I Love Chinese-Style food for obvious reasons, like this is the food I grew up with and is the kind of food I think of when I’m starving. I have to be honest here, I never liked the so-called authentic Chinese food for some reason. Not because authentic Chinese food is bad, it’s just that I’ve always felt that it lacked some other elements, something that makes me go ”WOW” and want to go back for more.

I’ve found out that Peranakan cuisine is the food of early Chinese settlers with Malay and other local influences. As such I couldn’t contain the excitement about my visit to Candlenut, to see how Chinese cuisine can evolve and integrate with other cultures. First impression was very refreshing. I loved the cozy and modern decor with a hint of traditional Chinese vibe, seamlessly blending western elegance with Chinese hospitality.

The Wild Baby Squid with Squid Ink was the most surprising. The squid is very fresh to start off, and the tangy tamarind sauce worked brilliantly with the richness of the squid ink. Add just a hint of heat from the chillies plus some extra flagrance from the shallots, and you’ve got yourself a perfect plate.

The Beef Rendang, a type of curry, was exquisite. Quality of the beef and technique of the chef were apparent with the first bite. The fatty Wagyu beef rib was cooked just right, tender but still retained some chew, fully absorbing the flavours of each and every spice in its process.

Total bill comes down to 938RMB ($139 USD) for two people including drinks. Of all the restaurants I’ve visited in Singapore Candlenut is definitely not on the cheap side of the spectrum. However if experiencing new and complex cuisine is what you desire, then definitely pay these guys a visit.