Chilli Padi Nonya Café @ Heng Mui Keng Terrace - Reopened With A Refreshed A La Carte Buffet Concept

Known for its ‘All You Can Eat’ Peranakan buffet, Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe at Heng Mui Keng Terrace now presents a new and refreshed Peranakan a la carte buffet concept. On the menu, you will find the quintessential Peranakan dishes, ranging from appetisers and soups to meat and vegetable curries, seafood options, as well as sweet treats and kuehs. Choosing from over 18 options on the menu, with all being served on the first round if you wish, and subsequently, have all your favourites replenished till your satisfaction.

Before the feast began, we were served with a selection of classic Peranakan starters to kickstart our appetite. The Nonya Fruit Rojak of diced fruits was saltish and piquant with calamansi and prawn paste dressing, and the Bibik Achar was even more so, which I couldn't resist ordering a few more servings after which to accompany the more highly flavoured dishes.

Another signature of theirs is DIY Kueh Pai Ti, which I genuinely enjoy filling each crisp golden shells to the brim with their well-braised turnip flavourful with dried shrimp, then topped it off with a hard-boiled egg. Spice it up with tangy cilicuka served at the side for a punch of flavour.

Light bites also include Otah Mantou. I like how the sweetness and the fragrance of the Pandan flavoured buns balances spicy fish cake, but the portion of the fishcake can be a lot bigger.

Moving on to the Mains, the Bakwan Kepiting is one of the star dishes. The pork and crab meatballs were soft and succulent, and the soup itself was comforting with light seasoning.

The piping hot Fried Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings are to dive right in without hesitation for it would have been a waste when they lose their crispiness and moisture sitting out in the cold. Their pungency is on point too.

Ayam Buah Keluak

Beef Rendang

The Meaty Mains feature Beef Rendang that is cooked with chunks of beef shank in a thick curry. It was decent but lacked robustness that I was seeking for. The Ayam Buah Keluak fares much better with tender chicken meats and rich buah keluak (black nut) gravy.

Babi Ponteh

The Babi Ponteh comes with huge slices of pork belly braised in fermented soybean paste gravy. I find the meat a tad tough in some parts, but they were still quite delightful with well-braised mushrooms and potatoes that had soaked in the umami flavours of the gravy.

Braised Nonya Chap Chye

Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek

For Vegetable options, both the Braised Nonya Chap Chye and Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek didn't disappoint, especially the latter. Fresh spinach stewed till soft in a robust but light coconut curry, punchy with dried shrimps.

There is also a Seafood item - Ikan Goreng Chilli Garam. The batter was thin and very lightly seasoned, allowing the spicy and tangy chilli garam to shine in this dish.

At the end of the meal, we were served a 2-tier assortment of desserts. There is a tier of Nonya kuehs, and another with Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly with Aloe Vera and Soya Beancurd with Gula Melaka that refreshes the palate, and a very warm and comforting Pulut Hitam.

Weekdays
Lunch & Friday Dinner $22.80
Weekend & Public Holidays
Lunch & Dinner $26.80
Weekend High-Tea $19.80

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chilli Padi Nonya Café
29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Block E #06-21
Singapore 119620
Tel: +65 68722982
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 1130am – 3pm
Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 6 – 930pm
Sat-Sun/PH: 1130am – 230pm, 3 – 515pm, 6 – 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 10, 30, 51, 143, 188 or 200. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction of Pasir Panjang Road and Science Park Road. Cross the road and walk towards Capricom building. Continue on Science Park Road. Turn left onto Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

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.


[CLOSED]
The Real Peranakan
73 Hillcrest Road 
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 97831118
Facebook
Website
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]

15 Takeaway And Delivery To Tie You Over the 2nd Half Of Circuit Breaker

We have reached the halfway mark of the one-month circuit breaker. I hope everyone has been staying safe and healthy. Even if you have to leave the house for essential work or activities, do put on a mask and practice social distancing. With 15 more days to the end of the circuit breaker (hopefully no extension), there are still several restaurants or eateries I have yet to try. Here is a list of takeaway and delivery that I personally wanna try and you can also use it for your hunger reference.

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Alma by Juan Amador

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Source: Alma by Juan Amador FB

Alma by Juan Amador is a one-star Michelin restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel. Even during this stay home period, we can also enjoy fine dining food at the comfort of our home.

Order
Email: reservation@alma.sg or call/WhatsApp +65 9119 8928

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Beauty In The Pot

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Beauty In The Pot has always been my go-to hot pot place before the circuit breaker measure. I am glad that it is now available for island-wide delivery. Maybe I should order this on the last day of the circuit breaker as a celebration.

Order
https://paradisegroup.oddle.me/en_SG/

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British Hainan

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Source: British Hainan FB

British Hainan serves their grandfather's family recipes who had worked on board British ships. ON the menu, one can look forward to dishes such as oxtail stew, Hainanese pork chop, grilled rosemary lamb shank etc.

Order
Call / WhatsApp us now at 9022 6233 or 9633 8122

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En Sushi

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No dine-in? No worries because you get to enjoy En Sushi’s extensive menu in the comforts of your home. Favourites ranging from Sashimi to Donburi to Yaki/Grilled dishes. You can even order up a nice bottle of sake to go with your meal. Currently, it has a 1-for-1 donburi promotion.

Order
https://www.captaink.sg/online-ordering

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FOC Pim Pam

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You may now enjoy FOC's Fine Fun Food with the delicious selection of Spanish cuisine in the comfort of your home. Their offer ranges from breakfast to late-night tapas. They even have a special brunch menu.

Order
http://focpimpam.com/delivery/

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Goodwood Park Hotel

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During the circuit breaker measure period, The Deli, Coffee Lounge and Min Jiang have curated a menu for both takeaway and delivery. What caught my attention is the Taiwan Porridge menu as well as the Taiwan Porridge Set from the Coffee Lounge.

Order
https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/promotions/food-takeaway-and-delivery-service

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Kam's Roast

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Besides being a fan of Kam's Roast's roasted duck, the restaurant has 20% discount off total min. On top of that, every order get a free portion of Immune Boosting Herbal Soup.

Order
https://kamsroast.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Le Shrimp

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Le Shrimp is a regular lunch spot for my colleagues and me. Since the stay home circuit breaker measure, I have not eaten this for a while. Since Paradise Group's restaurants are on the island-wide delivery platform now, I can satisfy my craving during this period.

Order
https://paradisegroup.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Indocafe - The White House

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Indocafe - The White House has always been one of my favourite restaurants for Peranakan food. Not only it is available for island-wide delivery, the minimum spend is only $50 with a flat delivery fee of $5.

Order
https://indocafe.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Makansutra Gluttons Bay

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Source: Makansutra Gluttons Bay FB

If you are craving for hawker food, Makansutra Gluttons Bay has curated a special ala carte menu. Now you can order anything from the various hawker stalls at Makansutra Gluttons Bay and pay only delivery fee.

Order
WhatsApp 8615 8420

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Mui Kee Congee

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I guess the one month stay home,  many of us may end up overeating. Hence we may at times what to have something light. Mui Kee Congee will be a good choice, well known in Hong Kong for its smooth and delicious Cantonese style congee.

Order
https://muikee.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Mustard Seed

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Mustard Seed started off as private home dining, and I was impressed by the food during my visit. Since then, Chef Ming Kiat has opened a restaurant, continuing to offer the dining experience. With the circuit breaker measure, he has curated a menu for diners to takeaway or delivers to their home during this period.

Order
https://mustard-seed-at-home.myshopify.com/

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Si Chuan Dou Hua

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Missing some spicy food to spice up your time during the circuit breaker? You can now order mouth-watering and authentic Sichuan cuisine from Si Chuan Dou Hua.

Order
https://sichuandouhua.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Tess Bar & Kitchen

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Source: Tess Bar & Kitchen FB

I have been coming across many raving reviews of the delicious takeaway and delivery food from Tess Bar & Kitchen. I even ordered them for a secret lunch exchange with my foodie friend, and it looks so good. I am contemplating to order it for myself too.

Order
https://tessbarandkitchen.oddle.me/en_SG

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Wok-In Burger

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With McDonald closed until 4 May 2020 but craving for a good burger with an Asian take? Wok In Burger has you covered during the circuit breaker period with its island-wide delivery.

Order
https://order.kek.com.sg/en_SG/


Disclaimer
Kindly note, the information may change after the publication of this article. Do call or check the official restaurant sites to get the most updated information.

The Blue Ginger @ Great World City - Making Their Peranakan Food More Accessible To New And Younger Audience

With the revamped of Great World City, several new food establishments have opened at the shopping mall. One of these new restaurants is The Blue Ginger, an established Peranakan restaurant brands in Singapore with its flagship restaurant in Tanjong Pagar. This is only the brand's second outlet after being in the food scene for the past 25 years. The new restaurant strives to create a balance between contemporary and traditional, preserving the soul and heritage of Peranakan cuisine, while making their well-loved family recipes more accessible to a new and younger audience.

Kerabu Timun 4.2/5

Something new on the menu, at least for me is the Kerabu Timun ($8.50). I have not eaten this dish, whereby crunchy cucumber and chicken gizzards are tossed in a spicy dressing. I was told the chilli used is quite spicy, but I didn't feel it. This is probably balanced by the refreshing cucumber.

Kerabu Kacang Botol 4/5

Another refreshing starter is the Kerabu Kacang Botol ($11.50) in which crunch wing beans are tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing and topped with shallots and toasted grated coconut.

Beef Rendang 4.8/5

Not to be missed is their Beef Rendang ($20). The beef cubes which uses shin meat are cooked to fork-tender, infused with the aromatic and damn shiok rempah. You just have to enjoy this with a plate of steamed rice to savour the delicious gravy.

Ayam Panggang' Blue Ginger' 4/5

 Another delightful dish is the Ayam Panggang' Blue Ginger' ($16). The grilled boneless chicken thigh is cloaked in a rich sauce permeated with the nuances of lemongrass, galangal and coriander.

Terong Goreng Cili 4/5

The Terong Goreng Cili ($13) is cut into batonnets, deep-fried and crowned with fresh chilli paste. To balance the spiciness, sweet soya sauce is drizzled over it. I like that it still retains a soft interior, with contrasting crispiness on the exterior.

Pork Ribs Assam 4.2/5

Instead of the usual pork belly, Blue Ginger's rendition uses pork ribs instead. The Pork Ribs Assam ($16) is braised in a tamarind sauce with fall of the bone meat. The sweet and sour flavours are very appetising that will definitely whet up the appetite.

Sotong Keluak 4.8/5

The dish that got me all excited is the Sotong Keluak ($22). Unlike the usual sotong hitam that uses the squid's black ink sauce, Blue Ginger replaces it with buah keluak. The squid is stir-fried in the nutty black sauce further elevated by the addition of tamarind juice. Having tried buah keluak with chicken and pork ribs, I am surprised that sotong is my new favourite pairing. I hope more Peranakan restaurants will adopt this pairing in their menu.

Kerabu Laksa 3.8/5

Nonya Noodles 4/5

For diners looking for a quick meal, there are three one-dish meals to choose from. They are Kerabu Laksa, Nonya Noodles and Buah Keluak Fried Rice. All priced at $15 each. Probably new to a lot of people is the Nonya Noodles. It is not commonly served in restaurants as it is a treat customarily reserved for birthdays and special occasions. Quite similar to our local hokkien mee, the yellow noodles are cooked in a rich prawn and pork stock with bean sprouts, kang kong and garnished with omelette and cucumber julienne. What makes it different to the local hokkien mee is the addition of tau cheo (fermented soy bean paste) in the sauce which enhances the dish umami flavours.

Chendol or Durian Chendol 3.8/5

Not to forget to end your meal on a sweet note with a bowl of Chendol ($5). For durian lover, you may go for the Durian Chendol ($7). We thought the green rice flour jelly is a bit firm in texture as we prefer it to be softer. Hopefully, the restaurant will make that small adjustment.

Founded in 1995, The Blue Ginger is one of Singapore's oldest Peranakan restaurants, and one of the first to share the delights of Nonya cuisine outside the Peranakan home. It is great to see that they have opened a second restaurant after 25 years, making their delicious heritage food more accessible to the new and younger audience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Blue Ginger
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-106
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62357042
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]