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Explore heritage through traditional craft experiences
In Singapore, crafts such as batik painting and dyeing are still preserved by the Peranakan community and local artisans as a vibrant part of urban life. Experiential workshops allow visitors to discover these unique techniques firsthand and experience the enduring creative spirit that has been passed down through generations.
The first workshop that visitors should not miss is the experience of Batik painting - the art of using beeswax to dye and create patterns on fabric, typical of many Southeast Asian countries. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009, Batik is not only a craft technique but also a symbol of sophistication and creativity.
Batik is a traditional textile dyeing art that uses beeswax to create patterns. The word “batik” comes from the Javanese language, meaning “to draw with wax.”
At Kamal Arts Studio, visitors can spend about two hours creating their own Batik painting, while listening to interesting stories from the artists about the journey of development and transformation of this traditional art form over time. The workshops here are flexibly designed, suitable for many ages (from 9 upwards) and different levels, no previous experience is required – ideal for those who want to touch the enchanting world of color and beeswax of Batik 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
Home to the most diverse population in the region, Singapore is a culinary melting pot where seemingly contrasting flavors blend together in exquisite harmony. Participating in a traditional culinary workshop is not only an opportunity to cook a local dish, but also a way for visitors to feel how cuisine becomes a “common language” connecting the multi-ethnic communities in the Lion Island.
A great option is the Cultural Cooking Class at Food Playground (Chinatown). Over three hours, visitors will be guided through a culinary journey of Singapore – from the story of famous hawker centres, local spices and ingredients, to the experience of making familiar dishes such as Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, Nasi Lemak or Kueh Dadar. Each dish is a small slice of history, culture and the spirit of fusion that has created 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, which gets its distinctive green color from pandan leaves.
While Food Playground offers a lively group class atmosphere in the heart of Chinatown, Cookery Magic offers a more intimate and private experience. Classes take place in the cozy kitchen of Chef Ruqxana Vera Lynette, who has spent years preserving and spreading the quintessence of Singaporean cuisine.
Visitors can join weekly classes or book private cooking sessions for family and friends. Under Ruqxana’s guidance, everyone will prepare local dishes such as Assam Prawns (shrimp simmered in tamarind), Daun Ubi Keledek Masak Lemak (sweet potato leaves cooked in a mildly spicy coconut milk) or Ayam Ponteh (chicken stewed in soy sauce).
What makes Cookery Magic so appealing is not only the taste but also the intimate atmosphere, which makes you feel like you are invited to dine at a local Singaporean’s home. When the class ends, everyone enjoys the fruits of their labor in the middle of a lush green garden, where each dish becomes a story told through scent, taste and sincere 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 depicted on architectural materials such as ceramics or tiles. Therefore, architectural workshops are always especially loved by tourists, because they not only get to directly create but also have the opportunity to learn about the meaning of each pattern, color palette and the delicate aesthetic taste of the local residents.
Nestled in the tranquil greenery of western Singapore, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is home to the island nation’s oldest operating traditional kiln. Built in the 1940s in the shape of a dragon, the kiln can reach temperatures of 1,300°C, creating a unique natural wood-ash glaze for each Teochew ceramic product – a heritage that has been preserved for generations.
Traditional kilns attract many visitors
During the 2-hour workshop at Thow Kwang, visitors will experience the entire pottery making process under the guidance of members of the Tan family – artisans who preserve the traditional art of pottery firing. The class begins with a demonstration of the artisans’ skillful use of the pottery wheel. After that, visitors will be guided through the basic steps of pottery making. When it comes to practice, participants can choose between hand-molding or combining pottery on the wheel. In addition, Thow Kwang also owns a huge collection of pottery with sophisticated patterns and strong island imprints that visitors can visit and shop.
Address: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle - 85 Lorong Tawas via Cleantech View, Singapore 639823
Besides ceramic art, visitors can also explore the Peranakan tile painting workshop – a cultural "specialty" of Peranakan architecture that visitors can easily see in the shophouses in Joo Chiat and Katong. The tiles with delicate floral and bird motifs are not only an aesthetic highlight but also tell the story of prosperity, balance and migration of the Nyonya people through many generations.
Each pattern tells a story
Over the course of two hours, visitors will discover the origins and significance of Peranakan patterns and unique shophouse architecture. Under the guidance of an artisan, participants will learn how to combine geometric symmetry, create raised borders and draw patterns with a brush, thereby creating their own handmade porcelain tiles in the Peranakan style.
Discover Singaporean culture through every stroke
During the workshop, visitors can also dress up in traditional Nyonya Kebaya and Batik costumes, enjoy Kueh Cake – 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 still fully experience the cultural spirit of Singapore through inspiring traditional workshops. Each experience is a vivid slice of culture, where simple materials are breathed into symbols, preserved and spread amidst the modern life of the Lion Island. It is also an opportunity for each person to discover a different Singapore: unique, sophisticated and rich in identity, where cultural "gems" still quietly shine in the heart of the vibrant city.
