A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Host of the "Taste of Nyonya" Workshop
Last month, we had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Nyonya cuisine at the "Taste of Nyonya - Melbourne" workshop. The event was a vibrant celebration of Peranakan culture, bringing together a diverse group of enthusiasts and experts. It was an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, lively dance, and a sense of community that we want to celebrate!
Whether you're looking to make new friends, learn more about your or new cultural roots, or simply find a supportive community, the Peranakan group is a wonderful place to start. Everyone, regardless of background, is welcome to join and celebrate the vibrant traditions that make this culture so unique. Learn about Peranakan here The Little Nyonya.
The team responsible for last Sunday’s Taste of Nyonya - Melbourne (workshop) in Melbourne are BabaMeng, President of Peranakan Melbourne - PAA Melb; Nyonya Bee; Lee of My Blue Tea; Nyonya Joan; and Nyonya Margaret, Vice President and of course, the members and everyone present.
The Chefs & Food
A Culinary Adventure
The workshop kicked off with an engaging cooking demonstration, where our talented Chefs showcased the art of preparing Momoyama Mooncakes by Alice Wong. Chef Lillie Giang, founder of FOFA (about Feed One Feed All) volunteered at the very last minute and created "Nasi Goreng with Ayam Goreng Berempah spices with brocolli". It was a good quick twist as it is economical to use MyBlueTea spice blends powder in many creative ways and expand the recipe to suit you and your family.
The winning dish is of course, from our brand ambassador Karen Tan-Chatwin with her "Pandan Nasi Lemak Cake covered with Sambal Tumis Anchovies". The "Inchi Kabin fried chicken", made with a meat curry base and infused with coriander roots and coconut milk powder, disappeared before we even had a chance to taste it! Inchi Kabin is a Nyonya dish from the Peranakan culture, rich in history. We’ll be sharing both its unique story and the recipe on our blog soon. Remember to subscribe with your friends and families.
Participants were captivated as they learned the intricacies of flavours and techniques that make this cuisine so unique and easy to combine with our spices blends. The aroma of spices filled the room, tantalising our taste buds and inspiring everyone to get hands-on in the kitchen.
The atmosphere was filled with the enticing aromas of spices and herbs, as participants eagerly engaged in hands-on cooking sessions. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Kebaya/Batik fashion parade, where beautifully adorned models showcased intricate designs and vibrant colours, reflecting the elegance and heritage of Peranakan attire.
The Kebaya Fashion Show
The Kebaya/Batik best dressed
Joget
A Celebration of Culture
But it wasn’t just about cooking! The workshop also featured vibrant dance performances that brought the spirit of Nyonya culture to life. Participants were encouraged to join in, and it was wonderful to see everyone letting loose and having fun on the dance floor. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and joy as we celebrated together.
Trivia 1 - Joget is a traditional Malay dance that originated in Malacca in the colonial era. It was influenced by the Portuguese dance of Branyo which is believed to have been spread to Malacca during the spice trade. In Malacca, joget is better known as Chakunchak.
Trivia 2 - Rasa Sayang was created in Malacca during the Portuguese occupation. It was derived from a Portuguese folk song La Jingle Nona. Rasa Sayang was a local version of this Portuguese song, and since then, being adopted by the Portuguese occupiers as marching song. When the Portuguese occupied Ambon, they taught this song to the Ambonese and from there the song spread to the whole of Indonesian archipelago.Loving MyBlueTea
Exciting Lucky Draws & Best Dress
To top off the day, we held exciting lucky draws with fantastic prizes. Best dress male went to Uncle Joseph and Doreen for ladies, selected by our media partner, Bohemian Rhapsody Weekly magazine. It was thrilling to see the smiles on faces as winners were announced. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the vibrant energy of the day!
Gratitude to Our Host, Chefs, and Volunteers
A massive thank you to our amazing host, the Peranakan Melbourne - PAA Melbourne for organizing such a delightful workshop. Your passion for Nyonya culture and cuisine truly shone through, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
We’d also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the talented chefs who shared their skills and knowledge with us. Your expertise brought the dishes to life and inspired many to try their hand at cooking Nyonya cuisine at home.
To our wonderful volunteers, thank you for your hard work and dedication in making the event run smoothly. Your support behind the scenes was invaluable, and we couldn't have done it without you!
And of course, a huge thank you to all the friends and participants who joined us for this celebration. Your enthusiasm and energy made the event even more special. We appreciate your presence and contribution to the vibrant, colourful atmosphere!
Join Us Again!
We hope everyone left with not only delicious recipes and a full belly but also cherished memories and newfound friendships. If you missed out on this event, stay tuned for our future workshops. We can’t wait to share more culinary adventures with the elegant Nyonyas of Melbourne!
Thank you once again to our host and everyone who joined us. Until next time, let’s keep the spirit of Nyonya alive in our kitchens!
Where to Get Your Blue Tea Products
If you've missed out at the event, you can still find our products locally at TK Asian Supermarket in Mt Waverley, Grand Laguna in Hawthorn, Preston & Point Cook and Foodness Asian Supermarket in Forest Hill, Melbourne. For our full range, don’t forget to visit us and subscribe online at www.mybluetea.com.au. Experience the magic of MyBlueTea, Halloween Specials and all its benefits today!
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