Peranakan Culture at Joo Chiat & Katong

Most Asians have an idea what “Peranakan” means. Most aren’t very sure how and when the Peranakan Culture started. But there was a time when being Peranakan means you are “one cut above the rest”. Today, this thin line isn’t so clear anymore.

Some insist the Peranakan Culture began when immigrants started arriving into Singapore after the founding of modern Singapore. Some insist that it was pretty Hang Li Po who came over to Malaya as the 5th wife of the Sultan of Malacca in the 15th century. She brought with her an entourage of 500 people including many pretty dames and honorable men. These pretty people inter-married with the local folks and from there, arose a brand-new culture of fashion, culture, cuisine and practices. However, history has also shown that other immigrants from elsewhere also arrived into Singapore as far back as the 10th century. All these factors added to form our current day so-called Peranakan Culture.

Today, in my opinion, there isn’t any true-blue Peranakan who live life like a real pro Peranakan anymore. The decline of the Peranakan Culture began just after World War 2. By the 70s and the 80s, the Nonyas and the Babas were fast fading. They were our last true-blue Peranakans. Hardly anyone lives the life of a real Peranakan these days. But the legacy of the Peranakan Culture must be preserved. It is a culture that evokes a very strong sense of unity at its height of popularity.

For the common laymen, we have a lot to gain from their culture – especially from their cuisines. Peranakan food culture must be kept alive. I wish they would do the same with Peranakan fashion - the sarong kebaya with their unmistakable blouse speak volumes without uttering a word. You will agree.

We are fortunate that STB (Singapore Tourism Board) has decided to pursue the Peranakan movement after our local TV series “The Little Nonya” (2008) made waves halfway across the world. Even China bought it! And I think the Western World will like it too! We meet, 9am at Joo Chiat Complex (in front of Money Max), 25th May 2024 (SATURDAY). This tour will end at East Coast Road at about 12pm.

Note:

• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.
• Call or message Uncle Chris at +65 91814298 for corporate, private, or student bookings.

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