Image credit: @TheBlueGinger
If you’re a fan of Peranakan food, you may have heard of The Blue Ginger, a popular restaurant renowned for dishing out classic Peranakan dishes since 1995. The family-run eatery boasts two outlets—one along Tanjong Pagar Road and another at Great World City. They’ve also been a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient since 2020!
Their original Tanjong Pagar branch is nestled in a beautifully restored three-story shophouse. It’s decked out in art and paintings by local artists, complete with traditional floral motifs and dark carved panels that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
The Blue Ginger’s more contemporary counterpart at Great World only opened its doors three years ago. With its modern design, open and airy ambience, and vibrant terracotta-orange latticework at the entrance, the restaurant is great for family meals and gatherings with friends. The homely ambience is further enhanced by glossy white tiles and colourful crockery.
Kick off your meal with the Kerabu Kacang Botol ($14++), a zesty salad of winged beans dressed in dried shrimp, toasted coconut, and ground chilli, or a bowl of Bakwan Kepiting ($8++): minced pork, crab meatballs, and bamboo shoots.
One of the restaurant’s must-try dishes is the Ayam Panggang “Blue Ginger’” ($20++), which showcases smoky marinated grilled chicken infused with a blend of turmeric and coconut milk. Alternatively, order the Pork Ribs Assam ($20++), a tangy tamarind-braised dish featuring tender ribs, or give the Satay Babi ($20++) a taste—pan-fried pork slices marinated in a savoury peanut-based sauce, spiked with Nyonya spices.
We’ve heard good things about their famous Beef Rendang ($32++) too. It features tender chunks of shin meat in a rich, aromatic curry cooked with ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves, coriander, and cumin.
For a more balanced meal, get the Terong Goreng Cili ($16++) to go with your meaty mains. This humble yet delicious plate of deep-fried eggplant is topped with fresh chilli paste and sweet soy sauce for a blend of spicy, sweet, and savoury flavours.
Image credit: @TheBlueGinger
Save room for dessert and order the tantalising Durian Chendol ($10++) for a sweet treat. This creamy delight features red beans and pandan-flavoured jelly in freshly squeezed coconut milk, sweetened with gula melaka and D24 durian puree. If you’re not a fan of durian, opt for the Sago Gula Melaka ($20++), a chilled sago dessert crowned with honey sea coconut.
For more Peranakan restaurants in Singapore, check out our Ambling Turtle review for Nyonya curry chicken croissants and Chendol waffles in Katong. Otherwise, read our list of best Nyonya kueh stores selling traditional handmade snacks.
Tanjong Pagar
Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Great World
Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-106, Singapore 237994
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Website
The Blue Ginger is not a halal-certified eatery.
Feature image adapted from @TheBlueGinger