Introduction
Some cultural journeys aren’t planned. They slowly weave themselves into your life — through people, places, memories, and subtle influences you don’t fully recognise at the time. My relationship with Peranakan culture has been exactly that kind of journey.
Although I am not Peranakan by blood, I feel deeply connected to its spirit. The rich layering of cultures, the artistry, the family values, the quiet resilience — they feel like familiar threads in my own life story. As I reflect now, I see how Peranakan culture mirrors the blended experience of so many diasporas, including my own.
Early Seeds: Vietnam and Indonesia
I was born in Vietnam, into a family of Chinese heritage. Like many Chinese-Vietnamese families, we lived with a blend of traditions that merged Chinese values, Vietnamese customs, and Southeast Asian influences.
When I was still very young, my family spent two years living on one of Indonesia’s islands. I didn’t know it then, but this period exposed me to visual and cultural elements deeply connected to the Peranakan world.
I remember my mother and sister wearing kebaya—the delicate embroidered blouses paired with colourful batik sarongs. I recall seeing vibrant ceramics, richly patterned floor tiles, and intricate beaded slippers. To my young mind, these were simply beautiful things — but they were early introductions to a much larger cultural tradition that I would only come to understand many years later.
Growing Up in Sydney: Familiarity Finds Me Again
Later, as we settled in Sydney, Australia, I was fortunate to grow up in a diverse and multicultural city. Many of my closest friends were of Peranakan descent. I was welcomed into their homes, sat at their family tables, and was gently immersed in traditions I now recognise as distinctly Peranakan:
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The sweet-sour richness of Nyonya cooking: laksa, kueh lapis, and pineapple tarts.
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Shophouse architecture with pastel facades and geometric tile work.
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Family stories told across generations about weddings, rituals, and ancestry.
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The deep importance placed on family unity, respect for elders, and artistic refinement in everyday life.
At that time, I didn’t use the word “Peranakan” — I simply felt at home. The culture’s values echoed much of my own upbringing, where family, tradition, and creativity were deeply honored.
The Creative Connection: My Work as a Coach
In my work as a creative business coach, I help artists, designers, and makers find their voice and bring their work into the world. Over time, I’ve worked with several talented creatives whose art, textiles, and designs are inspired by Peranakan heritage.
Through these collaborations, I’ve had the privilege to witness how Peranakan artistry continues to evolve while honoring tradition:
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Beadwork artisans preserving the intricate craft of kasut manek slippers.
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Ceramic painters reviving floral motifs from antique kamcheng jars.
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Fashion designers blending modern cuts with Nyonya embroidery.
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Storytellers passing down family recipes and wedding customs.
Each project has deepened my respect and admiration for the culture — not just its beauty, but its resilience, adaptability, and continuity.
🌱 Why I Feel Drawn to Peranakan Culture
At its heart, Peranakan culture is a story of migration, blending, and survival — of communities who made new homes while honoring old traditions.
In many ways, my own journey echoes this:
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Like Peranakan families, my ancestors carried their culture across borders and oceans.
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Like Peranakan identity, my life has been shaped by multiple worlds — Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Australian.
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Like Peranakan design, I’ve come to believe that beauty is found in layers — in quiet details, thoughtful craftsmanship, and meaningful symbolism.
Even though I am not Peranakan by inheritance, I feel a profound kinship with its values. My connection isn’t ownership — it’s gratitude.
Walking with Humility
As I continue to learn and share, I’m fully aware of my position:
I write not as an expert or authority, but as a respectful learner and supporter.
I believe that cultural appreciation is only meaningful when it honors those who carry the culture forward. My role is not to speak for Peranakan people — but to uplift their voices, share what I’ve learned with care, and point others toward the true custodians of this beautiful heritage.
🔭 Looking Ahead: My Learning Journey Continues
Through this 12-week blog series, I’ll continue to explore Peranakan culture across many dimensions — including its food, homes, weddings, fashion, language, and modern revivals.
Next week, I’ll dive into one of the most delicious and heartfelt aspects of Peranakan culture — its food.
We’ll explore how Peranakan cuisine beautifully blends Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and other influences into rich, vibrant dishes that carry stories across generations.
✨ Reflection Prompt:
What culture have you felt connected to, even if you weren’t born into it? How do you honour and learn from it respectfully?
Thank you for walking beside me on this journey — with respect, humility, and open-hearted learning.
Warmly,
Vinh Van Lam
