Charlie’s Peranakan Food

We didn't order their more popular Ayam Buah Keluak or Babi Keluak Tulang. Instead, we had the beef rendang and ayam rendang. Although both are rendang dishes, they were cooked completely differently. The beef was close to the rendang we're used to—cooked to a melt-in-the-mouth degree—but it was a bit too gluey for my liking. The chicken rendang resembled chicken curry in appearance. Its thick gravy seemed like it would pair well with bread. The achar was less flavourful than usual. Overall, a decent meal.

Affordable and good Peranakan food in Singapore. Had the ayam rendang, sambal kangkong, and achar. Like your aunt's homemade meal she makes for you when you visit. The achar wasn't the pre-made stuff that most shops either, but seemed home-made. The owners were cordial despite being very busy. Had a great time here.

Food was amazing. I had the Buah Keluar, Beef Rendang, Chap Chye and Achar. All of the food was amazingly good. Had to order another plate of rice. Auntie was very friendly and will introduce the nyonya specialties. Also came to check in on us regarding the food quality for feedback. Highly recommend.

Highly recommended - the food is absolutely amazing and it’s so reasonably priced – we had Ayam Buah Keluak, Beef Rendang, Sotong Sambal, Chap Chye and 2 rice, all for just $45. If you know Peranakan food, you’ll know that a single buah keluak dish at a restaurant outside would already cost much more because of how much effort goes into making it. The beef rendang is my favourite – super tender and full of flavour. But honestly, the highlight of the whole experience is the sweetest auntie and uncle who run the stall. Auntie was so thoughtful, even gave us containers to pack our leftovers and refused to take any money for them. You can just tell they’re doing this not for profit, but because they genuinely love sharing their cuisine 🥹❤️ I’ll cry when they retire. Please support them while you still can – they’re a treasure.

Food is flavourful and tasty, and prices are moderate, but the portion is on the smaller side. The buah keluak is served rawon style, and yet the dish is still served with the keluak flesh, which is great. Beef rendang is also nice and tender, with a good amount of meat-to-tendon ratio served in a rich coconut gravy. Would also recommend the Lo Kai Yik if you haven't tried it before as Charlie's is one of the few hawker stalls that still sell it. Overall, it is always a pleasant experience eating here. The only gripe is that service can sometimes be a little too friendly when I'm trying to order more food than what they're used to serving per head, given that their portions aren't the largest.