Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Joo Chiat, Singapore's first Heritage Town, has a lot to enjoy and explore. Once covered with coconut plantations and used as a weekend getaways by wealthy city dwellers, this Peranakan enclave in the east is now home to art galleries, design studios, upmarket retail outlets, boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes. When it comes to food, besides the famed Katong Laksa and Kim Choo rice dumplings, Joo Chiat has gained traction over the years for its diverse dining options but Peranakan cuisine remains the heart and soul of this town that houses no less than 10 Nonya or Perenakan-influenced restaurants, eateries and shops. It is no surprise that it has become a favourite haunt among local foodies who crave Peranakan cuisine.
The Nonyas are known for bringing vibrant flavours, spices, and colours to their cooking. This vibrancy stems from their unique hybrid culture, which combines Chinese and Malaysian traditions, as well as influences from Indonesia and India. If you would like to connect with such a rich culture and sample the colourful Peranakan cuisine, join us as we check out Chili Padi Nonya Restaurant located at Joo Chiat Place.
With its red batik tablecloth, exquisite paintings, and wooden furnishings, the restaurant decoration exudes a very traditional, family-like vibe. I am not going to pretend to be an expert on Nonya cuisine and provide comments on the authenticity of the food but I must say I truly enjoy the home-style food here.
The handmade popiah skin used here is much thicker than the typical popiah skin available. The use of eggs adds to the thickness and gives the skin a softer texture. Rolled with turnips, prawns, lettuce, beansprouts, shredded Cucumber and garlic sweet sauce and chilli sauce, the popiah wraps taste delicious and made an excellent starter for your meal.
You cannot go wrong with their signature and Peranakan classic dishes such as Nonya curry chicken, beef rendang, curry fish head and Nonya chap chye. These gravy dishes pair perfectly with steamed rice. I love claypot dishes as they retain heat well and I am happy that most of the dishes here are served in claypots. However, I am not too impressed with their fish maw soup with pig's tripe and cabbage. In comparison to the preceding dishes, the soup pales in flavour.
The food at this Michelin-endorsed restaurant is above average and served in generous servings. That makes their prices friendly too, just like their service.
Definitely a good choice for a cosy and hearty Peranakan meal.
Chili Padi Nonya Restaurant
11 Joo Chiat Pl
#01-03, Singapore 427744
Lunch
11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner
5:30pm - 9:30pm
