The nondescript location, tucked away behind Orchard Parade Hotel, hasn’t stopped regulars from coming back. Grandma’s was opened in late 2008 by the same folk who run the popular Akashi Japanese Restaurant. Boldly flavoured Malaysian and Singaporean favourites are whipped up by chef Yong Shang Hoo, formerly of KL’s Madam Kwan, and famous for his nasi lemak speciality. Yong’s version here is equally well executed. You’ll find chicken curry perfumed with rich coconut milk, sambal ikan bilis (fried dried anchovies), shrimp floss, egg and achar (pickles), all sharing the plate with the coconut-infused rice. Other standout dishes include juicy assam prawns, bound with a punchy sauce and heaps of onions and chilli; beyond-tender beef rendang balanced with aromatic spices; and wokfragrant char kway teow. You can round off the meal with chendol or sago gula melaka. Both treats were laced with the thick home-made palm sugar syrup and freshly squeezed coconut milk.
Main courses $3.80-$28.80