China’s Cultural Influence in Southeast Asia
We can't deny China’s influence in Asia. Chinese culture and traditions are found all over the continent and perhaps most evidently in Southeast Asia where 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese immigrants maintain a strong connection with their Chinese heritage and culture.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the year’s most important festival and is celebrated throughout China, Vietnam (Tết), South Korea (Seollal) and also across Southeast Asia often in both the communities of Chinese heritage and the local communities.
In this edition, we would like to highlight the Peranakan Chinese, a significant Chinese immigrant group that plays an important role in Southeast Asian culture. The Peranakans (also known as the Baba and Nyonya) are a sub-ethnic group descended from the first waves of Chinese settlers in the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago. Peranakan culture is especially evident in the dominant Peranakan centers of Malacca, Penang (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand), Java (Indonesia) and Singapore. A colourful and flavourful addition to the local culture, they are locally famed for their highly regarded cuisine, and a culture that has a unique and distinct character all of its own.
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, it’s an opportune time to explore the fascinating Peranakan inspired dishes, culture, lifestyle and art.
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