I had dinner at Chili Padi Nonya Restaurant on a Sunday night with my partner and her family.

Chili Padi has been a household name for Nonya cuisine and has long been a staple in Joo Chiat, the epicenter of Singapore’s Peranakan scene. The restaurant recently completed renovations, which explains their contemporary Nonya décor, furniture, and fittings. The ambience is modern and clean, yet retains its authentic Peranakan personality.

We ordered the chef-recommended Ngoh Hiang, Laksa Goreng, and Nonya Chap Chye, all of which were excellent. However, three dishes stood out as particularly special.

First was the Sotong Hitam. The portion was generous, and the squid ink blended with spices paired perfectly with the firm and springy squid. Secondly, the Bak Wan Kepeting stood out with its clean yet flavor-packed soup and soft, delicious meatball.

The highlight for me was the Buah Keluak gravy, a Nonya staple and their specialty. We chose the pork ribs option (they have chicken as well), and the ribs were cooked to perfection—soft and tender. The Buah Keluak sauce tasted authentic and had a unique flavor profile that is unparalleled in other cuisines.

I highly recommend Chili Padi if you are looking for an exceptional Nonya dining experience with friends and family.