Where ancestral recipes meet Michelin-starred precision, Candlenut Singapore stands as the world's first Peranakan restaurant to earn culinary's most coveted accolade. Chef-owner Malcolm Lee transforms his grandmother's kitchen wisdom into an extraordinary fine dining experience that celebrates the complex flavors of Straits-Chinese cuisine with unprecedented sophistication.

Lee's journey to culinary acclaim began with near-failure, transforming struggle into triumph when Candlenut earned its Michelin star in 2016. Raised in a traditional Peranakan household, the chef draws inspiration from his mother and grandmother's recipes, meticulously preserving techniques that risk disappearing from Singapore's culinary landscape. His commitment to authenticity extends to hand-pounding spice pastes and fermenting traditional condiments like cincalok, ensuring each dish honors centuries-old traditions while appealing to contemporary palates.

The cuisine showcases Peranakan cooking's signature complexity through dishes like the celebrated turmeric-infused chicken curry, where freshly ground candlenuts create the restaurant's namesake earthy foundation. Lee's menu features numerous one-bite creations offering up to 100 flavor combinations, alongside the distinctive Ah-Ma-Kase tasting menu—a nostalgic omakase experience evoking meals at grandmother's table. This 20-course journey allows diners to surrender to the chef's seasonal inspirations, experiencing the full spectrum of Peranakan gastronomy from delicate sambals to rich, aromatic curries.

Nestled within COMO Dempsey's leafy colonial setting, Candlenut's interior reflects its cultural mission through Italian architect Paola Navone's thoughtful design. Traditional Peranakan tiles anchor the space, while soaring ceilings, bamboo lampshades, and rattan furnishings create an atmosphere of serene elegance. The dining room balances heritage authenticity with contemporary comfort, providing the perfect backdrop for Singapore fine dining that honors the past while embracing the future.

Service embodies the warmth characteristic of Peranakan hospitality, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through unfamiliar flavors and cultural contexts. The beverage program thoughtfully complements the cuisine's complex spice profiles, offering curated pairings that enhance rather than compete with the intricate layering of traditional flavors.

Reservations at this best restaurant Singapore requires advance planning, as Candlenut's unique position as the sole Michelin-starred Peranakan establishment draws discerning diners worldwide. Whether choosing the à la carte experience or surrendering to the Ah-Ma-Kase journey, guests discover why this remarkable restaurant has become essential dining for anyone seeking authentic cultural immersion through Singapore's most refined lens.