Here’s a chance for you and your fam to channel your inner “Little Nyonya” as i12 Katong celebrates everything Peranakan-related with its first ever Katong Kultura event.
There’s so much for families to love about Katong: from the beautiful East Coast Park, to its bustling F&B scene that’s filled with kid-friendly options. As for us at HoneyKids, the highlight has got to be Katong’s rich Peranakan heritage, being home to a renowned Peranakan home museum, heritage restaurants, and of course – the colourful Peranakan shophouses!
But guess what, this neighbourhood is about to get more vibrant with Katong Kultura, a celebration of all things Peranakan that’s happening this coming 4-20 July at i12 Katong. We’ve rounded up all the best things that you and the kids shouldn’t miss at this festival.
Best things to do at Katong Kultura
1. Explore a Baba mansion
Think you’ve stepped into the Zhang residence from the Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story series? Think again. i12 Katong’s atrium is transformed into a replica of a Baba mansion for Katong Kultura, giving you a glimpse of what life in a Peranakan household was like in Singapore’s early days. Take a walk around the mansion and check out the antique furniture-decked displays, with kebaya sets from the Emerald Hill series you can admire up-close, a fusion photoworthy Peranakan feast with larger-than-life models, and even a Nyonya rempah (spice) garden that’ll show you the ingredients that make Peranakan food so sedap (Malay for delicious)!
Pro-tip: Make full use of the kids’ activity booklet to learn more about Peranakan culture; and collect stamps as you explore the exhibits – a completed stamp card gets you and the kiddos a free scoop of ice cream*!
When: 4-20 July
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
How much: Free
* Available on first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.
2. Pose as your favourite characters from Little Nyonya and Emerald Hill
Still can’t get over the series? Fab news: you get to dress up as a Baba or Nyonya at Katong Kultura. Simply pick your favourite kebaya or batik (yes – kid sizes are available too!), put them on, and pose for the camera!
Pro-tip: Post your photos on social media, then tag i12 Katong on Facebook or Instagram to stand a chance to win prizes!
When: 4-20 July
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
How much: Free
3. Create and bring home your very own Peranakan-themed crafts
Bring a piece of Katong Kultura home by creating your own masterpiece at any of the festival’s workshops. Whether it’s making ang ku kueh from air clay or keychains from beads, it’s time to let your creative juices flow. There’s also a Peranakan tile painting workshop, where you can contribute your own masterpiece to the community wall.
When: Every weekend from 4-20 July
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
How much: Free
4. Come for a Peranakan tea party with a live show
Coffee, tea, or pie tee? You’re invited to join Katong Kultura’s tea party and sample some delicious traditional Peranakan bites. You and the kids will be spoiled for choice with the savoury and sweet selections, and don’t forget to wash it all down with a pandan drink. Sedap!
There’ll also be a theatrical show happening while the tea party is in session. Don’t miss out on A Tapestry of Peranakan Stories, a theatrical show featuring heartfelt stories, as told by baba-nyonyas themselves. After all, one of the best ways to learn more about a culture is through its stories.
Bonus: The tea party is complimentary for all who show up in kebaya and batik outfits!
When: 5 July, 3-5pm
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
5. Meet the Zhang family members, for real!
Emerald Hill fans, this is for you – Mediacorp artistes, Chantalle Ng and Sheila Sim, who play Zhang Anna and Zhang Yin Niang respectively, will be having a meet-and-greet session at i12 Katong. Not only will you have the chance to meet them in person, you may also get to participate in a dance and some games with the stars too. Plus, stand a chance to win autographs from Chantalle and Sheila as well as other prizes when you join in the fun.
When: 12 July, 3-4pm
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
How much: Free
6. Join a Peranakan cooking class
Always looking for new recipes to try out? Here’s your chance to pick up some Peranakan ones. ToTT and Chilli Api are hosting a joint food demo, showing you how to cook classic Peranakan dishes like Nyonya Chap Chye and Nyonya Curry Chicken. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from its experienced chef, and you’ll even get to bring home some free vouchers.
When: 6 July, 2.30-3.30pm
Where: ToTT store at i12 Katong, Level 2
How much: $28
7. Cheer and sing along with the Katong Culture Singing Competition contestants
Pretty sure we’ve all grown up having heard songs like Di Tanjong Katong, Chan Mali Chan, and Burung Kakak Tua. Take a trip down memory lane when you check out the Katong Culture Singing Competition finals, where you get to hear talented Singaporeans sing popular local folk songs. Get your kids familiar with the lyrics and you can all sing along!
When: 19 July, 2-5pm
Where: i12 Katong atrium, Level 1
How much: Free
8. Shop, dine, and stand a chance to win prizes – including a staycay!
With five storeys of retail and dining options, i12 Katong has some of our favourite stores to shop as a family. We’re talking about cinematic experiences at Golden Village, delicious Cantonese dim sum at So Good Char Chan Teng, cookware and cooking classes at ToTT, P.S Café’s relaxing alfresco dining, indoor playground Wan To Play, Edith Patisserie for pastries, and more. So why not indulge in some retail therapy in between the Katong Kultura festivities, especially since the mall is giving away spend rewards during the festival.
A minimum spend of $100 (maximum three same-day receipts) will get you a set of classic rooster ceramic bowls and spoon. But that’s not all – you’ll automatically be in the running for i12 Katong’s lucky draw, where you’ll stand the chance to win prizes worth up to $1,500, including staycays at the family and pet-friendly Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong and Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong.
Pro-tip: Shop and dine on Mondays to Thursdays to score an additional $5 gift voucher, and double your chances at winning the lucky draw. A minimum spend of $100 (maximum three same-day receipts) apply.
If you’re not a Rewards+ member (i12 Katong’s rewards programme) yet, now’s also a good time to sign up to get a free umbrella with a minimum spend of $50. Really handy for the current weather!
When: 4-20 July
Note: Limited sets of ceramic dinnerware, gift vouchers, and umbrellas available. Double spending applies for supermarket and enrichment receipts, check i12 Katong’s website for the full T&Cs.
Have the best time at Katong Kultura – check out i12 Katong’s website for more info on the programmes and mall deals.
This post is in partnership with i12 Katong.
