A Siglap neighbourhood favourite, especially with families and couples, for as long as anyone can remember, Baba Inn has all the hallmarks of a great Peranakan joint, including incredibly dour and bo-chap service. Question: ‘Is the assam sotong nice?’ Answer: ‘It is if you like it.’ Happily, we do, the hit of assam a vinegary foil for the fried, salty and lemongrass-scented squid. The ngo hiang is among the best in town, its crackly beancurd skin delicately wrapped around a juicy, meaty interior. And for pure joy, it’s hard to beat white rice with hard-boiled eggs blanketed with a pungent, tongue-tingling sambal, paired with the rich, sharp acidity of the spicy prawn and pineapple soup.