What Makes a Peranakan

In Singapore today, the term “Peranakan” generally refers to a person of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage. Many Singapore Peranakans trace their origins to 15th-century Malacca, where their ancestors were thought to be Chinese traders who married local women.

What is considered Peranakan?

In Singapore and Malaysia the term Peranakan refers primarily to Straits-born Chinese—that is, to those born in the former Straits Settlements (specifically, Singapore, Penang, and Melaka) or in the former British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia) and their descendants.

Are Peranakan mixed?

Peranakan or Nyonya Baba is exclusively Straits-born mixed parentage between 15th and 17th century, concentrated in Penang, Melaka, Singapore and Indonesia. This could mean Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Eurasian & Dutch mixed with locals that maintains a very very specific Peranakan culture.