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an eclectic mix of modern and old style, Peranakan Place is a group of
modern air-conditioned shops thriving within the shell of Peranakan-style
shop houses. Renovated in 1984, this is the only piece of old shophouse
architecture left on Orchard Road.
The types of shops are also very varied with an interesting mix of East
and West retailers. Along the same street you can find close to each
other a French café, a Chinese barbecue meat shop, an outdoor pub and
restaurant, and a Mediterranean restaurant with a wine cellar.
Walk further along and you will come to a row of restored shop houses at
Cuppage Terrace houses bars and side walks cafes.
Despite of the historical feel to the area, Peranakan Place is a good
example of the country’s rise to a wealthy, developed nation. High-end
establishments such as boutiques and plush eateries abound, and the
sight of sleek, expensive cars is not uncommon these days. Inevitably
such developments do affect the prices of many of the goods on offer at
retail outlets.
Most buildings on Emerald Hill are residential houses built by 30
different owners between 1900 and 1930. Interesting features are wooden
pintu pagar (half doors), often quite elaborately carved across
conventional doorways. Richly colored, ornamental ceramic tiles and
architectural elements reflect the ancestors’ worshipping beliefs in
their original occupants, the Peranakans.
These include mirrors above doors to ward off evil spirits, incense
stick holders worked into external supporting columns and animal reliefs
carved across brightly-painted facades to invite good luck.
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