The Real Peranakan opened two outlets in quick succession in July and August 2020, amidst a global pandemic.
Brainchild and a labour of love of a serial entrepreneur with diverse business interests in the emerging markets, Mr SY Lim, believed that amidst all the chaos in the world, good food is still the simplest and most effective way to encourage bonding, communion and the fostering of relationships. And that is what Peranakan cooking is all about.
With an Indonesian Baba grandfather, he grew up eating Peranakan food cooked by his mother and despite being well travelled and having tried a myriad of cuisines, he shares that Peranakan cooking still evokes the most comforting memories of home.
The Real Peranakan is founded on the belief that the gastronomical journey never ends, and in working with the best chefs, consumers would be treated with authentic dishes that connect with people of all ages. Savour the tangy, spicy, herby and aromatic flavours characteristic of authentic Peranakan cuisine helmed by Celebrity Chef Philip Chia, also known as Philip, The Peranakan Chef who curated the Channel 8 hit TV series ‘The Little Nonya.’
In the short span of 2 months, The Real Peranakan’s menu has evolved and now showcases a celebrated menu that pays homage to Singapore’s rich cultural diversity and heritage flavours from a bygone era, aptly helmed by a true-blue Peranakan and an indisputable authority on Peranakan Cuisine.
Diners can expect quintessentially traditional Peranakan dishes at The Real Peranakan.
The Blue Ginger has come a long way and has finally established their 2nd branch at the newly-revamped Great World City.
The inspiration behind their starting “blue ginger” cannot be fully explained without first sharing with you the aspects of peranakan culture. As a peranakan, the signature of a well-bred “Nonya”, or Straits Chinese lady, was how well one could cook. It was often the matriarch of the family who would bring the entire family together, over a mouth-watering spread of spicy and aromatic dishes.
Their journey of rediscovery was prompted by the fond memories of hearty feasts at grandma’s. The Blue Ginger was created simply through their desire to share their unique culture with others.
Today, the restaurant is run by a team of people who are passionate towards this end.
Celebrating the living force of Peranakan food culture; Belimbing Superstar at Ann Siang Hill offers over 30 Peranakan dishes ranging from well-loved favourites like Ayam Buah Keluak to little known treasures like their signature kerabu (salads).
Their vision is to show Peranakan cuisine as it is, without judgment: sometimes tedious and laborious, sometimes fast, sometimes light and sometimes deep and comforting.
Godmama at Funan is a modern Peranakan restaurant for guests who are looking for an uplifting and lively dining experience. Helming the Godmama Kitchen is Peranakan Head Chef Fredric who will be faithfully recreating Godma's traditional family recipes and signature classics.
In the day, their executive set lunches offer the best that Godmama has to offer. Come night fall, their specially curated Peranakan cocktails and innovative tapas is the best way to unwind after a long day at work. And on weekends, their all day brunch menu features an exciting Peranakan spin to the traditional brunch offering paired with a cup of specialty coffee or tea.
Offering a contemporary setting with both indoor and alfresco dining options facing the cityscape, there is something for everyone there at Godmama.
Straits Chinese Signatures at Esplanade is managed by Guan Hoe Soon Group, the oldest Nonya Restaurant in Singapore. Using secret recipes handed down thru the generations, the original taste of an authentic Peranakan cuisine has been preserved closely, using only the freshest ingredients and select choice of spices.
Straits Chinese Signatures also provide nonya catering services for special occasions. They cater a wide choice of dishes, available at great prices.
With many satisfied customers whom they had the honor of catering to, they are confident that they will delight you and your friends with an authentic peranakan affair.
Delight in unforgettable Singapore flavours and Peranakan classics at Violet Oon Singapore at Jewel.
Nestled within the lush tropicality of the world-class Jewel Changi Airport, Violet Oon Singapore at Jewel will whisk you away with their assortment of Singapore flavours.
With an elevated all-day dining menu showcasing local favourites and one-dish delights, they invite you to take a moment to discover Singapore’s diverse and nuanced culinary heritage.
Watch the dancing flames of their glassed-in open grill room, grab a drink at their long bar, or recharge over a warm meal. Visitors are also welcome to shop their selection of gourmet delicacies perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Indigo Blue Kitchen is a Peranakan heritage project by Les Amis Group Chairman, Mr Desmond Lim and a personal tribute to his grandmother.
With an emphasis on recreating distinctive Peranakan flavours of old, the concept is a platform for the continuation of a family’s culinary legacy; where guests are invited to rediscover the flavours of a bygone era through recipes inspired by the matriarchs of old.
Helming the restaurant is 28 year-old chef, Chong Jun Xiang. He may not be Peranakan but benefits from the personal mentorship of Desmond Lim and his cousin, Gloria Teo who consults on the menu.
“Peranakan recipes are very personal as they differ from family to family. The recipes are not written out but passed down by taste and word of mouth; from one generation to the next. The cuisine is extremely labour intensive, intricate and precise. A lot of love goes into every process of preparation and cooking.” - Chong Jun Xiang, Head Chef - Indigo Blue Kitchen.
Embracing Orchard Road’s heritage as one of the original Straits Chinese enclaves in Singapore (circa 1800s), The Peranakan Gallery at Claymore Connect brings to life a rich tapestry of traditions that were once prevalent in the district — long before Orchard Road gained fame as the island’s most-visited tourist destination.
This newly-launched Place of Interest is a must-visit experience depicting the timeline and evolution of Straits Chinese culture in Singapore and South East Asia. Visually immersive and enriching, The Peranakan Gallery promises to be the Orchard precinct’s eminent ode to authentic Peranakan culture.
HarriAnns Nonya Table is a popular home-grown eatery with very modest beginnings. Their humble origins date back to the early 1950s, as a simple wooden push-cart peddling freshly-made Nonya Kueh in the Tiong Bahru district. Good news is that patrons can now enjoy HarriAnns' sweet & savoury creations at their newest cafe located in Suntec City.
In their homely cafes, they offer aromatic and authentic Peranakan food, crafted following precious family recipes passed down for three generations. Their Peranakan one-dish meals - such as the Signature Nonya Laksa, Curry Chicken and Meesiam - are heady treats for the palette. Tasty side-dishes, such as Nonya Fish Otah-Otah and Chup Chye are great as add-ons to complement each meal.
Sample the wide range of Nonya sweets - all hand-made from scratch- in their kitchens! The HarriAnns Nonya Kueh is coloured vibrantly and infused with special ingredients to attract the modern day customers. Very little sugar is used in each recipe and the taste of the freshly-squeezed coconut milk, fragrant Pandan juice or rich Gula Melaka will linger pleasingly on your palate with each Kueh you nibble.
Till today, they insist on traditional cooking methods and using the freshest premium ingredients.
Hej Kitchen & Bar (pronounced as Hey!) is a casual alfresco joint with a cosy restful ambience, nestled in Peranakan Place. Open for your daily sip and sup, welcoming both families and friends.
Surrounded by potted greens, joyful colours and homely outdoor furniture by Danish design house Hay and a white-washed timber deck, Hej puts one at ease by inspiring a sense of home and respite from the busy Orchard Road shopping street.
At Hej Kitchen & Bar, they offer a full lunch and dinner menu, paired with extraordinary cocktails to satisfy.
A key element in enhancing "Sense of Place' at the new Changi Airport Terminal 4 is a first ever collaboration between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and National Heritage Board to create a Peranakan Gallery. It offers travellers the chance to learn about traditional Peranakan culture, with exhibits including a beautifully embroidered Sarong Kebaya, an antique wooden wedding bed and Peranakan porcelain ‘nyonyaware’.
The Peranakan Gallery opens to the public 24-7 and is free for all passengers who have cleared departure immigration.
Located in the Departure Transit area, the Peranakan Gallery is part of T4’s Heritage Zone.
Visitors will be greeted by a doll house model display of Peranakan shophouse architecture.
Historical portraits of pioneers many decades ago lined the walls of the 150sq m gallery.
Embark on an epicurean journey and relish the exotic flavours of Peranakan, Moroccan, Javanese and Spanish cuisines with Chef Wan! His new halal-certified restaurant Chef Wan's Kitchen is now open at Esplanade.
A beloved TV personality known for his effervescent personality; Chef Wan is a culinary stalwart with 35 years of experience under his belt. For this venture, he has dug into his treasure trove of recipes, passed down from his grandmother to mother to auntie and then to him, with the best ones curated.
On the menu: Chef Wan's Oxtail Soup, Javanese Chicken, Moroccan Harira Lamb Meatball Soup, Lawar, Ayam Percik and more.
Located within Destination Singapore Beach Road, a new hotel managed by the Park Hotel Group; Folklore celebrates Singapore heritage food and the role it plays in cultural harmony in our multi-ethnic nation.
Brainchild of Chef Damian D’Silva, the menu constitutes a nostalgic homage to the food he grew up with as a child of Eurasian-Peranakan parentage. Heirloom dishes reflective of the major racial cuisines of Singapore are made from scratch, without shortcuts or compromise, using authentic - largely manual - kitchen methods.
The experience is of being a guest at Chef Damian’s family dinners around the table. Bottles of in-house-made sauces and mixes, along with giveaway recipe cards encourage home cooking, furthering Chef Damian’s ardent advocacy of preserving and propagating Singapore’s culinary heritage.
Peranakan Flavours at Tan Quee Lan Street serves authentic peranakan dishes well-loved by locals and foreign friends. They were previously located inside The Ardennes Hotel at Jalan Klapa and have relocated to their new address.
Some of their signatures include Nanas Yong Tau Foo (a Peranakan style Yong Tau Foo in pineapple coconut curry sauce) and Ikan Sumbat (a double stack of snapper fish & otah wrapped & deep fried in fish skin).
Whole Earth is Singapore’s first and only wholesome Peranakan-Thai plant-based cuisine restaurant. They are also the first and only plant-based restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the inaugural Michelin Bib Gourmand 2016.
After two months of renovation, Whole Earth, previously a casual eatery has recently reopened as an industrial-chic 70-seater restaurant.
They continue on their mission to elevate the standard of plant-based cooking and promote it to a wider audience. Locals, expatriates and tourists adore their fresh vegetables, legumes, mushrooms and grains, dished to authentic Peranakan and Thai perfection.
Candlenut is now in Dempsey. They pride themselves in serving inspired dishes with authentic flavours. Their menu changes almost daily, put together using only the freshest market produce and cooked for hours to bring out the very best. Just the way Popo and Mum taught them.
Candlenut was a beautiful, petite Malay lady who caught the eye of a man coming through Singapore for business. They fell in love, and he stayed for her sake. Her nimble fingers were quick to learn, putting her heart to cooking what she knew while bringing in Chinese flavours he missed from home. And so, this was the humble beginning of Peranakan cuisine.
Nestled along the banks of Singapore River, Ellenborough Market Café celebrates the best of Straits Chinese, or Peranakan, flavours while also presenting a tantalising medley of Asian and International delights.
Experience a modern interpretation of Peranakan cuisine in their daily lunch, dinner and weekend high tea buffet spreads. Indulge in new menu highlights such as Nyonya Satay Chicken and Braised Pork Belly La Mian, along with all-time favourites including their signature Ayam Buah Keluak and Durian Pengat.
Tok Panjang, where classic Nonya dishes are cooked and served by Bob and his Peranakan family from Katong.
Growing up in Joo Chiat in pre-independent Singapore, Bob had a big Peranakan family and was surrounded by the aromas of Nonya cooking. In 1985, he established Peranakan Inn Restaurant in Katong – a pioneer in the Peranakan food scene then!
Over the years, Bob’s passion in Peranakan cooking resulted in the establishment of several restaurants including House of Peranakan Cuisine at Frankel Avenue, House of Peranakan Petit at Tiong Bahru, and now they are proud to present their new café concept, Tok Panjang.
Tok Panjang - a Baba Malay term meaning long table of food, is a frequent sight in their Peranakan household during special occasions. Savour their family’s interpretation of classic Nonya delicacies laboriously prepared with choicest ingredients and love.
The Peranakan is an authentic Straits cuisine restaurant in Singapore. Executive Chef Raymond Khoo and his team serve three generations of delicious 'mesti-cuba' Peranakan recipes, lovingly handed down by the Nonyas and Babas in his family.
They are currently, the only Peranakan restaurant along the Orchard road belt in Singapore and the only restaurant to serve a ‘Tok Panjang’ – a grand Peranakan feast, once served at the turn of the century, by wealthy Straits families to mark special occasions like weddings, anniversaries and important birthdays.
They also offer a 6 course degustation menu and a Chef’s Table Set Menu alongside their regular Ala carte menu.
And if you would like to bring the experience home, please take away some of the celebrated nonya cakes and desserts that they have available at their Takeaway Counter.
Inspired by the elusive black nut / buah keluak, the Asian equivalent of black truffles.
Playful with a “raunchy and rojak” spirit, Black Nut will surprise your tastebuds with its Asian-inspired cocktails – such as the Steady Pom Pipi, Kilat Kilat, and Huat Ah – all infused with Malayan and Chinese spices like lemon grass, gula Melaka and even chilli padi.
Violet Oon’s unabashed love for and knowledge of the Peranakan culinary delights and culture of Singapore has manifested into cookbooks, Violet Oon Singapore, and, more recently, National Kitchen at the National Gallery.
Peranakans didn’t shy away from colour and were known for their intricate or opulent decorations and you’ll definitely see hints of this philosophy in National Kitchen. Decadent dark panels and mirrored walls are lit up by elegant wall sconces whilst references to the Peranakan way of life are peppered throughout the space. Rattan ceiling fans, distinctive tiles, and typical Singaporean foliage like palm leaves and orchids are just a few of the touches that make National Kitchen special.
The food is an excellent introduction into some of the more famous Peranakan dishes like Sambal Timun Nanas (pineapple and cucumber with chillies, onions and lightly sweet rice vinegar), Kiam Chye Ark Thng (soup of duck with salted mustard greens and a hint of spice chillies), and Buah Keluak Ayam (a stew of tangy chicken and the traditional buah keluak nuts). National Kitchen has also opened its menu’s borders a little, offering other cultural favourites like Eurasian Beef Brisket Semor and Hakka Abacus Beads.
Named "Sara Taseer Jewellery Studio", the boutique showcases several new pieces with their bold and colourful signature style. The collection focuses on items that are suitable for every day wear – whether in the office or for a social occasion. The store is designed in a modern hip style with Asian accents and pops of Peranakan colours. Sara remains true to her style of contemporary jewellery with Asian accents and the store is designed to reflect the mood of the jewellery. The space is designed in a modern ultra chic modern loft style spirit to mirror the more casual wear pieces that are sold at this new, second location of the brand.
The various collections celebrate the beauty, style and sensuality of the modern woman. Snakes, Pandas, Frogs and Parrots are just some of their jewel encrusted animals with attitude, in their Animal Garden Collection. The Solid Gold Collection plays with bold motif and strong form in different hues of gold. They have created edgy pieces that become conversation starters and have an all new line of the most contemporary two and three finger rings, knuckle dusters and moveable bangles.
They are also celebrating the beauty and purity of pearls through their Fruits De Mer line, and have added coloured gem stones with diamonds to pearls, to enhance their natural beauty and add to their glow. The classic Gem Dot Collection, uses lazer cut semi-precious gemstones in playful natural colors which are enhanced with gold and diamonds to create perfect accessories for day to evening wear. The store also has cufflinks for the working men from the business district in the vicinity.
The latest dining addition to Tiong Bahru is House of Peranakan Petit, a modern and intimate Peranakan setting along Eng Hoon Street - a former Peranakan enclave. Established by the House of Peranakan Group of restaurants, this third branch is borne from a desire to offer top notch Peranakan heritage food in an area that has forgotten its Peranakan roots and inundated with hipster cafes.
Established in Katong in the 1980s, the House of Peranakan Group of restaurant is a pioneer in Nonya cuisine, managed by a pure Peranakan family for more than 30 years. Inspired by his mother’s culinary skills, Bob Seah wanted to share his family’s culinary culture with others. He established Peranakan Inn in the 1980s, one of the earliest Nonya restaurants in Singapore housed in a charming pre-war Peranakan shophouse built in 1937, which is still serving piping hot Nonya cuisine in claypots today.
Over the years, the restaurants have received accolades from the Asian Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. It has hosted distinguished guests from past Presidents to overseas dignitaries. The most recent VIP was Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Chef and owner, Bob Seah, is 75 years and a serial restaurateur. He is still cooking and establishing new restaurants at this age, and he makes it a point to go to the market every morning to get the freshest ingredients for the restaurants. This is the true meaning of active ageing!
A pioneer in the Peranakan food community, Bob has created many Peranakan-inspired dishes such as Selar Sambal Fish stuffed with Rempah, Nonya Crayfish, Assam Prawns and Long Beans Sambal. He also introduced the concept of serving home-cooked Nonya food in claypots 30 years ago!
Proudly conceptualised by Chef and Owner, Bob Seah - a fourth generation Baba who had watched his Nonya mother cook, and his daughter Bee Leng, – the menu at House of Peranakan Petit includes traditional Nonya dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Nonya Chap Chye, Garam Assam Fish and Itek Sioh. In addition to that, Bob has created several Peranakan-inspired dishes such as Scallop Lemak, Crayfish Nonya Mee, Bob’s Pork Bun and Curry Crayfish.
Are you a fan of the reality TV show MasterChef? Well, the inaugural winner of New Zealand MasterChef, Brett McGregor, came all the way to House of Peranakan Cuisine to learn from Bob how to cook the Babi Assam. They are probably the only Nonya restaurant in Singapore that serves this rare and unique dish of belly pork flavoured with belimbing (sour fruit), beanpaste and traditional spices.
There is a juxtaposition of traditional and modern touches to the restaurant. Peranakan furniture and antiques are set amidst Peranakan hues of turquoise and white. To showcase and support Peranakan art, the owners are collaborating with young Peranakan artist, Carolyn Law, to display her Peranakan-inspired art in the restaurant.
Housed in a row of 17 two-storey conserved shophouses, the premise is furnished with well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by thoughtful touches and impeccable service. The hotel is equipped with a total of 88 rooms and suites with six different categories on offer, all of which feature interiors of rich wood and intricately handpicked finishings and plush beds.
Nestled in the vibrant Bugis enclave, known for its colourful past and equally colourful present, you will find much charm in this heritage building. As a serene urban sanctuary, it exudes a sense of relaxed elegance and is an ideal retreat to unwind, recharge and explore in one of the city’s most sought-after and culturally-rich areas.
The hotel’s shophouse exterior draws inspiration from the rich heritage of South East Asia, providing the perfect foil for the hotel’s historic design. The interior consists of matching tones and blends rich, dark brown colour palettes together with warm lighting, contributing to the rustic feel of the hotel. The design is a subtle mix of the serious, fun and quirky. The overall feel is then completed with the contemporary design accentuated with tasteful and historic touches.
The lobby is furnished with textured wooden tables and ottomans, with, nature-inspired design featured in different areas and corners. Be enthralled as you enter the hotel and be greeted with quirky animal-shaped chairs (think Rooster and duck), framed-up seashells and photos of birds - pointing, it almost seems, to the building’s past life as a seafront property.
Steeped in the mantra of "Simplicity in Luxury" are Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s unique Loft Suites (17 units). The 30 – 38 sqm loft suite boasts a private living area on the ground level and an indulgent bedroom with a pair of Siamese daybeds on the mezzanine level. These cleverly-designed loft suites are ideal for not just leisure but also corporate travellers, providing comfortable abodes with leisure-enabling convenience.
For the ultimate indulgence, prepare to be enchanted by the uniqueness and authenticity of Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s Garden Suites (3 units). Each unit has a different South East Asian touch with different décor and ornaments to complement the overall feel. Of the three suites, each featuring an elegantly-appointed bedroom and a private garden, there are two Garden King Suites – one is Indonesian-inspired while the other takes on a Peranakan feel. The third Garden Suite, a Garden Lavish Suite, channels a beautiful Thai quality and boasts a built-in hydro bath.
As an urban sanctuary with a rhythm all its own, a great highlight of the hotel is 19 of its uniquely-designed Garden Rooms, featuring an airy patios decked with wood and lush vertical gardens. Enjoy relaxing under the sun at such patios in the comfort of your own rooms. Alternatively, hit the gymnasium for a morning workout or spend an hour or two at their cosy lounge on the ground floor if you are looking for a little space of your own.
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