I can’t say all the dishes at Candlenut suit my tastebuds but then again, when you’ve grown up eating home-cooked Peranakan food by your grandmother and mum, it’s impossible to not draw comparisons to what you’re use to.
However, I do applaud Chef Malcolm for his vision, and both him and his team for doing their best to translate the complicated, time-consuming preparation methods of this cuisine into something of a much larger scale so more people can enjoy it. Clearly, that has paid off with them picking up a Michelin star, making Candlenut the only Peranakan restaurant in the world to do so.
On my most recent visit, besides the “Blue Swimmer Crab Curry” ($32++) and “Chap Chye” ($20++), the “Westholme Wagyu Beef Rendang” (pictured above) is a dish I wouldn’t hesitate to order again.
The chunky pieces of beef were so tender, they collapsed like damsels in distress under my fork. And I was impressed at how fragrant and flavourful the meat was.
If and when you choose to dine here, I highly recommend getting this. One serving is good for about 3 to 4 persons.