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Taste heritage with the 12 best Peranakan restaurants in Singapore
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a bowl of spicy laksa or wondering what the fuss is about buah keluak (fermented black paste aka “black gold”), you’re in for a treat.
Peranakan cuisine doesn’t just offer a meal; it’s a love letter from the past, blending Chinese and Malay flavours into dishes that pack both punch and personality.
From heritage-rich eateries to modern joints with a twist, this guide will take you on a journey through the best Peranakan dining spots—where every dish tells a delicious story.
Guan Hoe Soon
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Address: 200 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: +6563442761
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–3 PM and 5.30–9 PM
Price: $$
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Guan Hoe Soon isn’t just serving Peranakan food; it’s been dishing out tradition since 1953, making it Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurant. If you’re after the real deal with no frills, this is where the old-world flavours shine.
Nestled in the charming Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this place feels like stepping into grandma’s kitchen, especially with signature classics like ayam buah keluak (rich chicken stew) and the perfectly grilled otak otak (fish paste in banana leaves).
Pro-tip: Budget around S$30–$50 per person depending on how many dishes you share.
True Blue Cuisine
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Address: 47/49 Armenian Street
Contact: +6564400449
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11.30 AM–2.30 PM, 5.30–9.30 PM
Price: $$$
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True Blue Cuisine feels like walking into someone’s grand Peranakan home, with antique furniture and all the family recipes lovingly passed down through generations.
Nestled on Armenian Street, it’s the perfect spot to slow down, sip some tea, and dig into comforting classics like chap chye (braised vegetables).
Pro-tip: Expect to spend around S$40–$60 per person here.
The Blue Ginger
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Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road
Contact: +6562223928
Hours: Daily, noon–3 PM and 6.30–10.30 PM
Price: $$$
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If you want top-notch Peranakan fare with a touch of Michelin magic, The Blue Ginger is where your cravings hit the jackpot. It isn’t just another Peranakan restaurant; it’s got a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod to prove it’s the real deal!
Nestled in Tanjong Pagar, this cosy spot serves up soul-warming favourites like ayam buah keluak and tender, aromatic beef rendang.
Dining here feels like scoring a foodie jackpot—refined flavours without the fancy fuss. Reservations aren’t strictly required, but they’re highly recommended, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Pro-tip: Don’t leave without trying the creamy and refreshing chendol (sweet shaved ice) for dessert.
Candlenut
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Address: 17a Dempsey Road
Contact: +6518003042288
Hours: Daily, noon–3 PM and 6–10 PM
Price: $$$
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Candlenut takes Peranakan cuisine to a whole new level, earning the title of the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Dining here feels like a culinary adventure where every bite balances heritage with innovation.
Tucked away in the lush Dempsey Hill, it serves up clever twists on tradition, like the decadent buah keluak (slow-cooked) beef that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. One bite and you’ll taste the deep umami punch that’s akin to truffles!
Pro-tip: Pair your meal with the curated wine selection or a refreshing calamansi (Southeast Asian citrus) mocktail—both complement the bold Peranakan flavours perfectly.
Godmama
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Address: 107 North Bridge Road
Contact: +6569700828
Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
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Godmama brings Peranakan cuisine into the 21st century with flair, serving up traditional flavours with a trendy twist right in Funan Mall.
Ever wondered what happens when buah keluak meets Italian pasta? This restaurant’s buah keluak bolognese answers with a delicious mic drop!
Also, brunch lovers can rejoice. The otak otak Benedict is the fusion dish you didn’t know you needed—smoky, spicy, and topped with perfect poached eggs.
Pro-tip: Budget around S$30–$50 per person, depending on whether you go for brunch or a full dinner spread.
Bonding Kitchen
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Address: 277 Orchard Road, Orchard Gateway
Contact: +6588609087
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
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Bonding Kitchen brings its private dining charm to the heart of Orchard Gateway, dishing out Peranakan favourites with a slick modern twist.
Dining here feels like an intimate affair, with flavours so good they’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for the ordinary.
Its Wagyu rendang is a game-changer—impossibly tender beef with spices that hit all the right notes.
Seafood lover? Don’t miss the crab curry masak lemak kunyit (crab in coconut milk). It’s packed with an impressive amount of crab meat.
Pro-tip: Pair your meal with blue pea rice and fragrant chilli for the perfect comforting combo.
Daisy’s Dream Kitchen
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Address: 131 Rifle Range Rd, Temasek Club
Contact: +6567791781
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
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Daisy’s Dream Kitchen feels like dining at a friend’s house—if your friend just so happened to make a killer beef rendang. Nestled in Bukit Panjang, this cosy, family-run spot serves hearty Peranakan dishes without breaking the bank.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the squid ink creation will surprise you with its bold flavours. I was expecting it to be rubbery, but it turned out tender and savoury!
Pro-tip: Pair your meal with a lemongrass lime drink to balance the rich, savoury flavours.
Simply Peranakan Cuisine
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Address: 28 Cavenagh Road, Hotel Chancellor
Contact: +6596853388
Hours: Daily, noon–2.30 PM and 6–10 PM
Price: $$
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Simply Peranakan Cuisine is where you dip your toes into the world of Peranakan food without burning a hole in your wallet. Perfect for newcomers, it offers hearty dishes that feel like comfort food with just the right amount of flair.
The lobster noodles are a must-try, but don’t sleep on the bakwan kepiting (pork and crab meatballs) soup; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Affordable, unpretentious, and delicious, this spot makes falling in love with Peranakan food easy.
Pro-tip: Enjoy free rice refills with your meal!
Nyonya Novelties (formerly Chendol Melaka)
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Address: 15 Upper E Coast Road
Contact: +697776471
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–3.30 PM
Price: $$
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Nyonya Novelties (formerly Chendol Melaka) serves up Peranakan classics with a sweet twist, and trust me, their signature chendol is worth every slurp. If you’re a fan of bold flavours, the assam laksa (tangy soup) will hit just the right tangy-spicy spot.
This place nails that balance between tradition and indulgence—think gula melaka (palm sugar) desserts that make you forget any diet plans. Whether you’re here for a quick snack or a full meal, every bite feels like a trip to food heaven.
Pro-tip: It costs just around S$15–$30 per person here.
Violet Oon Singapore
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Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard
Contact: +6598349935
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–10 PM
Price: $$$
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Violet Oon Singapore feels like stepping into the Peranakan high life, where every dish is elegant, and every bite tastes like a celebration.
Its dry laksa is a crowd-favourite, packing all the spice and flavour of laksa without the mess (perfect for those like me who like their noodles neat).
Don’t leave without trying the ngoh hiang—crispy, savoury rolls that hit just right—and wrap things up with a decadent slice of gula melaka cake.
Pro-tip: Violet Oon Singapore offers private dining and event spaces, making it a charming venue for weddings and special occasions.
Rempapa
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Address: 2 Paya Lebar Rd, Park Place Residences at PLQ
Contact: +6594591603
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM–3 PM and 6–10.30 PM
Price: $$
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Rempapa is where heritage flavours meet bold innovation, delivering dishes that feel both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re here to relive old tastes or discover new ones, the place serves up Peranakan magic with every bite.
Its satay ayam (grilled chicken skewers) is a must-try—perfectly grilled, juicy skewers with a peanut sauce that’ll have you licking the bowl. For a modern twist, the beef short rib rendang takes the spotlight, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Pro-tip: Try the wing bean salad for a crunchy, flavourful, and healthier option.
Rumah Bebe
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Address: 113 E Coast Road
Contact: +6562478781
Hours:
- Sunday and Tuesday, 11.30 AM–6.30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM
Price: $$
Website
Walking into Rumah Bebe feels like stepping into a Peranakan time capsule—part restaurant, part cultural treasure trove. Whether you’re here for the food or the history, it offers a dining experience that’s both flavorful and fascinating.
Its kueh pie tee is a must-try, with crisp pastry cups filled to the brim with a savoury-sweet filling that’s as delightful as it looks. Don’t miss the ayam buah keluak, where tender chicken soaks up the earthy richness of the black nut paste.
Pro-tip: Ask the staff about daily specials not listed on the menu.
