Candlenut

I expected a LOT more from this place. First of all, as soon as we were seated we were asked if we would like still or sparkling water and we were shocked that we were charged $20 for water! The food was fine, not bad but absolutely unmemorable. The best dish by far was the amuse bouche which was a prawn cracker with a sweet soy and garlic sauce. The cocktails on the other hand were true fully disgusting, we ended up getting a couple taken off the bill because they were so bad. Our server (jester) was absolutely lovely and he's the only reason why I'm giving any stars. The manager on the other hand was EXTREMELY rude, he yelled at an elderly couple seated beside us because they didn't like lobster. They were very upset.

I recently attended a Chinese New Year luncheon event at Candlenut and was genuinely blown away by the experience. Every dish served was beautifully executed, showcasing the rich and intricate flavours of Peranakan cuisine with remarkable finesse. From the appetisers to the hearty mains such as the Wagyu Beef Rendang and Babi Buah Keluak, each course was thoughtfully prepared and deeply satisfying. I must admit I was a little too shy to take more photographs in front of the other guests, but the food certainly left a lasting impression. The highlight for me, however, was the absolutely delightful Chendol — refreshing, fragrant, and the perfect ending to a memorable meal. I will most certainly return again, this time prepared to savour even more of Candlenut’s outstanding Peranakan offerings.

Fantastic ah-ma-kase lunch with impeccable service! I was eager to discover Peranakan cuisine and was not disappointed. Fresh ingredients that were both new to me and familiar combined into well-executed dishes that were a pleasure in taste and texture. I am glad to have chosen the tasting menu to experience the different dishes. I wasn't able to finish all of the dishes, but it was only to make sure I had room for all of the dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by a Welcome dessert plate as well! If I return to Singapore, I will make this a stop to discover more of this cuisine!

The pricing is actually quite reasonable for a starred spot. They have both a la carte and set menu options. The set menu is called Ah Mah Kase which is quite cute. I went with a la carte because I knew I could not finish the full set. The flavours lean quite strong so you definitely need rice with most of the dishes. My favourite items were the Wagyu beef satay and the mixed vegetables. The rest felt a bit too strong for me and I usually handle spice. Dessert was a win though the coconut ice cream was especially good and it is hard to find really good coconut ice cream in Singapore. Their cocktail list is also quite fun with local ingredient twists and I enjoyed those too. Overall I think it is delicious and the atmosphere is great for dinner, although there are other places with similar cuisine that I personally prefer for certain dishes. It was still worth trying and I am glad I finally went.

We visited Candlenut, the Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant nestled in Dempsey Hill, to celebrate a special occasion - the 25th birthday of a dear friend who had flown in from Stockholm, born on the 25th no less. Candlenut more than lived up to its one-star reputation - it impressed on every front. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Benjamin, the restaurant manager, whose graciousness set the tone for the evening. Our server Felix was an absolute delight — warm, witty, confident, and effortlessly professional. His service struck the perfect balance between attentiveness and ease, with just the right touch of humour. We opted for the Ah-Ma-Kase menu, a creative Peranakan journey thoughtfully presented. Felix took time to explain every dish and guided us on the order in which to enjoy each course - a small but thoughtful touch that enhanced the experience. Of particular mention were the barramundi and crab curry, both cooked to perfection and bursting with layered flavours. But it was the desserts that stole the show. The banana cake was ethereal - the caramelised banana compote added a toffee-like richness that elevated the dish. The tapioca slice with brûlée custard topping was nothing short of divine - the tapioca’s gentle savouriness perfectly balanced by the silky custard and the subtle bitterness and crunch of the brûléed brown sugar. And then, an unexpected bonus — my perennial favourite, kueh salat — with beautifully steamed rice and a pandan kaya layer that was delicately set and wonderfully fragrant. Service recovery, too, was handled with grace. I had requested a substitution for the beef rendang due to dietary preferences, which was initially confirmed but overlooked during service. Benjamin immediately apologised, and although I was perfectly content to continue the meal, he insisted on making amends — sending out two servings of chicken curry and drinks on the house. It was a thoughtful gesture that reflected the restaurant’s commitment to genuine hospitality. All in all, it was a fabulous evening - delicious food, impeccable service, and a personal touch that made the birthday celebration truly special. Would I go back to Candlenut? Absolutely — without hesitation. Thank you, Benjamin and Felix, for making the evening so memorable for our birthday guest and for all of us who shared in the joy.

We attended Candlenut tonight because my friend had watched an episode of Somebody Feed Phil and she had decided that when we visit Singapore to make sure to come to this restaurant. When we walked in the restaurant we noticed the gorgeous lightings which added a great accent to the atmosphere. The food was a delight and we had a few dishes between us. The crab curry was our favourite and my personal favourite was the Buah Keluak Ice Cream. Apart from the food, the other highlight was the exceptional service we were provided. I have to commend our service staff Arvin who went above and beyond to make our night an unforgettable one. He was knowledgeable about the menu, Peranakan cuisine and all the ingredient component. The other person we would like to thank is Krishna(Mike) who gave us an insight about Candlenut but also shared a great conversation with him. We would like to thank everyone other staff who worked tonight and we will definitely be back when we are in Singapore. Cheers, Devi

I recently dined at Candlenut and ordered the Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang (S$48) and the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry (S$48), along with a fresh coconut. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. Both dishes were extremely rich — heavy with coconut milk, oil, and spices. Shortly after finishing the meal, I suffered a severe reflux episode and ended up vomiting most of it. While I understand Peranakan cuisine tends to be bold and flavorful, the balance here felt overwhelming and far too heavy for comfort. On top of that, the price point is very high for what you get. At nearly S$50 per dish, I expected more refinement and better value. For me, the combination of unpleasant after-effects and the cost makes it difficult to justify a return visit.

Had a great experience at Candlenut. Food was on point. We loved Aunty Caroline's Wagyu Rendang. The 4 heavenly kings, vegetable dish is a must order. Ngoh Hiang had a crunch and the fillings were balanced, not overpowering, you could taste the different ingredients coming together. Satays were great though a little on the small side. Pork was a little bit too porky for some of my guests. Probably needed abit more ginger to get rid of the pork flavour. Can probably reduce the cumin slightly. Sotong was great. Good wok hei and flavour. Its a touch tangy. Please order a side of samba chilli and cut chilli. It really paired well with the buah kalak. Special mention to Uncle Philip and Jester for the amazing hospitality. Kudos to the restaurant for retaining such a hospitable team. They deserve a raise and a promotion! Thanks for the chocolate cake! Will be back for more!