About
Gedung
Kuning
Gedung Kuning, meaning "Yellow Mansion" in Malay, was probably built around the same period or slightly before the Istana Kampong Gelam (present-day Malay Heritage Centre). Located next to the former Istana, it stood within what was once a royal compound.
Like the Istana Kampong Gelam, the architecture of Gedung Kuning reflects Palladian influence, while the form and internal layout derive from the single-storey, raised Malay house. Designed to admit air and light but exclude glare and rain, louvred windows are an adaptation to suit the tropical climate.
The exterior of Gedung Kuning was constructed using wood and bricks, reflecting its European influences externally.
The interior of Gedung Kuning, like the former Istana Kampong Glam next to it, follows the design of a traditional Malay house.
According to the official sources, the locals referred to this building by several names such as Rumah Bendahara and Gedung Kuning. In 1864, the youngest son of the Sultan of Johor, Tengku Mahmud, named his mansion Gedung Kuning which means Yellow Mansion, after its yellow walls.
In the Nusantara region and Malay world, yellow is the colour often associated with royalty. Yellow is a royal colour commonly associated with Malay Sultans. Since the bungalow was initially built to be the resident for the heir of the royal family, it was probably the reason why it was painted yellow. According to what is being recorded by the historian, this heir refers to Tengku Mahmud. It has become a widely accepted information that Tengku Mahmud may have stayed briefly at Gedung Kuning. Because of its royal connections, the local has referred to the bungalow by many names - such as Rumah Bendahara and Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion).
Haji Yusoff, a merchant and philanthropist of Javanese descent, was born in Kampong Glam in 1855. His father, Haji Mohamed Noor bin Haji Ali, came to Singapore from Java in the mid 19th century. Haji Yusoff’s father lived in Kampong Glam, near Istana Kampong Glam, and had a food stall near Kallang River.
In 1912, Haji Yusoff purchased Gedung Kuning and sold it some years later. He subsequently bought it again and this Yellow Mansion served as a residence for Haji Yusoff's family.
Nusantara cuisine has a rich history in singapore
With Kampong Glam serving as a hub for its diverse and flavorful dishes. As Singapore's oldest urban quarter, Kampong Glam has been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, with residents sharing their Nusantara specialties and exchanging culinary traditions. Today, the legacy of Nusantara cuisine lives on in the vibrant flavors and dishes served at Gedung Kuning in Kampong Glam.
The
Nusantara
Story
Nusantara is the Indonesian name of Maritime Southeast Asia (or parts of it). It is an old Javanese term which literally means "outer islands".
In the 1800, Singapore was populated by Malays, Chinese and local tribes called Orang Laut or commonly known as Orang Seletar. The Orang Laut are several ethnic groups living around Singapore from the straits of Johor, Malaysian peninsula, Indonesian Riau islands, Myanmar and Thailand archipelago.
In 1822, the Raffles Town Plan was drawn up and Kampong Glam was designated for the Muslim immigrants and traders from the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Riau archipelago and more.
Pondoks, or communal lodging houses were set up to house newly arrived migrants from their respective hometown which is present day Indonesia and Malaysia. Pondok Jawa at Sultan Gate was home to many hawkers known for selling Satay, Ketupat, Mee Rebus
and Mee Siam.
Pondok Melaka, where traders from Malacca stayed brought Cincalok, which is Malaccan style fermented shrimps from Malacca. As a thriving port area with residents from diverse communities of Nusantara, Kampong Gelam became Singapore’s oldest urban quarters and residents introduced their Nusantara specialties, exchanging culture through food and adding flavours to Singapore’s culinary landscape till today.
“The people of Kampong Khaji (now Bussorah Street) were particularly good at baking cakes. They were also good at making ‘Mee Siam’, ‘Lontong’, ‘Nasi Rawon’ and ‘Nasi Jenganan’ - Oral history review of Haji Mohammad Saat bin Tamby, 17 May 1993.”
Permata Singapore is proud to be an award-winning establishment, honoured for its dedication to quality and tradition. We offer guests a taste of timeless Nusantara flavours in a setting rich with heritage. Our recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Award Winning Restaurant
.jpg)