Ben’s Kitchen : A Rare Indonesian Chinese Culinary Find in Singapore

If you are a pork enthusiast, you will love Ben's Kitchen.

Ben’s Kitchen is a cosy spot along Tanjong Katong Road serving authentic Chinese‑Indonesian dishes with a Balinese twist.

THE PLACE

From the outside, Ben’s Kitchen doesn’t give off the usual restaurant vibe. Instead, with its high tables and chairs, it feels more like a tavern.

Step in and it’s a different story, cosy, warm and welcoming. We sat by the window, watching the steady stream of pedestrians and cars pass by, and oddly enough, it gave off a Bali café feel.

THE FOOD
Nasi Campur Babi Guling

This Chinese‑Indonesian platter is a Balinese pork feast for one. It comes with crispy‑skinned babi guling, roasted pork, smoky sate babi (pork satay), crunchy crackling, a variety of side dishes, plus fresh and pickled vegetables. Served with white or turmeric rice, it’s a complete meal on its own.

Samcan Babi Bali

The roast pork belly was beautifully seasoned, with skin so crisp it crackled on every bite.

Rendang Ayam

Rich, aromatic and tender, this chicken rendang was cooked to perfection, with spices that lingered but didn’t overpower.

VERDICT
It’s rare to see pork feature so prominently on an Indonesian restaurant menu, and at Ben’s Kitchen, it takes centre stage. We had our eyes on the full Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig) at $65.80, but it felt a little steep for two. Still, the dishes we tried were excellent and worth the trip.

The restaurant is owned by Chef Ben Chia, formerly of Kota88, which was the first to introduce Chinese-Indonesian cuisine to Singapore. With his experience, the food here delivers both authenticity and quality. 

If you’re craving bold flavours and something a little different from your usual dining routine, Ben’s Kitchen is a solid pick.