The Little Nyonya

Because of the highly rated drama The Little Nyonya (小娘惹), my mum like many, was hooked on TV for the past weeks. To relive the nyonya experience, I took her to Ivins for authentic peranakan food on her birthday last weekend.

As expected, the place was packed. We waited for 15mins before we were seated and that was after I reminded the waitress that I had made a reservation. It took another 40mins before the food was served. Nevertheless, I must say it was worth the wait. But by then, we were all famished and I didn't want to prolong everyone's agony and took a snapshot of each dish quickly before they were attacked.

My first visit to Ivins was ages ago when it was at the other end of Upper Thomson Road. It has since shifted to Jalan Leban which is further down the road, along with other restaurants. Limited parking lots but there's a carpark behind the hawker center not too far away.

The Curry Fish Head($13.20) was the highlight. Served in a claypot, it kept the the flavourful dish warm throughout our meal. The gravy was thick and the fish fresh.



The Ayam Buah Keluak($5.90) is not my favourite. The gravy tasted like peanut sauce which I don't prefer and the buah keluak(according to M) is an accquired taste. My mum, however, was digging into it literally.



The interesting thing about Peranakans is that they are allowed to eat pork even when they are originated from an intermarriage of Chinese and Malay.

"The Peranakans were partially assimilated into the Malay culture (especially in food, dress, and language), while retaining some Chinese traditions (religion, name, and ethnic identity), thereby creating a fusion culture of their own."

K told me it's because the marriage involved a Chinese royal family and they had the rights not to follow the book but set their own rules. I googled and couldn't find any fact to back this up. Can someone enlighten me?

Anyway, like the origin, the Babi Ponteh($4.90) is allegedly a very popular nyonya dish. Lean pork was stewed for hours with preserved bean paste. My niece loved this(and she's also a huge fan of The Little Nyonya).



The Lady's Fingers Sambal costs $3.20 for a really small plate. The good thing about small serving is that you can order a wide variety to share. Even when there's only two of you. It was by the way, very good.



Udang Goreng Assam($5.00), was not too sweet and just enough zest. MM loves the unique taste of the tangy tamarind sauce.



To complete your meal, there are also a good variety of decent desserts in small portion for only $1.20 a bowl. The Chendol was quickily sold out when we wanted to order another.


Gula Melaka Sago (Tapioca jelly bits served with coconut milk and brown sugar)


Buboh Cha Cha(Sweet potato and yam in sweet coconut syrup)

It's a totally different experience dining at Ivins compared to True Blue which is more upmarket. Authentic and unpretentious, if Ivins is not the best peranakan restaurant, it's definitely the most affordable. Go early because the Nasi Kuning(coconut-flavoured rice) and otah were sold out by 8pm.

Happy Birthday, Mum. Today is her birthday. :)


IVINS @ Jalan Leban
No. 2/4 Jalan Leban,
Upper Thomson Road
6451 4622
11 am to 9 pm (Lunch/Dinner)
Closed on Thursday

IVINS @ Binjai Park
19/21 Binjai Park Bukit TImah
64683060
11am-3pm (Lunch), 5pm-9pm (Dinner)
Closed on Thursday