Hyatt is halal and huge, mixing Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan. Live stations keep it fresh.

Lunch is 68 bucks with ayam buah keluak and rendang. Dinner at 98 adds lamb. Otah-otah grills on demand. Kueh lapis in every color. Straits Kitchen is Peranakan food near me in Orchard. It’s a Peranakan buffet that feeds everyone. Straits Kitchen keeps the energy high. Straits Kitchen is variety central. Straits Kitchen makes Peranakan culture easy.

• Address: 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211
• Must-Order: Ayam buah keluak, beef rendang
• More Details

National Kitchen By Violet Oon

National Kitchen does high tea Peranakan buffet style at the National Gallery. Lace tables, heritage feels.

Afternoon tea for 66 bucks (two people) has kueh pie tee and nonya kueh galore. It’s refined Nyonya food for catch-ups.

• Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
• Must-Order: Kueh pie tee, nonya kueh
• More Details

Rumah Baba Fred

Rumah Baba Fred is a private dining in Fred’s home. Ten courses, endless stories.

Ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh, and even perut ikan if you’re brave. It’s Peranakan culture up close.

• Address: No. 22 Lorong 28 Geylang, Singapore
• Must-Order: Full menu
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Ivins Peranakan Restaurant

Ivins is the chain for quick Peranakan fixes. Multiple outlets, same reliable taste.

Ayam buah keluak at 20 bucks is solid. Babi assam brings sourness. Ivins is the best Peranakan food Singapore has for families.

• Address: Try 205 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588181
• Must-Order: Ayam buah keluak, babi assam
• More Details

328 Katong Laksa

328 Katong Laksa isn’t a full restaurant, but the laksa is legendary. Creamy, spicy, under 6 bucks.

It’s Peranakan food near me for a fast hit.

• Address: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
• Must-Order: Nyonya laksa
• More Details

Quick Tips

Google “Peranakan food near me” and filter Katong. Nyonya and Nonya are twins. Try a Peranakan buffet to taste everything. Bring friends, share plates. Drink barley water to cool the spice.

Peranakan food is Singapore in a bowl. Spicy, sweet, full of stories. Pick a Peranakan restaurant and go. Your stomach will send a thank-you note.

FAQ: Peranakan Food In Singapore

Peranakan food is a Singapore classic, and you’ve gotta hit a Peranakan restaurant to get it. Here’s a quick rundown on what it is, the best dishes, and what Nyonya means. Short and sweet, no fluff.

What type of food is Peranakan?

It’s a mix of Chinese and Malay cooking. Spicy, tangy, with coconut milk, lemongrass, and belacan shrimp paste. Find it at Peranakan restaurants like Candlenut or Guan Hoe Soon.

What is the most famous Peranakan food?

Ayam buah keluak, chicken in a dark, nutty sauce from fermented buah keluak nuts. Violet Oon Singapore does a killer one (28 SGD).

What is the top 5 food?

• Ayam buah keluak (Candlenut)
• Nyonya laksa (Chilli Padi, 18 SGD)
• Beef rendang (The Blue Ginger, 28 SGD)
• Babi pongteh (True Blue Cuisine)
• Kueh pie tee (Bonding Kitchen, 12 SGD)

What’s the difference between Nyonya & Peranakan?

Peranakan is the culture from Chinese-Malay roots. Nyonya means the women who cook the food. Same dishes, just different names at places like Nyonyas & Gentlemen Restaurant.

Is Peranakan Food Spicy?

It can be, but not always. Dishes like Nyonya laksa or sambal udang pack heat, thanks to chili and belacan. Milder options like babi pongteh or chap chye are savory and gentle. Most Peranakan restaurants, like Godmama, let you tweak spice levels if you ask.

Can I Find Vegetarian Peranakan Food?

Yes, though it’s less common. Chap chye (mixed veggies in bean sauce) and tauhu goreng (fried tofu with peanuts) are solid picks. Some Peranakan restaurants like The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore offer veggie-friendly dishes or can adapt—just ask when ordering.

How Do I Order at a Peranakan Restaurant?

Menus are usually in English at places like True Blue Cuisine. Point to dishes or say their names, like “Ayam buah keluak, please.” For buffets like Chilli Padi, grab what looks good. Ask “What’s popular?” if you’re unsure. Staff are chill and happy to help.

What Drinks Pair with Peranakan Food?

Go for cooling drinks to balance the spice. Barley water or teh tarik (pulled tea) are classics at Peranakan restaurants like Daisy’s Dream Kitchen. For something sweet, try chendol (coconut milk with gula melaka). Some spots like Cherki serve gula melaka cocktails for a fun twist.

Head to a Peranakan restaurant and try the best Peranakan food Singapore’s got!

Featured Image Credit: Violet Oon via Instagram