Why Peranakan Cuisine is Always an Experience in Singapore

Like many other fusion cuisines in the region, Peranakan cuisine has become a mainstay in our daily lives, with dishes that feature a unique blend of Chinese, Malay and other Southeast Asian cultures.

With rich food traditions and unique, mouth-watering flavours, Peranakan dishes are widely popular in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, allowing the locals and foreigners a food experience that celebrates the region’s history.

Since there’s always a story behind every unique cuisine, we’re bringing you on a historical journey about Peranakan food and how it differs from other Asian cuisines. Not only that, but we’ll also be sharing why this cuisine is a worthy food experience whenever you travel to Singapore or looking to introduce your family or friends to unique cuisines.

Peranakan Food Cuisine: The Diversity of Asian Food

As the largest continent on Earth, it’s no surprise that Asian food comprises a wide variety of cuisines that are unique to each region. In the case of Peranakan food, it was a result of cultural adaptation between the Chinese and locals in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

During the height of the spice trade in the 1400s, there was a slew of marriages between locals and the early Chinese immigrants. This resulted in new practices and habits as the Chinese maintained many of their traditions while adopting local customs and language.

When you think of Peranakan food and its culture, it’s neither Chinese nor Malay. But rather a whole new culture with new dialect, cuisine, and practices. As the term Baba-Nyonya became part of the Peranakan’s identity, their food also became known as such.

So, if you hear anyone mentioning Peranakan or Nyonya food, just know that they’re referring to the same cuisine.

That said, no two Peranakan food are the same as each creation is an interpretation based on the preferred flavours, ingredients of the chef, and region. This is what makes Peranakan food special – the diverse regional interpretation and recipe adaptation.

For instance, there are several variations to the Laksa with Laksa Lemak being a variation that most Singaporeans are familiar with, while the tangy Assam Laksa being a variation of Malaysia’s Peranakans. Other famous Peranakan dishes include Ayam Buah Keluak and Nyonya Kueh.

Where to Get Mouth-watering Peranakan Food in Singapore?

If you’re already salivating over the dishes that we mentioned above, don’t worry because we’ll share with you where you can get these mouth-watering Peranakan food in Singapore.

Candlenut is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in Singapore, which takes on a contemporary yet authentic approach to the traditional Peranakan food cuisine while National Kitchen by Violet Oon is part of a highly-acclaimed group of restaurants serving Asian gourmet delights rooted in Nyonya and Singapore cuisine.

If you prefer a Peranakan food catering for your social event, you can check out Chilli Manis, a halal-certified caterer offering a diverse range of Peranakan food for any style of event. You can even get them delivered to your venue for peace of mind so that you don’t have to go out amid this pandemic.

Among the dishes they serve are Signature Kampong Dry Laksa, Nonya Curry Chicken with Potato, Steamed Assam Sambal Fish, Udang Goreng Assam, Classic Nonya Beef Rendang, Homemade Chicken Ngoh Hiang with Sweet Sauce, Nonya Chap Chye with Mushroom, and more!

Keen to Try Peranakan Food Catering for Your Event in Singapore?

Engaging a Peranakan food catering for your event will create a unique experience for your guests. On top of that, you’ll be introducing new flavours that may leave your guest wanting more.

The best caterer can balance the quality as well as the presentation of the food while delivering the best value for your money. When you choose a Peranakan food catering service from Chilli Manis, you’ll have a variety of dishes and side menu items to choose from.

As a halal-certified caterer, we seek to present the best Peranakan food catering service in Singapore. Keen to try our food catering service? Contact us at 6250 1112 or email sales@chillimanis.com.sg.