3 min read
Step into any Peranakan home, and you’ll likely be greeted by the unmistakable aroma of sambal belacan sizzling in the wok, the sight of buah keluak soaking in a bowl, or the sweet fragrance of pandan wafting through the air. The kitchen isn’t just where meals are prepared—it’s the heart of the home, where generations gather, where stories are shared, and where traditions are kept alive.
Inside a heritage-style Peranakan kitchen
Food as a Bridge Between Generations
For many cultures around the world, cooking is more than just about eating—it’s about passing down memories, traditions and values. I remember sitting by the kitchen counter as a child, watching my grandmother (“Nenek” or “Mak” as we called her) as she effortlessly brought her Peranakan dishes to life. Her every movement in the kitchen had purpose—a careful precision that could only come from years of practice and experience.
Shermay cooking with her grandmother
One dish that stands out in my memory is Ayam Buah Keluak. Mak would soak the buah keluak nuts overnight, carefully crack them open, then use a spoon to carefully scrape out the inner flesh and mix it with spices to create a rich, aromatic paste that would later be used to braise the chicken. Every step was deliberate and tedious. The entire process took hours, but Mak handled each ingredient with such care, as if knowing that the flavours would only come together with time.
Watching her peel, pound and stir-fry, I realised that cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s an art that requires patience and love. Every measurement of ingredients, every motion of the pestle against the mortar, was a reflection of tradition—a skill passed down through generations.
Ayam Buah Keluak
This patience is central to many cultures. In Teochew households, for example, slow-braising meats for hours to bring out their natural flavours reflects the same dedication found in Peranakan kitchens. Similarly, in Italian culture, grandmothers spend hours preparing ragu, stirring it slowly. Such shared philosophy of cooking highlights the universal importance of patience in creating something so meaningful.
The Heart of Food: Identity and Culture
Food is also a powerful reflection of identity. It’s a way of connecting to our roots and preserving our culture. For us Peranakans, dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, Otak-otak and Babi Pongteh are more than just meals—they are a living link to our heritage, carrying stories of family, resilience and tradition.
From left to right: Ayam Buah Keluak, Otak-otak, Babi Pongteh
Through food, we pass down memories, wisdom and values to the next generation. It’s not just about the food itself, but about what it represents: our culture, our beliefs and the generations that came before us.
A Timeless Legacy
Food is a living tradition—one that evolves but never loses its heart. Whether it’s a Peranakan feast or a meal from another culture, every dish we prepare is an opportunity to reflect on the past, embrace the present and celebrate the continuity of culture.
So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, pause and reflect on the generations that came before you. Whether you're preparing chap chye, pasta or dim sum, you're carrying forward a beautiful legacy—a tradition that ties you to your family, your roots and your ancestors who paved the way.
