White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Discover soulful home-style Penang Peranakan fare by Jason Nyonya House

York Hotel Singapore marks its 40th anniversary with a nostalgic, flavour-packed collaboration that brings the essence of Penang Peranakan cuisine to local diners. Partnering with Penang’s well-regarded Jason Nyonya House, the hotel presents A Penang Peranakan Culinary Showcase at White Rose Cafe from 18 to 28 June 2026. This limited-time à la carte lunch and dinner buffet is helmed by Madam Cheah Soo Fuen, whose time-honoured recipes promise an authentic taste of heritage passed down through generations.

Jiu Hu Char (Fried Jicama with Shredded Cuttlefish)

The showcase begins with a delightful spread of traditional appetisers. The Jiu Hu Char is a standout, featuring finely shredded jicama stir-fried with cuttlefish. The addition of cuttlefish lends a distinctive umami aroma while providing a subtle chew that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the vegetables. Served with fresh lettuce, it lets diners enjoy a light, wrap-style bite.

Kuih Paiti

Equally enticing is the Kuih Paiti, where delicate, crisp tart shells cradle a fragrant filling of braised turnip, prawns, carrots and egg strips. Each bite delivers a harmonious interplay of textures — crisp, soft and juicy — alongside a comforting savoury sweetness.

Lor Bak

The Lor Bak, deep-fried minced meat wrapped in beancurd skin, offers a more robust indulgence, with its savoury, well-seasoned filling encased in a thin, crispy exterior.

Sambal Lady’s Fingers

Among the vegetable dishes, the Sambal Lady’s Fingers impresses with its bold flavours. The lady’s fingers retain a pleasant crunch, while the dried shrimp and sambal chilli paste lend depth and a spicy kick that lingers on the palate.

Inche Kabin (Nyonya-style Fried Chicken)

Moving on to the mains, the Inche Kabin is a crowd-pleaser. The Nyonya-style fried chicken is well-marinated in aromatic spices before being deep-fried until golden and crisp. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, it is simple yet deeply satisfying.

Fish Maw Soup

The Fish Maw Soup offers a comforting option with its combination of fish maw, meatballs, and cabbage, all simmered in pork stock. While hearty, the broth leans slightly light in depth, which may leave some diners wishing for a richer flavour profile.

Cincalok Egg

Cincalok Pork

Cincalok makes its presence known in two dishes: the Cincalok Egg and the Cincalok Pork. The omelette delivers a punch of umami with the fermented shrimp lending a savoury complexity to the fluffy eggs. However, it is the pork rendition that truly shines. The fattiness of the pork belly provides a richer canvas, allowing the cincalok’s briny intensity to come through more pronounced and balanced.

Ayam Buah Keluak

A quintessential Peranakan dish, the Ayam Buah Keluak, showcases chicken braised in a rich, earthy gravy made from the prized black nuts. The keluak paste, mixed with minced pork and stuffed back into the shells, delivers a deep, slightly bitter richness that defines the dish.

Tau Yu Bak (Soy Sauce Pork)

Another comforting classic is the Tau Yu Bak, where pork belly is braised in dark soy sauce with garlic and spices, resulting in tender meat infused with a savoury-sweet depth.

Khong Babi Assam (Pork with Tamarind Sauce)

The Khong Babi Assam introduces a tangy dimension to the spread. The braised pork soft ribs are tender and coated in a bright, tamarind-based gravy that cuts through the richness, adding balance to the meal.

Kari Kapitan (Kapitan Chicken Curry)

Curry lovers will appreciate the Kari Kapitan, a fragrant, spice-forward chicken curry infused with lemongrass and galangal. The robust gravy clings to the tender chicken, making it a perfect companion to rice.

Assam Prawn

The Assam Prawn is another highlight, with plump prawns enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce that delivers a delightful punch of flavour in every bite.

Gulai Tumis Ikan Pari (Hot and Sour Stingray)

Seafood options continue with the Gulai Tumis Ikan Pari, in which stingray is cooked in a hot-and-sour tamarind gravy. The gravy’s acidity complements the stingray’s firm texture, resulting in a well-balanced dish that is both appetising and comforting.

Nasi Ulam

One of the most memorable items is the Nasi Ulam. This traditional herbed rice is elevated by the addition of flaked salted fish, local herbs, and toasted dried shrimp. The salted fish adds an extra layer of umami, enhancing the dish's aromatic and earthy notes and setting a new benchmark for what Nasi Ulam can be.

Bubur Cha-Cha

To round off the meal, classic Nyonya desserts are served. The Bubur Cha-Cha is a comforting medley of sweet potatoes, taro, black-eyed peas, tapioca jelly and sago in creamy coconut milk, best enjoyed warm. Meanwhile, the Pulut Hitam offers a rich and satisfying finish, with its thick black glutinous rice porridge topped with longan and a drizzle of coconut milk.

Pulut Hitam

Overall, York Hotel Singapore’s Penang Peranakan showcase is a heartfelt tribute to heritage flavours. While some dishes may lean lighter in intensity, the breadth of offerings and the authenticity of recipes make this collaboration a noteworthy dining experience. It is a rare opportunity to savour the soulful, time-honoured flavours of Penang’s Peranakan cuisine without leaving Singapore.

For those seeking a nostalgic culinary journey steeped in tradition, this limited-time showcase at White Rose Cafe is well worth a visit. Presented as an à la carte buffet, each dish is freshly prepared upon order, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited servings at a single menu price. Adult diners can enjoy the experience at S$40 per person, while children aged 5 to 11 dine at S$20 per child. The meal is further complemented by a selection of refreshing beverages, including Chilled Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, Chilled Bandung with Grass Jelly, Lemongrass Tea, Kopi ‘O’, and Teh Tarik — rounding off a satisfying and heritage-rich dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time is about 10 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]

Rumah Sayang @ JEM

When I was told that there is a popular Peranakan cafe at the basement of JEM, I was a bit puzzled because I didn't release I have seen one during my previous visits. Fortunately a food trail lead me to Rumah Sayang, a Peranakan theme cafe solving the mystery. No wonder I have missed it because the name of the Halal restaurant did not suggest that it is a Peranakan cafe. Moreover the cafe sells a mixed of Nasi Padang, local cooked dishes, local snacks and kuehs on top of some signature Nyonya dishes. Nevertheless, the cafe is extremely popular with the shoppers. It is one of the busiest eatery at the shopping mall constantly streaming in with diners.

Tahu Goreng 4/5

Upon being seated, we started with a plate of Tahu Goreng ($3.50). Crispy on the outside and smooth inside, the texture enjoyed to the fullest with the delectable sweet and spicy nutty sauce.

Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

A must order at Rumah Sayang is their Curry Fish Head ($18.90). The fresh fish head is accompanied with a delicious curry gravy that is rich and creamy while the spice level could be accepted by majority. I like that it is also served with a lot of vegetables so my meal would not be very boring with just one choice. The only disappointment is that the claypot comes with only half a fish head instead of whole.

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken 4.2/5

To have a more complete meal, you may want to throw in another local favourite Salted Egg Yolk Chicken. I am a big fan of salted egg yolk so this is a winner for me. The chicken was tender and juicy complemented  by the salted egg yolk sauce. The flavour of salted egg yolk sauce was enhanced further with the curry leaves aroma and a hint spiciness.

Prawn Fritter 4.5/5

You can also dropped by Rumah Sayang to have either your breakfast and tea if you are not looking for a full meal. They also have local delights like mee siam, mee rebus, mee soto, lakaa, prata, lotong and nyonya kuehs on their menu. Among them my favourite is the Prawn Fritter ($1.60 for 2pc). Hardly get to find this delicious prawny snack elsewhere. Deep fried to golden brown, crispy and not too oily. This is must eaten with the homemade chilli dip.


Rumah Sayang
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-41
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63390938
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel

The buffet at Orchard Cafe has undergone a revamp with a newly launched Straits Cuisine buffet with a line up of authentic Peranakan dishes, traditional roasts, seafood options and all time local favourite. This is complete with live stations and a la minute highlights.

Condiments

A wide selection of condiments are available at the buffet spread with my favourite being the Cincaluk.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

A take from the classic is Chef Pual's version of Buah Keluak Kueh Pie Tee. The delicious delight is accentuated with the nyonya caviar aka buah keluak and fish roes. It is understand that the ultimate kueh pie tee was created during the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2013 and was well received. While I applauded the creativity and combination, the differ from the classic may cause some controversy over the authenticity of this traditional delight.

Popiah 4/5

Available at one of the live stations is the Popiah wrapped in a thin popiah skin. The popiah was plump and stuffed with generous fillings.

Steamed Black Cod Otah 4.2/5

Nyonya Hokkien Mee 4/5

Sambal Sting Ray in Banana Leaves 3.5/5

The buffet line also features Executive Chef Paul's signature dishes such as the Steamed Black Cod Otah, Nyonya Hokkien Mee and Sambal Sting Ray in Banana Leaves. The Steamed Black Cod Otah has a mixed of prawns in it which gave it a chunky bite. Fragrant with pork lard was the delectable Nyonya Hokkien Mee which was slurping good. The Sambal Sting Ray in Banana Leaves will appeal more to the tourist than local with its slightly on the sweet side chili sauce.

Ikan Kuah Lada 4.2/5

Nyonya Chap Chye 4/5

Lembu Rendang 3.5/5

Ayam Buah Keluak 4/5

Among the buffet spread is a row of claypots that features the traditional Perankan dishes such as the Ikan Kuah Lada, Nyonya Chap Chye, Lembu Rendang and Ayam Buah Keluak. The Ikan Kuah Lada was given a premium twist with the use of pink snapper instead of the usual mackerel. The tartness of the tumeric and peppercorn gravy went very well with a plate of rice. The Nyonya Chap Chye was well braised until soft with delectable sweetness of cabbage, fungus, pork belly and fermented yellow bean. Slow cooked to fork tender is the Lembu Rendang with nyonya spices. A must have is the staple Perankan dish, Ayam Buah Keluak. The black nut flesh is mixed with rempah and minced meat creating an unique and appealing flavour.

Durian Pengat 4/5

Nyonya Kueh Assortment 4/5

Chempedak Creme Brulee 4.8/5

Every buffet line is not complete without the dessert section. Indulge in a selection Nyonya Kueh Assortment,  Durian Pengat, Chempedak Creme Brulee and many more. Diner has the privilege to try from the creator Chef Paul, his Durian Pengat served in a short glass with pandan jelly. A must try is the Chempedak Creme Brulee that is an unique take from the classic with the eggy flavour nicely balanced by the fruity chempedak.

Double joy for diners at Orchard Cafe's Straits Cuisine Buffet as you may get the chance to win weekend staycations and other attractive prizes. All you have to do is capture your scrumptious moments of the buffet and share your photos on Orchard Hotel Facebook Page to stand a chance of winning these attractive prizes.

Buffet Lunch: $48 Adult, $24 Child
Buffet Dinner: $68 Adult, $34 Child

Senior citizen at the age of 55 years and above will be able to enjoy a 50% off the Straits Cuisine buffet lunch from Monday to Thursday, valid till 31 October 2014.


Orchard Cafe
Orchard Hotel Singapore
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67347766
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orchardhotelsingapore
Website: http://www.orchardhotel.com.sg
Nearest MRT:  Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Buffet Dinner: 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Steam Sia @ Hindoo Road (Little India)

From the olden days coffeeshop tables and chairs to the display cabinets with antique cameras and kitchenwares, stepping into Steam Sia felt like walking into a museum reminiscing the good old days. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Seah who is formerly from Jin Shan Lou in Marina Bay Sands. Steam Sia offers an extensive menu featuring Nonya cuisines to western delights.

At the bistro entrance, there is even a kachangputeh kisok that has good old days games and snacks. Customers can help themselves to the games and complimentary snacks while waiting for the food to be served.

I particularly like this cozy corner at Steam Sia, it remembers me of my living room in the late 70s.

Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat 3.5/5

The Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat ($8.90) is oven baked potatoes topped with seafood. Shaped like a sailing boat, I like the fact that the potatoes came with the skin. It gave that nice extra texture contrast. Topped with seafood, the creamy sauce was a perfect marriage for the ingredients.

Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa 4/5

My girlfriend enjoyed the Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa ($18.90) the most. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Cutting into the salmon revealed the pinkish fish meat while the exterior was grilled to a nice crisp. Accompanied by the refreshing and fruity salsa, it was a excellent pairing.

Tom Yam Spaghetti with Seafood 3.8/5

We already have eateries serving chilli crab and laksa spaghetti, I was eager to try this fusion creation, Tom Yam Spahetti with Seafood ($16.90). Taste wise, the dish has potential with very distinct and robust flavours. Unfortunately it was a tad salty during my visit. However, I believe with a little quality control on the salt, this can be another fusion pasta dish that the new generation will enjoy.

Nonya Curry Chicken 4.2/5

I was looking forward to try the Nonya Curry Chicken ($12.90 for 1pax, $20.90 for 2pax) with potatoes and carrots served with bread. Many that have visited the bistro gave good reviews for their curry. I was even told that the Indians at Little India also like their Nonya style curry. So did it disappoint me? No it did not. I have always prefer Nonya curry to the Chinese curry because of the thick gravy and spices used. The nonya curry chicken also came with large pieces of tender chicken that is rather value for money.

Singaporean probably will know how crowded Little India can be during the weekends. I like the fact that Steam Sia is located at the quieter side of Little India away from the crowd where I can enjoy a peaceful meal. As the vicinity does not offer many non Indian food eateries, Steam Sia will be a good alternative choice for a different. With more budgets hotels being built in the area, it may also offer the foreigners a cheaper meal alternative and an insight of Singapore in the 60s to 80s.


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Steam Sia
5 Hindoo Road
Singapore 209107
Tel: +65 63966585
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SteamSia
Website: http://www.steamsia.com/
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 Midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A or G. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road and turned left into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 8 minutes.

2) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn right and walk down Buffalo Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Turn right into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 10 minutes.