With history tracing back to between the 15th and 17th century in the Straits of Malacca, the Peranakan culture assimilates the best of the Chinese and Malay world. Feast on delicious Pai Tees, Ayam Buah Keluak and Ju Hu Char at some of the best Peranakan restaurants in town.

1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StraitsChineseKitchen?fref=ts">Little Heritage House Straits Chinese Kitchen</a>&nbsp;in Section 17, Petaling Jaya&nbsp;(halal)

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Affectionately known as LHH, this quaint little eatery in Section 17 is celebrated for its authentic culinary offerings along with a beautiful interior, filled with cultural heirlooms and little charms from the old days.

With a kitchen helmed by the owner's aunt of Baba-Nyonya heritage, the must-try dishes include the Nyonya fried rice, Sago Gula Melaka and Kerabu Sotong. Another plus point at this establishment is the No-MSG policy, so you can be assured of a memorable dining experience in LHH.

2. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldchina.my">Old China Cafe&nbsp;</a>in Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;(non-halal)

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One of the few nostalgia-evoking restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, Old China Cafe is filled with old world charm that has tourists coming in by the dozens. More than just a Instagram-worthy eatery, the food here is just as fantastic.

With a huge focus on meat and potatoes recipes, diners can expect rich flavours including roast pork curry, prawns cooked in pineapple laksa gravy and Nyonya-spiced chicken.

3. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tranquerah/233497760007021?sk=timeline">The Tranquerah</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Encorp Strand,&nbsp;Kota Damansara&nbsp;(pork-free)

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Named after the famous road in Malacca, The Tranquerah is a melting pot of the East and West that serves delicious Southern Nyonya cuisine. Helmed by Chef Mohamad Alif and his team that specialises in Nyonya cuisine, diners can expect some good 'ol flavours translated beautifully onto the plate.

One of the star dishes and must-try is the Nasi Kerabu, a lunch favourite that always sells out by early evening. But if you are there for dinner, then the Ayam Buah Keluak, Ayam Sioh and Itik Tim dishes are classic staples that will never fail to impress.

4. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Limapulo/749808208376244?fref=ts">Limapulo: Baba Can Cook&nbsp;at Jalan Doraisamy</a>, Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;(pork-free)

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Nestled in the famed Heritage Row, Limapulo is a great outlet for a scrumptious dinner before hitting the pubs and clubs in the surrounding area. Known for its famed Nyonya laksa, which sells out within an hour, you can expect a hefty crowd on most nights at Limapulo.

Laksa aside, there are plenty of other dishes to try (in case the laksa runs out) including Kiam Chye Ark and Sago Gula Melaka that will keep you on your toes all night long.

5. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restoran-Aunty-Nat-Sri-Hartamas/481354135306384">Aunty Nat</a> at Sri Hartamas (pork-free)&nbsp;

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Another matriarchal restaurant, a common trait in Peranakan culture, Aunty Nat is located on the quieter side of Hartamas. A hugely popular lunch and dinner joint, Aunty Nat's menu include Sambal Belacan fried rice, Marmite chicken and homemade otak-otak.

Sporting wooden benches and old pictures in minimalistic wooden frames, the decor at Aunty Nat combines both contemporary and heritage accents, just like its extensive menu that plays on both aspects to cater to different palates.

(Photos courtesy of respective restaurants)

UPDATE: This article has been updated on 26th May 2015 

(Editor's note: Pork-free or halal restaurants are as indicated in the following article)

Also don't miss out: Top 5 Malay restaurants with true local feel and taste in Kuala Lumpur

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