Baba Nyonya culture has etched itself into the history of Malaysia, built around rich architecture and even richer culinary influences. Nyonya food has become a favourite among locals in Malaysia for its combination of Malay-Chinese spices and cooking styles. Vibrant flavours of salty, sweet, sour, and spice are combined to craft an unforgettable experience for the palate.
Peranakan food often boasts a strong combination of savoury ingredients, including galangal, belacan, and kaffir lime leaves. The names of these dishes often derive from a combination of Hokkien and Malay, like itek tim and inchi kabin. Did you know that assam laksa, otak–otak, and bak chang are all Nyonya dishes?
Now that you’ve got a taste of Nyonya food’s history, check out these 5 Nyonya restaurants and sample some dishes yourself!
1. Nyonya Cuisine
Batik tablecloths, traditional paintings, and little Nyonya trinkets lined on shelves welcome guests into Nyonya Cuisine. Don’t let its simple interior decor fool you – this restaurant packs a punch with its menu selections. Nestled in the heart of Damansara Jaya, this restaurant serves up Peranakan favourites like ayam pongteh, assam fish, chicken kapitan, and inchi kabin. If you don’t have time to drive up to Malacca or Penang, this is the next best thing!
Like what you see? Grab this RM50 cash voucher and spend it on your favourite Peranakan dishes.
Where? No. 24, Ground Floor, Jalan SS22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
2. Heritage Village Nyonya Food
Heritage Village Nyonya Food keeps to the classic style of Peranakan decor and cuisine. A little bit classic and a little bit contemporary, you’ll love the ambience of this low-key dining spot. With some outlets featuring the classic marble tables and wooden chairs, it’ll be easy to immerse yourself in the Nyonya culture. Check out some fan favourites like Penang white curry mee, cendol, jiu hu char, nasi lemak beef rendang, and more.
Help yourself to the spread with a RM60 cash voucher and fill up on your favourites.
Where? No. LG 47, Paradigm Mall, Jalan SS 7/26A, SS7, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya.
3. Tables of Joy
Crisp, clean interiors hide a history of tradition at Tables of Joy. With hanging pots, a brick accent wall, and crisp decor, this Damansara Uptown eatery flaunts its heritage through its menu. Tables of Joy keeps things true to Nyonya flavours and cooking styles to bring you a sample of Peranakan classics. Sample dishes like lamb curry, pork ribs, sambal assam prawns, and baked stuffed crab.
Steal this RM50 cash voucher and try some out for yourself!
Where? No. 13, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
4. Aroma Village
Pastel colours and faux stained glass windows set up a combination of modern design and classic interiors at Aroma Village. Sample dishes like nasi kerabu with ayam percik, chicken satay, roti jala, rojak pasembur, and Nyonya curry laksa. Cleanse your palate with desserts like cendol, bubur cha cha, and pisang goreng with ice-cream. You’ll find savoury and sweet treats at outlets like NU Sentral Mall, IOI City Mall, and AEON Taman Equine.
If you like any of what you see above, why not use your FavePay there and to get 10% cashback!
Where? NU Sentral Mall, IOI City Mall, and AEON Taman Equine.
5. Peranakan Passion
With true marble dining tables and wooden chairs, Peranakan Passion sets the stage for Nyonya delights. Served up on traditional ceramic plates with intricate designs, you’ll drool over the goodies here! Bear the heat of Devil’s Curry, or indulge in the savoury flavours of ju hu char, cincalok omelette, and more.
Where? D’Piazza Mall, 70-1-19, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950 Bayan Baru, Pulau Pinang.
Know more Nyonya restaurants to boast about? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add them to the list! Maybe venture over to Malacca or Penang yourself and sample these delights on home ground!
