Peranakan culture is an important part of our nation’s identity, given its storied history and—a point most foodies can agree with—moreish food. Many listicles on the internet, however, seem to have a focus on Peranakan restaurants, rather than the less glamorous stalls that can compete in authenticity and taste. In this guide, we present you with the best Peranakan food places in Singapore, including a mix of restaurants, hawker stalls, and Nyonya kueh shops.
Image credit: @memantos
Famed for their particularly piquant sambal belacan, Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is a favourite among fans of the cuisine. Dishes such as Ayam Buah Kuluak (from $16.80+) and Curry Assam Ikan (from $15.80+) are fantastic picks for your Peranakan feast, as they are said to pack a spicy punch, and are delicious to boot.
Address: 11 Joo Chiat Place, #01-03, Singapore 427744
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6275 1002
Website
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @greedynomz
While many people enjoy going to restaurants for their Peranakan fix, you can get equally authentic stuff at hawker stalls too! Charlie’s Peranakan Food is one such stall, offering traditional dishes at affordable prices. Take their Ayam Buah Keluak ($12), for instance, which is a chicken stew enhanced by the rich and slightly bitter flavours of buah keluak—a true Peranakan classic done right.
Address: 505 Beach Road, #B1-30, Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 7:30pm
Tel: 9789 6304
Website
Charlie’s Peranakan Food is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @bhaktyap
Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant has been serving Peranakan food since 1953, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Singapore. Historical value isn’t the only thing you are getting here, however, as the restaurant continues to offer excellent fare.
Specialties include Ngoh Hiang (from $15.80+), Nonya Chap Chye (from $14.80+), and of course, the Ayam Buah Keluak (from $18.80+).
Address: 200 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427471
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
Tel: 6344 2761
Website
Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Molly Nonya Cake and Confectionery
When it comes to old-school Nyonya kueh, Molly’s is one name that frequently crops up in conversations. While their Ang Gu Kueh ($0.90 each) and Kueh Dah Dah ($1 each) are classics, it is those rainbow-coloured Kueh Lapis ($0.90 each) that always catch the attention of storegoers. Beyond its pretty aesthetic, it is said to have a rich coconutty flavour and a delightful texture.
Address: 104 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1121, Singapore 530104
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 4am to 7:30pm, Sun 4am to 5pm
Tel: 6286 4234
Website
Molly’s Nonya Cake & Confectionery is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @theblurqueen
The previous entries are cut from the same cloth—they all serve traditional and homely dishes. Godmama, however, serves Peranakan food with a modern twist. Whether you’re ordering old-school stuff such as Beef Rendang ($15.90++) or the fusion Buah Keluak Pasta ($14.90++), the presentation and bold flavours are unlikely to let you down.
While you’re there, give their unique desserts a shot too. Case in point: the Sticky Red Date Pudding ($9.90++), which is served with vanilla bean ice cream and longan tea glaze.
Address: 107 North Bridge Road, #04-07, Singapore 179105
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 0828
Website
Godmama is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @dexarrius
Hawker stall Nyonya Pok Pok Kay doesn’t have the extensive menu of the restaurant picks on this list—they only have two dishes on their menu—but that doesn’t mean their Peranakan food is any less tasty.
The first dish, Ayam Curry Kapitan (from $5.20), is said to be irresistibly aromatic and flavourful, while the second dish, the Ayam Sioh (from $4.20), sees chicken enhanced by the sweet-sour taste of tamarind. Get them with blue pea rice for a hearty Peranakan meal.
Address: 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-23, Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, Singapore 519641
Opening hours: Fri-Tue 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 8pm
Website
Nyonya Pok Pok Kay is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @feedusfood_
The exquisite Peranakan and Singaporean fare that Violet Oon serves can be attributed to the restaurant’s namesake, who’s one of the more prominent figures in our local food scene. With her vast expertise in Peranakan food, Violet Oon’s curated dishes, such as the Beef Rendang ($25++) and Dry Laksa ($26++), demonstrate the best that the cuisine has to offer. The latter, in particular, is a creative take on the iconic noodle dish, and is said to retain all the fragrance and umami of its soup-based counterpart.
Website | Full list of outlets
National Kitchen by Violet Oon is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Ji Xiang AKK
Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh is an obvious place to visit for some good ol’ ang ku kueh, and for good reason. Their Everton Park flagship stall has been making those red tortoise-shaped cakes since 1988, and though they have since opened outlets across the country, fans of the brand insist the kueh is as delectable as ever. Each ang ku kueh is freshly made, and full of the filling of your choice, whether it be Peanut, Sweet Bean or Yam ($1 each).
Website | Full list of outlets
Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @drnloh
As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut has a high bar to meet. More often than not, however, diners come away raving about how superb the food is. With noteworthy modern influences, a dish such as the Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang ($48++) combines premium ingredients with homely flavours. Even the simple Chap Chye ($24++) is said to be several rungs above what you’d normally expect from such a dish.
Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 1800 304 2288
Website
Candlenut is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @alicelsp1380
Here’s another affordable Peranakan food option to check out. Hawker stall Babas Peranakan offers cai png with—you guessed it—Peranakan dishes. With dishes such as Rendang, Sambal Goreng and Sayur Lemak, you’re able to get a wholesome Peranakan meal for around just $5. The food is said to be authentic and delicious, so there’s little reason not to try Babas Peranakan if you’re in the area.
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-225, Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 9am to 1:30pm
Babas Peranakan is not a halal-certified eatery.
With its rich heritage and tantalising flavours, there’s plenty of great Peranakan food out there for you to try, and we’re sure you’ll love some of the picks on this list.
For eateries that offer great Malaysian food, check out our Malaysian food places in Singapore. If you’re looking for laksa, read our best laksa in Singapore guide.