The Peranakan Association returns with yet another carefully curated event to celebrate the organisation's rich culture and history
Whenever the Peranakans host a gala dinner, it’s usually a colourful celebration of culture and heritage, complete with sumptuous food and delightful entertainment. The Peranakan Ball by The Peranakan Association Singapore is no different, especially when it's one of the key events on the organisation’s calendar. However, last year, in light of Covid-19 restrictions, the event had to be postponed.
Nevertheless, longtime attendees of the gala need not despair: initially scheduled for 2020 in celebration of the Peranakan Association’s 120th anniversary, the Peranakan Dinner returns this year as a virtual ball scheduled for 25 September—and it’s all thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Peranakan community.
“Much of 2020 was spent re-scheduling and re-organising our 120th Anniversary Peranakan Ball,” said Colin Chee, president of the Peranakan Association. “The complexity of managing that experience because of the very fluid public health situation, funding uncertainties, and venue sponsorships cannot be understated.”
He shared that while the Association had considered cancelling the ball, support from members, volunteers and friends ultimately helped them pull through.
“I cannot thank [them] enough,” praised Chee.
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Despite its virtual nature, The Peranakan Dinner 2021 promises to be just as exciting as its predecessors. Guests can expect to be treated to a decadent 11-course Tingkat Tok Panjang dining experience curated by renowned Peranakan chefs Violet Oon, Sylvia Tan and Christopher Tan. This feast of traditional Nyonya dishes, which will be prepared by the chefs of Shangri-La Hotel, will undoubtedly delight even the most discerning of babas and bibiks.
“Finally, we are going ahead with The Peranakan Dinner, featuring a Peranakan menu of 11 dishes—tok panjang style—all to be delivered to donors’ homes together with sake and goody bags!” says Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, chairperson of the organising committee. She is also the first vice president of The Peranakan Association Singapore. “[120 years] is a milestone to celebrate and it’s important to keep the Peranakan culture alive!”