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. Perhaps, all these factors added to form our current day 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.

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), 15th February 2026 (SUNDAY). 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. Tipping guide as follows: $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Please understand this method of booking platform can only perform its best with your full sincerity. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule. We look forward to your graciousness and generosity!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Joo Chiat Complex, 1 Joo Chiat Road, Paya Lebar, Singapore

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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