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Discover heritage through traditional craft experiences.
In Singapore, traditional crafts such as batik painting and dyeing are still preserved by the Peranakan community and local artisans as a vibrant part of urban life. Workshops offer visitors the opportunity to directly explore these unique techniques and experience the enduring spirit of creativity passed down through generations.
The first workshop that visitors shouldn't miss is the Batik painting experience – the art of using beeswax to dye and create patterns on fabric, characteristic of many Southeast Asian countries. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009, Batik is not only a craft but also a symbol of sophistication and creativity.
Batik is a traditional fabric dyeing art that uses beeswax to create patterns. The word "batik" originates from the Javanese (Indonesian) language, meaning "to draw with wax."
At Kamal Arts Studio, visitors can spend about two hours creating their own Batik artwork while listening to fascinating stories from the artists about the development and evolution of this traditional art form over time. The workshops are designed to be flexible, suitable for various ages (from 9 and up) and skill levels, requiring no prior experience – ideal for those wanting to experience the enchanting world of Batik colors and beeswax for the first time.
At Kamal Arts Studio, visitors can spend about two hours creating their own Batik painting.
Address: Kamal Arts Studio - Wisma Geylang Serai, Engku Aman Rd, #04-06 Turn, 1, Singapore 408528
Connecting through the language of food.
With one of the most diverse populations in the region, Singapore is a culinary melting pot where seemingly contrasting flavors blend seamlessly. Participating in a traditional cooking workshop is not only an opportunity to cook a local dish, but also a way for visitors to experience how food becomes a "common language" connecting the multi-ethnic communities in the Lion City.
A worthwhile option is the Cultural Cooking Class at Food Playground (in Chinatown). For three hours, visitors will be guided on a culinary journey through Singapore – from the stories of famous hawker centers and local spices and ingredients, to hands-on experience preparing familiar dishes like Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, Nasi Lemak, and Kueh Dadar. Each dish is a small slice reflecting the history, culture, and intermingling that have shaped Singapore's unique culinary identity.
Address: Cultural Cooking Class - 24A Sago Street, Singapore 059020
Kueh Dadar is a traditional sweet rolled crepe from Malaysia and Singapore, characterized by its green color derived from pandan leaves.
While Food Playground offers the vibrant atmosphere of group classes in the heart of Chinatown, Cookery Magic provides a more private and intimate experience. The classes take place in the cozy kitchen of chef Ruqxana Vera Lynette, who has dedicated years to preserving and spreading the essence of Singaporean cuisine.
Visitors can participate in weekly cooking classes or book private cooking sessions for family and friends. Under Ruqxana's guidance, everyone will prepare authentic local dishes such as Assam Prawns (shrimp simmered in tamarind sauce), Daun Ubi Keledek Masak Lemak (sweet potato leaves cooked in coconut milk with a mild spiciness), or Ayam Ponteh (chicken stewed in soybean paste).
What makes Cookery Magic so appealing is not only the flavors but also the warm, friendly atmosphere, giving you the feeling of being invited to dine at the home of a native Singaporean. When the class ends, everyone enjoys the fruits of their labor in the lush green garden, where each dish becomes a story told through aroma, taste, and genuine sharing.
Address: Cookery Magic – 117 Fidelio Street, Singapore 458492
"Touching" Singaporean culture through architectural materials.
Besides crafts and cuisine, Singapore's cultural identity is also clearly reflected in architectural materials such as ceramics and tiles. Therefore, architectural workshops are especially popular with tourists, as they not only get to create directly but also have the opportunity to learn about the meaning of each pattern, color palette, and the refined aesthetic taste of the local people.
Nestled amidst the tranquil greenery of western Singapore, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle houses the oldest continuously operating traditional pottery kiln in the island nation. Built in the 1940s, the kiln resembles a dragon and can reach temperatures of 1,300°C, creating the unique natural ash glaze for each Teochew pottery piece – a heritage preserved through generations.
Traditional kilns attract many visitors.
In a 2-hour workshop at Thow Kwang, visitors will experience the complete pottery-making process under the guidance of members of the Tan family – artisans who preserve the traditional art of pottery making. The workshop begins with a skillful pottery wheel demonstration by an artisan. Following this, visitors will receive detailed instruction on the basic steps of pottery making. For hands-on practice, participants can choose between hand-molding pottery or combining it with potter's wheel sculpting. In addition, Thow Kwang boasts a vast collection of exquisite pottery with distinctive designs reflecting the island nation's culture, which visitors can explore and purchase.
Address: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle - 85 Lorong Tawas via Cleantech View, Singapore 639823
Besides pottery art, visitors can also explore Peranakan tile-painting workshops – a cultural "specialty" of Peranakan architecture, easily found in the shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong. These tiles, adorned with intricate floral and bird motifs, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also tell stories of prosperity, balance, and the migration journey of the Nyonya people over generations.
Each pattern tells a story.
Over two hours, visitors will explore the origins and meaning of Peranakan patterns and unique shophouse architecture. Under the guidance of an artisan, participants will learn how to combine geometric shapes, create raised borders, and paint patterns with a brush, thereby creating their own handcrafted ceramic tiles in the Peranakan style.
Discover Singaporean culture through every brushstroke.
During the workshop, visitors also get to wear traditional Nyonya Kebaya and Batik clothing, enjoy Kueh cakes – a dessert often served during festivals – and sip traditional Nyonya tea, a symbol of Peranakan hospitality.
Address: Peranakan Mansion - 283A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427537
In just a few days, visitors can fully experience the cultural spirit of Singapore through inspiring traditional workshops. Each experience is a vibrant cultural slice, where simple materials are transformed into symbols, preserved and spread amidst the modern life of the Lion City. It's also an opportunity to discover a different Singapore: unique, sophisticated, and rich in identity, where cultural "gems" quietly shine in the heart of a bustling city.
