Peranakan Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Treasures in Katong & Joo Chiat

Peranakan Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Treasures in Katong & Joo Chiat

Learn about Peranakan Culture in Katong/Joo Chiat + Access to a private peranakan museum

Peranakan are Chinese people with Malay or Indonesian heritage and their culture is a mixture of Western and Chinese tradition. Literally translated to as ‘locally born descendants of foreigners’, the term is thought to have been used by the locals of the Straits Settlement and Malay Archipelagos to address foreign immigrants that established families and businesses in the Straits of Southeast Asia. Peranakan males are known as Babas, while the females are known as Nyonyas.

In Singapore, many Peranakans reside in the eastern area of Katong and Joo Chiat. To learn about this amazing culture and to take your Instagram game to the next level, we will start with the iconic shophouses along Koon Seng Road. Originally built in the 1920s, these pastel-coloured 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, and you may get the chance to rub shoulders with other photographers and tourists alike while you’re there. The pastel hues and intricate detailing of each house makes this an ideal setting to feed your Instagram.

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 colourful 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 cafés, 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. You will be sampling this and other Nyonya snack 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 (a cloth patterning technique of wax-resisting dyeing practised widely throughout Southeast Asia and the East) fabrics. We will also introduce you to Laksa, a spicy coconut broth that is a representation of the malay-chinese fusion of food culture by the Peranakans.

This walking tour takes place every Monday and Thursday, 0930-1200hrs.

Notes: Tour is recommended for all ages| *Will be replaced with Straits Enclave if unavailable | Tour ends at i12 Katong | Tour will only commence with a minimum of 4 participants. For dates outside of the fixed schedule, you can email bookings@tribe-tours.com to enquire.

A handy guide to continue your exploration of the area after the tour: https://tribe-tours.com/spend-a-day-at-katong/

Solo travelers and tours departing within 48 hours: Please email bookings@tribe-tours.com to confirm availability before booking.