Hidden in Dorsett hotel, this quaint place could be easily missed.
But behold the food, for these Peranakan food are top-notch. We brought our Peranakan mummy to this place and she was raving about it. Though the portions could be slightly small to share, don't worry, they have free-flow white rice to fill your tummies. The servers are quite friendly and prompt with requests as well.
Sambal Kacang Petai ($14)
Stir fried stinky petai beans w tamarind and chilli sambal, crispy shallots
Crispy Pork Belly ($16)
w mustard greens, sambal chincalok
Babi Pongteh ($14)
Tender pork belly braised in fragrant preserved soy beans gravy topped with chillis
Rendang ($24)
Dry aromatic coconut curry w kaffir lime leaves and roasted coconut
French duck breast, grilled and served pin
Yellow Coconut Curry of Crab ($24)
Blue swimmer crab meat, turmeric, galangal, kaffir lime leaf
Inspired by the classic prawn nanas dish
Banana Caramel Pudding ($9)
Steamed banana cake, caramelized banana, ginger crumble
w gula melaka ice cream
Curry Leaf with Soda
The
Crispy Pork Belly ($16) with mustard greens, sambal chincalok is a must-try! The skin is really crispy, and the meat really tender. One of the best roasted meats we have savoured with such a price tag. Do ask for more sambal chincalok for they go really well with their fragrant rice.
Their
Babi Pongteh ($14), tender pork belly braised in fragrant preserved soy beans gravy topped with chillis, is a sweeter version, but still tasty nonetheless. Again, the meat was braised really tender and flavorful.
While their
Sambal Kacang Petai ($14), stir fried stinky petai beans w tamarind and chilli sambal, crispy shallots, is a pretty average dish, the portion is great for 4 persons to share with rice.
Rendang ($24), dry aromatic coconut curry w kaffir lime leaves and roasted coconut with French duck breast, grilled and served pink, is a unique dish, a great fusion between French and Peranakan. The duck meat took a bit more to chew, it was not as tasty as we'd expected, but the presentation and concept was really interesting.
Inspired by the classic prawn nanas dish, the
Yellow Coconut Curry of Crab ($24) using blue swimmer crab meat, turmeric, galangal, kaffir lime leaf, is another sweet dish, the crab meat was generous and fresh. The yellow curry is an extremely great accompaniment to the rice.
Banana Caramel Pudding ($9), a steamed banana cake, caramelized banana, ginger crumble topped with gula melaka ice cream. Gula Melaka ice cream is like everywhere now, and this place does it quite well too. The main character, their steamed banana, is soft and moist. A perfect dessert to end our dinner!
They have also interesting drinks which you'd never have thought of mixing together. Curry Leaf with Soda, and many other varieties.
I'd definitely be back here with my Peranakan foodies!
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Verdict:
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Total Score: 5/5
[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]
Good for? Groups, Family
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About it:
Candlenut Kitchen
Address: Dorsett Residences, 331 New Bridge Road, #01-03, Singapore 088764
Menu:
http://www.candlenut.com.sg/wordpress-candlenut/wp-content/themes/candlenut-v1-wp/images/menus/2014_04_12_a_la_carte.pdf
