How to Experience Peranakan Culture in Singapore

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The Peranakan culture is a melding of Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions. This beautiful melding of cultures has resulted in fascinating traditions, mouth-watering cuisine and an eye-catching aesthetic. From intricate embroidery to architectural gems, here’s how to experience Peranakan culture in Singapore.

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Introducing the Peranakans

The Peranakan culture evolved from foreign traders settling in Southeast Asia between the 14^th and 19^th centuries. This occurred particularly in major ports such as Singapore, Sumatra, Penang and Malacca. Here they married local women and the new generation born of these unions were known as Peranakan, meaning “locally-born” in the Malay language of Bahasa Melayu.

While there are various smaller sub-groups of the culture, determined by where the traders originated (some came from India and Europe), the dominant group are the Chinese Peranakans. Peranakan culture therefore largely draws from Malay and Chinese influences, combining them into a unique blend of rich tradition.

Nyonyaware

Peranakan cuisine is a fantastic fusion reflective of its originators’ ethnic diversity. Dishes are often complex and time consuming to prepare. Day to day, the Peranakans ate from common blue and white porcelain dishes. For special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and new year celebrations, food was served on Nyonyaware. Nyonya is the term used for Peranakan women. They preferred porcelain made in Jingdezhen, China for presenting their delicious speciality dishes at the family table.

Nyonyaware, as the porcelain vessels became known, is vividly coloured and decorated with auspicious motifs appropriate to the special occasions they were used to celebrate. While the decorative motifs have a strong, feminine Chinese heritage such as peonies, butterflies and phoenixes, the colours are distinctively Peranakan.

A combination of rose pink and turquoise were the most popular palette. Though the flamboyant cultural colourings didn’t end there, including golden yellows, cobalt and regal purples among others. Production of Nyonyaware ceased after World War II, so any surviving dishes are highly prized.

Embroidery and beading

Nyonya’s were traditionally expert embroiderers and beaders. Their stitchwork equals the vibrancy and intricacy of the Nyonyaware designs, equalling the patient, skillful workmanship required to produce their recipes. Sewing skills were handed down from women to their daughters. Historically, Nyona’s were well-practised at making items such as shoes, purses, and household decorations. The crafts of embroidery and beading are thought to have reached Peranakan ports from Europe. They were developed locally by Nyonya’s in their own style to form part of the culture’s identity.

Certain traditions have died out over the years, but there a few dedicated Nyonyas and Babas (Peranakan men) upholding beadwork customs in the form of clothing and accessories. This is predominantly in the construction of beaded slippers. A typical pair takes upward of 100 hours to make, and the few craftspeople left still practising the art mean that the waiting period for a custom pair of shoes can be four years, and the cost up to SGD$1000.

Sarong kebaya

The sarong kebaya, now know as the traditional dress of Peranakan women, originated in Indonesia during the 1920s and soon spread among the Straits communities. The skirt or sarong was originally worn under a long tunic which derived from Malay women’s attire. The sarong is usually made from Batik, a fabric utilising resistance dyeing methods to create detailed patterns and designs.

The tunic was abandoned in the 20^th-century for the cropped, figure-hugging style of the kebaya. This sheer blouse has a front opening kept in place by a three-segment brooch. The kebaya is worn over a camisole and is colourfully embroidered with ornate motifs including flowers, butterflies, phoenixes, dragons and insects.

Architecture

The rows of Peranakan shophouses in Singapore are a standout amongst the modern mega-malls, soul-less skyscrapers and featureless public housing. Providing the ultimate in time-saving commutes, shophouses are just that, businesses at street level with living quarters above. While their popularity and value has waxed and waned over Singapore’s history, they have finally found their place as heritage treasures. Peranakan shophouses of Singapore catalogue a timeline of styles that evolved from the 1840s to the 1960s. Most of the remaining houses have been restored to Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority Conservation Standards and form colourful streetscapes that are a favourite among photographers and artists along with tourists and locals alike.

Shophouses have evolved stylistically throughout their 120-years of construction. While the structures remain firm, the embellishments have cycled through eclectic mixes of classical European, traditional Chinese, art deco and mid-century modernism. One aspect of the shophouses that has inspired decorative items and souvenirs produced in their image are the decorative tiles imported from Europe to decorate their facades. The ornate tiles have inspired many a product representing the Peranakan culture from wearable accessories to vivid tabletops.

Experience Peranakan culture

Chances are that if you haven’t spent time in Southeast Asia, you’ve probably never heard of the Peranakans. Let me assure you that it is a culture worth spending some time discovering. Here’s 6 places to discover Peranakan culture including food, architecture and traditional dress in Singapore:

1. The Peranakan Museum at 39 Armenian St, 179941. If you only have time to go to one location, make this the one!
2. Once you’ve finished exploring the Museum, pop next door to True Blue. The restaurant offers authentic Peranakan cuisine inside an old shophouse at 47/49 Armenian Street, Singapore. 179937. Alternatively, try the Michelin Starred, Candlenut.
3. Drop by Little Shophouse in Kampong Glam to see shoes being beaded by hand and buy authentic Peranakan wares. 43 Bussorah St, Singapore 199461
4. Swing through the suburb of Joo Chiat, down Koon Seng Road is a neighbourhood of colourfully revived Peranakan shophouses.
5. Shop reproduction Peranakan style goodies such as beautiful porcelain pieces, heritage fashion and beaded accessories at Rumah Bebe. The boutique is located at 113 East Coast Road, Singapore 428803.
6. Kim Choo Kueh Chang at 111 East Coast Road Singapore, hosts heritage walks of the neighbourhood, Peranakan beading technique workshops and boutique tours that include Peranakan food sampling.
7. Explore the Peranakan Tiles Gallery in Chinatown to see around 30,000 antique Peranakan tiles ranging from 85 to 265 years old.

For more on Singapore see my favourite things to do and locals’ secrets, plus top food recommendations.

Peace, love & inspiring travels,

Madam ZoZo