It refers to the Peranakan Chinese as well as other Peranakan communities which developed in South-east Asia. These include the Chitty Melaka (Indian), Kristang (Eurasian) and the Jawi Peranakans.
The Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca and around the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra as early as the 14th century and married local women.
In the 19th century, the Peranakan Chinese, drawn by commerce, migrated to the bustling ports of Penang and Singapore. Theirs was a unique hybrid culture, which is still an integral part of Singapore's heritage.
Peranakan culture is essentially a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European influences. Despite sharing a similar heritage, the cuisines of the groups differ slightly from region to region.
Penang Peranakan food, for example, carries certain Thai influences.
In Singapore, Peranakan food is perhaps best associated with dishes such as chicken buah keluak or chicken with black nuts and glutinous rice dumplings. Babas refer to the male descendants and the Nyonyas, which is also spelt as Nonyas, refer to the female descendants.
