The Real Peranakan @ Hillcrest - Authentic Peranakan Helmed By Veteran Peranakan Chef Philip Chia

The Real Peranakan is a new Peranakan cuisine restaurant opened in Hillcrest, spearheaded by Chef Philip Chia. I first tasted his cooking back in 2011 when he has an event at Orchid Country Club, that is probably my first introduction to Peranakan cuisine. Not only is he a renowned MasterChef with over 50 years of experience, but he is also an established Peranakan cookbook author and the official consultant for the Channel 8 hit TV Show 'The Little Nonya'.

Hee Peow Soup 4/5

We started the dinner with a bowl of Hee Peow Soup ($16.80). Unlike other Peranakan restaurants, the Hee Peow Soup comes with three different types of handmade balls - prawn, pork and fish. It even has an egg roll with fish paste. Having visited many Peranakan restaurants, I am pleasantly surprised to taste the dedication in a simple bowl of soup.

Nonya Chap Chye 4.8/5

A mainstay of every Peranakan household is the Nonya Chap Chye ($16.80). The version here impresses me with the distinct flavours from the fermented beancurd, giving the mixed vegetable dish its character.

Babi Pongtay 4.8/5

An excellent dish is the Babi Pongtay ($22). The recipe has been passed down through 5 generations, requiring a painstaking 3 to 4 hours of labour in the kitchen. Once again, unlike other Peranakan restaurants, the Babi Pongtay is cut into melt in the mouth slices, not pieces. We are told to either crush the fresh chilli into the gravy or eat with it together with the pork belly. It will bring the whole enjoyment into life.

Ngoh Hiang 4/5

The Ngoh Hiang ($15.80) is a common dish that is available in almost every restaurants. The one here stands out for me for its extremely crispy beancurd skin. You can also bite into diced carrots and water chestnuts for that extra crunch.

Sambal Udang Belimbing 4.2/5

Belimbing is not a common ingredient being served nowadays as it is not readily available in the market nowadays. For those that have not tried it before, it is a sourish baby star. Chef Philip has elevated the Sambal Udang ($26.80) with the addition of Belimbing. The tarty and refreshing flavour complemented the rich taste of coconut milk perfectly.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.5/5

Another staple dish is the Ayam Buah Keluak ($20.80). Buak Keluak is also known as the Asian truffle, which has an acquire taste that not many people enjoyed. I personally like the creamy earthiness and nuttiness of the buah keluak nut. Slow-cooked together with the chicken pieces, it gives the tender chicken a delectable full-bodied flavour.

Nonya Kuehs 4/5

End your meal with an assortment of Nonya Kuehs. I always love the colourful sight of Nonya kuehs. You will definitely be in for a treat.

The Real Peranakan indeed takes pride in their mission in search of heritage Peranakan cuisine, welcoming diners to embark on a culinary treat and rediscover heritage dishes in a modern and contemporary setting. In celebration of The Real Peranakan's official launch, diners can enjoy an additional main course with any four main courses purchased, exclusively for one month only, from 21 October to 20 November 2020.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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The Real Peranakan
73 Hillcrest Road 
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 97831118
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Makko Teck Neo @ Telok Blangah Rise - Hidden Peranakan Gem In A Quiet Neighbourhood

Not known to many, hidden in the quiet neighbourhood of Telok Blangah Rise is Makko Teck Neo, a Nyonya restaurant specialising in traditional Peranakan cuisines and kueh kuehs. It all started with Auntie Teck Neo baking and selling its signature pineapple tarts and cookies every Chinese New Year to relatives and friends. As the business grew, Auntie Teck Neo moved into the current restaurant in 2008 and started Makko Tech Neo.

Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

Our lunch started with some light bites. We have the Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee ($9.90) and Ngoh Hiang ($11.90). The Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee filled with flavourful turnip stew, topped with a thinly sliced prawn is must enjoy with a dollop of the chilli sauce. The Ngoh Hiang ($11.90) is quite unique with the addition of chives and carrot for a delightful crunch on top of deep-fried crispy beancurd skin. I am not sure whether this is authentic Nyonya ngoh hiang recipe, but it sure is good.

Tauhu Goreng 4/5

Next, we had is the Tauhu Goreng ($6.80). The deep-fried tofu is piled with shredded cucumber, beansprout and lots of the nutty peanut sauce. Each mouthful comes with an abundance of textures at play.

Rempah Ayam Goreng 4.2/5

Chap Chye 4/5

For a chance, we decided not to order the Ayam Buah Keluah but gone for the Rempah Ayam Goreng ($11.90) instead. The tender grilled chicken thigh has a beautiful rempah rub that elevated the taste profile. Not to forget the chilli sauce for that shiok finishing.

Pork Rib Pongteh 3.8/5

Beef Rendang 4.2/5

For the daily special on Sunday, we went for the Pork Rib Pongteh ($12.90) and Beef Rendang ($14.90). The Pork Rib Pongeh while cooked to tender and infused with the robust fermented beancurd flavour, it lacked finishing tang which I was seeking. The Beef Rendang, on the other hand, left an impression with the lunch group. It is fork-tender and spicy, packing a punch. Best to order a plate of plain basmati rice to go with the shiok gravy.

Dry Mee Siam 4.2/5

A house special at Makko Teck Neo is the Dry Mee Siam ($5.80). It comes with big puffy tau pok that is soaked with the mee siam gravy. While it is dry mee siam, it is not dry at all. It comes with a scoop of rich, sweet and tangy gravy. Best to give it a good toss to coat each strand of the vermicelli, to enjoy the slurping goodness. I personally crave for more of the mee siam gravy.

Makko Teck Neo is definitely a hidden gem located in a sleepy old neighbourhood. I am great to discover yet another good Nyonya restaurant, especially that it is near my place.


Makko Teck Neo
Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise
#01-303
Singapore 090035
Tel: +65 62751330
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Harbourfront MRT station (Stop ID 14129). Take bus number 65, 123M or 855. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Nonya Bong @ Choa Chu Kang Crescent - Excellent Peranakan Private Dining At Only $55 Per Pax

I get to know about Nonya Bong Private Dining when I came across an article by KF Seetoh announcing the return of Mr Jeffrey Chia, who used to operate a stall in a kopitiam at Balestier Road selling Peranakan chap chye rice. Accordingly to his article, Mr Chia left the scene more than 12 years ago in frustration as customers felt that his chap chye rice was too expensive. I do sympathise his frustration as Peranakan food is laborious in preparation; hence, it is not fair to compare against the standard chap chye rice stalls. As of now, I am just glad that I can still savour his food at the comfort of his home. Not only that, but he also offers takeaway and delivery services.

Kueh Pie Tee 4.2/5

Our 8-course menu at $55 started with a flight of Kueh Pie Tee. Having been to several Peranakan private dining places, Nonya Bong impressed us with their homemade flour cup to hold the condiments such as turnip, bamboo shoot, prawn and chilli sauce.

Otak Otak 4.5/5

The Otak Otak here is freshly made from Spanish mackerel fish, combined with herbs, chilli and coconut milk. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. Love the chunky size of each piece, packed with fragrant fish paste with generously studded fish flakes.

Bakwan Kepiting 4/5

I always have a soft spot for meatballs, and the Bakwan Kepiting was so hearty and comforting. The meatballs are made with minced pork and crab meat, cooked in turnip soup.

Nonya Chap Chai 4.5/5

The bowl of Nonya Chap Chai consists of stewed cabbage, mushroom, black fungus, vermicelli etc. What stood out for me is the garlic and soya bean flavour, that gives the staple vegetable dish its character.

Buah Keluah 4.2/5

Usually, you either get Ayam Buah Keluah or Pork Kuah Keluah individually, but at Nonya Bong, you get both the chicken and pork in the Buah Keluah dish. This is a steal! Having the best of both worlds.

Babi Pongteh 3.8/5

I have mixed opinion concerning the Babi Pongteh. While the group enjoy the dish, I find the tender pork belly quite porky.

Sambal Prawns 4.8/5

The dish that got everyone raving is the Sambal Prawns. The concoction of onion, chilli and belacan (sambal), simply elevate the whole enjoyment of the fresh and succulent prawn, with its fragrant and spicy kick. Unfortunately, we only get a prawn each. It is so good that I wish I can have more of it.

Sago Pearl Pudding with Gula Melaka 4/5

Wrapping up our 8-course dinner is Sago Pearl Pudding with Gula Melaka. It is rather spectacular when Mr Chia brought out a huge plate of steamed sago pearls. Fresh coconut milk and premium gula melaka are then poured into the sago pearls, mixed and served. Nothing fancy, simplicity is the best when it is fresh.

Having tried so many Peranakan private dining places and restaurants, Nonya Bong definitely comes in par with many top-notch establishments. It is definitely a steal at only $55 per pax. It is much cheaper than many popular private dining places. You know what? We have already made another reservation to be back in July. I am so looking forward to try the rest of his menu.


Nonya Bong
Blk 663 Choa Chu Kang Crescent
Singapore 680663
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Nearest MRT: Yew Tee (NS Line)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Yew Tee MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Yew Tee MRT station (Stop ID 45321). Take bus number 302 or 979. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Folklore @ Destination Singapore Beach Road - Celebrates Lunar New Year With Tok Panjang

For a different kind of Lunar New Year celebration, Folklore at Destination Singapore is offering Tok Panjang to celebrate the beginning of Spring. The lavish spread of of heritage Perankan feast will be available from 15 February to 2 March 2018, specially put curated by Chef Damian D'Silva. The festive spread will have up to 15 different heritage dishes, a repertoire of Chef's grandmother's recipes.

Peranakan Prawn Salad 4.2/5

Be warn! The Peranakan Prawn Salad which features poached prawns on a bed of fresh Chinese lettuce leaves is super fiery! The chilli plum sauce is not for the faint hearted.

Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Kueh Pie Tee is not really uncommon but what makes it different here is that it comes with bamboo shoot and pork slices which has been cooked in a prawn and pork stock, on top of the hand-shredded turnip.

Bakwan Kepiting Sup 4.5/5

The Bakwan Kepiting Sup or Crab Meatball Soup comes with succulent meatballs that is made from a mix of minced pork, crab meat, chopped prawns and bamboo shoots. The comforting bowl of soup comes with a hint of garlic which has been sauteed till fragrant before pork and prawn stock is added.

Fish Maw Soup 4.2/5

The Fish Maw Soup is lighter in taste compared to the crab meatball soup. However it is brimming with many ingredients such as pig stomach, pig intestines, fish maw stuffed with minced meat, sea cucumber, fish and prawn balls.

Itek Teem 4/5

The Itek Teem or Salted Vegetable Duck Soup has a bit of heat on top of its slightly sourish flavour. To make the soup, duck pieces are added to a pot of water together with sour plum, ginger, salted vegetables, garlic and tomato.

Otah 4.2/5

Mackerel is used to make the Otah, together with in a spice mix and coconut milk. It is then wrapped in banana leaf and steamed. Love the chunky bites of fish meat on top of the aromatic spices.

Babi Pongteh 4.8/5

One of my favourite Peranakan dishes is the Babi Pongteh. Chef Damian has set the bar even higher now with his version of braised pork with fermented bean paste, slow cooked with bamboo shoot. dried mushrooms and dark sugarcane. The babi pongteh I had usually is on the sweet side but the version here has a sourish finishing to it which is very appetising.

Sambal Belimbing 4.5/5

This is probably the first time I come across the used of belimbing in cooking, a type of miniature starfruit. Cooked together with the sauteed sambal and coconut milk, the Sambal Belimbing gives the prawn dish a sharp tanginess that will whet up the appetite.

Ayam Buah Keluak 3.8/5

A dish that requires a lot of effort to prepare is the Ayam Buah Keluak. The buah keluak fruit itself its actually poisonous and it required proper fermentation to be edible. It is also known as the Asian truffle to some. The taste can be acquire to some though. For me I like the nutty flavour of the buah keluak and how it gives a distinct character to the ingredient, in this case the chicken. While the flavour is spot on, I felt the chicken was a bit on the dry side.

Grandma's Chicken Curry 4.2/5

This is one of Chef's Damian's favourite dishes from his grandma's recipe. The Grandma's Chicken Curry is made from a spice mix of shallots, dried chillies, ginger, and homemade curry powder. It did not look as fiery as it seen. The spicy level is quite mild and balance. A homely and comforting dish that calls for an extra bowl of rice.

Kueh Bengkah with Ice Cream 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Folklore is their traditional Peranakan kueh. Chef Damian is not only good with savoury dishes, his desserts are awesome too. The signature Kueh Bengkah and Kueh Kosui will be also available among the Tok Panjang festive spread.

Kueh Kosui 4.5/5

Folklore Chinese New Year Tok Panjang is available for dinner from 15 February to 2 March 2018 from 6pm to 930pm daily, at $68++ per adult and $28++ per child (12 years old and below). Chinese New Year set lunches are served at $18.80++ per person. A la carte menu will not be available during this promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Folklore
Destination Singapore Beach Road
(Beside Golden Mile Complex)
700 Beach Road
Level 2
Singapore 199598
Tel: +65 66792900
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road.Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Candlenut @ COMO Dempsey - World First Michelin Starred Peranakan Restaurant

I finally visited Candlenut at its new home at COMO Dempsey recently to tick off another Michelin starred restaurants in Singapore. Candlenut helmed by Chef Malcolm Lee is the world first Peranakan restaurant to be awarded 1 Michelin Star in 2016 and 2017 in Singapore Michelin Guide.

After placing our orders, we are served some complimentary Fish Crackers. By the way, if you notice the Sambal Belachan in the background, I have to pay $2 for it. It is not complimentary at Candlenut. I didn't know besides water, now restaurant also starts charging for chilli.

Crisy Beancurd Skin Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

We started with the Crispy Beancurd Skin Ngoh Hiang ($16). The ngoh hiang is stuffed with minced pork, prawns and water chestnut. It is then wrapped in a thin layer of beancurd skin and fried to crisp. The version here is slightly different from the traditional, with more chunky textures at play which I enjoyed.

Kuhlbarra Ocean Barramundi Assam Pedas 4.5/5

The Kuhlbarra Ocean Barramundi Assam Pedas ($26) comes with baby lady's finger, eggplant and pineapple. Despite its fiery appearance, the dish is not as spiciness as it looks. The gravy was robust, having a good balance of sour and spicy. This complemented the piece of moist fish fillet excellently.

Chap Chye 4.8/5

A dish that I will always order whenever I visit a Peranakan restaurant is the chap chye. The Chap Chye ($18) comes with braised cabbage, black mushroom, lily buds, black fungus and vermicelli. The braised cabbage still retained a good crunch to it. The used of dried shrimp and fermented bean paste accentuated the dish, but not overpowering it. This is probably one of the best version I have eaten.

Braised Iberian Pork Carrillera Pongteh 5/5

The Braised Iberian Pork Carrillera Pongteh ($24) was so tender that we doubt we were having pork In fact, we actually check with the staff whether it was beef or pork. The fork tender, melted in the mouth texture really got us confused. This is cooked in a preserved soy bean gravy that is packed with flavours, together with shitake mushroom and crushed chilli.

Mai Shan Wang Ice Cream, Durian Puree, Kueh Rose 4.2/5

For dessert, we tried the Mai Shan Wang Ice Cream, Durian Puree, Kueh Rose ($15). The durian puree is quite sweet. So in order not to have a sugar rush, it is recommend to have a bit of everything today. This is a dessert made for durian lover.

Buah Keluak Ice Cream, Valrhona Chocolate, Chilli, Warm Chocolate Espuma 4.2/5

For the adventurous, you should try the Buah Keluak Ice Cream, Valrhona Chocolate, Chilli, Warm Chocolate Espuma ($15). I have not known that buah keluak can be made into ice cream. Not to mention the heavenly combination with valrhona chocolate. The buah keluak tasted like dark chocolate in the dessert.

Overall I am really impress with the Chef Malcolm's interpretation of Peranakan cuisine. He has definitely elevated traditional Peranakan food to a new level that is acceptable to the international palate while not losing the its heritage roots.


Candlenut
COMO Dempsey
Blk 17A Dempsey Road
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 3042288
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Farrer Road (CC Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Daily: 12pm - 3pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH & PH: 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]