The Curry Wok

Returning to The Curry Wok after 6 years, this time with friends to relive and savour the comforting flavours of Peranakan cuisine together.

The Curry Wok

The Interior has not got much changes and still remains neat and simple with some B&W pictures in frame hanging along both sides of the wall into the eatery.

Interior

When I spotted Buah Long Long on the drinks menu, I ordered it immediately. It's not something you see every day. The drink was unmistakably sour yet perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness, making it uniquely refreshing and so enjoyable.

Buah Long Long Drink 

The steamed otah was served as a compact block, resting on a base of banana leaf that added a subtle aroma to every bite. Its texture was soft and moist, with a gentle heat that made it enjoyable even for those who prefer milder spice levels.

Steamed Otah - $13

Delectable and comforting, it paired perfectly with the plain plates of rice we had, turning a simple meal into something even more satisfying.

Otah Cross Section

The homemade Ngo Hiang was packed generously, each roll filled to the brim and wrapped in a thin, crispy layer of beancurd skin that added a delightful crunch. Every slice was uniformly cut, making it easy to enjoy piece by piece. Simply dip it into the sweet dipping sauce and savour the satisfying blend of textures and flavours in every bite.

Homemade Ngo Hiang - $13

The Braised Pork Knuckle was an absolute showstopper the moment it was placed before us. Its glossy, collagen-rich skin glistened invitingly, while the meat beneath was incredibly tender.

Braised Pork Knuckle - $29

 With just a little effort, it fell cleanly off the bone, revealing rich, savoury flavours that made every bite deeply satisfying.

Meat Tender

The Curry Fish Head was another highlight of the 4-pax meal. The fish head was undeniably fresh, soaking up the rich and fragrant curry that carried just the right depth of flavour. Generous chunks of ladies’ fingers, brinjal, and tomatoes simmered within the gravy, adding both colour and texture to the dish. It was a hearty, comforting classic that tied the meal together beautifully.

Curry Fish Head - $29

The Chap Chye complemented the meal wonderfully. The cabbage, black fungus, carrot, and vermicelli were simmered until soft, soaking up the naturally sweet and comforting broth. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that balanced the richer flavours on the table.

Chap Chye - $13 / $16

We ended the meal on a sweet and refreshing note with the honey jelly lime dessert. Served chilled, it carried a pleasant sourness that balanced beautifully with its subtle sweetness. Light, zesty, and cooling. It was the perfect finish after a hearty spread.

Honey Jelly Lime - $4

We also had Cheng Teng, which came generously filled with longan, gingko nuts, sago, red dates, and white fungus. The sweetness was well-balanced, not overpowering at all, making it a wonderfully comforting dessert to end the meal with.

Cheng Tng - $4

For the hot dessert, we enjoyed Teochew Orh Nee, a classic treat packed with traditional flavours and pure comfort. Rich, smooth, and utterly satisfying, it was a delightful way to round off the meal.

Teochew Ornee - $5

Overall, the meal was a well-rounded feast filled with familiar flavours, generous portions, and comforting dishes that truly hit the spot. From appetisers to desserts, each item brought its own charm to the table, creating a satisfying dining experience from start to finish. It was one of those meals that reminded us why sharing good food with good company is always worth the trip.

The Curry Wok
Location: 5 Coronation Rd #01-04 Coronation Arcade Singapore 269406
Nearest MRT Stations: Botanic Gardens (CC19), Tan Kah Kee (DT8)

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

Spotted Kokoyo while I was at Jelita Mall for Craftsmen Coffee, and decided to make a return trip one day to try their Nyonya dishes at the food court. The stall is opened by a Gen Z owner, and this cosy eatery is more than just a business, it’s his heartfelt tribute to his 73-year-old grandma, whose home-cooked Peranakan meals shaped his childhood.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

These are definitely hot-selling items. I was advised to buy them while ordering our food, not after finishing, as these delicious Nyonya snacks would likely be gone by then. Lo and behold, she was right! By the time we were done eating, they were almost sold out.

We had 9-layered kueh, kueh salat, and ang ku kueh, all beautifully made and rich in authentic Peranakan flavours.

Nyonya Kueh

Instead of the usual fragrant white rice to pair with the dishes, we went for nasi lemak. We ordered the kosong version, which came with fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, egg, and a dollop of sambal chilli, simple yet satisfying.

Nasi Lemak Kosong 原味椰浆饭 - $5.80

If you’d like to make it a set with the Nasi Lemak, do check out their menu too. We had ours with Ayam Buah Keluak, though there wasn’t a physical black nut (Buah Keluak) in sight, you could definitely taste its rich, earthy essence infused into the sauce.

Ayam Buah Keluak 娘惹黑果椰浆饭

We also ordered the Babi Pongteh, and it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was rich and savoury, perfect for drizzling over the rice, while the meat was tender and flavourful without being too tough.

Babi Pongteh 娘惹香焖猪肉 - $7.80

The Custard Seafood Otak truly lives up to its name. The texture was soft and sponge-like, quite a contrast from the firmer versions we were used to. With every bite, you could see bits of fresh fish within the custard, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the dish.

Custard Seafood Otak 新鲜欧塔 - $7.80

Unfortunately, there was no Pig Stomach Soup available that day, so we went with their Fish Soup instead. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, flavourful, milky broth filled with generous chunks of fish and slices of bittergourd, making it a comforting alternative.

Fish Soup

The quintessential item in any Nyonya cuisine has to be the Chap Chye. A delightful medley of ingredients like beancurd skin, carrots, cabbage, spring onions, black fungus, and vermicelli. A comforting dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with a plate of rice.

Nyonya Chap Chye 娘惹杂菜 - $5.80 

KokoYo Nyonya Delights are decently priced for a food court setting, and with its comforting Peranakan flavours, I wouldn’t mind bringing friends back again for another round.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights
Location: Jelita Mall, 293 Holland Road 278628, #02-18, 278628

Dulukala Peranakan

Remember Dulukala, the Peranakan restaurant once at Beauty World Centre? They’re now back, serving up their classics at a coffeeshop along Silat Avenue.

Dulukala

The Bakwan Kepeting soup had a naturally sweet broth, with meatballs made of crab meat and pork. Paired with fresh vegetables, it was simple yet comforting and a perfect complement to the meal.

Bakwan Kepeting Soup - $13.80

We naturally gravitated toward Ayam Buah Keluak, a Peranakan staple of chicken and Indonesian black nut in tamarind sauce. While the meat leaned on the tougher side, the gravy paired wonderfully with plain rice. Only upon serving did we realise there was no actual buah keluak in the dish.

Ayam Buah Keluak - $15.80

Curious, we went back to the stall to check and found a note on the menu stating that the keluak nut is sold separately at $2 each so we bought it instantly.

Buah Keluak - $2 per nut

Chap Chye is another quintessential Peranakan dish. Though the fermented paste leans stronger here, it still beautifully elevates the flavours of this classic.

Chap Chye - $14.80

The chef recommended the Sotong Hitam, tender squid stir-fried in its luscious black ink with sweet yellow onions, creating a rich, savoury depth.

Sotong Hitam

If you’re craving a fiery boost, pair your meal with this vibrant house-made chilli, it packs a punch and elevates every bite.

Chilli

Unfortunately, my meal experience fell short this time, the rice was mashy and the taste differed from what I enjoyed previously at their Beauty World outlet.

Rating: 3 / 5

Dulukala
Location: 148 Silat Ave, Kopi Haus, Singapore 160148

Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen

With the recent buzz surrounding The Little Nyonya and its Emerald Hill Show, there’s been a noticeable resurgence of interest in all things Peranakan from traditional costumes to their rich, flavorful cuisine. Riding this cultural wave, we found ourselves craving a taste of heritage and headed to Joo Chiat, a neighborhood well-known for its Peranakan roots and vibrant food scene. While our first choice of restaurant was packed, we eventually settled on Old Bibik’s a humble spot that turned out to be a worthy alternative.

Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen

The interior was simple and unpretentious. It featured traditional round tables paired with classic wooden stools that echoed the charm of old-school Peranakan dining.

Interior and Dining Area

I started with the homemade honey butterfly pea tea,  a vibrant, refreshing drink with a subtle floral note and just the right touch of sweetness. It was a delightful way to ease into the meal.

Homemade Honey Butterfly Pea Tea - $6

While waiting for our dishes to arrive, we nibbled on crackers dipped in belachan chilli, a satisfyingly crunchy snack with a bold, umami kick. It was a great way to whet our appetites.

Keropok

The Crispy Chinchalok Omelette arrived generously sized and perfectly golden, with a side of chinchalok for dipping, adding a punchy, fermented tang that made each bite even more satisfying.

Crispy Chinchalok Omelette (Deep Fried) - $18

Their Ayam Buah Keluak was served without the signature nut, but the rich, earthy dark sauce still delivered on depth and flavor, perfect for spooning over a warm plate of rice. The dish’s naturally dark brown appearance was brightened up with a generous topping of fresh Chinese parsley, adding a touch of color and freshness to the presentation.

Ayam Buah Keluak - $17 

We also had a comforting bowl of Nyonya Chap Chye, a classic mixed vegetable stew that's a staple in many Peranakan households. This version came brimming with cabbage, black fungus, carrots, and beancurd skin, all gently braised in a light, savoury broth. What stood out was the generous topping of crispy beancurd sheets that added a delightful crunch to each mouthful. Garnished with a sprig of Chinese parsley, the dish was both hearty and well-balanced, offering a nice contrast of textures and a subtle sweetness from the stewed vegetables.

Nyonya Chap Chye - $13 

To round off the meal, we shared a warm and hearty bowl of Itek Tim, a traditional Peranakan salted vegetable duck soup. The broth was tangy and appetising, thanks to the combination of salted mustard greens, tomatoes, and sour plums, all slow-simmered with tender duck pieces. Each spoonful was comforting, with just the right balance of sourness and depth from the duck, making it the perfect counterpoint to the richer dishes we had earlier. A classic, no-frills comfort soup that brought everything together beautifully.

Itek Tim Soup - $18 

Please note that the pricing of the dishes mentioned above is based on portions suitable for 1-2 pax. We were truly satisfied with our meal here at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen. The flavours were authentic, the dishes generous, and the overall dining experience warm and inviting. Every bite reflected the rich heritage and care put into Peranakan cuisine, making it a memorable meal well worth the price. If you are looking to enjoy traditional Peranakan food in a cosy setting, Old Bibik’s is definitely a place to consider.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen
Location: 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585

Verandah@Rael's - The Star Vista

 I was spoiled for choice when my friends asked me to pick a dinner spot at The Star Vista. After some deliberation, I decided on Verandah@Rael's, as it offered the cuisine I was craving most at the moment.

Verandah 

I have been craving satay for quite some time now. These satay sticks are beautifully marinated, with tender and succulent chicken grilled to perfection. They're served with a rich and flavorful traditional peanut sauce with sides of chopped onions and cucumber for a refreshing balance.

Chicken Satay (7 Sticks) - $9.80

The broth may appear spicy with its orange hue, but the vibrant color actually comes from the prawns. This flavorful soup is enriched with a delightful pork and prawn broth blend, complemented by juicy meatballs that make it irresistibly appetizing!

Pong Tauhu Soup (per serving) - $6.90

A must-order staple, this dish features tang hoon (glass noodles) cooked in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s tossed with crispy beancurd strips, shiitake mushrooms, and cabbage, creating a hearty and satisfying combination.

Nonya Chap Chai - $13.90

A deliciously sweet and savoury stew of pork belly and turnips slow-cooked to perfection in a thick fermented soybean sauce with a subtle peppery kick. The rich, flavorful gravy pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Babi Pongteh - $19.90

Overall, the Peranakan meals were quite decent. They also offer lunch and dinner set meals, making it a convenient option for a fuss-free dining experience.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Verandah@Rael's - The Star Vista
Location:  The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-33/K2 Singapore 138617
Website

Sera Sera Nonya

Nonya cuisine is rare, especially when serving dishes like this. Sera Sera Nonya is located in one of Bukit Batok Coffeeshops and I thought it was rare.

Sera Sera Nonya

The Nonya Chicken Set comes with a big drumstick. Every set defaults to Blue Pea Rice,  "Azhar" aka pickles, vegetables and keropok (Crackers).

Nonya Soya Chicken Set - $7.90 

The meat was huge and well soaked in soya sauce with a tad ginger flavour. The meat was succulent and not too dry.

Soya Chicken

While the default items remain the set, the Sotong Asam Goreng was appetizing in its Asam sauce and flavour. For vegetables, we had some cabbages and long beans. 

Sotong Goreng Asam Set - $8.90

The Asam Sotong Goreng was not too spicy and was stirred fried with onions, tomatoes and etc. 

Sotong Asam Goreng

We revisited Sera Sera Nonya a few weeks later and realised that the Soya Chicken was served fried instead, then drenched with the sauce. We were disappointed that they stopped serving soup for the meal.

Nonya Soya Chicken Set - $7.90 

Besides having Soya Chicken and Sotong. We also ordered their Pork Pongtay. The portion was big and quite worthwhile if you enjoy braised pork with rice.

Pork Pongtay Set - $7.90

The Pork Pongtay set was well-braised and well-flavoured. The big cuts of meat was tender and the taste fit my style.

Pork Pongtay

While there aren't many Nonya Stalls around in the hawkers, I seriously think that it could last. Overall, the food standard and quality was above moderate. I will be back again!

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Sera Sera Nonya
Location: 273 Bukit Batok East Ave 4, Singapore 650273

Makko Teck Neo

A revist to Makko Teck Neo for Pernakan Cuisine. The facade and decorations of the shop look as untouched over the years.

Makko Teck Neo

The seatings outdoor still looks as traditional to me.

Outdoor Seating 

The price of this dish seems to remain the same throughout the years. This Nyonya-style vegetable stew dish may look simple but it actually takes quite some effort to cook them well. 

Nyonya Chap Chye - $14.90

The deep-fried "pork with prawn" roll is one of the recommended dishes on the menu. It is served with Teck Neo chilli chukar. The beancurd skin encasing the mixture of pork with prawns was very crispy indeed.

Nyonya Great Bites - $14.90

We had this fragrant fried chicken with the special sambal chilli. The Chicken was crispy in its skin and totally yummy with an additional fiery kick with chilli added,

Rempah Ayam Goreng - $14.90

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Posted 23 March 2019

I spotted Makko Teck Neo when I was walking towards the end of the row of shop houses in the old neighbourhood and was dumbfounded by the number of patrons that crowd around this eatery. Compared to the surrounding quiet estate, this place was bustling and I make note that I will be back for their Peranakan Food but that is a few years later - now.

Humble as it seems, visitors will be greeted by the traditional decorations and cosy settings. There were plants, hanging lamps and seating that reminds you of the 90s.

Makko Teck Neo

Classified under the Nyona Street Food in the Menu, this "Dry" Mee Siam is one of the recommended dishes that you may not want to skip. We don't often get to see Dry Mee Siam in most places here and this is consider a rare dish. Vermicelli was real spicy with serving of spicy tamarind and coconut sauce.

Dry Mee Siam - $5.80

Taste of  Nyonya Style Vegetables stew did not disappoint. However for a bowl of vegetables, the cost is relatively steep no doubt that it has mushrooms, vermicelli, cabbages, black fungus and prawns.

Nyona Chap Chye - $14.90

To my suprise, Nyonya Laksa was not spicy. In fact the dry Mee Siam Dish was much more spicier than this. Dish was tasty but it still lack some usual taste. Ingredients like fishcake, taupok, noodles and prawns were included. If you are looking for "hum" aka cockles, they are no where to be found.

Nyonya Laksa - $5.80

I guess anyone will agree that this is a quintessential dish when we visit a Nyonya Eatery. Gravy was rich and savory with a hints of lemongrass fragrance. Chicken was braised with pork rib and the popular black nut, Buah Keluak. Special utensils was given to dig out the flesh from the nut. If you will like to have more black nut, they can be bought at additional cost of $2.50 each.

Ayam Buah Keluak - $16.90

Chendol was not too bad with plump coconut jelly topping the small mountain of ice, drenched with the sweet gula melaka sauce. To my surprise, I found 4 attap seeds underneath.

Chendol - $4.90

Although we finally get to it here, we did not have enough stomach for other items on the menu. I will like to try out more of their recommended dishes on the menu. Let's make a return trip soon!

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Makko Teck Neo
Location: Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise #01-303 Singapore 090035
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 10.30am to 9.00pm
                                Saturday & Sunday / Public Holidays 9.00am to 9.00pm