Singapore’s Most Beautiful Scenery: Savor Nyonya Kueh and Admire Traditional Beautiful Costumes in Katong

▲ Experience the Unique Peranakan Culture on a Deep Singapore Tour

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Taipei

Singapore is a country rich in diverse ethnicities, cuisines, and cultures. To experience an in-depth cultural exploration here, you must visit the Katong and Joo Chiat districts along the East Coast. There, you can admire the vibrant street scenes blending Chinese and European architectural styles, taste local delicacies such as Nyonya kueh, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Peranakan culture.

▲ The unique tailoring designs and embroidered patterns are characteristics of the Nyonya costume (Kebaya).

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, a group of Chinese immigrants settled in Singapore to cultivate the land. Over time, they married Malay women, and their descendants became the Peranakans. The males were called Baba, and the females were called Nyonya. They preserved some traditional Chinese customs while integrating with local culture to form a unique Peranakan culture. In the heart of the Katong district (Joo Chiat), there is a private heritage museum called The Intan that preserves complete collections of traditional costumes, furniture, and antique relics, allowing visitors to fully understand this ethnic group.

▲ Brooches, pins, and earrings are key elements of female adornment.

Traveling to different countries is most fascinating when you get to deeply experience various food and fashion cultures. If you visit Singapore, head to the famous Peranakan mansion area on Koon Seng Road to enjoy the vibrant traditional streets and the cluster of two- to three-story houses. Here, you’ll also find many local shops where you can explore from Peranakan-style decor, clothing, to accessories. Traditional Peranakan desserts are a feast for the eyes, and there are also delicious Nyonya kueh with rich layers of flavor. Meanwhile, the embroidered patterns showcase the wisdom and creativity of the women of that era, and the fabrics reflect rich Southeast Asian patterns.

▲ The Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Airlines Hosted the “A Great Way to Fly” Travel Carnival Event

Peranakan culture uniquely blends Chinese and Malay elements, with its roots in the early Chinese settlers who came to Singapore, Malacca, Penang, Indonesia, and Thailand. These influences created a rich Peranakan flavor. Local delicacies such as Nyonya kueh and chicken rendang are also must-try local treats. To allow Taiwanese travelers to personally experience the authentic culture, the Singapore Tourism Board held the “Singapore Airlines A Great Way to Fly Travel Carnival” at Taipei Main Station Hall from March 31 to April 3, showcasing a series of traditional Peranakan costumes and interactive experiences.

Time: March 31 to April 3
Venue: Taipei Main Station Hall