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Top 6 Peranakan Restaurants in Singapore That’ll Spice Up Your Day (And Your Plate)
I first got into Peranakan food because of a friend who proudly calls themselves “true-blue Peranakan.” We were chatting over lunch one day when I mentioned, offhandedly, that I’d never actually tried Peranakan cuisine before.
The look of shock on their face was priceless. The following weekend, they decided to “fix” that. We went to their go-to spot for Ayam Buah Keluak and Babi Pongteh, and that first bite truly changed everything.
The rich, nutty flavours, the slow-cooked stews, the mix of Chinese and Malay influences—it was like discovering an entire culture through food.
Since then, I’ve made it a small mission to try as many Peranakan restaurants as I could find, each with its own take on tradition. So if you’re ready to expand your food palette, here are my top picks for Peranakan restaurants in Singapore.
1. Sera Sera Nonya
Media credit: @seraseranonya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seraseranonya/
Address: 94A Dawson Rd, #01-04
Phone: +65 9798 1423
Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 7 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
Must-order: Nonya Chicken Kleo Set
Their name is a mix of “Sera Sera” (Malay for “whatever will be, will be”) and “Nonya” (a term for Peranakan women), which captures its easygoing, homey feel.
Instead of setting up in a polished dining space, they brought Nyonya cuisine to the heartlands, served in a humble coffeeshop where the food speaks for itself.
I tried their Blue Pea Flower Rice, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it. Its light blue hue made it look inviting, and the rice had a mild, earthy taste that paired nicely with the rest of the meal.
I also went for their Nonya Chicken Kleo Set, which came with curry, achar, braised vegetables, and keropok. The curry was pretty thick and just a little sweet, while the achar added a tangy crunch.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to return your trays; it’s a self-service setup and part of the local dining etiquette. |
2. Chilli Padi Nonya
Media credit: @chillipadinonyarestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillipadinonyarestaurant/?hl=en
Website: http://chillipadi.com.sg/Eateries/ALaCarte.aspx
Address: 11 Joo Chiat Pl, #01-03
Phone: +65 6275 1002
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 5:30 to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Must-order: Sambal Belacan
Chilli Padi Nonya is located right in Joo Chiat, the heart of Singapore’s Peranakan heritage.
They’re known for serving classic Nonya dishes in a nostalgic space with a strong focus on flavour—especially their signature Sambal Belacan.
Their version of the chilli-shrimp paste mix was smoky, spicy, and just salty enough to lift every dish without overpowering it. You might find yourself reaching for more rice, though!
When I dropped by, almost every table had ordered the Curry Fish Head—I could smell the spicy coconut milk before it even arrived.
I couldn’t resist trying it myself, and I’m glad I did. The fish was fresh and the rempah gave it that deep, aromatic flavour that only true Nonya cooking has.
| Pro Tip: Large groups should book in advance to avoid waiting for a table. |
3. Simply Peranakan Cuisine
Media credit: @simplyperanakan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyperanakan/?hl=en
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SimplyPeranakan/#!/SimplyPeranakan/
Address: 28 Cavenagh Rd, #01-05 Hotel Chancellor
Phone: +65 9685 3388
Hours: Daily – 12 PM to 2:30 PM; 6 PM to 10 PM
Must-order: Beef Rendang
Simply Peranakan Cuisine is like dining in someone’s family kitchen—except that someone happens to be Chef Keat Choong, who learned his craft from his grandmother.
His focus is on home-style cooking that’s unpretentious and rooted in heritage. There’s no fancy fusion here, just honest dishes made with the same rempah and recipes passed down through generations.
I started with the Ayam Buah Keluak, and it was everything you’d hope for: rich, nutty, and layered with that earthy “black gold” flavour that defines the dish.
The Beef Rendang was also pretty good, slow-cooked til tender in coconut milk and spice paste that filled the air with warmth.
Even the Sambal Kangkong, which might seem simple, had a lovely smoky and garlicky taste that made it hard to stop eating.
| Pro Tip: Send them a quick WhatsApp message before heading over; their opening hours can change without notice. |
4. Novena Peranakan Cuisine
Media credit: @maviscjy
Address: 273 Thomson Rd
Phone: +65 9009 3126
Hours: Daily – 12 PM to 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Must-order: Assam Pedas Fish
Novena Peranakan Cuisine offers generous portions and fair prices. These make it a favourite among those who want hearty Peranakan food without the upscale fuss.
First up, we have their Assam Pedas Fish—a dish that immediately wakes up your taste buds. The tamarind gives it a tangy kick, while the chilli and belacan bring that signature warmth of spice.
You can choose between fish meat or head, and either way, it’s fresh and full of flavour. I even heard someone say it was so good, they came back just for it.
To balance out the spice, the Nyonya Chap Chye is a great companion dish. It’s a comforting mix of braised vegetables, mushrooms, and glass noodles with a light umami sweetness.
| Pro Tip: Make a reservation ahead of time. The uncle running the place can be strict about walk-ins, so bring a little extra patience, too. |
5. Nyonya Pok Pok Kay
Media credit: @nyonyapokpokkay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyonyapokpokkay/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyonyapokpokkay
Address: 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-23 Hawker Centre
Hours:
- Sunday and Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 5 PM to 8 PM
Must-order: Ayam Sioh
Run by a father-and-daughter duo, this hawker stall has that unmistakable home-cooked vibe—you can feel the care that goes into every dish. It’s simple, affordable, and the kind of spot locals rave about.
Their Ayam Curry Kapitan is a fan-favourite, thick and rich with a good level of spice. The coconut milk and rempah blend together into a creamy, fragrant curry.
Another dish I couldn’t get enough of was the Ayam Sioh. It’s a soy-braised chicken dish that stands out for its slightly sharp and savoury flavour, thanks to the mix of coriander and tamarind.
It’s not something you come across often, and it gives a nice contrast to the heavier dishes on the menu.
Each meal comes with softly tinted and delicately floral Blue Pea Rice. It’s a small touch, but it makes the whole plate come together beautifully.
| Pro Tip: Weekday visits are best if you want to skip the long weekend queues. |
6. True Blue Cuisine
Media credit: @truebluecuisine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truebluecuisine/?hl=en
Website: http://www.truebluecuisine.com/
Address: 47/49 Armenian Street
Phone: +65 6440 0449
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Ngoh Hiang
True Blue Cuisine is a place that feels like stepping straight into a living museum, which makes sense, given it sits right beside the Peranakan Museum.
Run by owner-chef Benjamin Seck, the restaurant is all about preserving Peranakan heritage, not just through its food but in every detail of the experience.
The space itself is filled with antiques, beaded lamps, and traditional wedding lanterns, recreating a historic Peranakan home.
Their menu carries that same sense of tradition. The best seller, the Ngoh Hiang, combines minced chicken and prawn wrapped in beancurd skin, giving you a crisp bite that opens up to a soft filling.
Following that, the Otak-Otak arrives smoky and fragrant, grilled in banana leaves with a coconut-based spice taste.
It’s no wonder True Blue Cuisine has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2016. Dining here is about being part of the story of Peranakan culture itself.
| Pro Tip: The food here is a bit pricier than others, so keep some extra cash on hand. |
