Cooking Classes
[Class format copy — client to supply: how classes run, what attendees take away]
Jaya Gurusamy Pillay
Jaya is a strong communicator, able to seamlessly code-switch over the 45 years with the Singapore Police Force and then with the Public Trustee office, Ministry of Law, while working with both members of the public, vendors, contractors and community partners. Those experiences shaped a woman of integrity, patience and keen sense for timing. She navigates comfortably in English, Hokkien, Bahasa Melayu, Baba Malay as well as Chitty Melaka Malay. The latter spoke while growing up in Gajah Berang, Malacca under the guidance of her mother and grandmother, in and out of the kitchen. Skilled in the art of pantun, she laments the slowly disappearing language. As such, Jaya is committed to keep it alive where she can through community collaborations e.g. Mari Kita Main Wayang and Cakap Baba workshops. She is also a core member of the PICMAS choir, Hati Kampong Chorus. Through her collaboration with both the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) and The Peranakan Museum (TPM), she leads cooking demonstrations of heritage Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) dishes.
Signature Dishes
Sambal Belachan Udang Goreng
Kuah Assam Rebus
Sotong Masak Hitam
Sambal Tahu (Vegetarian)
Timun Masak Lemak
Kuah Pindang
Kala Kannammal d/o Kathaperumal
Kala became a home-based cook and caterer in 1985. This significant departure from a corporate pathway, of sales and contact centre to internal auditor, is testimony to her ability to flex and adapt to change. Kala even ran a food business (Dum briyani, of course) in the early years. An active long-time resident of the Katong-Joo Chiat area, Kala and her home have been a part of a heritage trail. Her open warmth hospitality and her delicious table, are reminiscent of how our grandmothers and mothers are our constant. That same attention to detail carries through when dressing a Chitty wedding or recording her memories of the Chitty community for the National Archives, all for generations to come. Through her collaboration with both business and heritage organisations e.g. the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) and The Peranakan Museum (TPM), she leads cooking demonstrations of heritage Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) dishes.
Signature Dishes
Dhalcha
Tepong Gomak
Chicken Dry Masala
Lepat Ubi Kayu
Kueh Kaswi
Dum Briyani
Merlin Pillay
A little-known fact is that Merlin began her career with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) bagpipe unit, also known as the Women Police Pipes & Drums (WPPD) band, as a drummer in 1971. She served for 5 years, bringing with her lessons to persevere, to aim for precision and to work as a team. This Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) beauty with the desire to travel and see the world, then saw her join SIA as cabin crew in 1976. Merlin proudly reflects during those following 8 years as an ambassador wearing the distinctive kebaya as uniform. This was particularly poignant as she shared her experience with the National Heritage Board, Getting to Know Our Kebaya in 2023. Merlin exchanged her wings for an apron, to raise a family. Her journey from home cook to home-based catering, began in 2010. Today, she is highly sought out for her signature dishes. Over the recent years, through her collaboration with both the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) and The Peranakan Museum (TPM), she leads workshops, providing insight and understanding to the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) heritage while engaging audiences from kopiah making to preparing the tepak sireh to cooking heritage dishes to joget dances.
Signature Dishes
Chicken Debal Curry
Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis
Hae Be Hiam Sambal
Lauk Pindang Ikan Parang
Belimbing Sambal Udang
Gerago Fritters with Chili Cuka
For bookings, please email us at partnerships@chitty.org.sg
Want to get involved?
Whether as a volunteer, donor, or partner — we’d love to hear from you.