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Candlenut Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Candlenut Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Candlenut Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Candlenut Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Candlenut Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Candlenut Singapore

4.3
4.3
515 Reviews
$70 and over
Asian
Top Tags:
The world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut takes a contemporary yet authentic approach to traditional Straits-Chinese cuisine. The restaurant serves up refined Peranakan cuisine that preserves the essence and complexities of traditional food, with astute twists that lift the often rich dishes to a different level. Helmed by chef Malcolm Lee, Candlenut is committed to continually create inspired and elevated Peranakan dishes using the freshest seasonal produce available.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $70 and over
  • Cuisines
    Asian
  • Hours of operation
    LUNCH, MON – SUN 12:00PM – 3:00PM (Last seating 2:30PM) DINNER, SUN – THU 6:00PM – 10:00PM (Last seating 9:30PM) DINNER, FRI, SAT AND EVE OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 6:00PM – 11:00PM (Last seating 10:30PM)
  • Phone number
    1800 304 2288
  • Website
    http://www.comodempsey.sg/candlenut
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Malcolm Lee
  • Location
    17A Dempsey Road, Singapore, Singapore 249676
  • Neighborhood
    Tanglin
  • Parking details
    Free Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 515 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Quiet

515 Reviews

  1. JohnH

    Melbourne

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was the third time I have eaten at Candlenut. I will be coming back for more. I will work my way through the menu, although I am only in Singapore twice a year.

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  2. MelindaW

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our night was made all the more special by the wonderful Felix who could not have been more attentive, accomodating and professional.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    The service was not great. When asked if I could switch out my drink for wine after I had one sip because I didn’t like it, the manager had to get involved and was told that they would make an exception this time around to switch but they don’t do that. It sounded like they were doing me a favor when in fact if they did not switch then I would just send the drink back and remove from bill. If I don’t like it, I will send it back. This was not good to start off my evening meal and from there on I just had a negative view of the restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. Wonywon

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Very nice Peranakan cuisine served. Rather unprofessional serving as a Michelin starred dining place. I had the Ah-Makase course menu for lunch (88 S$ tax and service charge excluded) and the main menus such as beef rendang and crab meat curry were outstanding. Every taste and flavour of the main dishes were nicely balanced. Yet the appetizers were definitely below my expectation. The organization of the course meal was rather unsatisfactory. I would recommend a la carte menus rather than the course menu.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Hila

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! Felix our waiter was amazing!!! We had lovely time, got explanations and family heritage stories that really touched us. Chef also went outside to chat, eventually got a sign menu from him and his staff. Great experience. Greater people. Amazing food. Thank you Candlenut

    1 person found this helpful

  6. JinIsShin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly, courteous service, great ambience and novel flavours. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. KarenB

    Tokyo

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice and friendly staff. Food is great and very authentic! Will definitely come back

    1 person found this helpful

  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceeded expectations especially with the ease of use of the website booking, food and table service was fantastic. Received excellent recommendations for the two white wines that were recommended (Sauvignon blanc & Riesling). Ordered the following items and were (absolutely impressed with those with *), Ngoh Hiang*, Kueh pie tee, Chap chye*, Ikan assam pedas*, buah keluak fried rice* and ikan bakar*.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. KeithG

    Hong Kong

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Expensive- $100+ per person - and small portions of food. Ambience- plain and too simple. Hardly Michelin star quality. Not impressed

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Cigar69

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a four hands dinner between Candlenut and Sarsa from Philippines. Food was excellent. Served at the right temperature. Good eye for details and more importantly, very delicious. Server was very warm and attentive . Chefs came to speak to all diners and that helped us understand what they were trying to achieve. Can’t wait for the next one

    1 person found this helpful

  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I love the relaxed feel of this place . Service was well-timed and friendly, wines were affordable."

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  12. Rooo

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Nothing special and not worthy of a Michelin star. Food was ok but had expected much more.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. HaridassK

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The best pernakan food in Singapore and truly deserves its 1 star . Attentive service with efficiency and smile . The ambience setting is excellent .

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  14. JennyR25068

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great place for date, celebration. lovely interior with delicate Paranakan foods - excellent

    1 person found this helpful

  15. PARK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is great. But little bit expensive. I know that this quality's food have very expensive. But I think low price is better.

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  16. Yoohoo87

    London

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2019

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    Was not seated at a good table though there were many empty tables around. Service could be improved with explanation of every dish.

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  17. DeniseM

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Underwhelmed. We were expecting better but perhaps we aren’t the best critiquers with two adolescents in tow, portions and food were not to their liking.

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  18. AlanW

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food and service - would recommend the set menu. A must try if you are in Singapore. Aircon was a little cold and the Wine by the Glass selection is too limited - but didn't detract from an enjoyable experience.

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  19. DaMa

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We really loved the atmosphere at Candlenut. It was very relaxed but also fresh! We loved the Rendang the most and the Desserts as the Durian Puree was soo yummie!!

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  20. JuyounhP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I hardly recognized any food on the menu yet regardless how unfamiliar they sounded, they were scrumptious. Servers were very friendly as well.

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  21. GeoffA

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful little gem of a place. Service was really friendly and food was interesting and approachable. Very well done.

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  22. HeatherS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fine dining in Singapore is expensive, and Candlenut is no exception. However, the exceptional quality of the food experience at Candlenut makes the meal memorable and well worth the 'investment'. The restaurant provides a clean, fresh environment, with character and ambiance without clutter or noise. The service is genuinely warm and friendly, but significantly it is also knowledgable and informative, a particularly useful feature for diners not familiar with Straits-Chinese cuisine. Whilst wine choices were mostly expensive, we were served an excellent and well-priced chardonnay, which did compliment the meal (as recommended by the waiter). The food, however, was (as should be) the highlight of the experience. We took advantage of the special lunchtime tasting menu, known as Ah-Ma-Kase to explore Peranakan cuisine. The dishes served were beautifully chosen to provide diversity in ingredients, cooking style, and presentation, and included a variety of meats and seafoods each with different herbs and spices. n every case the flavours were exquisite: distinctive, clean, fragrant and lasting. Portion-sizes were perfect allowing flavours and textures to be revisited several times, but without overloading the palate or appetite. As a food experience Candlenut is exceptional, and I recommend it to food interested people without reservation.

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  23. Josh

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting menu is a great introduction to this unique cuisine

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  24. NanthiyaD

    Hong Kong

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Peranakan food I’ve tasted.

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  25. AmyT

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall3food5service5ambience5
    It’s way overpriced. Portions are Super small good enough for 2 person only. Kueh Pie Tee is at $5 each! Rather ridiculous

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  26. Eltschinger

    Manchester

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It was a total new experience! Great service, great food . We choose the Ah-ma-kase menu! Awesome The wine was also fine: Chateau Musar

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  27. JoshJ

    Hawaii

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious flavors. Whimsical decor. Can't wait to return!

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  28. IreneC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Nice peranakan food in a beautiful space! Food is great but portions are small.

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  29. RichardL

    West Palm Beach

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Good food. Inconsistent service for a Michelin starred restaurant.

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  30. LawrenceL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent food. Only issue was the crab curry was too salty. Noisy group of expats sitting next to us but could possible be quieter normally. Service people called to inform that seat timing is short (less than 2 hours, not a problem) but I could not pick up, could have sent a message.

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  31. ChiliMan

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great spot for lunch or dinner - we chose the a la carte - fish and rendang 10/10. The room photo's on the website don't do it justice - it is a lovely space. The staff were very friendly and attentive.

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  32. JosephS

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great place. Tasting menu is a great experience

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  33. JovitaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Went there for a birthday treat to my bf, would have been nice if they gave us a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy. But nonetheless, it was a nice expeerience. Food was nice! the staff Chloe really took care of us and it was a nice night!

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  34. EM11

    Kyoto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful experience -- we loved the ambience, refined Peranakan fare, and the sparkling rosé sake which was superb!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Singapore

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were very helpful and informative. They all seemed genuinely happy to be there.

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  36. VenesaW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2019

    overall3food1service4ambience4
    For the amount charged, i was expecting much better food

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, service fantastic! Great dining experience.

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  38. JessicaL

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2019

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    We were actually really disappointed with our evening at candlenut. Firstly, the service was terrible. We were sat down and left for 15 minutes before we were able to flag someone down and say we were ready to order. We then asked for water (as no drinks had been brought in the time we were waiting), and the waiter then immediately walked off to get water without letting us finish ordering. He then poured the water and walked off before we could order food so we had to flag him down again to order food. Once the mains arrived, we had to ask them to clear the table after we had finished and sat with plates on the table for 15 minutes. Not professional at all and very abrupt/unhelpful. I was told a vegetarian menu would be on offer, which it is, but they are unable to offer a vegetarian tasting menu which is a shame. Overall, the food was fine but we were surprised the place has a Michelin star in light of the service and OK food. Will not be returning or recommending.

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  39. SeldeFleur

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Very friendly service with good advise on dishes. Generous to give us some taste bites of another dish which we could not order as it was too much for 2 already.

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  40. Wesleyburnslovesfoodx

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2019

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    Overated I have had better food of this kind in Singapore. Don't go!

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FAQs

Candlenut Singapore is rated 4.3 stars by 515 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Candlenut Singapore

17A Dempsey Road, Singapore, Singapore 249676

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Tanglin
  • Hours of operation
    LUNCH, MON – SUN 12:00PM – 3:00PM (Last seating 2:30PM) DINNER, SUN – THU 6:00PM – 10:00PM (Last seating 9:30PM) DINNER, FRI, SAT AND EVE OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 6:00PM – 11:00PM (Last seating 10:30PM)
  • Price
    $70 and over
  • Cuisines
    Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Free Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Malcolm Lee
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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