The Little Nyonya!

Saw some reviews raving about this family-owned Peranakan eatery, and coincidentally we were craving the cuisine. Very homely ambience, with young-ish staff manning the counter and serving the customers. We ordered the:

- Mengkabo Pork Belly ($17.90) in tamarind sauce but it wasn't as spicy/sweet/tangy as I thought. But as this was the first time we tried this dish, didn't know if the flavours were supposed to be muted. However, the pork belly was pretty tough and chewy which was a shame.
- Laksa Pasta ($17.90) which was pretty delicious with a rich laksa flavour. This was on the drier side which we preferred over the creamier renditions elsewhere. Recommended.
- Otak Otak ($13) came in a huge and thick slab, but this leaned towards the floury side although the flavours were there. I thought this could've been grilled to give it more smokiness.
- Ngoh Hiang ($11) was thick, chunky, and meaty and quite tasty on first bite (don't forget to dip it in the sweet sauce!). But as I took more bites of it I thought it was lacking some crunch - chestnuts or carrots would have worked - and in the end this felt more like a pure meatball with crispy skin.
- For the month of November they're having 1-for-1 drinks from 6-8pm so we got the Raspberry Honey ($8) and the Blue Pea Lemonade ($7). Both were refreshing and pretty to boot.

Overall, it was a good meal but some improvements could be made to make the food even better. Service was also just average. I also saw the leftover kueh being thrown into the trash which was such a waste - perhaps they could have been promoted to the remaining guests in the restaurant, and even better offered at a lower price so as to prevent wastage.

Ordered the Set A - Ayam Curry Kapitan that had chicken curry, nyonya chap chye, sambal egg, and blue pea rice. A hearty and filling meal, although i did not quite liked the soft texture of the chap chye. The curry chicken and sambal egg was yummy though.

Recent cravings for Peranakan food led me to this slightly hidden stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, and boy was this a good find. Blunt but friendly aunty serving customers and even helping to clear their plates. The Ayam Rendang ($8) came in a sharing portion of chicken and potatoes in a superb aromatic and slightly spicy gravy; and the best part is that the chicken pieces are boneless! The Chapchai ($5) was also really good and in a sizeable portion. Two plates of rice completed the meal for an additional $0.50 a plate. Don't forget to ask for their (very potent) chilli too! Overall, fantastic and homely peranakan fare at a very affordable price. Would definitely return and also wholeheartedly recommend anyone to come by too!

Always passed by without noticing this non-descript restaurant, but after a colleague mentioned that this was her favourite weekend meal, decided to try. Staff were proactive in approaching us and sharing about the menu. They have a wide range of dishes, but I was immediately drawn to their set meals which were so value for money. Starting from $13.80, you could get a main, 2 sides, and a dessert - a considerable steal for the portion as well as the standard! We chose the Ayam Kleo and Babi Pongtay set, trying all the sides, and sticking to the Sago Gula Melaka for the desserts. Everything was so good, and do remember to ask for their homemade chilli which complemented the meat so well. Overall, a filling and delicious meal and we would definitely return!

Really wanted to try Peranakan food so decided to pop by this eatery near office. Meats were tender, gravy was addictive (remember to ask for another portion of rice!), and the standout was the Ngoh Hiang which was chunky and meaty. Unpretentious and cosy, will definitely come back!