BabaGabra Reviews: GODMAMA - Modern Peranakan Cuisine

Apa khabair, suma! Baba Gabra here—today, we’re excited to share our experience at GODMAMA, a modern Peranakan restaurant that really caught our attention. You know, we’ve always been curious (and a little skeptical) about modern takes on Nyonya cuisine.

 But honestly, GODMAMA surprised us in the best way. 🌸

First Impressions: A Fresh Take on Peranakan Dining

When we walked in, the vibe was nothing like the traditional Peranakan restaurants we grew up with. From the outside, you wouldn’t even guess this place serves Nyonya food—it’s all sleek and modern, with none of the usual antique furniture or batik decor. But "tak apa lah," the change felt fresh and inviting. It’s clear that GODMAMA is designed to appeal to a new generation, and we were excited to see what they had to offer.

The Menu: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The menu was a fantastic mix of “laok dulu kala sama laok modern jugak.” We love how they respected the timeless Peranakan recipes while also offering playful, creative twists.

• The Classics We Loved: We tried the Ayam Buah Keluak, and the gravy—oh wow—was absolutely chukop rasa! Rich, earthy, and full of flavor from the rempah (spice paste). But… they only gave us one buah keluak nut! "Satu bijik mana chukop?," right? Still, we scraped up every last drop of that amazing gravy.The Chap Chye (stewed vegetables) was another standout—soft, flavorful, and comforting, just like the ones we enjoy at home during festive meals. And the Beef Rendang? Iit was tender, packed with flavor, and melted in our mouths. Definitely one of the best rendangs we’ve had recently.

• The Modern Creations: We couldn’t resist the Buah Keluak Pasta, which is quickly becoming our favourite in modern Peranakan dining. At first, we were skeptical—buah keluak with pasta? But after a few bites, it started to grow on us. If you enjoy bold, savoury flavors with a hint of spice, this dish is definitely worth a try.

Beautiful Presentation & Pairings

We also loved the thoughtful touches, like the butterfly pea rice, which added a beautiful pop of blue to the plate. It’s not just visually stunning—it pairs so well with the rich, complex flavours of the dishes as rice does. And the Sambal Nanas Timon? What a surprise! The sweet-tangy-spicy combination of pineapple and cucumber sambal was so refreshing and paired perfectly with the rest of the meal.

Even the drinks were creative and fun, perfectly complementing the dishes.

The Price: Why It’s Worth It

We know some people might balk at the price of Peranakan food, but here’s the thing—it’s worth it.  

The amount of effort that goes into preparing dishes like rendang or buah keluak is incredible. Everything from pounding the rempah to slow-cooking the dishes takes time, patience, and skill. This isn’t fast food—it’s a labor of love. So while the bill might have been on the higher side, we understand why, and we left feeling it was money well spent.

Our Overall Thoughts

We truly enjoyed our experience at GODMAMA. It’s the kind of place where tradition meets innovation, making it a great option for introducing friends and family to Nyonya cuisine. Whether you’re craving something classic, like Ayam Buah Keluak or Chap Chye, or want to try something adventurous, like Buah Keluak Pasta, there’s something for everyone.

Would We Go Back? Absolutely!

If you’re looking for a place that offers “laok laok Nyonya mia modern,” GODMAMA is worth a visit. The food is flavorful, the vibe is warm, and the creativity in the menu is impressive. Plus, they have another branch at Parkway Parade, so it’s super convenient for a second visit (or a third)!

Kamsiah for reading this food review! Let us know if you’ve tried GODMAMA or have your own Peranakan makan stories to share. Until next time—Kalu suka kita mia konten Baba Nyonya, jangan lupa ikot Babagabra! 🌺🍴

GODMAMA

Funan, #04-07

107  North Bridge Road

Singapore 179097

+65 6970 0828

Parkway Parade, #01-69A

80 Marine Parade Rd

Singapore 449269

+65 6320 3994