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English: The Origin of Nyonya In the early 15th century, Cheng Ho led the grand fleet of ships seven times to explore the western Ocean, They went past Malay Peninsula which is at this time is known as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. A part of entourage came down to trade and settle there. Afterwards in the early 17thto 18th century, a lot of merchants and workers came from region of Fujian, Chao Zhou, Guangdong and Hakka immigrated in a large number to the region of Southeast Asia. The most of migrants were men and afterwards they inter-married with the local women and also from other ethnic. Male descent was called “Baba” and “Nyonya” for female. This community then became known as “Peranakan”. “Peranakan People” became one of important community at Malay Peninsula. In it emits a mixture of two different cultures.

 “Peranakan People” has inherited diligent nature of Chinese ethnic and other unique cultures of Malay and Java ethnic. It was seen from some of their living habits such as language, clothes, and wedding tradition and especially on food. "Peranakan Food” or “Nyonya Cuisine” are an amalgamation of Chinese and Malay dishes which is giving it distinct flavor of its own. It has used Chinese cooking techniques by utilizing local ingredients and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, kluwak, star anise , lemongrass, aromatic leaves like pandan leaf, curry leaf and fragrant lime leaf blend together with other ingredients like candlenuts, shallots, chilies, belacan (shrimp paste), bilis, coconut milk (santan) and so on. Sometimes lemon, tamarind, belimbing (carambola) or green mangoes are used to add a tangy taste to many dishes. It is about blending of spices and by adding these spices into the cuisine made the cuisine of Nyonya unique and varied.

The architectural style of Peranakan homes is very characteristic - being a fusion Eastern and Western designs. The "straits eclectic" styled Peranakan homes and buildings are easily identified even till today. The most distinct differences are the full-length French windows and colorful ceramic tiles on the floor and wall. These expensive tiles are believed to have been introduced by Dutch traders. Elaborate and striking Chinese carvings adorn the pillars. Being an affluent community, the Babas and Nyonyas spared no expense in acquiring Chinese Blackwood furniture, Dutch tiles and porcelain vases to decorate their homes.