Nonya Buffet

Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe

I went to check out this Nonya Cafe located within the NUS vicinity. The place is nicely decorated with lots of antiques and kitchen crockery. The environment is serene, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If this is your first time trying Nonya food, this place is a good start for you to try out the popular Nonya dishes such as Laksa, Mee Siam, Curry Assam Fish, Ayam Bua Kuluak, Chap Chye with Black Mushroom, Kueh Pai Ti, Nonya Crabmeat Chicken Ball Soup, Nonya Kueh and so much more. A couple of dishes that I would recommend is the Laksa, you can D.I.Y at the buffet station and select  the ingredients of your choice. After that, you can pour the gravy over and garnish with some laksa leaves for flavouring. The gravy is not too thick and just nice for a start, leaving your stomach with room for other delicacies. The next dish is the Chap Chye, the cabbage is nice and soft, cooked with dried shrimp and black mushroom. You must also try the Ayam Bua Kuluak. For this dish, you will not be able to find the whole Bua Kuluak because it has been minced and cooked with the chicken. That's why the chicken has absorbed the flavour of the Bua Kuluak. The Bua Kuluak has a unique taste but unless you appreciate the taste, you will not enjoy this dish. Next will be the Kong Bak Bao - hot steamy buns stuffed with Kong Bak that is soft and braised to perfection. The layer of fats will melt in your mouth. Yummy! Another dish that you must try is the Kueh Pai Ti, the crispy cones shaped like cupcakes is filled with turnip that is simmered till it's nice and soft. You can add some chilli and parsley on the top for some flavouring, the taste is awesome. Last but not least, you must try the Kueh Koswee with Gula Malaka Syrup. The Kueh Koswee is nice and soft and goes very well with the Gula Malaka. It's such a perfect combination. The price is S$13.80++ per person (Additional S$1.00 for weekend). For the price, the variety and spread is reasonable. On the whole, this is a nice and cosy place, ideal for friends and family gathering.

Rating: 6.5/10 (Above Average)

Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe
29 Mui Keng Terrace
#06-21 (Ground Level)
S(119620)