Mickey Go Local Season 1 Episode 2 Peranakan Spice

Mickey Go Local is a travel and food show that follows the adventures of Mickey, a Singaporean food blogger, as he explores the diverse culinary landscape of his home country. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Peranakan Spice", Mickey goes on a journey to uncover the secrets of Peranakan cuisine, a unique fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian cooking traditions that has its roots in the Straits Settlements of Malaysia and Singapore.

The episode begins with Mickey visiting an old Peranakan house in Joo Chiat, a historic neighborhood that is home to many of Singapore's remaining Peranakan communities. Here, he meets with a Peranakan home cook who teaches him the basics of the cuisine, including the use of key ingredients like belacan, tamarind, and rempah (a mixed spice blend).

Mickey then visits a Peranakan restaurant in Katong, where he tries out some classic dishes like ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with black nuts), assam fish (fish in a tangy tamarind broth), and otak-otak (a spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaf). He also gets to sample some lesser-known Peranakan specialties like kueh pie tee (a crispy pastry cup filled with spicy vegetable and prawn filling) and ondeh ondeh (a sweet coconut-filled ball coated in sticky rice flour).

Next, Mickey joins a Peranakan Spice Tour, where he visits various spice shops and markets in search of the key ingredients that make Peranakan cuisine so unique. He learns about the origins of dried shrimp, explores the different types of belacan, and discovers the medicinal properties of herbs like turmeric and ginger.

The episode also features Mickey's conversations with prominent Peranakan chefs and food historians, who share their insights into the history and evolution of the cuisine. He learns about the influence of colonialism on Peranakan cuisine, as well as the cultural exchanges that occurred between different communities in the region.

Throughout the episode, Mickey also takes time to reflect on the importance of preserving Peranakan cuisine and keeping its traditions alive. He notes that many of the dishes he has tried are made with labor-intensive techniques that require a lot of time and effort, and expresses concern that younger generations may not be as interested in learning these skills.

In the end, Mickey concludes that Peranakan cuisine is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Singapore and Malaysia, and encourages viewers to explore this fascinating cuisine for themselves. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just someone who loves discovering new flavors and cultures, "Peranakan Spice" is an episode that should not be missed.