Nonya Nonya Review: Scallop Lemak And Pork-Stuffed Grilled Sotong At Serangoon Garden

Began trading by third-generation restaurateurs of one of Singapore’s pioneering Peranakan restaurants, House of Peranakan, Nonya Nonya offers a modern take on the complex cuisine, without straying far from the traditional recipes that are passed down through their fambam. Food at Nonya Nonya Ayam Buah Keluak ($16++) is a must-have at any Peranakan restaurant.

But the one qualm I have about this classic dish is the fact that there are never enough buah keluak nuts to go around the table. Thankfully, at Nonya Nonya, the creamy black meat within is scraped out and placed on the side.

Purists might baulk at this, but I say this is the best way to have it. You won’t normally find Scallop Lemak ($28++) on the menu at traditional Peranakan restaurants, but that shouldn’t deter you from ordering this dish.

The subtle oceanic tang from the scallops were the perfect accompaniment to the tantalising gravy that was rich, with an underlying piquancy. Guan Hoe Soon may be my favourite Peranakan restaurant, but Nonya Nonya earns the title for serving the best Ngoh Hiang ($10++) in Singapore.

Dip it into the sweet bean sauce to further bring out the moreish meaty savour. I liked the fact that the water chestnuts were not finely chopped but in chunks.

These, along with the carrots and turnip, provided a nice crunch to the minced pork and prawns. The garnishes were a little salty though, and I would recommend mixing everything in the creamy coconutty base to dull it out. Not the most visually pleasing dish, the Stuffed Sotong Pangang ($20++) features grilled squid with minced pork and prawns stuffing.

It had a nice zest and an aromatic finish, due to the addition of rojak flowers and calamansi lime. Don’t be fooled by the red and green chillies; this dish is not spicy at all.

Durian puree crowns this sweet treat, and gula melaka is served on the side for you to pour in. The pungent dollop of durian together with the melted ice-cream made for a winning combination.

Ambience at Nonya Nonya With hopes of luring millennials in to savour Peranakan food, the space is a far cry from the gaudy interior of House of Peranakan. Instead, Nonya Nonya features modern Scandinavian chairs, with bits of Peranakan motifs gracing the kitchen counter and paintings on the walls. The verdict “Certain things should stay the way they are” is one of my life mottos, and I am generally rather apprehensive when it comes to modernising traditional food.