In his journey of telling the Peranakan story at Candlenut at COMO Dempsey, Chef-Owner Malcolm Lee has always sought to work with like-minded artisans passionate about their craft. Now, in collaboration with home-grown design and crafts store Supermama, Candlenut launches a pair of porcelain plates inspired by the colourful Peranakan culture.
A Singaporean design and crafts brand that uses culture as a context for design, Supermama works closely with some of the best designers around the world and crafts facilities in Japan to produce authentic Singapore souvenirs and artefacts for daily use. With a shared enthusiasm over Japanese porcelain plates, Supermama co-founder Edwin Low
and Chef Malcolm developed a pair of porcelain plates representative of the Peranakan heritage, all while embodying a sense of chic modernity.
A year in the making, their collaboration now sees the first fruits of its labour: a pair of beautiful Peranakan mamezara dishes. Mamezara – meaning “small plate” in Japanese, are everyday household ware often used to hold sauces or side dishes. Made in Ishikawa, Japan, these Peranakan Mamezara incorporates the peony floral motif commonly found on Peranakan tiles that characterise traditional Peranakan homes, across two different designs. The vivid colours of these mamazara are evocative of Kutani-yaki, a traditional style of pottery originating from the Ishikawa prefecture known for its multi-coloured glaze and bold patterns.
Measuring 10.5cm across, these Peranakan Mamezara are perfect for condiments, housing treasured ornaments, as a souvenir for guests from abroad, or simply as a decorative adornment for the home. Each Peranakan Mamezara is priced at SGD24nett, and is available in limited quantities from both Candlenut at COMO Dempsey and Supermama stores. For more touches of Candlenut at home or unique gifting ideas, choose from the restaurant’s signature
Sambal Buah Keluak (SGD20nett for 100g; SGD24nett for 190g) and the bespoke Blue Pea Flower Tea (SGD28nett for 20g; SGD32nett for 40g). The robust black nut chilli paste can be served as a delicious accompaniment to any dish, or stir fried with meat, seafood and rice – ingredients that can be conveniently found at Culina at COMO Dempsey located within walking distance from the restaurant, to cook up an authentic Peranakan feast. End the meal with the Blue Pea Flower Tea (SGD28nett for 20g; SGD32nett for 40g) that pairs well with kuehs or enjoyed on its own. This elegant loose leaf tea features a blend of oolong, butterfly pea flower, and is accented with fragrant notes of jasmine, pandan and lemongrass. The Sambal Buah Keluak and Blue Pea Flower Tea are exclusively on retail at Candlenut.
