It was actually my brother who told me I had to try Nya Nya’s Mee Siam because he mentioned it reminded him of our Ah-ma’s cooking.
I used to spend a lot of time helping my Ah-ma in the kitchen when I was young, specifically when she was prepping the rempah for her Mee Siam, so I went in with some fairly specific expectations.
Nya Nya at Level 4 of Wisma Atria (Food Republic side) is a modern extension of the well-loved Nonya Delicatessen, which was established by Madam Lilian Tan at Bukit Timah Plaza back in 1980.
While the original kiosk focused on a “bibik-approved” home-cooked style, Nya Nya represents the third generation of the family taking the reins.
The name itself carries a literal meaning: “Nya” translates to “mother” in the Peranakan (Baba) language, chosen to honour the matriarchal roots of the family’s heritage and recipes.
The menu centres on Peranakan staples, all anchored by house-made rempah (spice paste) and family secrets.
You can find dishes such as Nasi Kunyit ($8.90), Chicken Rendang ($8.90), Ayam Tempra ($8.90), Curry Noodles with Chicken ($8.90), Curry Noodles Vegetarian ($6.90), Nasi Lemak ($7.90), Nonya Laksa ($6.90), Mee Siam ($6.90) and Mee Rebus ($6.90).
Okay, the moment of truth…
I found that the Mee Siam ($6.90), served with thin rice vermicelli, tau pok and a hard-boiled egg, did remind me slightly of Ah-ma’s version.
Perhaps 70% of the way there in terms of that specific tamarind balance (brought me back some memories, so I need to thank my brother and the Nya Nya team for that).
It had that assam-tanginess in the gravy that provided the necessary acidity to cut through the spice.
Not bad actually, and I would want to have this again.
Another recommended dish was the Nasi Kunyit ($8.90) which had coconut milk-infused turmeric rice paired with a chicken curry based on a 46-year-old family recipe.
While the rice could occasionally be a bit clumpy, the chicken leg was succulent and the curry carried a robust, earthy flavour from the fresh turmeric.
For those who prefer noodles, the Nonya Laksa ($6.90) offers a coconut-based broth that leans more toward a spicy-creamy balance.
Quite a number of customers can be seen ordering their Handmade Kuehs and desserts.
They include Ubi Bakar Baked Tapioca ($1.50), Ubi Kayu Steamed Tapioca ($1.50), Kueh Salat ($1.50) and Kueh Koswee or Kueh Pandan ($1.50).
For those who cannot make it to town, Nya Nya has also opened a new outlet at Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Food Republic Mandai), which will be run primarily by the family’s younger generation.
Nya Nya
Wisma Atria #04-02, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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