Singapore offers a perfect place to make a winter escape

Kim Choo Kueh Chang, a timehonored food shop. [Photo by Yang Feiyue / China Daily]

Peranakan culture

If you dining experience leaves you craving for more, be sure to drop by Kim Choo Kueh Chang, which is also a time-honored food shop.

The shop's rice dumplings have a history going back to 1945. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves and are known for their savory fillings, including pork, chicken and chill prawn.

The stuffing is quite generous and I find big chunks of pork inside. Each dumpling is priced at around $2-3.

Traditional outfits like kebayas and sarongs, beaded slippers and other accessories, as well as exquisite Peranakan ware and handicrafts such as tea cups and pots can also be found in the area.

"Most of them are handmade," says Yat.

The common patterns on the items are phoenix and peony, which symbolize wealth and good fortune and are considered auspicious in Peranakan culture.