Chilli Manis: From Zero to Singapore's 4.8-Star Caterer in 7 Years
A Dream Built on Grit, Faith & Peranakan Heart
Launched in 2018 as a niche Peranakan catering concept, Chilli Manis was a bold experiment within its investor group. Managing Director Benjamin Seow, inspired by his mother, Madam Serene Hoh's decades of Nyonya culinary wisdom, became the driving force behind the brand's vision.
'We started from absolute zero,' Benjamin shares. 'Everything—from menus to props—was built in-house. With no clients or reputation, morale was low. Every order felt like a miracle.' After a grueling first year, signs of progress began to show—only for COVID-19 to bring everything to a halt. 'Our growing momentum vanished overnight,' Benjamin recalls. 'But we saw it as a chance to focus on what truly mattered.'
With events on pause, the team turned inward. Every member—from chefs to delivery staff—underwent training in what would become their non-negotiable standard: True Peranakan hospitality goes beyond food—it's about warmth, care, and treating every guest like family. 'When the industry rebounded, we weren't just ready with recipes—we were ready with heart,' Benjamin adds.
Celebrating SG60 with Chilli Manis
In celebration of this milestone and Singapore's 60th National Day (SG60), Chilli Manis Catering is offering two heartfelt promotions:
• $60 Off First Order. Enjoy $60 off your first order with promo code MANISSG60 (Min. $600 menu spend, valid for Full or Mini Buffet orders). Valid until 21 August 2025.
• National Day Baby Giveaway
• Six eligible individuals born on 9 August will be gifted a buffet worth $660.
• To participate, those born on:
• 9 August 1965, 9 August 2025, or 9 August (any year)
• Follow @chillimanis on Instagram and send a DM with their birthdate.
• Campaign Period: 16 June – 17 August 2025, 11:59 PM.
• For full details, visit @chillimanis on Instagram.
These run from 16 June to 17 August 2025. For full details and terms, refer to @chillimanis' post on Instagram.
What Makes Us 'Best' - The People Who Believe in Us
What defines the best food caterer? For some, it's recognition. For others, it's the memories created around a shared meal. At Chilli Manis, it's both—and more.
In 2024, Chilli Manis was honoured as Singapore's Most Popular Promising Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Awards (SPBA)—a milestone that reflects their deep respect for tradition, keen eye for detail, and unwavering commitment to innovation.
They are also Singapore's highest-rated caterer on Google, with a 4.8-star rating from over 1,300 reviews. Customers often praise the brand's authentic Peranakan flavours, elegant presentation, and a hospitality that feels like home.
'We began with a modest kitchen and big dreams,' Benjamin reflects. 'Today, we're living proof that when you pour heart into every dish and care into every event, success follows naturally. But our greatest reward isn't the awards—it's seeing first-time customers become regulars, and regulars become like family.'
Visit the website for full menus, bookings, and more on its comprehensive offerings — including popular halal catering buffet Singapore options, extensive Peranakan food catering, and specialised dessert tables.
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