Peranakan cuisine is not just a meal in Singapore—it’s a living, flavorful heritage that forms an essential part of the nation’s rich food culture. The tapestry of Peranakan cuisine is woven from Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and even Eurasian influences, creating a diverse blend that is celebrated in many Peranakan restaurants in Singapore today. Often referred to as Nyonya food, this delicious tradition combines Chinese ingredients and techniques with a heady mix of Malay cuisine spices and Indonesian flavors, resulting in dishes that are tangy, aromatic, spicy, and utterly delicious. Preserving this culinary legacy takes immense dedication—a true Peranakan restaurant will invest countless hours pounding spices for the perfect rempah, honor recipes passed down from one generation to the next, and serve every meal with a sense of family and tradition.
Finding truly authentic Peranakan food in Singapore can be a quest, especially with modern Peranakan restaurants popping up and contemporary twists on traditional recipes. Our picks for the 5 best authentic Peranakan restaurants in Singapore for 2025 are based on strict criteria: authenticity, the highest quality of ingredients, strong Peranakan heritage, excellent service, and an unforgettable dining or dine-in experience. Whether you crave Michelin-starred Peranakan food, a hidden Peranakan inn, or a restaurant serving affordable Peranakan food, this guide covers it all. Read on as we explore the essence of traditional Peranakan dishes, from Ayam Buah Keluak to Beef Rendang, and point you to the most coveted Peranakan restaurant Singapore has to offer.
What Makes Authentic Peranakan Cuisine Special?
What makes Peranakan cuisine Singapore so beloved? The answer lies in its complexity and deep roots in tradition. Authentic Peranakan food is recognized for its layered flavors—a direct result of the meticulous preparation and blend of spices that define simply Peranakan cuisine. Central to many dishes is the rempah, a robust spice paste made from turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, shallots, dried chillies, and other aromatics. The painstaking manual pounding of these ingredients is still practiced by chef owners at some of the best Peranakan restaurants in Singapore, preserving both taste and tradition.
Cooking techniques such as slow simmering and braising help infuse tough cuts of meat with the distinctive flavors of the rempah, resulting in deliciously tender and saucy dishes. Iconic crowd favourites like Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken cooked with the uniquely earthy buah keluak nut), Babi Pongteh Singapore (braised pork with fermented soybeans), and Nyonya Laksa (creamy, spicy coconut noodle soup) are all testament to the genius of Peranakan cooking. Don’t miss Assam Prawns, Beef Rendang, and the tangy, piquant sauce-based dishes that often accompany steamed rice.
Peranakan heritage dates back to the Peranakan Chinese—descendants of early Chinese migrants who married local Malays. The resulting culture and cuisine found in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia is strikingly diverse, with a lovely blend of Chinese, Malay, Straits Chinese, and even Indian and Eurasian traditions. Today’s best Peranakan food preserves these complex roots while inspiring new generations of chefs and diners.
1. Candlenut: A Leading Modern Peranakan Restaurant
Candlenut is a modern Peranakan restaurant that sets the bar for authentic and innovative Peranakan cuisine in Singapore. It is the world’s first and only Michelin starred Peranakan restaurant, led by chef owner Malcolm Lee, whose creative vision continues to inspire locals and visitors alike. Chef Lee’s approach balances respect for grandma’s recipes with a contemporary concept, serving up both hearty tradition and modern twist in every delicious dish.
The ‘Ah-ma-kase’ tasting menu is the highlight here, a celebration of Peranakan heritage through crowd favourites and elevated creations. Signature dishes from the menu have included Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang—rich, tender, and infused with quality spices—and Ayam Buah Keluak, where the prized buah keluak nut is handled with care and paired with succulent chicken in a deeply flavorful sauce. Don’t skip the zesty Wing Bean Salad or the vibrant Chilli Crab if it’s available—the menu is creative but always rooted in tradition.
Located in the stylish Dempsey Hill enclave, Candlenut’s warm yet sophisticated dining room and polite, attentive service create a refined yet inviting experience. Whether for a weekday lunch or a festive Sunday dinner, Candlenut offers a Michelin-starred Peranakan food journey that balances the essence of tradition with contemporary presentation.
- Price Range: $$ (Tasting menus from S$188++)
- Location: 17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
- Reservations: Essential. Book well in advance for dinner or group dine-ins, especially for Friday or Saturday.
2. Violet Oon Singapore: Authentic Peranakan Food Experience
No list of the best Peranakan restaurants in Singapore is complete without Violet Oon—a true ambassador of Peranakan cuisine and Singapore’s culinary legacy. Her eponymous empire includes locations at the elegant National Gallery, bustling ION Orchard, and even Parkway Parade, each with its own style but the same unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
Violet Oon’s menu features an array of Peranakan heritage dishes and modern Peranakan icons. Standout crowd favourites include Ngoh Hiang (five spice meat rolls), flavour-packed Dry Laksa, and Ayam Pongteh. The Babi Pongteh, with its tender pork and rich sauce, is a must-try for any first-time diner. For dessert, indulge in gooey, aromatic Gula Melaka Cake or their Durian Pengat Pancakes—both blend tradition and contemporary flavours seamlessly.
The atmosphere varies: from the grand, nostalgia-infused dining room at National Gallery to the more contemporary concept at Orchard and Parkway Parade, but all are known for warm, polite service and attention to detail. Whether you seek a celebratory meal, casual lunch, or family dinner on Sunday, Violet Oon Singapore embodies what makes authentic Peranakan food so beloved.
- Price Range: $
- Locations: National Gallery Singapore, ION Orchard, Jewel Changi Airport, Parkway Parade
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for large groups or popular dinner slots.
3. True Blue Cuisine: A Historic Peranakan Inn Experience
True Blue Cuisine stands out among traditional Peranakan restaurants for its authentic recipes, soulful setting, and deep cultural connection. Situated next to the Peranakan Museum, it offers guests a unique experience—dining surrounded by artefacts, antiques, and rich history that evoke the ambiance of a Peranakan inn or ancestral house.
Owner Benjamin Seck, fondly known as “Baba Benny,” is committed to preserving Peranakan cuisine as it was served generations ago, drawing on recipes passed from grandma to family for a taste that is as close to the essence of Peranakan as it gets. Don’t miss the signature Ayam Buah Keluak, featuring earthy, flavorful buah keluak nuts stuffed with a delicious pork and prawn paste, or the Chap Chye, a vegetarian delight. The Beef Rendang here is always a popular crowd favourite—tender, rich with spices, and perfectly balanced.
Dining at True Blue is a multi-sensory experience of sight, taste, and heritage, where every dish served tells a story. It’s the perfect place to bring guests to discover the roots of Peranakan food in Singapore, and an inspiring way to skip the ordinary and experience family tradition.
- Price Range: $
- Location: 47/49 Armenian St, Singapore 179937
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner, especially on Thursday to Saturday or for groups.
4. Guan Hoe Soon: The Legendary Guan Hoe Peranakan Restaurant in Joo Chiat
If you want to step back in time for a meal steeped in tradition, Guan Hoe Soon is the Peranakan restaurant to visit. Founded in 1953, it is Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurant—a stalwart in Joo Chiat and a pillar of the local Peranakan community. Countless families and generations have visited this enduring house of authentic Peranakan food for both weekday lunches and festive Saturday or Sunday dinners.
Guan Hoe Soon’s menu is filled with tried-and-tested Peranakan favourites. Their Ayam Buah Keluak comes in a robust, aromatic sauce packed with chilli and spices; their legendary Beef Rendang is slow-cooked until meltingly tender; and their Assam Fish and Chap Chye are beloved mainstays. Other classics like Sotong Sambal (spicy squid) and Sayur Lodeh (coconut vegetable stew) are also must-try dishes that showcase the straits chinese, malay, and chinese influences in each meal.
The ambiance is simple and practical—no modern twist, just friendly service, affordable Peranakan food, and a taste of history in every bite. It’s a popular choice for guests wanting to enjoy genuine, delicious Peranakan cuisine without the frills.
- Price Range: $
- Location: 200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427471
- Reservations: Recommended for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and especially for family or group dine-ins.
5. Simply Peranakan Cuisine & The Blue Ginger
A standout among Peranakan restaurants in Singapore, Simply Peranakan Cuisine artfully balances tradition and modern flair. This popular restaurant, with its flagship outlet at Parkway Parade, is beloved for serving up authentic Peranakan food in a warm and inviting house-like setting that welcomes families and groups for both casual lunch and festive dinners. The chef owner draws inspiration from treasured grandma recipes, infusing each dish with the essence of heritage and a blend of contemporary touches.
On the menu, you’ll find favourites such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Pongteh Singapore (a tender, savory pork stew), robust Beef Rendang, and crowd-pleasing Assam Prawns—all accompanied by aromatic rice and flavorful sauces packed with traditional Peranakan spices. Diners are especially fond of their crisp Ngoh Hiang and comforting Chap Chye, which highlight both the Peranakan and straits Chinese influences found throughout their offerings. For dessert, don’t skip their signature Durian Pengat Pancakes—an innovative twist that delights both locals and visitors.
With affordable prices, lovely ambiance, and attentive, polite service, Simply Peranakan Cuisine regularly sees returning guests across generations. Its convenient location at Parkway Parade makes it perfect for Sunday family meals or group dine-ins any day of the week, embodying the enduring charm and authenticity of true Peranakan heritage.
- Price Range: $
- Location: 80 Marine Parade Rd, #01-32 Parkway Parade, Singapore 449269
- Reservations: Recommended for Friday evenings and weekends, as it’s a crowd favorite for both lunch and dinner gatherings.
Honorable Mentions
- Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen: For those seeking affordable Peranakan food with a homestyle feel, this restaurant near Jalan Besar serves up traditional and modern Peranakan recipes. Try their Beef Rendang and simply delicious Chap Chye.
- Godmama: Located in Funan Mall, this modern Peranakan restaurant offers a contemporary spin, including innovative brunches and Peranakan-inspired cocktails as well as all the classics.
- Simply Peranakan Cuisine: With outlets at Parkway Parade and other locations, this restaurant offers a well-rounded menu featuring crowd favourites like Babi Pongteh, Assam Prawns, and their signature dessert selection.
Tips for Enjoying Authentic Peranakan Dining
When visiting a Peranakan restaurant in Singapore, there are a few things to keep in mind for the best experience. Authenticity is in the details: rich, layered rempah, tender meats, and perfectly balanced gravies or sauces. To truly experience the cuisine, order dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Pongteh, and Ngoh Hiang, and be sure to include rice to soak up all the delicious sauces. Sharing is tradition—meals are meant to be communal, so gather your family or friends for a feast. Dine in with joy, and don’t skip dessert; durian pengat pancakes or chendol provide the perfect sweet finish.
Ask your server for recommendations or seasonal specialties; many restaurants offer unique dishes on certain days (like Friday specials or Tuesday-only favourites). And above all, enjoy the lovely mix of spices, textures, and family essence that make Peranakan cuisine such an inspiration to Singapore’s diverse food scene.
Conclusion
Peranakan cuisine is a cornerstone of Singapore’s culinary and cultural identity, representing a harmonious blend of Chinese, Malay, and Southeast Asian influences. The restaurants highlighted here, from modern Peranakan icons to traditional inn-like establishments, are guardians of this priceless heritage. Whether you choose a Michelin starred Peranakan restaurant or a humble eatery visited by generations, each offers the chance to savor authentic Peranakan dishes—rich in tradition, flavor, and quality. Explore, taste, and celebrate the delicious legacy of Peranakan food in Singapore.
We invite you to share your favourite Peranakan restaurant, dish, or recipe in the comments. What’s your top Peranakan dining experience—was it the chilli heat in Ayam Buah Keluak, the comfort of Babi Pongteh over jasmine rice, or the unforgettable taste of durian pengat pancakes?
FAQs
1. What is Peranakan cuisine?
Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine blends Chinese techniques and ingredients with Malay cuisine spices and flavors from Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s renowned for its aromatic, tangy, and spicy dishes, often stewed until tender and packed with rich, layered sauces.
2. What is the difference between Nyonya and Peranakan food?
There’s no difference—Peranakan food, also called Nyonya food, refers to the delicious recipes and tradition passed down through the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community, especially from the women or “nonyas” who ran the kitchens for generations.
3. What are must-try Peranakan dishes for beginners?
Start with classics like Babi Pongteh (braised pork), Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken with buah keluak nuts), Chap Chye (mixed vegetable stew), and Ngoh Hiang (five spice pork rolls). For dessert, don’t skip durian pengat pancakes!
4. Which area in Singapore is best known for Peranakan food?
Joo Chiat, Katong, and East Coast are the historic hearts of Peranakan dining, but modern Peranakan restaurants can now be found throughout Singapore, including Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, and Parkway Parade.
5. Is Peranakan food spicy?
Many dishes use chilli and robust spices, so Peranakan food can be spicy. However, there are plenty of flavorful, mild options—just ask your restaurant’s staff for recommendations!
6. What makes Peranakan food different from other Singaporean cuisines?
Peranakan cuisine stands out for its unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and regional spices, its distinctive rempah bases, and its bold yet harmonious flavors. The custom of family-style, communal meals and recipes faithfully handed down through generations ensure its authenticity and staying power.
