On Armenian Street, the Peranakan Museum tells the story of the Straits-born communities of mixed Chinese, Malay, Indian and other descent.
The Baba-Nyonya descend from early Chinese settlers in the region and blend Chinese and Malay culture; look for Baba Malay, a creole with many Hokkien words that is now endangered, and hand-beaded slippers called kasot manek. The museum arranges this world around three themes: Origins, Family and Community Life, and Fashion. Peranakan families built many of the shophouses that survive in Joo Chiat, so the museum makes a good primer before a trip east.
Make a meal of it. True Blue Cuisine, a Peranakan dining room on the same street with a 2026 Bib Gourmand, serves the classics, including ayam buah keluak, chicken cooked with the black buah keluak nut. The museum stays open until 9 pm on Fridays, which suits an after-dinner visit, and it is a good choice for a rainy afternoon.
