Good Luck Inn

This shop in a market serves Penang-style curry mee at friendly prices. The mee is cooked over charcoal, in a well-balanced soup with spices, chilli paste and coconut milk; tofu puffs and spring squid add contrasting textures.

The third-generation owner makes his famous laksa noodle soup according to his grandparents’ recipe dating back 50 years ago. The soup strikes a fine balance between sweetness, sourness and spiciness, while the cucumber, shallot and pineapple cut through the heat nicely. The starter platter is also worth-trying.

Run by a husband-wife team, Winn’s Cafe is situated in a detached house with dining rooms spread over two storeys, the upper floor of which exhibits work by local artists. The menu features Peranakan classics, such as otak otak fish cake seasoned with coconut milk and local herbs grown in their backyard and boasts silky smooth texture. Asam tumis stingray seduces with bouncy, flavoursome meat and a rich, complex sauce made with nine herbs.

Since 1920, this stall has been selling its famous apom: their crispy crêpes with a soft, puffy centre cooked in claypot over charcoal are fluffier and more coconutty than most. Come early – they tend to sell out by 9:30am.

Open for half days, this small store draws long queues – mostly tourists and young customers. They serve just one dish: stir-fried koay teow. The wok-fried flat rice noodles emit a charcoal aroma, are well seasoned and come with quality ingredients that can be spiced to taste.

This fine dining restaurant in an 18C castle-turned heritage boutique hotel boasts graceful architecture and a stunning dining room done up in a colonial style with royal blue walls, white window shutters and a giant faux white tree in the centre. The 8-course tasting menu cannot be faulted and á la carte options are also plentiful. Each dish incorporates a variety of Asian ingredients and is intelligently devised and balanced. Make sure you save room for the desserts that are too good to miss!

Fast food