The Blue Ginger: Singapore’s Hidden Gem for Intimate Weddings

The Blue Ginger is hands down the most underrated hidden gem when it comes to wedding venues in Singapore. Tucked away in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, the Peranakan restaurant is housed in a beautifully-restored, three-storey charming shophouse. And here's the kicker—they were listed in the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award not once, but SIX times, including the most recent in 2024!

Naturally, when Bridely received an invite to taste-test their wedding menu, we absolutely couldn’t resist. Spoiler alert: it’s an absolute foodie’s dream come true, and your wedding guests will be talking about the food for years to come.

A Private, Cosy Atmosphere 

This place is charming in all the right ways. With three storeys to choose from, you can book out the entire restaurant or any of the floors just for your wedding. Yes, you heard that right—an entire floor with a private entrance, so your guests won’t have to awkwardly shuffle through the main dining crowd to get to your wedding. 

Many smaller restaurant weddings we’ve attended felt like a family reunion mixed with a game of "is that a wedding guest or a customer here for lunch?" But not here! The Blue Ginger's setup lets your wedding stay private and classy without sharing the space with random diners.

The décor is full of Peranakan flair, with intricate table runners, stained glass windows, and soft lighting that’s perfect for an intimate wedding. The vibe is all about cosy elegance, making it perfect for couples who want a laid-back wedding without sacrificing the charm and vibes.

The Food (AKA the Real Star of the Show)

Can Peranakan food really hold its own at a wedding? The answer is a resounding YES. The family-style service also gives you that cosy, everyone-digs-in feeling, and the round tables make sure every guest at the table is part of the conversation, so you can enjoy the juicy family gossip and the juicy rendang all at once!

The Appetisers

Let’s start with the Nyonya Archar. This isn’t just pickled vegetables—it’s a zesty, tangy explosion of citrus and juiciness. Perfect as a palate opener.

Next up, the Ngo Heong - minced pork and prawns seasoned with five-spice powder wrapped and fried to crispy, golden brown. If you’ve had it before, throw those memories out the window because this one sets a new standard. Juicy, tender, with a beancurd skin so flavorful that might “accidentally” take a second piece and leave another guest without one. And here’s the best part—it’s not oily at all!

Gado Gado fans, you’re in for a treat too. Blanched vegetables tossed with beancurd, boiled eggs, and potatoes, the peanut sauce strikes the perfect balance—light, not too sticky, and a great pairing with crunchy crackers.

But the winner has to be the Kueh Pie Tee – shredded bamboo shoots and turnips garnished with shrimps in pie tee cups. It was such a burst of flavours: juicy, savoury, and a little zing from the chilli sauce. I’m giving it an 11 out of 10. Fight me on this. 

The Mains

Now for the heavy-hitters. Chap Chye Masak Titek is a mixed vegetable dish prepared in a tasty prawn stock. It is a bit on the sweeter side, with a strong hei bi (dried shrimp) flavour. It’s great if you’re into that complex, savoury-sweet contrast.

The Ikan Masak Assam Gulai was next-level. The snapper fillets were simmered in spicy tamarind gravy flavoured with lemongrass. The sauce had so many layers of flavours, balancing sweet, sour, and spicy all at once. The only critique? Some of the thicker cuts of fish could’ve marinated a bit longer, so if you’re reading this blog, shoot for the smaller pieces before the other guests take them!

On to the Udang Goreng Tauyu Lada—fresh tiger prawns sauteed with black pepper and sweet dark soya sauce. Honestly, it was my second favourite after the assam fish. The prawns were super juicy! Absolutely divine.

The Ayam Buah Keluak? Chef’s kiss. This dish had us fighting over the last piece. The chicken was perfectly marinated, and the rich, flavorful sauce was just mwah.

If you’re an eggplant fan, the Terong Goreng Cili will bring you joy and tears. It’s spicy - not gonna lie - but it’s the kind of heat that makes you want more. The eggplant was also cooked to perfection: soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and drenched in a mouth-watering sauce.

Last but not least, Beef Rendang. It was fragrant, tender, with a hint of coconut and just the right amount of spice. A few uneven chunks aside, it was a hit.

Dessert

A choice between chendol and durian chendol. If you’re a durian lover, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. The durian chendol is a creamy, indulgent dream, perfectly blending with the icy, sweet chendol. For those who might be durian-shy, the classic chendol still delivers all the refreshing, coconut-ty goodness you expect.

Will Traditional Parents Accept Peranakan Cuisine At Your Wedding?
Ours said YES!

Here’s the thing: before the tasting, our parents, who insisted on serving Chinese food at our wedding, were worried that the spicy and sour nature of Nyonya cooking might not sit well with some guests. They joined us at the tasting, and after the delicious meal, their minds had changed. The spiciness here is toned down, and the flavour profiles are so well-rounded that they gave their nod of approval.

In fact, our parents admitted they’re bored of traditional Chinese food served at weddings. They’ve attended so many Chinese banquets that the idea of a flavorful Peranakan menu was a refreshing change. So if you’ve got some picky elders on the guest list, don’t fret—The Blue Ginger’s got you covered.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Spot For Their Wedding?

1. For the “Ballrooms-Are-So-Over” Couple

If paying a hefty fee for chandeliers and grand ballrooms isn’t really your thing, The Blue Ginger is your perfect match. Here, you don’t need to fuss over entertaining your guests with wedding games and no unnecessary fog machines—just focus on having a good time mingling with your close friends and families.

2. For the “Less Is More” Lovers

This is the spot for couples who want an intimate wedding in a super cosy setting with only a minimum of 30 pax. The team at the Blue Ginger will also set up the space with personalised decorations and unique themes from which you can choose.

3. For the Foodie Couple

If you're a couple who cares about quality dining and a charming atmosphere, skip the ballroom and head straight to this hidden gem in Tanjong Pagar. Your guests will be raving about the Michelin Bib Gourmand-worthy Peranakan dishes for years (and so will you). 

4. For the Budget-Conscious Bride

Weddings can get crazy expensive, but The Blue Ginger lets you throw an amazing wedding party without breaking the bank. With prices starting at just $120 per person (compared to the average $300 elsewhere), you can feed your guests and still have money left for, well, life after the wedding. 

5. For Couples Looking For a Lunch Spot After Their Church Wedding

Couples who have a massive crowd for their church wedding but will be having a simple lunch or dinner affair with their families – look no further! With private dining spaces and an intimate vibe, you can enjoy your post-wedding meal without random diners crashing the party.

So, if you’re interested, check out The Blue Ginger’s reviews and send an inquiry through Bridely to score a FREE BOTTLE of wine (for every 10 pax). Cheers!

Bridely.sg is Singapore’s only wedding review site and the largest wedding venue and vendor directory. You can read reviews written by graduated couples and their guests!