10 Places To Shop For Nyonya Kebayas & Live Your Little Nyonya Dreams

If you’re hooked on the local drama Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story, chances are that you’ve probably toyed with the idea of donning a Nyonya kebaya. 

You might have heard of the term “kebaya” from your Malay friends. The kebaya is a blouse-dress believed to have originated from the Majapahit Empire in the 15th century. Over time, it has spread to Malaysia and Singapore to become part of the Malay traditional garments. There are different types of kebaya, and each region usually boasts its own style. But what is a Nyonya kebaya? It is a form of kebaya worn by the Peranakan ladies in Malaysia and Singapore.

It is usually made of lightweight fabric, such as cotton voile, and is adorned with intricate honeycomb mesh and/or embroidery, usually handmade. One thing that makes it different from the Malay kebaya is that the nyonya kebaya usually doesn’t come with buttons – the lapel has to be affixed with a set of three brooches called kerosang. However, some modern versions include snap buttons for convenience.

Planning to get your own? Take note that cotton voile is usually translucent, hence you’d need to wear it with a camisole. Some shops switch the cotton voile for more opaque fabrics so if you want to skip the additional layer, go for a different fabric. 

If you’re ready to get in touch with your inner Little Nyonya, check out these 10 shops where you can shop for a Nyonya kebaya.

Rumah Bebe

Want an all-inclusive, authentic experience of buying a Nyonya kebaya that is beyond your laptop screen? Head to Rumah Bebe, a Peranakan heritage boutique-restaurant. This will provide the ultimate culturally immersive experience, as it boasts a restaurant, a shop, and a space for beading classes. You can also join the tour to find out more about Peranakan culture. It’s located in Katong, which is known for its rich Peranakan history. Be sure to make an appointment before visiting the store, which operates only on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10.30am to 5pm.

Rumah Bebe is at 113 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428803. Visit its website for more information.

Rumah Kim Choo

Love the Nyonya kebayas that you see on Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story? They’re all bespoke pieces made by Raymond Wong, who runs Rumah Kim Choo! Apart from creating custom pieces, Rumah Kim Choo also offers kebaya rental. While you’re there, check out the rest of the space, which showcases Peranakan culture. You can also book Peranakan-inspired clothes for your furkids for a mini photoshoot session. Too cute!

Kim Choo is at 111 East Coast Road, Singapore 428801. Visit its website for more information.

ANS.EIN

This modern spin on Nyonya kebaya is closer to Peranakan-inspired kebaya, as its fabric draws inspiration from the Peranakan-style tiles that you’d see at some shophouses and the Peranakan Museum. The great thing about this is that it’s already affixed with buttons, so you don’t have to worry about having to buy brooches – and it’s nursing-friendly. Most of ANS.EIN's items are made-to-order, so if you’re planning on getting one, give yourself (and the store) at least 10 working days' allowance before the item can be shipped. It also has a store at Design Orchard, if you prefer to purchase ready stocks in-store.

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

Royal Kebaya

Royal Kebaya stocks various types of kebaya, with the nyonya kebaya being one of them. Their wide range of colours, from bright colours, to more muted greys and sweet pastels, will leave you spoilt for choice. They sell a lot of kebayas, so use the filter to select “Nyonya Kebaya” to see which are in stock. You can also find your matching sarong here, all handmade! If you’re making a trip down to Kuala Lumpur soon, you can visit their physical store for a try-on.

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

Ang Eng

One of the best cities when it comes to procuring a good nyonya kebaya is Melaka, Malaysia. And you know a store is good when it survives generations. This store is owned by a third-generation business owner. Her grandmother started Ang Eng in her home in the 1950s, and by the 1980s, this family-owned business had four outlets in Malaysia. They now only have one store in Selangor, which operates on a by-appointment basis. However, you can buy their Nyonya kebaya from their website. Prices are pretty steep (above $1,000 for some pieces!), but that’s because the honeycomb mesh is handmade by their craftsmen.

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

Faire Belle

This online store offers a range of nyonya kebaya, from traditional styles to those with a modern spin. While most Nyonya kebaya are made of cotton voile or muslin, the pieces here are made of polyester-elastane blend fabric or cotton spandex blend fabric, making them slightly stretchy and more opaque. They also have sleeveless designs, in case you really cannot tolerate the heat in Singapore. But we suggest not visiting your traditional Peranakan grandma or relatives in this outfit because she might balk at this modern iteration of her culture.

Little Nyonya Batik

Have an occasion coming up and looking for a Nyonya kebaya that doesn’t cost a good chunk of your monthly salary? Or perhaps you’re looking for a premium piece that you can get a lot of uses out of. Either way, you might find something that tickles your fancy on this online store. Prices for the basic kebaya collection start from $125; the cotton ones start from $140; the high-quality ones start from $168, while the luxurious collection starts from $450. The differences in quality not only lie in the type of fabric used, but also quality and intricacies of the embroidery. All products are handmade, so no two products are the same. So if you prefer one-of-a-kind pieces, this could be a good option for you.

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

We Love Kebaya

Need matching outfits with your little girl, but have problems finding one for her? Look no further than this Singapore-based online store. The kids' kebaya and batik sarong are sold as sets, while the adult-size pieces are sold as separates. Tops run from XS to 4XL, while the batik skirts run from XS to 2XL. Prices are pretty affordable, too! If the size doesn't fit you, you can exchange it for another item within seven days of purchase (subject to terms and conditions).

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

Toko Aljunied

Located at Arab Street, this shop prides itself on specialising in Nyonya kebaya and batik clothes, according to their Instagram profile. The store has a long-standing presence in Singapore, having started in 1940, when they sold sarong kebaya and batik clothes. They later diversified their business to also sell Nyonya kebaya. Apart from ladies’ clothes, they also have something for men. Their batik shirts, which are made of cotton and silk, are said to be the favourites of ministers and foreign dignitaries!

Toko Aljunied is at 91 Arab St Singapore 199787.

Susan Batik House

Looking for a whole Nyonya outfit, rather than just the clothes? This shop's got you covered. Apart from the traditional Nyonya kebaya and batik sarong in various colours and designs, they also sell beaded shoes, from slip-on sandals to mules. If you're looking for couple wear, they sell men's batik shirts, so you can wear matching colours with your hubby. Don’t have time to go down to the store but know your exact size? Then you can purchase from their website! However, do note that they have a no-return policy, so if you're unsure about the size or fit, it'll be better to head down to the store.

Susan Batik House is at 32 New Market Road, #02-1106/1104, Singapore 050032. Visit its website to shop or for more information.