Peranakan food
The moment you step inside Novena Peranakan Cuisine, the warm, savoury aroma of freshly-cooked dishes wraps around you like a comforting hug. It’s the kind of scent that stirs memories of family dinners and flavours that linger long after the last bite. The space is unassuming—a modest house of Peranakan heritage tucked within a quiet shophouse row in Singapore. This Peranakan Inn exudes nostalgic, old-world charm and a traditional ambiance, transporting guests to a bygone era of Peranakan culture. Yet at its heart stands Uncle Jeffery, the chef owner, whose personal involvement in both the kitchen and the running of the restaurant ensures every detail reflects his vision. With a ready smile and kind eyes, he greets every guest as if welcoming an old friend into his home. Beneath his calm demeanor lies a story spanning three generations and over five decades—a lifetime spent preserving the art of Peranakan cuisine Singapore treasures.
Uncle Jeffery’s Peranakan Food Journey Through Time
The transformation of Singapore over the past fifty years has been nothing short of remarkable. Shophouses turned into skyscrapers; tradition blended, and sometimes collided, with the pull of modernity. But in this changing landscape, Uncle Jeffery has remained steadfast, lovingly cooking the same dishes he perfected decades ago.
Uncle Jeffery began his culinary adventure as a young apprentice to his grandmother, a formidable matriarch in the kitchen. Her traditional recipes, passed down from her ancestors, became his personal treasures and are central to preserving the true flavours and heritage of Peranakan food. Over the years, he honed his craft. Through economic ups and downs, as neighbours closed their doors and the bustling shophouse row thinned, he stayed. To him, cooking wasn’t just about food—it was memory, culture, and homecoming. Today, this peranakan restaurant is more than a place to dine; it’s his ode to heritage.
A Tradition That Stands Still
At Novena Peranakan Cuisine, time seems to pause. The menu is unchanging, a beautifully curated tribute to Peranakan foods that tell the same familiar story they have for generations. There are no gimmicks here—no modern twists or trendy fusions. Uncle Jeffery refuses to adapt to fleeting trends, holding tight to the authenticity of his grandmother’s recipes.
The dishes arrive unfussy, served in simple bowls and plates. But the unpretentious presentation fades the moment you take your first bite. Each recipe reflects the perfection that only comes from decades of refinement. Among these, certain dishes have become crowd favourites, beloved by regulars and considered must-try items for anyone visiting. You won’t find flashy plating or Instagram-chasing aesthetics here—just the honesty and soul of traditional Peranakan food Singapore locals grew up with.
The Market Ritual
Uncle Jeffery starts his day in the early hours of the morning, when the city is still yawning awake. He makes his way to the wet market, an unwavering habit he’s maintained for decades. He knows each vendor by name, and they know him. Selecting fresh produce isn’t just a routine, it’s a deeply personal exercise. Uncle Jeffery insists on handling every ingredient himself—touching, smelling, checking. Only the freshest make their way into his kitchen.
This connection to ingredients is palpable in the dishes. From the tender cuts of beef in the rendang, the fresh fish featured in classic Peranakan dishes like Assam Fish, to the bright, zesty kick of handmade sambal, nothing is left to chance. His uncompromising dedication to quality elevates the food, imbuing every bite with a sense of care.
Uncle Jeffery’s passion for eating and sharing meals with others is at the heart of his cooking. His love for eating drives his commitment to sourcing the best ingredients and delivering authentic flavours in every dish.
Traditional Peranakan Food Ingredients
At the heart of every memorable Peranakan meal lies a symphony of traditional ingredients, each chosen for its ability to impart depth and character to the dish. The foundation of authentic Peranakan food is built on a medley of spices—cumin, coriander, and turmeric—blended with aromatic staples like galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. These ingredients are the soul of Peranakan cuisine, infusing each dish with layers of fragrance and flavour.
Coconut milk lends a creamy richness to curries and stews, while tamarind adds a signature tang that brightens sauces and gravies. Perhaps most iconic is the buah keluak, a unique Southeast Asian nut prized for its earthy, bittersweet notes—an essential in beloved dishes like ayam buah keluak. Proteins such as chicken, beef, and seafood are lovingly prepared, whether grilled, braised, or stir-fried, to soak up the vibrant sauces and spice pastes.
Traditional Nonya places like Novena Peranakan are renowned for their dedication to these authentic ingredients, ensuring that every plate served is a true reflection of Peranakan’s unique culture. In these kitchens, the time-honoured flavours of Peranakan dishes continue to thrive, offering diners a taste of tradition with every meal.
A Home Away from Home
Regular diners at Novena Peranakan Cuisine will tell you it feels like visiting family. There’s no pretension in the atmosphere. Conversations hum softly between tables, often punctuated by Uncle Jeffery’s hearty laugh or a casual check-in with returning customers. He remembers details—a dish you loved, the last time you visited, even your child’s favourite dessert. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting space for dine ins, making guests feel at home.
One man in his sixties, a regular for decades, described the restaurant as his “second kitchen.” Others have brought their children and now grandchildren to dine here, hoping these timeless dishes will become part of their own family memories. The room may not gleam with the polish of modern restaurants, but it’s alive with something far more valuable—a sense of belonging.
Real Food Over Aesthetics
What sets Uncle Jeffery apart from other Peranakan restaurants in Singapore is his conviction that taste always outweighs appearances. While contemporary establishments compete with theatrics and garnishes, he returns to the essence of Peranakan cooking—flavour, depth, and authenticity. The dishes here are consistently tasty, delivering satisfaction and enjoyment to every diner. It’s immediately clear that he cooks not to impress, but to share something honest and meaningful.
The curing of spices, the meticulous blending of rempah, and the long hours of simmering are not shortcuts even considered here. These recipes are not about impressing food critics or appealing to the masses—they’re about bringing the stories of his grandmother’s kitchen to life with every spoonful.
A Legacy of Tradition at Novena Peranakan Cuisine
Novena Peranakan Cuisine has quietly earned a loyal following for serving some of the best peranakan food in Singapore — without the glitz, gimmicks, or reinvention that many modern peranakan restaurant concepts chase today. A true home for those seeking authentic peranakan food prepared with heart. In fact, it’s not a Michellin starred peranakan food establishment, but a place where flavour and tradition speak louder than any award. For many regulars, this is as close as it gets to dining in a Peranakan home, and with prices that make it truly an affordable peranakan food option, it’s a reminder that some of the most memorable meals don’t need to be dressed up — they just need to be real.
Signature authentic peranakan Dishes to Savour
There’s no shortage of nyonya food gems on the menu like the assam prawns, pork belly, nonya chap chye, babi pongteh, fried rice, but some dishes are simply non-negotiable for first-timers. Uncle Jeffery will undoubtedly suggest them with a knowing smile, and you would be wise to follow his lead.
- Ngoh Hiang
A quintessential Peranakan favourite, this dish is a masterful harmony of textures. Juicy, fragrant meat mixed with delicate spices is tightly wrapped in beancurd skin before crisping to golden perfection. Traditionally, many Peranakan dishes are also wrapped and steamed or grilled in banana leaves, which imparts a distinctive aroma and flavour, highlighting the cuisine’s cultural roots. Each bite bursts with warmth, its accompanying dipping sauce a delightful tangy contrast.
- Beef Rendang (also available as Wagyu Beef Rendang)
The rendang at Novena Peranakan Cuisine is a deep, earthy indulgence, simmered for hours until the beef seems to melt at the touch of a fork. Coconut milk tempers the bold spices, creating a rich and comforting harmony. For a premium experience, try the wagyu beef rendang—tender, luxurious, and bursting with rich flavours. It’s the kind of dish that demands long, slow bites and quiet reverence. Many main dishes here are served with fragrant rice, a staple that perfectly complements the bold flavours and is essential in authentic Peranakan cuisine.
- Sambal Sotong
Tender squid bathed in Uncle Jeffery’s handmade sambal—a balance of fiery chili and sweetly savory undertones. The flavours are bold yet nuanced, a testament to years of perfecting the spice paste that forms its foundation.
- Ayam Buah Keluak and Sambal Buah Keluak
Perhaps the most iconic dish on the menu, this dish is infused with the rich, nutty bitterness of buah keluak. The complexity of its flavour is spellbinding, a reminder of how Peranakan cooking turns even the simplest ingredients into culinary art. For those seeking something unique, the sambal buah keluak offers a lesser-known but equally bold and complex taste, showcasing the intricate preparation and slow-cooked richness of Peranakan heritage.
Other highlights include the turnip filling, which is braised in prawn stock to impart colour, aroma, and deep flavour—an essential step for authenticity.
For dessert, don’t miss the traditional sweets made with gula melaka, such as chendol or bubur chacha, celebrated for their rich, aromatic sweetness. Or, try the durian pengat pancakes—a modern Peranakan dessert offering that puts a unique twist on classic flavours.
Why This Might Be the Best Peranakan Food Singapore Offers
What elevates Novena Peranakan Cuisine beyond mere sustenance is the heart behind every plate. Uncle Jeffery’s food is a direct reflection of his life’s devotion to preserving the tradition and with no modern twist. Peranakan cuisine draws from both Malay cuisine and Chinese influences, emphasizing its multicultural roots and the rich tapestry of Singapore’s food scene. Many traditional Peranakan recipes and techniques originated in Malaysia, where they are still practiced today, further deepening the authenticity of the dishes served here. This isn’t just Peranakan food Singapore tourists crave—it’s food that holds meaning, memory, and soul. Each dish is an act of resistance against modern shortcuts, a refusal to compromise on the values his grandmother instilled.
There is no glamour here, but there is something far more lasting. Some chefs in Singapore, including those at Novena Peranakan Cuisine, have honed their skills at Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, highlighting the importance of formal culinary training in maintaining authentic flavours. This is food that quietly roots you, reminding you of where you are—and perhaps, where you’ve come from. It is a heartfelt reminder that in this fast-paced, changing world, cuisine like Uncle Jeffery’s will always have a place.
Visiting Novena Peranakan Cuisine
For those yearning to experience the humble magic of Uncle Jeffery’s cooking, head to Novena Peranakan Cuisine during the quieter hours—weekday afternoons are ideal. While reservations are recommended on weekends, walk-ins during the weekday lunch rush still feel warmly welcomed.
Address: 273 Thomson Rd #01-02 Singapore 307644
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm
Contact: 9009 3126
Uncle Jeffery’s enduring passion ensures that the doors to this little shophouse remain open, a treasure to those who seek the heart of Peranakan foods within the bustling streets of Singapore. Trust us—it’s worth every bite.
Beyond Peranakan Foods: From Japanese Restaurant to Local Favourites
If the heritage and heart of Peranakan cuisine speak to you, you may also find joy in other corners of Singapore’s dining scene. Wander into the quiet embrace of Cuppage Plaza — a place where local flavours and lesser-known Japanese restaurants hum beneath the radar.
For the adventurous, slip into the intimate counter at Sushi Masa, where omakase unfolds as a poetic study in precision and art, each dish carrying whispers from Tokyo’s markets. Or savour Fukuda Yakitori if you long for the gentle smoke and soulful warmth of skewers grilled over binchotan charcoal, each bite echoing the convivial spirit of Japan’s izakayas.
And if you’re curious about where else to begin, our Top 3 Omakase Experiences might just guide your next reservation.
Stay Close, Taste Deep
If you’re drawn to food that speaks — softly, sincerely — follow us at Food Stories. We’re not here to influence. We’re here to uncover the heartbeats in every kitchen, for true food lovers like you.
Sushi, sashimi, or something as humble as a bowl of noodles — we chase not trends, but truth. One meal at a time.
