Tucked away in an unassuming stretch along Lavender Street is 五攸食坊 (Wu You Eating Place), a little gem that feels more like stepping into someone’s home than a restaurant. And I mean that in every sense. My first thought walking in? Controlled chaos. Every wall, ceiling corner and tabletop is decorated – bonsais, lanterns, paintings, and yes, butterflies and little flower cut-outs pasted on the ceiling. It is quirky, loud and strangely comforting. Like visiting a relative with a flair for hoarding and storytelling.

This homely spot is run by siblings Jennifer and Esmond Lee, affectionately known by their regulars as Bao Ma and Bao Zhai. They are from Ipoh and brought with them a treasure trove of Cantonese recipes and home-style cooking. There is no fixed menu here. You either take what’s cooking or call ahead to discuss and pre-order. We did the latter, thanks to Wee Kiat, who curated the lunch.

The Steamed Red Snapper tail ($58) was soaked in a punchy mix of fermented black and soy beans, garlic and ginger. The flesh was firm, sweet and savoury with a kick from the chillies. Then came the Yellow Rice Wine Chicken ($48), a robust broth thick with ginger and strong rice wine. It hit hard and warmed me from the inside out. I didn’t just eat it, I felt it. I started sweating by the third sip, like I was having a full-body detox in the middle of lunch.

The Homemade Yong Tofu ($28) brought that familiar heartwarming touch. Generously stuffed bittergourd, tofu, eggplant and green horn peppers with a meat-fish paste blend, bathed in a thick, savoury brown sauce. Comforting and nostalgic.

But my favourite dish might surprise you, the humble Qing Long Vegetable Omelette ($18). Wok-kissed, fluffy, with just the right chive-to-egg ratio. Tasted like a dish your mum whips up on a weekday night. The Lou Fo Tong (老火湯, $8.90) of the day was a chicken feet and pumpkin pork rib soup. Gentle, nourishing and surprisingly sweet. I actually preferred it over the more intense yellow wine version.

Lunch here felt like being hosted by distant relatives you didn’t know you had, who just wanted to feed you till you burst. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.