Peranakan Place

Peranakan Place Review

The building on the corner of Orchard and Emerald Hill roads is a somewhat diluted celebration of Peranakan culture. A conserved masterpiece of heritage architecture in the Peranakan (also called Straits-born Chinese, Baba, or Nonya) style, a blend of Chinese and Malay cultures that emerged in the 19th century as Chinese born in the then Straits Settlements (including Singapore) adopted, and often adapted, Malay fashions, cuisine, and architecture. The area is now a mix of upscale residences, with renovated shophouses doubling as bars and restaurants, as at Nos. 5 and 7 Emerald Hill. Parts of Emerald Hill, from Orchard Road through Ice Cold Beer pub, are for pedestrians only; there are several outdoor cafés and restaurants along the stretch. Stroll the arcaded street and check out fretted woodwork, pastel wash, ornate wall tiles, and other typical Peranakan touches. Note especially the unusual carved swing "fence" doors (pintu pagar), some with gold-leaf treatments.