The Peranakan, Singapore
Remember Crazy Rich Asians? Did you know that Michelle Yeoh’s character’s family is a Peranakan family and that Peranakan families are extremely proud of their heritage?
Peranakan, for the uninitiated, refers to Straits Chinese and can be interpreted as a fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures.
I visited The Peranakan, an authentic Peranakan restaurant helmed by an authentic Peranakan chef Executive Chef Raymond Khoo who cooks from three generations of time-tested Peranakan recipes. The Peranakan is currently the only Peranakan along the Orchard Road belt. How convenient!
When I visited, guess what? Most of the diners were Peranakan (didn’t I tell you they are staunchly loyal to their own culture? There was also a table hosting a Caucasian lady who used to live in Singapore, left for Hong Kong, and is back for a visit. Lest you think this place is unhip, right next to my table are three university students having a get-together. So this place attracts brainy kids.
Iced Blue Pea Flower Tea with Honey and Lime S$7.5
Tok Panjang (S$48 per pax; minimum 2pax; one day advance order).
Refers to a feast laid out on long tables to accommodate the kaleidoscope and magnitude of food specially prepared for our very special guests.
Inclusive of our signature soup, chef’s dessert platter and choice of Malacca coffee or tea.
Soup: Bak Wan Kepiting or Itek Tim
Mains: Ikan Goreng with Sambal and Kichap Manis, Ayam Buah Keluak, Satay Babi, Beef Rendang, Chap Chye
Dessert: Chef’s Dessert Platter served with Lemongrass Pandan Tea
I tried the Tok Panjang. This really is a Peranakan feast. The feast makes a grand entrance. They strike a gong first (as befitting a feast) before rolling out the feast on a trolley that has speakers blasting classic Peranakan songs. This feast simply commands attention, visually and aurally.
Kueh Pie Ti
Delicate crisp Top Hats filled with stewed julienned turnip and condiments, topped with prawn.
Ngoh Hiang
Mouthwatering meat rolls hand made with diced water chestnut, prawns, minced pork and condiments
Sup Bakwan Kepiting
Rich broth of crabmeat/ pork/ prawn balls with bamboo shoot
This soup was simply out of this world! The clear broth was so rich and aromatic! The bamboo shoot balances it with its lightness and clarity.
Ayam Buah Keluak
A true blue Peranakan dish. Stewed with chicken from great grandma’s recipe.
Ikan Goreng Sumbat Sambal Belachan
Deep fried fish stuffed with sambal, drizzled with sweet dark sauce
Satay Babi Sum Chan
Not your typical BBQ satay; this is the Peranakan version. No skewers; no peanuts.
This was quite interesting and warrants a try.
Beef Rendang
Beef cubes cooked in a rich coconut and spice mix till tender perfection.
Sooooooooooo delicious! So rich, to tender, so aromatic. Possible the best dish of the night.
Nonya Chap Chye
Cabbage and friends vegetable stew. Can’t do without this dish! Favourite among favourites!
I agree with the “favourite among favourites” part. Though the ingredients and execution are simple, this is Peranakan comfort food at its best.
Nasi Ulam Istimewa
A spectacular dish of rice with raw herbs, vegetables, minced fish and salted fish. Only the gourmets will enjoy this.
This is the best fried rice I ever had. It is dry and most importantly, very aromatic. The herbs really took it to a whole new level.
Get your friends to share the Tok Panjang with you. You will be very full!
The Peranakan
442 Orchard Rd, Level 2 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 6262 4428
