Stepping into Candlenut feels like you are arriving at a friend’s beautifully designed home for a special dinner. Tucked away in the quiet green of Dempsey Hill, the restaurant has an immediate sense of calm that helps ease any little flutters of first-visit nerves. The space is warm, with wooden accents and soft lighting that make it feel elegant yet incredibly welcoming. If you have been wondering how formal it might be, you can relax. It is the kind of place where you can comfortably celebrate something special, but you will not feel out of place if you are simply there out of curiosity.
I remember my first time walking in. I was not sure what to expect. I knew it was a place celebrated for its Peranakan cuisine, but my own knowledge of it was limited to just a few dishes. There is a gentle hum of conversation, but the tables are spaced generously, giving you your own little island of peace. It feels both refined and relaxed all at once.
Getting Settled and Understanding the Menu
Once you are seated, you might notice the simple elegance of the table setting. It sets a quiet tone for the meal to come. A server might come by to offer you a drink, and it is a nice moment to just take a breath and look around. You are not expected to know everything or make a decision instantly.
The menu at Candlenut is presented as a tasting journey, which can be a relief if you are unfamiliar with the dishes. It takes away the pressure of choosing from a long list of unfamiliar names. The menu is thoughtfully curated, often featuring a collection of small bites, main courses served family-style for sharing, and dessert.
If you have never eaten Peranakan food before, you might wonder about the ingredients. Peranakan, or Nyonya, cuisine is a wonderful blend of Chinese and Malay influences. Think aromatic spices, rich coconut milk, and a beautiful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. You might see terms like “buah keluak,” which is a dark, earthy nut, or “rempah,” a complex spice paste that forms the base of many curries.
Please do not feel like you need to be an expert. The staff are wonderful at explaining what things are. You can always ask, “What does that taste like?” or “Could you tell me a little more about this dish?” Their role is to guide you, not to test your knowledge. I found that a simple question often led to a lovely little story about a particular ingredient or cooking method.
The Rhythm of the Meal
The meal often starts with a series of small, intricate appetisers. Each one is a little burst of flavour. This is a lovely way to begin because it introduces you to the different tastes of the cuisine without overwhelming you. Take your time with these. Notice the textures and the way the different spices play on your palate.
When the main courses arrive, they are usually meant for sharing. This is one of my favorite parts of the experience. A selection of dishes will be placed in the center of the table, alongside bowls of rice. You might see a rich, dark beef rendang, a vibrant chicken curry, or a delicate steamed fish. The idea is to take a little of each and enjoy them together. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Just serve yourself what looks inviting.
This style of eating encourages a slower pace. You are not just focused on the plate in front of you. You are participating in a shared experience, even if it is just between you and a dining partner. It is a very communal and comforting way to eat. As you taste each dish, you will start to notice the threads that connect them, the common spices used in different ways.
A Gentle Introduction to Flavour
One of the most memorable things about a first visit to Candlenut is the depth of flavour. You might taste something familiar, like galangal or lemongrass, but used in a way that feels completely new. The buah keluak, for example, has a flavour that is hard to describe. It is smoky, a little bitter, and deeply savory, almost like a dark chocolate or truffle. It might be an acquired taste, but it is a fascinating one to experience.
The curries are rich and complex, but often balanced so that no single spice dominates. The goal is harmony. You might find a sambal on the side, a chili paste that adds a kick of heat. You can add as much or as little as you like. Let your own comfort level be your guide.
Leaving with a Sense of Discovery
As the meal winds down and you are enjoying a delicate dessert, perhaps something with gula melaka (palm sugar), take a moment to reflect. You have just been on a journey. You have tasted things that might have been entirely new, and you have done it at your own pace.
A first visit to a place like Candlenut is not about mastering a cuisine or knowing all the right terms. It is about curiosity and openness. It is about allowing yourself to be guided through an experience that has been crafted with a lot of heart. When you leave, you will not just feel full. You will feel like you have been let in on a beautiful secret, one that you were invited to discover, not just observe. And that feeling of gentle discovery is something you can take with you to any table, anywhere.
To explore more intimate culinary journeys, discover hidden sanctuaries for private dining in Singapore here.
