If it’s one thing Singaporeans love, it’s food and shopping. And this March, the Peranakan Museum is appealing precisely to those sensibilities, with their eighth edition of Armenian Street Party, happening this weekend.

Focusing on the theme of Peranakan Pasar, this year’s Armenian Street Party is set to tantalise your tastebuds and arouse the senses with a flurry of workshops, installations and experiences all centred around the unique offerings of the Peranakan culture. Aimed at visitors of all ages, the line-up features everything from a bouncy castle to a tok panjang culinary experience.

Right outside the Peranakan Museum, check out Bunch of Monkeys’ bouncy installation – The In-Kueh-Dibles, a uniquely Singaporean bouncy castle that features ang ku kueh, nine layer kueh, rice kueh, for you to jump on, appealing to both actual children, and the child inside. Keep your eyes peeled for other adorable inflatable kueh lining the streets.

Hang around a while and you might run into some actual kueh come alive, with The Second Breakfast Company’s roving theatrical performance Kueh on the Run, where you can join a quest to capture three mischievous kuehs on the loose, all dressed in deliciously colourful costumes, as you chase them into the Peranakan Museum and learn about its fascinating artefacts.

Learn about how Peranakan cooking brings families together, with celebrated Singapore artist Yip Yew Chong’s first foray into digital animation and projection mapping. In Mari Kita Makan (let’s eat together), the Peranakan Museum facade comes alive with projection mapping that tells the story of a Nyonya and her grandson bonding as they mix spices and herbs together, joyous scenes of a multicultural tok panjang (long table) family dinner, and the sharing of Peranakan kuehs (sweet and savoury snacks) to end the meal. You’ll be salivating from the gorgeous illustrations alone.

After all the visuals of food, it wouldn’t be a complete experience without some actual makan. Book yourself a seat at Tok Panjang: A Communal Dining Experience, and come enjoy an intimate Peranakan communal dinner with a contemporary twist, as supported by Allspice Institute. Often reserved only for special events, watch as a simple space is transformed into a lavish dining room adorned with antique tableware and kitchen accessories, alongside floral centrepieces and porcelain ware that provides a feast for the eyes. A Peranakan’s greatest pride lies in hospitality and delivering an unforgettable experience!

A cornerstone of major Peranakan occasions, the curated halal-friendly menu features modern twists on Peranakan classics and flavours, so expect signature tastes from buah keluak to a delectable nasi ulam filled with spices – be sure to dip your belinjo crackers into the piquant sambal belacan as well! Hosted by veteran performer and Steward of ICH recipient, Baba GT Lye, diners can also expect to be entertained by traditional song and dance numbers sure to liven up your meal. Tickets are available via Peatix.

Over opening weekend, look out for an actual pasar taking place outside the museum, with cooking demonstrations, food kiosks, and a showcase of kitchenware, antiques, collectibles, and more at the Peranakan-inspired night market, which includes Peranakan snacks from the likes of household names such as Shermay’s Singapore Fine Food, and HarriAnns Nonya Table.As night falls, the dance floor will light up Armenian Street with Afterparty: Peranakan Beats, supported by the Peranakan Association Singapore, the Arab Network @ Singapore and the Chitty Melaka (Peranakan Indian) Association Singapore. People of all walks of life are invited to groove to the pulsating beats of the parai drum and other distinctive music enjoyed by Peranakan communities.

Other fun events to book and look out for include plenty of hands-on craft workshops, such as Wrap It Up! Batik Beeswax Food Wrap Making by environmentalist and sustainability advocate Melissa Lam, founder of Bamboo Straw Girl, or even a Sambal Making Workshop. After gathering inspiration from Peranakan Museum’s permanent galleries, visitors can also enjoy unique crafts like making paper thoranam, miniature kueh clay accessories, and a custom mini-batik to take home. You might even take home earrings in the shape of kueh at a FREE workshop!

Other highlights include the Spice Gallery Tour, organised by National Parks Board (NParks) in partnership with Peranakan Museum. The journey through nature will begin from Fort Canning Park and conclude at the museum’s Home and Life gallery, introducing a deep dive into the precinct’s storied past and how these botanical treasures have influenced Peranakan cuisine and ceremonial practices.

Says Mr Kennie Ting, Director of Peranakan Museum: “We are so happy to host another edition of Armenian Street Party alongside our diverse community partners, many of which are first time collaborators with Peranakan Museum. This year’s theme allows all of us to rediscover Peranakan heritage through our beloved national pastimes of feasting and shopping, and is also a small step towards positioning Armenian Street as a precinct associated with craft, design, artisanship and makers. Come join in the many fun programmes and workshops we’ve lined up this weekend.”

Armenian Street Party 2024 – Peranakan Pasar runs from 8th to 10th March 2024 outside the Peranakan Museum, with some activities running till 31st March 2024. More information available here