Fun nights are guaranteed at the top Peranakan-fusion restaurants & craft cocktail bars in Singapore!
I’ve always loved Peranakan fusion food. The mix of spice, tang, and tradition with a modern twist has kept me hooked for years. But recently, I discovered the ultimate upgrade: pair it with a cocktail!
Suddenly, sambal feels less like a dare and more like a dance partner. A gin fizz cooling down fiery laksa? Magic. A smoky whisky making Buah Keluak taste even richer? Game-changer!
So now my Friday nights in Singapore aren’t just about finding great Peranakan spots but also the ones that shake up proper drinks. I’ve tried a couple that nailed it, and I’m sharing them here.
1. Cherki
Menu options: Sweet soy pork belly with chicharon, rendang beef cheeks, pongteh lamb shoulder, candlenut baby squid, Buah Keluak chicken wings, and more
Address: 1 Straits Blvd, #01-02
Phone number: +65 6514 8345
Business hours:
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SAT-THURS)
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (FRI)
Cherki is one of my go-to spots whenever I want a taste of Peranakan food paired with a good drink. It’s tucked inside the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, which makes it convenient to drop by after work.
They serve interesting fusion dishes like Buah Keluak chicken wings and curried crab eggs, but what I enjoy most is their Tok Panjang experiential menu. It’s a good way for anyone new to Peranakan cuisine to sample a variety of dishes, starting from about $38 per person.
Their cocktails are another highlight. The menu changes often and features creative mixes, but my usual pick is the Osmanthus Cooler. It’s a mocktail that’s perfect in hot weather!
If you’re up for something new, look out for their new drinks menu featuring creative and quirkily named cocktails like Duck Soup For The Soul and Emerald Hill (pictured above)!
The only downsides are the 10% service charge and the fact that it fills up quickly, so reservations are almost always needed.
Besides the food, the cocktails were awesome too!
“The food is so flavorful and beautifully presented. In particular, the rendang beef cheeks were melt-in-the-mouth tender and the pork had super crisp crackling. We also love the dry laksa which comes in a rich and creamy sauce.
Besides the food, the cocktails were awesome too! They were beautifully crafted and the local influence really shines through.”
– Pei Ni Richael Chua, Google Reviews
The price is very reasonable for the variety of food
“Tried their Peranakan cuisine and their indulgence set $58 was perfect if you like a sampler portion of their signature mains, starters and crackers. The price is very reasonable for the variety of food.
They also serve very interesting cocktails like Warm Embrace, which is a warm cocktail and Loquat Elixir tastes like pipagao. If you prefer something more interactive, you can try Sop Story and mix in the dry ice, lime and soursop into the cocktail or The Descendants for a lighter and fruity taste.”
– Angela Kwan, Google Reviews
2. Candlenut
Menu options: Wing bean salad, wagyu beef rib rendang, sambal, cincalok omelette, Buah Keluak fried rice, and more
Address: 17a Dempsey Rd
Phone number: +65 1800 304 2288
Business hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-SUN)
When I feel like treating myself, Candlenut is one of the places I consider. It’s one of the first Peranakan restaurants in the world to earn a Michelin star, and it has managed to keep that star since 2016!
The highlight here is the Ah Ma Kase menu. The name is a playful nod to omakase, and it changes with the seasons, but you can usually expect signatures like Buah Keluak fried rice and crab curry.
The drinks are worth a mention too. My pick is the Pandan Spritz, a refreshing mix of soda and pandan liqueur that really hits the spot on a hot day.
That said, the food is pricey, and portions aren’t generous. I’ve also noticed that some staff can come across as curt, which takes away from the elegant dining experience.
The ingredients were exceptionally fresh and refined
“Very good experience of local traditional food, Nyonya cuisine. The ingredients were exceptionally fresh and refined, the service was attentive and informative, and the restaurant environment was very comfortable. Despite being quite full, it was still quiet enough for both dining and conversation.
Crab Curry ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️”
– Fay Ying, Google Reviews
The restaurant fully deserves its Michelin Star
“Restaurant serving fine-dining Peranakan cuisine. While it is possible to order sharing portions just like in a typical Peranakan restaurant, they also have an “ah-ma-kase” (combination of the Hokkien word for grandma and omakase) set which allows you to taste many dishes in one meal.
It was an excellent meal and the restaurant fully deserves its Michelin Star. The Cassava Kueh at the end blew me away with its intense flavours.”
– Ryan Ho, Google Reviews
3. Godmama
Menu options: Beef rendang, babi pongteh, chap chye, otak otak benedict, sambal squid, and more
Address: 107 N Bridge Rd, #04-07
Phone number: +65 6970 0828
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Godmama is a restaurant I like supporting because they make an effort to source ingredients locally whenever they can. They also try to be eco-friendly by using energy-efficient kitchen equipment and keeping food waste low.
Their menu covers the classics like babi pongteh and chap chye, while also offering playful fusion dishes for brunch, such as otak otak benedict and durian pengat pancakes. The variety feels well-balanced and keeps things interesting.
Their cocktails are another strong point. My usual pick is The Emperor of Melaka, a mix of Barbados rum, gula melaka, and smoked cinnamon. It has a nice balance of spice and sweetness that pairs well with the food.
However, I’m not a fan of their strict time limit policy. Tables are capped at an hour for weekdays and about 90 minutes for dinner and weekend brunch.
The cocktails were yummy and so visually appealing
“Food was very delicious. Modern spins on the desserts, using peranakan ingredients. The cocktails were yummy and so visually appealing too! The staff were attentive and paid attention to details. My family enjoyed their meal 🙂 Definitely a place to come try if you have not!”
– Jessica Chee, Google Reviews
The food was outstanding for its price point
“The food was outstanding for its price point. Nasi Ulam (herb rice) was superbly fragrant and fresh, the Babi Assam (tamarind pork) was complex and sour, and the Ayam Buah Keluak (candlenut chicken) was brilliantly spiced and delicious.
Would definitely come back! Best place to bring visitors, even better than the overpriced violet oon.”
– Jeen Ng, Google Reviews
4. Restaurant PeraMakan
Menu options: Chap chye, seafood otak otak, nangka masak lemak, beef rendang, sambal halibut, and more
Address: 119 Owen Rd
Phone number: +65 9099 4141
Business hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If you want to try Peranakan fusion without spending too much, PeraMakan is a solid choice. They have two outlets in the city, and the menu covers classics like chap chye, wok-tossed laksa, and seafood otak otak.
The dish I keep going back for is the nangka masak lemak. Young jackfruit is simmered in coconut gravy with turmeric and lemongrass until it turns creamy, fragrant and full of flavour.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you scoop more rice, which is easy since they serve a free flow of jasmine rice!
Cocktails are also on the menu, with Pineapple Rum Punch and Calamansi Gin standing out as refreshing picks. They offer some neat discounts too, like free islandwide delivery for orders above $80.
Unfortunately, their restaurants tend to fill up quickly, and during busy periods, food can take more than 30 minutes to arrive.
Absolutely worth the trip!
“Went there for lunch on a Sunday with the family. Absolutely worth the trip! The ambience is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal. Food was excellent—fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented. Will definitely come back again!”
– Nicholas Hoon, Google Reviews
Every single dish was so good!
“Bumped into a gem for Peranakan Nyonya food in Singapore! We ordered beef rendang, ayam buah keluak, udang masak kuah nanas, sambal terung, and chendol. Every single dish was so good! The kuah nanas was especially flavorful (wish I could have had even more!) and the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
They also offer unlimited rice refills, so definitely go with an empty stomach. Highly recommend making a reservation to secure a seat. Will definitely be back!”
– Yin Ling Leong, Google Reviews
5. Nyonyas & Gentlemen Restaurant
Menu options: Green mango kerabu, grilled satay, Nyonya laksa, beef rendang, Hainanese chicken chop, and more
Address: 25 Marine Parade Rd
Phone number: +65 6241 4850
Business hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Nyonyas & Gentlemen sits inside Village Hotel Katong, so the vibe feels more polished than the shophouse eateries nearby. It tries to make Peranakan food approachable, and while it’s not the cheapest spot, it does have its charm.
Their green mango kerabu is the dish I’d recommend first. The mango is crisp and tangy, the herbs and chilli add a lively kick, and it balances heavier mains really well.
Their cocktails are also worth trying, especially the Katong Sunset. The mix of guava, cherry, and vodka is refreshing and easy to enjoy, even if you’re not a heavy drinker.
They also serve a halal-certified lunch buffet with both Peranakan staples and international dishes, though the spread is smaller than what you might expect from a usual buffet.
Furthermore, room service is available for hotel guests, which adds convenience.
Overall, it’s a decent but slightly pricey introduction to Peranakan flavours.
It was an exceptional experience
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at “Nyonyas” and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. The standout feature of this establishment is undoubtedly the impeccable staff and their genuine hospitality. From the moment I stepped in, their attentiveness and spontaneous understanding of my needs was evident.
The menu at “Nyonyas” is a testament to their commitment to catering to a diverse clientele. It flawlessly balances an array of international flavors, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re craving traditional fare or seeking a culinary adventure, this restaurant delivers.
Kudos to the team for their dedication to creating an inclusive dining environment that transcends borders. I’m thoroughly impressed and can’t wait to return. Keep up the fantastic work, Nyonyas Team! 👍”
– Meher Javed, Google Reviews
The restaurant has a good ambience and the food is nice
“The restaurant has a good ambience and the food is nice. The staff is very attentive and upon hearing my sister is a vegetarian, Chef David Chia immediately whipped out a vegetarian dish specially for her. We were pleasantly delighted as they went all out to ensure our needs were taken care of. Keep up the good work!”
– Felicia Goh, Google Reviews