15 top spots for authentic Peranakan food in Singapore

Peranakan food, or nyonya cuisine, is a distinctive culinary tradition of the Straits Chinese community in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. This cuisine blends Chinese ingredients with Malay and Indonesian spices, creating rich and complex flavours.

The best Peranakan food in Singapore is often created from laborious cooking methods and traditional recipes passed down the generations. These practices preserve the essence of the cuisine. Established eateries maintain these classic techniques, while its not uncommon to see new spots add innovative twists.

In our round-up of our top Peranakan food places in Singapore, we showcase both long-standing, family-owned favourites and exciting newcomers. 

Expect to find popular Peranakan dishes such as ayam buah keluak and kueh pie tee, alongside lesser-known specialties such as ayam sioh and chinchalok omelette, at these 15 Singapore Peranakan food spots:

1. National Kitchen by Violet Oon

National Gallery, 02-01, 1 St Andrew’s Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Friday to Sunday (12pm to 5pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Chef, restaurateur and food writer Violet Oon is a local Peranakan food legend who has spent decades championing the flavours of her heritage. When you dine here, expect nothing but the most authentic fare, crafted with the care and precision of someone who truly knows her stuff.

With its colonial-style setting, mirrored ceilings, plush leather seats and grand chandeliers, this restaurant exudes class. The Peranakan-style tiles lining the walls also offer a glimpse into the history-rich culture — the place, and its fare, is undeniably a labour of love.

Crowd favourites: The dry laksa (S$29) is a classic Violet Oon creation, paying homage to the beloved Singaporean spicy noodle dish. Every springy strand of laksa noodle is drenched in a richly spiced, splatter-free gravy infused with ground hae bee (dried prawns), and topped with plump prawns and crisp bean sprouts.

The coronation chicken in wanton leaf cup (S$14) lives up to its regal origins. Originally concocted in 1953 by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, Violet’s version pairs tender curry chicken with sweet raisin chutney, served in a crispy wanton leaf cup for added crunch.

You can make a reservation at National Kitchen by Violet Oon via Chope.

2. Bonding Kitchen

Orchard Gateway, 02-18, 277 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Bonding Kitchen, which opened in 2020, may be quite the newcomer in a field dominated by long-established names, but it has quickly earned a reputation of serving up some of the best Peranakan food in Singapore. 

It is helmed by chef Danny Chew, who brings 20 years of culinary experience to the table having previously run a Peranakan private-dining venture in Johor Bahru before sharing his wonderful talents here. Make sure to book ahead at this up-and-coming Peranakan spot.

Crowd favourites: The kueh pie tee (S$18) boasts handmade shells that are crisp and delicate, offering a more refined bite. Expect the classic fillings of julienned turnips braised in prawn stock, mushrooms and pork belly, with toppings such as prawn, pork lard and quail egg, accompanied by a tangy garlic-ginger chilli dip. The DIY-style that this dish is served in, can be quite an fun mealtime experience and a conversation starter, too.

As if beef rendang couldn’t possibly get any more indulgent, Bonding Kitchen proves us wrong with its choice of beef for its wagyu beef rendang (S$39.50). Praised for its extraordinary tenderness — we hear some even claim it’s so tender that it’s almost melt-in-your-mouth — this version has less sauce than its competitors yet still pairs beautifully with rice, which is perfect for mopping up the robust spices.

3. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen

328 Joo Chiat Road, 01-02
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? There are few Halal-certified Peranakan food in Singapore, so Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen is an unusual find that nonetheless delivers with its solid lineup of mouthwatering items. 

The eatery takes pride in traditional home-cooking, steering clear of MSG and artificial flavouring while highlighting aromatic herbs and vibrant spices that allow the dishes to shine.

Crowd favourites: The crispy chinchalok omelette (S$18), made with fermented shrimp, is not for the faint-hearted. But trust us and take the plunge — it’s a flavour bomb you’ll find yourself cherishing for days.

There’s also the barramundi assam pedas (S$39), which is a textural marvel — the wild-caught sea bass is deep-fried to perfection and then drenched in a sour, fiery-hot sauce that’s as exhilarating as it is satisfying.

4. Daisy’s Dream Kitchen

Temasek Club, 01-01, 131 Rifle Range Road
Open: Monday to Thursday & Sunday (11am to 9pm), Friday & Saturday (11am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Daisy’s Dream Kitchen is a warm, family-run spot, where the tradition of home-cooked meals has been lovingly passed down from mother to son. Ray, the son, continues to uphold the care that defines the food here.

There are no shortcuts at Daisy’s — the dishes are slow-cooked to sublime tenderness, which are real treats for the stomach and soul. Considering the quality of the food and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.

Crowd favourites: Some diners have boldly declared a few dishes here as the finest of their kind that they’ve tasted in Singapore: One of them being the nonya chap chye (S$15.80), where a symphony of vegetables is slow-stewed in a classic Peranakan sauce, enriched with the complex, savoury depth of fermented bean paste (taucheo).

The other is the chendol with attap chee (S$6.80), a dessert that doesn’t hold back — the generous portions of gula melaka, large beans, attap chee palm seeds and silky green jelly make this an indulgent bowl that is better shared between two.

5. Rempapa

Park Place Residences at PLQ, 01-01/02/03,  2 Paya Lebar Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Saturday & Sunday (10.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? As soon as we sat down and opened the menu, it was clear to us that this beautiful restaurant, started by MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva, has soul. Rempapa’s food is steeped in personal history, with some dishes even credited to “Chef Damian’s grandad” and “Chef Alan’s grand auntie” — we’re truly blessed that these time-honoured beloved recipes are now ours to savour.

Rempapa isn’t just a Peranakan restaurant, it’s a celebration of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, offering a blend of Chinese, Eurasian, Indian and Malay cuisine, as well. Its laid back setting makes it just the spot for a leisurely weekend family catch-up or even a place to bring new tourist friends. 

Crowd favourites: For lunch, opt for the nasi lemak (S$48 for 2 persons), which sets itself apart from others locally with its exciting list of accompaniments, which you can select two of. Tops picks include the grilled-to-order ayam pelencheng and the nostalgic Hakka fried pork.

For dinner, try the baca assam (S$35), a “lost” Eurasian heritage dish comprising slow-cooked beef cheeks stewed with a medley of Peranakan- and Indian-influenced spices. The dish used to be a family treat prepared by Chef Damian’s grandad for special occasions, as beef was a luxury item, and the cooking tended to be lengthy and labour-intensive.

You can make a reservation at Rempapa via Chope.

6. Simply Peranakan Cuisine

Hotel Chancellor @ Orchard, 01-05, 28 Cavenagh Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? You can taste the sincerity as soon as the food hits your tongue at Simply Peranakan Cuisine — the textures of the dishes here are gratifying and the flavours, bold. Here, Chef Keat Choong, who is also the owner, helms the kitchen, turning out dishes with a level of consistency that’s impressive.

The service and Peranakan decor may be lovely but the chef’s genuine dedication is what is most memorable — he often makes the rounds, introducing himself and checking in on the food, which adds a personal touch to the dining experience.

Crowd favourites: The ngoh hiang (S$12) arrives in substantial chunks that deliver on taste. The beancurd skin is flawlessly crisp, providing a great crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender, moist filling.

The assam fish head curry (from S$32 for a half portion) is a standout, featuring tender, fleshy fish head simmered in a hearty tamarind-based curry, well-loved for its sharp, tangy flavour that’s balanced by a fragrant blend of turmeric, lemongrass and chilli.

7. Nyonya Pok Pok Kay

Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, 02-23, 110 Pasir Ris Central
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 8pm)

Why visit? Searching for affordable Peranakan hawker fare? Most Singaporeans would raise an eyebrow and ask: “Got meh?” With Nyonya Pok Pok Kay, the answer is a resounding “got”! Besides serving up affordable fare, it stands out as a unique find, especially when it’s helmed by a young hawker (of Peranakan heritage).

What’s heartwarming is how this modest stall, brimming with youthful energy, remains committed to delivering quality despite the challenge of a small kitchen. The countless positive reviews and returning stream of regulars speak for themselves.

Crowd favourites: Peranakan cuisine is famously labour-intensive, so this stall, with its limited space and staff, wisely keeps its menu focused on two highlights: The ayam sioh (from S$5.20) is a dish of harmonious flavours — warm, citrusy notes of coriander seeds hinge on the tang of tamarind.

The ayam curry kapitan (from S$6.20) is richer, thicker and drier compared to the classic chicken curry, and uses kaffir lime leaves instead of curry leaves. The use of galangal, candlenuts and lemongrass also add complex layers of flavour into this gem of a dish.

Read our interview with the founder of Nyonya Pok Pok Kay here.

8. Makko Teck Neo

01-303, 35 Telok Blangah Rise
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 9pm)

Why visit? Those who dine at Makko Teck Neo often compare it to the experience of enjoying a meal cooked by grandma. The comfy setting and homestyle dishes envelop you in the warmth of a simpler time. The prices are refreshingly affordable, making it all the more inviting.

“Makko”, which means “aunt”, and “Teck Neo”, the name of the owner who started this eatery, is a nod to the restaurant’s commitment towards preserving cherished recipes through the generations. 

Crowd favourites: There’s no need to worry about having an elaborate meal here — you can opt for straightforward, fuss-free dishes such as mee siam (S$7.50), which is so popular here that it often sells out early. Makko Teck Neo serves up a dry and spicy version.

The bubur chacha (S$5.70), a sweet dessert made with coconut milk and gula melaka, is especially treasured by regulars for the generous portions of sweet potato and yam.

9. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant

11 Joo Chiat Place, 01-03
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm), Saturday & Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant has long been synonymous with nyonya cuisine, firmly establishing itself as a go-to spot in Joo Chiat, the heart of Singapore’s Peranakan culture. In 2018, it earned a Michelin Plate — a nod to quality that makes food lovers sit up and take notice, even if it doesn’t come with the glitz of a Michelin star.

Its ambience strikes a balance between modern and clean while preserving its authentic Peranakan character.

Crowd favourites: This is one of the rare Peranakan restaurants in Singapore that serves cabbage rolls (S$6), so it’s a must-order, considering it’s also a house speciality. In this dish, tender leaves are wrapped around savoury otah, and everything is brought together by an invigorating, spicy coconut milk broth.

Regulars never skip a seafood dish here, knowing they can count on the freshness and quality. The sotong hitam (from S$15 for a small portion) has firm squid stir-fried in its own ink, which already sets the stage for umami goodness, but is elevated even further with a secret blend of spices.

You can make a reservation at Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant via Chope.

10. Godmama Peranakan Restaurant

Parkway Parade, 01-69A, 80 Marine Parade Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (10.30am to 10pm) 

107 North Bridge Road, 04-07 
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (10am to 10pm) 

Why visit? Modern Peranakan restaurant Godmama is known to straddle the line between traditional and modern with remarkable finesse, offering classic, family-oriented dishes alongside more contemporary, inventive fare. Godmama’s intriguing twists to ubiquitous Peranakan dishes reveal its passion in pushing the boundaries in the most delicious ways.

Riding on the steady success of its Funan outlet, Godmama has just opened its second restaurant at Parkway Parade recently.

Crowd favourites: Godmama reinvents the classic Peranakan dish with its version of pork jowl buah keluak (S$23.90) by using rich, fatty cuts of pork cheek instead of the usual chicken. This choice lends the stew a deeper, more luxurious texture, enhancing its earthy, umami taste.

The Godmama crayfish nonya yellow mee (S$23.90) takes the concept of the Peranakan “birthday noodles” to a new level. Simmered in a house-made stock of prawn shells, chicken and pork bones, the noodles are then topped with an indulgent assortment of crayfish, pork belly, omelette slices, bean sprouts, crispy fried shallots and a zesty pineapple-cucumber sambal belacan mix. It’s a huge celebration on this plate that still manages to evoke a nostalgic slurp.

You can make a reservation at Godmama’s outlets at Funan and Parkway Parade via Chope.

11. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant

200 Joo Chiat Road, 01-01 
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm)

Why visit? This restaurant is well-known and even celebrated as Lee Kuan Yew’s favourite Peranakan spot. Established in 1953, Guan Hoe Soon proudly claims the title of Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurant.

Its founder, Yap Chee Quee, was of Hainanese descent but chose to specialise in Peranakan cuisine after working for a nyonya family — which is why you’ll find a menu offering a unique blend of Peranakan and Hainanese dishes, which means satisfaction for a broader range of palates.

Crowd favourites: Recipes here have been passed down through three generations, including its renowned ayam buah keluak (from S$18). The sauce, blanketing tender chicken, is a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness and tanginess. However, the real star is the sweet and earthy filling — made from pork, fish and buah keluak — tucked inside the black nut shell. Despite being quite rich, the dish delivers a comforting, homely flavour.

The other hit here is the ngoh hiang (from $16.80), crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The ground pork and prawn filling is lovingly seasoned, winning over even those who aren’t typically fans of the dish.

12. Tingkat PeraMakan

119 Owen Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9pm) 

PLQ, B2-03, 10 Paya Lebar Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9pm)

Why visit? Tingkat PeraMakan is straightforward, no-nonsense Peranakan food that delivers excellent value — perfect for any day when you want something reliable without overthinking it.

Free from unnecessary frills, it’s satisfying and easy on the wallet. Its Paya Lebar outlet draws in the busy lunchtime crowd, while the Owen Road spot offers a tranquil retreat amidst the city’s bustle.

Crowd favourites: The weekday set meals (S$13.20 to S$17.20) are great value for money, each offering a main, two sides and a dessert. The beef rendang is the popular choice for the main, with meat simmered for hours in a dry curry stew of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chillies — until it hits the tender, flavourful spot. 

The sago gula melaka dessert also steals the show with its soft, delightfully chewy sago pearls swimming in a lush concoction of coconut milk and gula melaka syrup — its a dessert that’ll stay in your memory for a while.

13. Ivins Peranakan Restaurant

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? The loyal regulars of Ivins Peranakan Restaurant, many of them families who have frequented this gem for years, are living proof that some places just get it right. For those who might not have visited before, Ivins is a trusted, family-run institution of the greatest hits in Peranakan cuisine and a bit of a #IYKYK spot for those who love homely Peranakan fare. 

It’s also great that the restaurant offers the option of small or medium portions, so you can opt for the former if you want to sample a wider variety of dishes with family and friends.

Crowd favourites: The nyonya curry fish head (S$33) is a must-order. The tender flesh, soaked in a fragrant curry, practically melts off the fish head bones, while the vibrant array of vegetables adds texture and depth — very satisfying.

The sayur lodeh (S$9.35 for small, S$14.30 for medium), a dish of mixed vegetables in a spicy coconut stew, delivers a kick that lingers just long enough, and crucially, it’s thick, creamy and far from diluted ones you get in some restaurants here. 

14. Indocafe — The White House

35 Scotts Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? The Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Indocafe, tucked in a charming colonial building known as “The White House”, is helmed by Penang-born chef Heng Eng Ho, who has over 20 years of culinary expertise. After a recent facelift, the restaurant also introduced a refreshed menu to complement its new look.

The interior is sophisticated, with parquet floors, Peranakan antiques and soft lighting, making it an ideal spot for celebrating special occasions. But despite its furnishings, the prices remain reasonable, and the unpretentious fare, paired with impeccable service, ensures a delightful dining experience.

Crowd favourites: To kick things off, get the DIY signature kueh pie tee (S$19), which is quite a revelation. Its addition of crabmeat — a move you won’t find at most Peranakan joints — truly sets this dish apart from its competitors.

The Indocafe wagyu beef rendang (S$38) is a showstopper. Made with tender cheek cuts bathed in a deeply rich sauce of spices, fermented shrimp paste, chill and coconut milk, this dish is a firm reminder of why rendang remains a legend in the world of comfort food.

15. Peranakan Inn & Lounge

210 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? If you’re looking to savour a Peranakan meal in the old-world charm of a traditional Peranakan “home”, this is the place to go. Located in a shophouse on East Coast Road, this restaurant carries a nostalgic atmosphere that immediately transports you to the past.

This eatery has hosted many notable Singaporean leaders, including former president Wee Kim Wee and former education minister Goh Keng Swee. If you’re fortunate, you might even be treated to an impromptu live piano performance by Bob Seah, the owner — feel free to join in and sing along!

Crowd favourites: The assam prawns (S$8) come with a spicy, punchy tamarind-based sauce that imparts a distinctive, refreshing sourness.

The ikan otak otak (S$22) is a favourite among regulars. Tangy and savoury, this dish features tender fish paste blended with an aromatic mix of spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Each bite delivers a delectable burst of smokey flavours.

For more inspiration on places to dine, check out Seoul Noodle Shop, a new Korean knife-cut noodle place that’s making waves for its chewy, handmade noodles, or just read our compilation of the month’s latest openings.

All restaurants, except Guan Hoe Soon, Tingkat PeraMakan, Simply Peranakan Cuisine, and Makko Teck Neo, are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off with GrabUnlimited). 

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals. 

You can also book a ride to try these Peranakan food options.