Singapore: Peranakan Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Treasures

Discover the Peranakan culture of Singapore on a guided tour of the Katong and Joo Chiat neighborhoods. Admire the colorful shophouses, visit a private Peranakan museum, and sample traditional Peranakan snacks. Start your tour with a visit to the iconic shophouses along Koon Seng Road. Originally built in the 1920s, these pastel-colored structures were once inhabited by a diverse community, including the Peranakan Chinese. Known to feature some of Singapore’s prettiest houses, this street has attracted an international audience. Next, step foot into a private Peranakan museum, an original home of a Peranakan and now a private museum, to gain insights on the material culture of kebaya, kerosang, and beaded shoes. Take a stroll through the colorful enclaves of Katong-Joo Chiat, learn the association of Katong and the sea turtle, how this area became a place for the wealthy and the Peranakans, and its post-war evolution to become the current place with hipster cafes, historical shophouses, and vibrant culture. Don’t leave Katong-Joo Chiat empty-handed: bring morsels of Peranakan culture back with you from Kim Choo Kueh Chang. Since 1945, this beloved establishment has been serving up chewy rice dumplings—a staple dish in Peranakan culture. Sample this and other Nyonya snacks over a Peranakan-theme tea session. Those looking for a more long-lasting keepsake to wrap this tour up can check out their plethora of batik fabrics. Finally, be introduced to Laksa, a spicy coconut broth that is a representation of the Malay-Chinese fusion of food culture by the Peranakans. Tour is suitable for all ages | Tour will only commence with a minimum of 4 participants. For dates outside of the fixed schedule, you can email [email protected] to enquire