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Peranakans are Straits Chinese. They are Chinese who grew up in the straits of Melaka/Penang/Singapore. Their traditional dishes include Babi Pongteh, Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Assam etc. (From the meats used, it's pretty clear they aren't Malay-Muslim dishes.) https://twitter.com/AfifahShameemah/status/1304231629141884929
While they do cook Malay dishes, they don't claim those as traditionally Peranakan. But there are similar Peranakan dishes probably because of the geographic location and influences? I think there's also slight differences in the styling and colours of the Nonya vs Malay Kebaya?
Even certain Eurasian mixes have similar dishes because the Portuguese/Dutch settled in the same place. Pineapple Prawn Curry also has a coconut base similar to Lontong. Devil Curry rempah starts with a base similar to Asam Pedas. That's not appropriation, right..?
So while SOME Peranakans did marry into Malay families, it is wrong to say that Peranakans are just Chinese who married into Malay and Indonesian families. They have their own culture. It's just SIMILAR. There's a Peranakan Museum in Singapore. The entry fee is pretty cheap.
Btw, it's not wrong to say that Rendang, Lontong, and Nasi Lemak is unhealthy and fattening because they are. But so is Babi Pongteh and Devil Curry. Doesn't mean they aren't delish and it doesn't mean people don't eat them. Food can be both!
Thread by a Eurasian who can cook up a storm and is marrying a Peranakan boy.
