About
The Peranakan or Nyonya culture originates from mixed raced marriages between the Chinese and the Malay dating back to the 15th century.
During British colonial times, Chinese traders would immigrate to Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia and marry the local women. The fusion of Chinese, Malay and influence from British culture, further developed the Peranakan food, clothing, music style, art, values and the ability to be multilingual.
Nyonya kueh is a popular dessert or snack.
Although there are few Peranakans in present time, the Peranakan cuisine is still highly regarded because of the special recipes passed down through generations, difficult skill required for some dishes and the distinct tastes that represent both Malay and Chinese cultures.
Being Peranakan myself, I chose to dedicate my IGNITE project to something that universally brings people together – food, specifically Nyonya cuisine. Most ingredients and equipment needed for the traditional recipes are difficult to find, so I chose to ‘modernize’ the recipes and substitute ingredients. Being under stage 3 and 4 COVID-19 lockdown for majority of the project made sourcing ingredients difficult, which I have recorded through my reflections.
My IGNITE project represents my pride for my culture through the value of traditional Nyonya dishes.
Peranakan women would wear traditional kebayas, made from silk or cotton.
