Nyonya

Nyonya (also known as Peranakan) refers to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago including Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Etymology

The term 'Nyonya' is a Malay and Indonesian honorific used to refer to a foreign married lady. It is derived from the Portuguese word 'dona', which means 'lady'.

History

The Nyonya are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago including Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore between the 15th and 17th centuries. They are also known as Straits Chinese or Peranakan, terms which emphasize their hybrid Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.

Culture

Nyonya culture is a unique fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cultures. This is reflected in their language, dress, and cuisine. The Nyonya are known for their unique Nyonya cuisine, which blends Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay/Indonesian community. This gives Nyonya food its unique tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal taste.

Language

The language of the Nyonya, known as Baba Malay, is a dialect of the Malay language, which contains many Hokkien words. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to the older generation.

Dress

The traditional dress worn by the Nyonya is the kebaya, an intricately embroidered blouse-dress that is usually paired with a batik sarong. The Nyonya kebaya is different from other types of kebaya in its cut, embroidery, and the way it is worn.

Cuisine

Nyonya cuisine is a unique fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cuisines. It uses a wide variety of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, chillies, tamarind, and coconut milk, resulting in flavorful, spicy and tangy dishes. Some popular Nyonya dishes include Laksa, Ayam Buah Keluak, and Cendol.

See also

• Peranakan
• Baba Malay
• Nyonya cuisine
• Kebaya

Nyonya