The Peranakan Festival, Singapore @ Claymore Connect: The Good Ol’ Days

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The Peranakan culture is unique to Singapore and there are some influences of this culture in our local food and traditions. That is also perhaps why the mention of ‘peranakan’ reminded me of the good ol’ days in Singapore as well as the baba-nyonyas and their traditional food like kueh and Nyonya Ba Chang (rice dumplings). It’s a beautiful marriage betwen the Chinese and Malay culture to form this unique hybrid of culture that has been brought down from generations to generations.

From 27 May to 17 June 2017, the Peranakan Festival will be held at Claymore Connect for visitors to learn the Straits Chinese community through immersive and enriching experiences. You can look forward to a series of performances, art and craft workshops, cooking classes and a sumptuous high tea at The Peranakan Restaurant.

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There’s also a mini exhibition on Peranakan culture and art held at the first level of Claymore Connect Shopping centre. You will get to see some of the traditional Baba and Nyonya costumes as well as their accessories like the intricate bead slippers and jewellery.

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There’s also a photo booth there where you can rent the Peranakan costume and take beautiful photos in the costume.

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We took part in the embroidery and painting workshop which was held in the Atrium. We created Peranakan-inspired art compositions and learn a thing or two about canvas painting as well as embroidery techniques.

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We had a fun session with Joy who was the instructor for that particular workshop. It requires some patience to paint the intricate Peranakan-inspired design on the small canvas but nonetheless, it was a great art therapy session for the both of us.

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Right after the workshop, we went up to The Peranakan Restaurant, located on the third storey of the mall, for the highly-anticipated weekend Peranakan Joget Joget High Tea!

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I’ve been to this mall and passed by The Peranakan several times before but not once have I actually take a close look at it. The interior design of the restaurant is actually very beautiful and well-decorated with antique items.

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From the furniture to the wallpaper, everything speaks of the Peranakan culture.

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This is called Bunga Rampai, a potpourri of fresh pandan leaves and flowers, which is traditionally used on special occasions. It smells so lovely that I wish they have it as a perfume!

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Look at the beautiful interior of this spacious restaurant!

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I also met a talented local artist who owns Beamingattic at the restaurant itself. Do check out her paintings on her website!

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We were so glad that we made it for the Peranakan Joget Joget High tea which is accompanied by a rhapsody performance by Main Wayang Company.

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The high tea set comes with a choice of coffee or tea as well as a lovely spread of the sweet and savouries which include Mee Siam, Kueh Pi Tee, Apom Bok Kwa, Kong Bak Pao, Pineapple tarts, Nasi Ulam and many more!

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My favourite was their Mee Siam and Apom Bok Kwa.

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Both of us were humming to the tunes of Bengawan Solo along with the Singers as we enjoyed our high tea set at the restaurant. Diners were also welcome to join in the joget joget dance! The Peranakan High Tea was definitely a highlight for the both of us. Do take part in this festival and soak into the Peranakan atmosphere before it ends on 17 June!

THE PERANAKAN FESTIVAL

Date: Daily from 27 May to 17 June, 11 am to 6 pm

Venue: Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879

Admission: Free admission to Exhibitions. Workshops, high tea and Peranakan costume rentals are chargeable.

Workshop tickets are available at http://tpfestival.peatix.com/#

For more information and updates, call +65 6262 4728.

Check out the Programme Highlights below:

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