Emerald Hill Fans, Here Are 12 Peranakan Restaurants To Add To Your List

If we were already fond of Peranakan food before Emerald Hill came along, binge-watching the Peranakan-centric drama series has only cranked up our hankering for Nyonya dishes. Thankfully, our island's dotted with enough Peranakan restaurants to get any cravings sorted (or if you're ambitious, you can try making them yourself).

Peranakan cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavours, aromatic spices and vibrant heritage, and can primarily be found in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. What's distinctive is its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ingredients and (often painstaking) cooking methods. In a buah keluak nutshell, its roots can be traced back to the 15th century, emerging when early Chinese migrants settled in Southeast Asia and later married local Malays.

Iconic dishes include the ayam buah keluak with its rich, nutty (and some say acquired) taste, babi pongteh (braised pork in fermented soy bean sauce), spice-laden Nyonya laksa, chap chye and crispy ngoh hiang. Scroll down for some of the best Peranakan restaurants to get your fix.

1. Violet Oon Singapore

The eponymous restaurant chain was founded by Peranakan celebrity chef, restaurateur, and author Violet Oon, offering dishes that celebrate Nyonya and Singapore cuisine, alongside a showcase of British cuisine reimagined by the early Hainanese chefs that settled on the island.

Since its original location, Violet Oon’s Kitchen in Bukit Timah (which has since closed), the restaurant now has three outlets: Violet Oon Singapore at Ion Orchard and a new spot at Dempsey Hill, as well as National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore at the National Gallery, all of which boast refined, old-world charm dotted with Peranakan influences.

Peranakan dishes you can expect include Buah Keluak Ayam ($28++), Babi Pong Tay ($27++), Chap Chye ($19++), Udang Chilli Padi Lemak ($35++) and Sayur Lodeh ($19++), with some dishes varying based on the location. Also don't skip on the Dry Laksa ($29++), a Violet Oon signature.

Over at its new Dempsey Hill restaurant, there are outlet-exclusive items like the Hati Babi Bungkus (pork liver balls, $24++), Gulai Nangka with prawns and salted fish ($28++), and a Fuyung Hai Crab omelette ($24++).

Violet Oon Singapore is at #03-22, #03-28/29 Ion Orchard, and 7 Dempsey Rd, and National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore is at 02–01, National Gallery Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

2. Bonding Kitchen

Conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road at Orchard Gateway is Bonding Kitchen. This Peranakan restaurant with airy, modern interiors was founded by chef-owner Danny Chew, who ran a successful Peranakan private dining service in JB before opening his own brick-and-mortar establishment here. Dive into tempting plates like Buah Keluak Fried Rice, generously stuffed Ngoh Hiang, Bakwan Kepiting and Itek Kim, Wagyu Beef Rendang and Crab Curry Masak lemak Kunyit.

Bonding Kitchen is at 277 Orchard Rd, #02-18 Orchard, Singapore 238858. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

3. Candlenut

Giving Peranakan fare a contemporary approach rooted in tradition, Candlenut was the first Peranakan restaurant to win a Michelin star in 2016 and has retained it till 2024. At the helm is fourth-generation Peranakan Malcolm Lee, who picked up the cuisine from his mother, grandmother, and aunt. Menu highlights include the Buah Keluak Fried Rice ($42++), Aunt Caroline’s Babi Buah Keluak ($48++) made using slow-cooked Iberico pork jowl, Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang ($48++) and Assam Sotong ($32++), an heirloom recipe passed down from Malcolm’s mother. (You can try his Ayam Buah Keluak recipe here.)

And if you're dithering over what to order, go for the Ah-Ma-Kase (a playful and endearing spin on the Japanese word 'omakase'), priced at $108++ for lunch and $138++ for dinner.

Candlenut is at 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

4. Pangium

Also by chef Malcolm Lee is Pangium, a tasting menu-only restaurant located within The Orangery at the Gallop Extension of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Its name nods to the pangium tree that springs from the buah keluak seed, an iconic Peranakan ingredient. But it's not quite your traditional Peranakan restaurant; instead, it offers what it bills as contemporary Straits cuisine inspired by 'lost recipes' from second-hand cookbooks, some dating back to the 1950s.

Menu items that'll whet your appetite: Pong Tauhu Soup that uses snow crab meatballs and Japanese bamboo shoots, as well as Ngoh Hiang with White Flower Mushroom, and Nasi Ulam with Ikan Woku Belanga and Telur Masak Rempah Kering.

Lunch starts from $198++ and dinner from $258++.

Pangium is at 11 Gallop Road Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 259015.

5. The Peranakan Restaurant

Stepping into The Peranakan Restaurant is almost like stepping into a bygone era (or wandering onto an Emerald Hill set).

Helmed by executive Raymond Khoo and his team, this restaurant serves three generations' worth of cherished Peranakan recipes, handed down by the Nonyas and Babas in his family. Expect classics like the comforting Bakwan Kepiting Soup, Prawn Asam Pedas, Dry Laksa, Beef Rendang and Ayam Buah Keluak. End your meal with sweet indulgences like the Durian Pengat and Apom Bok Kwa Pisang.

Plus, if you're up for a hearty spread with your fam, the restaurant offers the full-on tok panjang experience ($108 per person), too.

The Peranakan Restaurant is at 57 Lengkok Bahru, #01-477, Singapore 151057. Visit its website for more information.

6. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant

​Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is another beloved spot in Singapore’s Peranakan dining scene. Tucked away at 11 Joo Chiat Place, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following since its inception, winning over diners with its traditional and authentic Nyonya fare and family-friendly atmosphere. Since then, it has also rolled out Chilli Padi Tok Panjang at 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, and the more casual Rempah by Chilli Padi with outlets at Singapore General Hospital and Anchorvale Village.

Signatures include the Pork Ribs Buah Keluak (from $20++), Ngoh Hiang ($13++), Buah Keluak Fried Rice (from $12++) and Sayur Nangka (from $14++), young jackfruit cooked with prawns and lemak sauce. The Cabbage Roll ($7++) stuffed with an otah filling and Curry Assam Fish Head are a hit with many diners, and its sambal belacan is well-loved too.

If you have a special event on the cards, the restaurant does catering, too.

Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is at 11 Joo Chiat Pl, #01-03, Singapore 427744. Visit its website for more information.

7. Nonya Bong The Peranakan

Private dining outfit Nonya Bong The Peranakan was helmed by Peranakan food stalwart and private chef Jeffrey Chia until his passing in January 2024. The restaurant, however, remains operating under the care of his wife, Patricia.

Expect comforting, homestyle Peranakan fare with standout dishes like Kueh Pie Tee with handmade shells, Winged Bean Kerabu, Sambal Hati, Itek Kim, Bakwan Kepiting, and Ayam Buah Keluak. While there’s often a waitlist of up to a year, the silver lining is that its dishes are available for takeaway.

For bookings and enquiries, contact 83031755. Visit its Instagram page for more information.

8. Blue Ginger

Housed in a beautifully restored shophouse and offering dining across three floors, this family-run Peranakan dining outfit has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020. Art by local artists decorate the space, blending elegance with heritage charm.

It was opened in 1995 by founder Susan Teo and two friends, with her son Teo Shi Kai later taking over the reins, and has been popular for its authentic cooking reimagined with a modern spin. Try recommended plates like Ngo Heong ($20++), Kerabu Kacang Botol or wing beans in a tangy dressing ($18++), Terong Goreng Chilli (deep-fried eggplant with chilli and soy sauce, $18++), Ayam Buah Keluak ($35++), and the Blue Ginger signature of Ayam Panggang ($25++) with grilled chicken thigh in rich spice-infused coconut milk.

Blue Ginger is at 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518, and #01-106, 1 Kim Seng Promenade,
Singapore 237994. Visit its website for more information.

9. Godmama

Godmama made its debut at Funan and has since opened a second outlet at Parkway Parade. The vibe is laidback and cosy without being cramped, with the menu offering a modern take on Peranakan fare, all grounded in time-honoured flavours.

Worth ordering are the Lamb Shank Rendang ($33.90), Beef Rendang ($23.90), Ayam Buah Keluak ($24.90), and Ngoh Hiang ($11.90). Another signature is the All-Star Egg Skin Popiah ($7.50), with soft, delicate homemade egg skin crepe enveloping a generous mix of fresh prawns, stewed vegetable filling, crispy garlic, and more. Pair your meal with one of its Peranakan-inspired cocktails like the Peranakan Blue (butterfly pea gin & tonic), and The Emperor of Melaka  (gula melaka old fashioned).

Godmama is at #04-07 Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097, and #01-69A Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Rd, Singapore 449269. Visit its website for more information.

10. Daisy's Dream Kitchen

This family-run eatery with a casual ambience has gotten rave reviews for its homey Peranakan fare and warm service. Opened by Daisy back in 2011 and now run by her son Roy, the menu is built around treasured recipes passed down from Daisy’s mother. What to order? Think Babi Ponteh, Babi Buah Keluak, Beef Rendang, Black Ink Sotong, Sambal Lady Finger and Brinjal Ikan Billis and Ngoh Hiang which come in deep-fried balls.

Daisy's Dream Kitchen is at 131 Rifle Range Rd, #01-01 Temasek Club, Singapore 588396. Visit its website for more information.

11. Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen

This casual eatery nestled in Joo Chiat has been around since 2010, with old-school marble-topped tables and wooden chairs lending a nostalgic vibe. The kitchen takes pride in doing things the traditional way , with each dish painstakingly prepared using various aromatic herbs and spices.

You can't go wrong with ordering the Beef Rendang which packs quite the heat, or the Crispy Chinchalok Omelette — cloud-like and crispy (though a tad greasy) with fermented shrimp. Also popular are the Nyonya Chap Chye, Nyonya Ikan Assam Padas and Nyonya Fried Chicken.

Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen is at 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585. Visit its website for more information.

12. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant

One of the oldest Peranakan restaurants in Singapore, Guan Hoe Soon has been doing things the traditional way since 1953 — sit down to tried-and-true recipes passed down through generations. Its chap chye (braised mixed vegetables) and itek tim (salted vegetable duck soup) taste like a family reunion. Expect a no-frills dining room—and a full belly.

Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is at 200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427471.