Peranakan Gallery at Orchard Road: 500 years of Straits Chinese Heritage through artefacts, arts, fashion, and culinary traditions

Beginning from the arrival of Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho’s fleet in the early 15th Century, the Peranakans embraced cultural practices and aesthetics from local Malays and occupying Europeans over 300 years to shape a hybrid culture rich in its own tapestry of traditions.

The Peranakan Gallery brings to life this remarkable heritage within a setting that is accessible and intriguing to visitors with all levels of understanding of the Straits Chinese culture.

At the entrance, guests are greeted by a typical Peranakan shophouse façade complete with an ornately carved Pintu Pagar (fence door), a traditional privacy screen placed in front of the home’s main entrance. Table set-up for a game of Cherki (an olden card game similar to gin rummy) beckons within, while a large section is dedicated to the art of embroidering and wearing the iconic Sarong Kebaya and Kasut Manek (beaded slippers) traditionally worn by Peranakan women.

Authentic Peranakan Flavour

The gallery’s main exhibit centres around an elaborate 20-seater Tok Panjang table set with exquisitely-crafted Nyonya ceramics, Chinese porcelain and Waterford crystalware; a nod to the Malay, Mandarin and European influences beloved by the Peranakans and assimilated into their aesthetic.

Tok Panjang is a grand spread of dishes laid out with great care upon a table, in celebration of special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and hallmark birthdays. Centring this table at the heart of The Peranakan Gallery spotlights the importance that Babas (men) and Nyonyas (women) place on their distinct culinary heritage.

The Tok Panjang table isn’t merely a museum display, as the gallery’s adjoining restaurant, The Peranakan, is able to serve up an authentic Tok Panjang feast comprising over 12 signature items at the table.

Encircling this centrepiece are displays of items and furnishings typical to Straits Chinese homes of yesteryear – from black and white family portraits, treasured and antique Kam Cheng, a collection of vintage tiffin carriers and even enamel chamber pots.

The Peranakan Gallery is opened in collaboration with Claymore Connect, a mall by CDL Hospitality Trusts (CDLHT) and is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, conveniently located at Level 2 of Claymore Connect Mall, 442 Orchard Road Singapore 238879.

The admission fee of S$15nett per person is waived for all visitors who present a hotel key card or a receipt from any outlet located at Claymore Connect.

The Gallery offers docent-accompanied experiences, as well as dining packages with authentic Peranakan cuisine by The Peranakan restaurant. For enquiries and bookings, kindly tel: +65 6262 4428 or email: friends@theperanakan.com

The Peranakan Shop highlighting authentic Peranakan homeware and décor, jewellery, fashion and craft arts is located next to The Peranakan Gallery for visitors who’d like to take home a unique Peranakan souvenir.