Guan Hoe Soon Peranakan Restaurant

Started in 1953, this restaurant boasts to be the oldest Peranakan restaurant in Singapore. If you are driving down Joo Chiat or Tembeling Road, you would probably not notice this place at all.  Since we were in the area, I decided to bring my colleagues to try what would seem to be a more traditional version of this cuisine. So I ordered these standard dishes. 

Verdict is: some hits and some misses. Certainly overpriced for this quality. 

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Ayam Buah Keluak $16.80

Buah Keluak (Pangium Edule) is a nut that contains Cyanide in its raw form, but becomes edible after curing. This comes across as daunting to many, likened to eating Fugu. But extracting the nut after soaking for several days, mixing it with minced pork and stuffing it back it, lends so much depth to this dish. Not as thick as other versions, but with its rich ginger flavour it is a tasty dish to have with a bowl of rice. 

Babi Pongteh $12.80

Pork Belly stewed in fermented Soya Bean paste remained firm and juicy. The consistency of the sauce was really smooth and savoury. We really enjoyed this dish. 

Sayur Lodeh $11.80

This savoury spicy laksa-like vegetable dish is my go-to comfort food. A mixture of cabbage, long beans, carrots, dried shrimps, fresh shrimps and beancurd. I like this version because it is a bit heavier and spicier than the Malay ones. 

Sotong Sambal $14.80

Wet, sour, diluted and very disappointing. I will be able to get a King's meal with this price at HJM!

Mutton Rendang $15.80

Who puts tomato into rendang?! 

The mutton was also diced too small, making it overcooked and dry. Overpriced for such a small serving and terrible tasting. 

Bo Bo Cha Cha

I haven't had this in a long time. it was a nice surprise to find water chestnut in the Jelly.