Candlenut is the newest kid on the block in Dempsey, but it certainly isn’t new on the Singapore foodie scene. In fact, this mod-Sin restaurant helmed by chef Malcolm Lee recently won a Michelin star, making it the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Their new space can be found in the COMO Dempsey lifestyle complex, which also hosts three other restaurants, an upmarket food emporium, and a retail concept store.
Why you should come here:
Hellooo… um, Michelin star.
But seriously, the food here is definitely spot on. Chef Malcolm got his start in the kitchen when his Nyonya grandmother and mother taught him how to cook at a young age, and this sparked a passion for cooking that led him to study under top culinary leaders. At Candlenut he takes those family recipes he learned so long ago and adds modern touches to them, but still stays true to the authentic Straits-Chinese spices and flavours.
What we love:
It’s great that Dempsey now has more fab dining options, and we’re pretty sure this is going to become one of our favourites. We ordered a variety of dishes, but the ones we loved the most were the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry with delicate crabmeat in a creamy coconut curry sauce that was a little bit spicy and just a touch tangy from the kaffir lime leaf, The Coconut & Pandan Smoked Octopus with achar and fresh roast peanuts, and the Rangers Valley Wagyu Beef Ribs Rendang with serunding and turmeric leaf, which was incredibly tender, smoky and rich.
UJ Tidbit:
This is a great place to take out-of-town guests to experience some food and culture in a beautiful setting, as the space has some amazing ambiance going on. Grab a seat on the pretty patio, or inside amid colourful Peranakan tiles on the floor, clean white walls and lots of windows that allow light to flow in. It’s a very Zen-like spot that almost makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Adding to the Zen vibe is the fact that the prices are very reasonable. We ordered a substantial amount of food, were pleasantly full, and paid about $65 a person.
Damage:
You’re looking at about $65++ for dinner including afewdrinks. They also have an omakase dinner menu for $88++ per person.
Where:17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore
Hours:Daily: 12pm – 2:30pm, Sun – Thurs: 6pm – 9:30pm, Fri, Sat, Sun & PH: 6pm – 10:30pm
Tel:+65 1800 304 2288
