8-Hands for Candlenut's 8 years

Nestled away in the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Candlenut's redefines elegant dining and brings Peranakan cuisine to a while new gastronomic level. By infusing Straits-Chinese food with contemporary flavours, Candlenuts earned its well-deserved recognition as the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.

To make its 8th anniversary celebration, with the theme "8 years 8 Hands", Chef Malcom Lee invited three of his chef friends, Willin Low of Wild Rocket, Wayne Liew of KEK Seafood and Andrei Soen of Park Bench Deli to share their creations at the lavish eight-hands cocktail party.

Candlenut hosted he celebration for more than 100 guests on 11 April 2018, as its expansive venue located on Dempsey Road. It was a night of thanksgiving for Chef Malcolm Lee, as he reminisced the early days of Candlenut when he and his mother used to sleep above the restaurant as it was too expensive to take a taxi home past midnight.

That night was an opportunity to offer family and friends some of the best specialities each chef had to offer. Highlights were KEK Seafood's Handmade Krispy Yam Prawn, with its light yam coating retained its crispiness even after being left to wait on the table as we worked out way through the satay first.

The luxe satay came in 3 forms, Snake River Farm Kurobuta Pork, NZ Maori Lakes Lamb Neck, and GG French Poulet Chicken. The meat, especially the lamb, was tender and flavourful.

The taste of buah keluak is not that far off from dark chocolate, rich but not cloying, so its constitution would make perfect sense. The bed of salted caramel and chocolate crumble made for a sumptuous experience.

Despite the cocktail reception setting, the food presentation was thoughtful and arranged such that guests can enjoy each of the dishes prepared by the various chefs. The staff were attentive and knowledgable about the food. This being my initial foray into Peranakan cuisine, was largely insightful and I'm inspired to return for a proper meal the next time round.

Candlenut

17A Dempsey Road,

S(249676)

t: 1800 304 2288

Reservation: comodempsey.sg

Operating Hours:

Sun - Thurs : 12 - 3pm; 6 - 10pm

Fri - Sat: 12 - 3pm; 6 - 11pm

Written and photographed by Denise, a heritage researcher who enjoys organising weekend food trips in Singapore and around the region, for both colleagues and friends alike.