Quick answer: For melt-in-your-mouth beef rendang in Singapore, start with Michelin-starred Candlenut if you’re after a refined Peranakan meal, or head to The Blue Ginger for a Bib Gourmand rendition in a heritage shophouse. Hjh Maimunah and Sabar Menanti dish out Nasi Padang rendang that’s deeply traditional and satisfying, while Whole Earth does a vegetarian version that surprises even dedicated carnivores. Violet Oon and Rumah Makan Minang round out the list with their own loyal followings.
Best Malay, Peranakan & Local Food in Singapore is the parent list here, with 30 guides covering everything in this area.
The seven you’ll want on your radar
Candlenut
Tucked away in the quiet greenery of Dempsey Hill, Candlenut holds the distinction of being the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Their signature Westholme Wagyu beef rib rendang is slow-cooked with fennel, coriander, cumin and black pepper, then finished with serunding and turmeric leaves. It’s the kind of dish you plan a special evening around.
- Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
- Phone: 1800 304 2288 / +65 6486 1051
- Hours: Lunch Mon–Sun 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Website: Candlenut
Choose this one when you want to celebrate something – an anniversary, a promotion – or simply treat yourself to a tasting menu that tells the story of Peranakan food with finesse.
The Blue Ginger
On a stretch of Tanjong Pagar filled with eateries, The Blue Ginger brings understated charm and a Bib Gourmand to the table. The beef rendang here is all about balance: cubes of beef simmered in coconut milk with ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves and curry powder, tender enough to cut with a spoon. Pair it with their ayam buah keluak and you’ve got a meal that feels both comforting and a little special.
- Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518
- Phone: +65 6222 3928
- Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Website: The Blue Ginger
It’s great for a date night or when the parents are in town and you want something recognisably Peranakan but not too stiff.
Hjh Maimunah
This is where you go for Nasi Padang that tastes like a home-cooked meal – if your home cook is a real pro. Hjh Maimunah has earned its Bib Gourmand recognition year after year since 2018, and the beef rendang, tender and aromatic, is a perennial favourite. Arrive at the Jalan Pisang outlet in the morning and you’ll see a steady stream of people loading their plates with ayam bakar, sambal sotong, and lemak siput sedut alongside that rendang. Lunchtime can get busy, so come early if you want the full spread.
- Address: 11-17 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
- Phone: +65 6297 4294
- Hours: Mon–Sat 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Closed Sun
- Website: Hjh Maimunah
Ideal for a casual family lunch or when you’re craving a proper Malay meal that won’t break the bank.
We keep these lists updated by hand. If you run something that fits, get in touch before the next revision.
If you’re exploring other corners of Singapore for good food, have a look at our list of Bukit Batok Food Spots For s – plenty of good spots there too.
Whole Earth
Even the most committed meat eaters I know have been won over by Whole Earth’s Penang Rendang. Here, thick slices of shiitake mushrooms take centre stage, braised in a piquant paste of kaffir lime, lemongrass, blue ginger and candlenut. It comes with olive rice and other plant-based Peranakan-Thai dishes that don’t feel like a compromise at all. The fact that it’s held a Bib Gourmand for years says plenty.
- Address: 76 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079331
- Phone: +65 6221 6583
- Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Website: Whole Earth
Bring your vegetarian friend who’s tired of being an afterthought, or simply come to reset your palate after too many heavy meals – it’s satisfying without the post-lunch lethargy.
Violet Oon Singapore
Violet Oon’s name is synonymous with Singapore Peranakan food done right, and her Beef Shin Rendang tells you why. Slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, the rendang gets its fragrance from kaffir and bay leaves in a creamy coconut sauce. Whether you’re at the Dempsey outpost with its colonial bungalow vibe or the grand National Kitchen by the Padang, the setting matches the polish of the food. The dry laksa is also worth ordering.
- Address: 7 Dempsey Road, #01-05, Singapore 249671 (also at ION Orchard and National Kitchen)
- Phone: +65 9834 9935
- Hours (Dempsey): Mon–Sun 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Website: Violet Oon Singapore
Perfect for a long lunch with friends when you want space and service that doesn’t hurry you, or for introducing overseas visitors to Peranakan flavours in style.
While you’re exploring Singapore’s food scene, our guide to the Finest Nasi Biryani in Singapore might lead you to your next favourite meal.
Rumah Makan Minang
For a taste of Minangkabau tradition, Rumah Makan Minang is a stalwart. They cook their beef rendang over charcoal, which gives it a deep smokiness and a tenderness you can’t easily replicate. Located in Jurong West, it’s a bit out of the way for some, but the Nasi Padang spread – ayam goreng bumbu, ikan bakar berempah, spiced vegetables – makes the trip worthwhile. The place is unpretentious, and you’ll likely be eating alongside families who’ve been coming for years.
- Address: 60 Jurong West Central 3, #01-05, Singapore 648346
- Phone: +65 6294 4805
- Hours: Mon–Sun 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Website: Rumah Makan Minang
A solid choice if you’re in the west, or just want a no-nonsense rendang that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Sabar Menanti
The name literally means ‘patiently wait’ in Malay, and that’s exactly what you might do at this North Bridge Road institution if you arrive at peak lunch hour. But the beef rendang – fork-tender in a thick, spicy gravy – rewards the wait. Sabar Menanti is all about Minangkabau food made from family recipes: the chicken rendang and asam pedas are just as essential. They open early at 7am, so even breakfast rendang is an option.
- Address: 719 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198687
- Phone: +65 6291 0109
- Hours: Tue–Sun 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed Mon
- Website: Sabar Menanti
Go with a group, order a few dishes to share, and soak in the nostalgic vibe. It’s a favourite among those who take their rendang seriously.
We keep these lists updated by hand. If you run something that fits, get in touch before the next revision.
How to choose
The right rendang for you depends on what you value most: occasion, dietary needs, or pure authenticity. If you’re marking a celebration, Candlenut and Violet Oon Singapore offer polished settings and refined rendang that feel like an event. For a vegetarian or health-conscious table, Whole Earth is the obvious pick – no one else here does plant-based rendang this well. Those in search of deeply traditional flavours should lean towards Hjh Maimunah, Rumah Makan Minang, or Sabar Menanti, where the Nasi Padang format lets you mix and match with other dishes. Price-wise, the Nasi Padang spots are generally lighter on the wallet while still delivering gentong-level satisfaction, but confirm with the business directly as prices can shift. Because rendang varies from dry-style to gravy-rich across these kitchens, you might also want to ask how each house cooks theirs before ordering.
| Restaurant | Rendang Style / Protein | Notable Features | Location | Price Signal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candlenut | Westholme Wagyu beef rib | Michelin-starred Peranakan | Dempsey Hill | Check with the business | Special occasions |
| The Blue Ginger | Beef, coconut milk, curry powder | Bib Gourmand, heritage shophouse | Tanjong Pagar | Check with the business | Date nights, family dinners |
| Hjh Maimunah | Beef, Nasi Padang spread | Bib Gourmand since 2018 | Jalan Pisang | Check with the business | Casual family meals |
| Whole Earth | Shiitake mushroom Penang Rendang | Plant-based, Bib Gourmand | Tanjong Pagar | Check with the business | Vegetarians, health-conscious |
| Violet Oon Singapore | Beef shin, kaffir and bay leaves | Halal Peranakan, multiple outlets | Dempsey, ION, National Kitchen | Check with the business | Special lunches, visitors |
| Rumah Makan Minang | Charcoal-cooked beef | Minangkabau Nasi Padang | Jurong West | Check with the business | Hearty meals, west-side |
| Sabar Menanti | Beef and chicken rendang | Open 7am, family recipes | North Bridge Road | Check with the business | Traditional group dining |
Summary
From the refined Wagyu rendang at Candlenut to the early-morning Nasi Padang at Sabar Menanti, Singapore’s rendang scene spans the spectrum of occasion and budget. Each of these seven spots brings its own history and technique to the dish, so you can taste your way through the city one fragrant spoonful at a time.
Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, details can change – always confirm directly with the business before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Which rendang restaurant in Singapore has a Michelin star?
Candlenut is the only one on this list with a Michelin star, and it’s actually the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
Where can I find vegetarian or plant-based rendang?
Whole Earth specialises in plant-based Peranakan-Thai food, with a Penang Rendang made from shiitake mushrooms.
Are all these rendang places halal-certified?
Violet Oon Singapore is noted for its halal Peranakan offerings. Hjh Maimunah, Rumah Makan Minang, and Sabar Menanti are also halal-friendly, but it’s best to check with the restaurant directly if you need specific certification. Whole Earth’s dishes are vegetarian. Candlenut and The Blue Ginger serve pork and alcohol, so do confirm with them if halal is a priority.
Which rendang place is most affordable?
Hjh Maimunah and Sabar Menanti offer Nasi Padang style where you pay for what you pick, making it easier to control your spending. For exact prices, check with the business.
I want a special-occasion dinner with great ambiance. Which one?
Candlenut or Violet Oon Singapore (especially the Dempsey or National Kitchen locations) both provide an elegant setting suitable for celebrations.
Can I eat rendang for breakfast in Singapore?
Sabar Menanti opens at 7am and serves rendang all day, so yes, you can have beef rendang for breakfast there.
