Ivins Peranakan – Consistent Restaurant in Bukit Timah

Ivins Peranakan restaurant in Binjai Park, Bukit Timah is a place where time seems to have stood still for decades. The restaurant looks the same. And so does the menu, except the prices (which we shall discuss later).

Yesterday Once More

In the Lion City where things change so quickly, restaurants come and go. It is nice to have a restaurant that remains the same. Ivins Peranakan has been at its Binjai Park location for decades. It is on the ground floor of a block of low rise apartments in the middle of a residential estate. Many of its neighbours have changed. There is now a small NTUC Fairprice Express and a trendy wine shop in the same row. But Ivins remains the same. You can compare the recent 2022 pictures in this post with those in our 2014 visit.

Ivins Peranakan Menu

The Ivins menu also looks unchanged. On closer examination, there are slight changes in the items. But most of dishes in the 2014 menu are still there. Prices seem to have increased by about 20% between 2014 and now. Twenty percent is a lot, but considering the steep inflation in Singapore and the COVID revenge dining environment, it is not unreasonable.

Peranakan Lunch in Bukit Timah

Here are photos of our recent lunch at Ivins Peranakan. Beef rendang ($7.50), sotong chilli ($7.20), ladies’ fingers sambal ($5.50), ikan assam pedas (snapper fillet in tamarind gravy, $8) and nasi kuning (yellow rice, $1.20 each).

The squid and ladies fingers were cooked just right. The slightly spicy flavour was also perfect for us.

Served in small portions, the dishes are good for those dining in small groups. This allows a variety of dishes to be ordered even when dining in a group of 2 or 3 persons.

The fish and beef cooked in gravy were served very hot in well-seasoned claypots. The food presentation also looked the same a decade ago. In this instance, the food was enjoyable as always. Perhaps the fish could be fresher. But that was rescued by the deliciously tangy flavour of the tamarind, which is also said to have good health properties.

Overall, IVINS is still a good Nyonya food place in Bukit Timah. The dishes may not use expensive ingredients or win Michelin stars, but it is nice to have a predictable and affordable Peranakan restaurant to go in the midst of many changes in the Singapore dining scene.

Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 3
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 3 TOPs

IVINS Peranakan Restaurant
19/21 Binjai Park
Singapore 589827 

Opening Hours: 11 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 9 pm
Closed on Thursdays

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The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog