Apa kabair, suma! Baba Gabra here—we took Nick to try Peranakan food for the very first time at Straits Chinese Restaurant! Recently, Nick found out that he might have some Nyonya ancestry, and he’s decided to explore it, starting with the best part—“laok laok!”
We couldn’t think of a better place to introduce him to Nyonya flavours than Straits Chinese, a restaurant that’s been featured in the Michelin Guide for several years. With its reputation for authentic, home-style dishes, we knew Nick was in for a treat.
First Impressions: Stepping into the Past
The moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into someone’s "rumah lama” (ancestral home). The decor was traditional yet welcoming, with Peranakan tiles, antique cabinets, and a warm ambiance that made us feel at home. Nick was so excited, and honestly, so were we. We jumped straight into ordering some of their signature dishes, and let’s just say—we went all out.
What We Ordered: A Feast Fit for a Nyonya Table
We started with a mix of classic Nyonya dishes and a few must-tries. Here’s what we had:
Founder’s Otak-Otak: Served on a sizzling hot plate, the aroma of grilled banana leaf and spices hit us before we even took our first bite. It was soft, fragrant, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Sayor Lodeh: One of our personal favorites—this creamy, coconut-based vegetable curry is the ultimate comfort food.
Ayam Buah Keluak: This was the dish we were most excited for Nick to try. It’s a Peranakan classic with tender chicken cooked in a rich, dark gravy flavored by the buah keluak nut.
Sotong Assam Goreng: Spicy, tangy, and perfectly cooked squid—this dish added just the right kick to our meal.
Sambal Kerabu (Sambal Timun): A refreshing cucumber sambal with just the right amount of heat to balance the richer dishes.
And to top it all off? Butterfly Pea Rice, which was free flow! "Ada rupa,ada harga,” because the rice paired perfectly with everything on the table.
How to Eat Buah Keluak: A Rite of Passage
One of the highlights of the meal was teaching Nick how to eat buah keluak. We explained how to crack the nut and scoop out the black, earthy filling that’s packed with flavor. Nick took his time figuring it out, so while he was at it, we decided to take a little walk around the restaurant.
Fun Fact: Did you know that buah keluak is actually poisonous before it’s fermented? It contains cyanide! But thanks to our clever ancestors, who figured out how to safely prepare it, we can now enjoy this iconic dish. "Dulu dulu, kita mia nenek moyang chakawari panday skali - tau amcham masak buah keluak mia kilap-kilap."
The Taste of Home
The flavors of the food were rich, bold, and comforting—exactly what you’d expect from Nyonya cuisine. Each dish felt like it was lovingly made, the way your "mama” (grandmother) would cook it. We were so full and so satisfied by the end, it felt like we’d just had a meal at someone’s home during a festive celebration.
Affordable for Michelin Quality
For a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, we were pleasantly surprised by the prices. The portions were generous, the quality was excellent, and the overall experience felt like a steal. If you’re looking to introduce someone to authentic Nyonya food, this is definitely the place to do it.
Explore the Restaurant’s Peranakan Displays
After our meal, we took a little time to explore the restaurant. They had beautiful displays of traditional Peranakan items—things like kasut manek (beaded slippers), porcelain ware, and traditional batik designs. It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in the culture beyond the food.
Our Recommendation
If you’re looking to try Nyonya food that tastes like it came straight from someone’s kitchen, we highly recommend Straits Chinese Restaurant. With locations at Esplanade Theatres, Joo Chiat, and Cecil Street, it’s convenient and accessible.
"Kamsiah suma!” Thank you for reading this review. Don’t forget to follow Baba Gabra for more Peranakan laok laok reviews! Until next time— "Kalu suka kita mia konten Baba Nyonya, jangan lupa ikot Babagabra!" 🌸🍴
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