When I heard that this Peranakan restaurant has been in business for about seven years, I was full of anticipation for a slap-up feast but alas, it wasn't as wonderful as I'd thought it would be. Here's my verdict on what we had:
1) Babi Cincalok - An appetite-whetting cool starter of thin pork slices and cucumber pieces in a sharply tart sauce that included sambal belachan and torch ginger flower. LIKED.
2) Ngo Hiang - The pork filling in the chunky rolls was redolent with five spice powder and packed with crunchy water chestnuts. LIKED A LOT.
3) Ayam Buah Keluah - Their version of this black-as-pitch dish had the contents of the nuts dug out, mixed with a bit of minced meat and stuffed back into the shells. Gravy was thick with the nut too. LIKED A LOT.
4) Ikan Kuah Ladar - this was simply inedible to most of us as it was just so flat plus the stingray had a weird taste. NEVER AGAIN.
5) Sotong Goreng Pedas - Although quite aromatic from being stir-fried with kaffir leaves and kalamansi juice, the squid was much too rubbery. DISLIKED.
6) Nyonya Chap Chye - The beancurd skin was a little burnt so it affected the overall taste and there was too much black sauce. Overall, the result somehow didn't work for me. DISLIKED.
Do note that my comments are based on my personal preferences shaped by years of eating Peranakan dishes cooked by my Peranakan grandma and mum. Memories of flavours have a way of hanging around forever.