Candlenut
Singapore
Candlenut explores Peranakan cooking through the family traditions that shaped chef Malcolm Lee. At Dempsey Road, his kitchen brings a contemporary sensibility to Straits-Chinese food while retaining the spices and inherited recipes that give the cuisine its identity. The choice includes an à la carte menu and the playfully named Ah-Ma-Kase experience, offered at lunch and dinner. Meals are designed around the pleasure of sharing, encouraging diners to discover how different dishes work together across the table. The 90-seat dining room, designed by Paola Navone of OTTO Studio, continues that dialogue between heritage and the present. Modern interiors incorporate Peranakan details, providing a considered backdrop without turning the room into a historical reconstruction. Candlenut is an engaging address for visitors seeking a fuller understanding of Singapore’s food culture. It offers both a connection to home cooking and a chef’s individual interpretation, with enough range to reward a communal meal and a willingness to try unfamiliar flavours.