Kerongsang

Keronsang were the most prominent piece of jewellery worn by Nyonyas, with the grander pieces reserved for special ocassions such as weddings. These days, it is rare to see kerongsang in full sets, as most have been split into individual pieces over time.

Insect Gold & Diamond Earrings

Peranakan girls had their ears for kerabu, or earstuds, before the age of 10. These studs were worn at all times as it was considered improper for Nyonya’s ears to be unadorned. Common designs were the roes or rosette, and bunga tanjung or star, but funky designs such as these insect earrings were popular too.

Specially Commission Belt

Depending on the occasion, Nyonyas wore simple cloth belts or exquisite jewelled ones such as this design which were specially commissioned. During World War 2, Nyonyas hid gold belts under their clothes. However, many belts were traded during the war for much-needed cash.

Silver-gilt Torque or Neck-Piece With Dragons

A silver-gilt torque with dragon motifs like this was worn by  Babas from Penang during the wedding ceremony. Dragons signify the male in Peranakan culture.

Every year (usually in October), the Gunong Sayang Association from Singapore will produce a Peranakan play/ production. It usually lasts for 2-3 days and is a must-watch for the Peranakan community in Singapore and even the other Peranakans elsewhere. The plays are usually in the Peranakan patois, and have English translation. It is opened to the public.

The list of productions by Gunong Sayang:

1985 Buang Keroh Pungot Jernih (Let Bygones Be Bygones)
1986 Lepas Jembatan Buang Tongkat (The Ingrate)
1986 Menyesal (Regrates)
1987 Zaman Sekarang (Times Have Changed)
1989 Biji Mata Mak (Apple Of His Mother’s Eyes)
1990 Tak Sangkah (Unexpected)
1990 Sudah Di Janji (Fated)
1991 Salah Sangkah (Wrongly Accused)
1992 Nasib (Fate)
1995 Manis Manis Pahit (Bitter Sweet Memories)
1996 Kalu Jodoh Tak Mana Lari (Destiny Of Love)
1997 Bulan Pernama (An Auspicious Full Moon)
1999 Janji Perot (Pre-birth Pact)
2000 Chueh It Chap Goh (Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining)
2001 Hujan Balek Ka Langgit (The Impossible)
2002 Anak Udang Anak Tenggiri (Blood Is Thicker Than Water)
2003 Kipas Cendana (The Sandalwood Fan)
2004 Buang Keroh Pungot Jernih (a revamped version)
2005 Belom Mati Belom Tau (The Unpredictable)
2006 Mama Rosa (Grandma Rosa)
2008 Mak Chim (The stepmother)

Main Wayang, a private Peranakan company from Singapore, has also produces plays relating to the Baba Nyonya community, with the aim of introducing the Peranakan culture to the youth. Their maiden show is the Bibiks In Parliament (2005).

More Peranakan Plays

2009 saw the surge in Peranakan plays which could be contributed to the hit series, The Little Nyonya. The Peranakan Association produced Bedrooms/Bilek Roda Hidop, while MediaCorp VizPro produced the big scale Peranakan Ball.

The Peranakan Ball musical is based on the story of Cinderella and while it stars Jeanette Aw as Bee Tin, a Nyonya servant in a wealthy Peranakan household – much like her role in The Little Nyonya, however, the musical has nothing to do with drama series. But that didn’t t stop the crowd from coming.

While the former had good reviews, however the Peranakan Ball had mixed reviews.

Peranakan Plays in Malaysia

The scene seems to be much quieter in Malaysia. However, if one is lucky, one can get to catch Kenny Chan playing the role of the matriach in fuctions & dinner shows. Kenny is usually accompanied by his wife who plays the character of the Chinese kay poh chee, Ah Chim.

Tun Tan Cheng Lock, MCA Founder & First President & together was behind Malaysia’s independence.

Tun Tan Siew Sin, Former MCA President, Minister Of Finance Malaysia, and only son to Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Famous Peranakan Personalities: Singapore

Some of Singapore’s famous Peranakan personalities:

Wee Kim Wee, fourth President Of Singapore

Dick Lee, Composer

John Lee, Actor (Sayang Sayang)

Denise Tan, DJ

Vernetta Lopez, DJ/ Actress

Tim Oh, DJ

Pierre Png, Actor

Violet Oon, Author

Neo Swee Lin, Actress

Lim Kay Siu, Actor

Jade Seah, Model/ Actress

Know a Peranakan we should add?
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Gunong Sayang Association
50 Lorong 24A Geylang
Singapore 398575.
Tel : +65 6842 3921 / 634 56177
Fax : +65 6345 6177
Email : enquiry@gunongsayang.org
Gunong Sayang is known for their yearly Peranakan productions.

Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka (Malacca Peranakan Association)
149 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75200 Melaka
Malaysia.
Tel: +606 2837215

State Chinese Penang Association (SCPA)
No. 13, Jalan Perak,
10150 George Town, Penang
Malaysia.

Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (PPBNKLS)
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Phuket Peranakan Association
Phuket Cultural Centre
21 Thepkrasattree Road
A. Muang, Phuket 83000
Thailand.

The series is partially shot in Malacca and set in the 1930s til modern day. In between the story, the show showcases the Peranakan culture like the Nyonya fashion & Nyonya food. The only difference is that this show’s cast all speaks in Mandarin, which is actually very uncommon for a typical Peranakan family. Also, the Peranakans were depicted as very ruthless in the show, something which may affect the image of the Peranakans/ Baba Nyonya if the viewers don’t know how to seperate fact from fiction.

Jeanatte Aw (as Huang Juxiang ) played the lead role together with Joanne Peh (as Huang Yuzhu). Controversy arose when Joanne Peh won the Best Actress in the Singapore awards show, beating hot favourite Jeanette. Many argue the fact why there were 2 nominees for Best Actress in the first place.

Another controversy is the last episode of the show which showed a very sad and unhappy ending. In response to the criticisms, MediaCorp decided to make an addition to the ending, after the episode ended. But to the dismay of many, the newer ending didn’t change the original sad ending of the couple, hence some feeling it as a double let-down on such a big potential show.

Beyond The Little Nyonya

Amidst its many controversies, The Little Nyonya has definitely made the minority & secluded Peranakan community back in the limelight, where they once belong… especially in the more Chinese speaking/ Chinese influenced Singapore.

The youth are now finding their Peranakan roots (you’ll hear some exclaim in awe & admiration “Yeah, my grandmother is Peranakan you know”). All of a sudden, all things Peranakan seem cool, something unheard of just a year ago.

The ladies including young girls are now keen on wearing the kebaya for New Year (for once cheongsam was given a run for its money in the New Year 2009). Prices of Peranakan things like the kerongsang and kasut manik has increased tremendously. And there are lots more turnout for the Peranakan events now.

Some even say Malacca has seen its highest turnout with the big response from the show, with people from all walks wanting to feel the Peranakan experience in the ‘more authentic Nyonya town’.

Peranakan businesses are also seeing healthy growth, far beyond expectations – something these niche small businesses could never imagine. Their customers now go beyond the usual Peranakan community.

It looks like the Nyonya fever will not end. The show apparently made a break for Singapore shows/ programs overseas, and is now also available in DVD. A second season is in the works. And all these spells good news to all things Baba Nyonya! Amboi!

The Little Nyonya synopsis:

Juxiang, a Peranakan is forced to be the mistress of a rich Peranakan. She resists and run away from home, and married a young Japanese photographer instead. They both die young in the World War, leaving their 8 year old daugther Yue Niang.

Yue Niang life’s is similar to that of her mother – always discriminated, beaten up and tortured. However, she puts up with all these in order to protect her grandmother.

Despite her pretty looks and lots of attention from rich Peranakans, however Yue Niang loves Chen Xi. But their love was unfounded when Chen Xi was forced to marry Yue Niang’s cousin instead, while Yue Niang was sold to a butcher.

It is then that she decides to take things in her own hands, running a business. But more troubles were to occur for her.

Other Nyonya Shows

Apart from The Little Nyonya, other popular Nyonya program is:
Sayang Sayang – a humourous English sitcom about a rich Peranakan family (they are always depicted rich huh?) who runs a kuih chang business. Along the way, the culture is shown – though not so much on the food, but instead the do’s & don’ts (pantang larang) of the Peranakans. This is also a Singapore production, though its reach is not as wide as The Little Nyonya.

Malaysia too have its own Nyonya programs dating back to 1990s with popular chef-actor, Kenny Chan, acting as the Bibik (the matriach).

]]> http://nyonyaperanakan.com/little-nyonya/little-nyonya/feed 0 http://nyonyaperanakan.com/peranakan-museum/peranakan-museum http://nyonyaperanakan.com/peranakan-museum/peranakan-museum#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:04:45 +0000 peranakan http://nyonyaperanakan.com/?p=173 There are 4 well known Peranakan museums, 2 in Malaysia and 2 Singapore.

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Melaka, Malaysia

Pinang Peranakan Mansion
29, Church Street, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Visiting Hours: Daily 9:30 am to 5 pm
Admission Fee: Adults RM10.00; Children (below 6) Free
Tel: 604-2642929,
Fax: 604-2641929
Email: rmhbaba@streamyx.com. / rmhbaba@gmail.com

Peranakan Museum
39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941
Visiting Hours: Monday: 1pm to 7pm; Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30am – 7pm (to 9 pm on Fridays)
Admission Fee: SGD6
Tel: 65-6332 7591, 65-6332 2982, 65-6332 3275
Fax: 65-6883 0732

NUS Baba House
157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883
Visiting Hours: By appointment only.
Admission Fee: SGD10; SGD8 (55 yrs and above); SGD5 (below 18 yrs); SGD3 (NUS students)
Tel: 65-62275731
Email: babahouse@nus.edu.sg

Apart from these museums, one can also visit the Penang State Museum for some information on Peranakan culture.

There are 2 versions of beads used. There is the bigger/ rougher beads which actually makes beautiful kasut manik. However, for those familiar with kasut manik, they usually go for the more expensive kasut manik which comes with fine (halus) beads. And when put side by side, the difference of the 2 shoes are striking.

Like most Nyonya fashion, beaded shoes are hand-made, hence the somewhat more expensive pricing. The fine kasut manik of course takes much more time to make, and hence are much pricier.

Today, these shoes can be bought from Jonker’s Street & Heeren Street in Melaka and also some Peranakan shops in Singapore.

The true origins of the kebaya is not clearly known, with some speculating that it was brought over by the Portuguese and others claiming that it is of Chinese origins which spread and evolved till it reached this region. The earliest form of kebaya, at least in this region, emerged from the Indonesian islands and was exclusive, at the time, to the Javanese monarchy. Through time, in each country the kebaya has evolved and developed differently, and has absorbed different influences and has rightfully acquired a unique identity of its own.

Nyonya Kebaya

The Nyonya kebaya is made from very fine “see through” material and is worn together with batik, sarung, and songket, all of which are also traditional garments. The Nyonya kebaya is embroidered with skilfully knitted floral motifs although these days, they may come in a variety of other motifs.

Nyonya kebayas from different places vary slightly in influence and mild nuances. In Penang, due to the largely Chinese population, the kebayas there sometimes come with a phoenix embroidered into the sleeves and hems.

The Nyonya usually wear the Nyonya kebaya with the kerongsang, sarong/ sarung and completed with beaded shoes (kasut manek/ kasut manik).

Some say, the best of the kebayas are made from Swiss Voile, a very fine but strong material, and can last a long time. Cleaning the kebayas calls for a hand wash and the use of starch and some antique pieces that have been maintained with starch have survived through the ages.

The kebaya is truly elegant and beautiful piece and reserved these days, only for special occasions. And that according to some, is a shame because in the old days, they were worn everyday.

Peranakan cuisine can be described as cooking Chinese ingredients with Malay spices. One can find the use of coconut milk, galangal, candlenuts and other herbs and spices, usually not commonly found in Chinese cooking.

The Nyonya food usually takes a lot of time to prepare, and more so under the arms of the fussy Nyonyas, who went they do anything – only ensures the very best.

Kim Choo’s Kitchen
109/111 East Coast Road, Singapore
Tel: +6567412125

Peranakan Inn
210 East Coast Road, Singapore
Tel: +6564406195

Guan Hoe Soon
214 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
Tel: +6563442761

PeraMakan
10 Bukit Chermin Road
3F Keppel Club, Singapore
Tel: +656377 2829

Charlie’s Peranakan Food
205 East Coast Road, Singapore
Tel: +656344 8824

Ivin’s
19 Binjai Park, Singapore
Tel: +6564683060

Baba King Nonya Deli & Restaurant,
#01-31 Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore
Tel: +6567813128

The Arch Restaurant
32 Seah Street, Singapore
Tel: +6568373132

The Blue Ginger Restaurant
97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore
Tel: +6562223928

Chili Padi Nonya Restaurant
#01-03, 11 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore

Spice Peranakan
#B1-18 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore
Tel: +6567388887

Baba Inn & Lounge
#01-03 Frankel Estate
103 Frankel Ave, Singapore
Tel: +6564452404

House of Peranakan Cuisine
10 Claymore Road
Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, Singapore
Tel: +6567334411

Nyonya Restaurant: Malaysia

Aroma Nyonya Sdn Bhd
No. 38, Jln 4/152, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-7785 0855

Jacky Nyonya Food & Café
33, Jln Hujan Rahmat 3, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-7782 8866

Little Penang Kafe
4th Floor, Suria Klcc, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-2163 0215

Nyonya Colors
F65, First Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, 47400 Selangor
F66, First Floor, Jaya Jusco Bukit Raja, Klang
LG 230A, Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens Shopping Mall, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7728 2288
Fax: 03-7710 1263
Website: www.nyonyacolors.com

Nyonya Kitchen (Shah Alam) Sdn Bhd
Lot LF 1F, Level 3, Plaza Shah Alam, No. 2, Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabadah E9/E, Seksyen 9, 40000 Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5519 1151

Restoran Nyonya Makko
123, Jalan Melaka Raya, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka
Tel: 06-284 0737

Kapitan House
No. 71 & 73, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka, Melaka
Tel: 06-2826525
e-mail: kapitan8@streamyx.com

Nyonya Suan
No G12 & G14, Jalan PM 3, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka.
Tel: 06 286 4252/ Gilbert Nyam: (012- 6696 310)
Close Day: Tuesday

Bibik Neo
No 6, Jalam Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka
Tel: 06-281 7054/ 013-613 7054
Close Day: Monday

Nancy’s Kitchen
No.6, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: 06 283 6099

Ole Saying
198 & 199, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Malacca
Tel: 06-283 1966, 06-283 4384
Fax: 06-283 3315
Close Day: Wednesday

Restoran Banyonya
No. 164, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka
Tel: 06-2922192

Restoran Manis Sayang
No. 618 & 617, Jalan Melaka Raya 10, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka
Tel: 06-2813393

Truly Nyonya
Terminal Two Seremban, Jln Era Square 2, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-768 7032

Hai Nan Town Nyonya & Hainanese Restaurant
No. 604, 10300 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-2663 8633

Mama’s Nyonya Cuisine
31D, Lrg Abu Siti, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-229 1318

Nyonya Breeze Restaurant
No. 50, Lrg Abu Siti, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-227 9617

Dh Nyonya Cafe
A-G-03A, Blok A Pusat Perniagaan Sek 8, Jln Sungai Jernih 8/1, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7960 0287

Peony Garden Northern Nyonya Cuisine
26-1 Jalan PJU5/10, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, PJ, Selangor
Tel: 03-6141 8323

Nyonya Kitchen & Caterers Sdn Bhd
No. 220 & 222, Jln Batu Unjur 7, Taman Bayu Perdana, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Tel: 03-36324 1151

Restoran Peranakan House
4, Jalan SS23/11, Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya, 47400 Selangor
Tel: 03-7804 2778/ 012-258 3512

Nyonya Restaurant
52 Jalan SS 2/24, Petaling Jaya, 47300 Selangor
Tel: 03-7875 9709/ 016-322 8999

Restoran Bibi Chik
17 Jalan SS2/30, PJ, Selangor
Tel: 03-7873 6769

Restoran Café De Sky Garden
No. 10, Jalan Petaling Utama 10, PJ, Selangor
Tel: 03-2284 8420

Dapur Nyonya Restaurant
13, Jalan Puteri 1/6, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong (beside Giant, 2 shop away from Kopitiam), Selangor
Tel: 03 8060 0286

Fork & Spoon Café
26 Jln PJU 5/11, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03 – 61408832
e-mail: forknspoon.cheah@gmail.com

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Related: Nyonya Food