Dapur Babah’s Njonja Redaktur’s High Tea pays tribute to the Peranakan women journalists in the early 20th century.
This High Tea of Dapur Babah is inspired by the editor-in-chief of the first newspaper dedicated to the Peranakan women in the early 20th century, “Istri”, which was launched from an old building at the Prinsenlaan no 69 in Batavia (now Jalan Mangga Besar Raya). As the first woman ever leading a newspaper in an industry that was 100% dominated by men those days, she was often sneered at. This was commonly experienced by several other Peranakan women working in journalism during those times.
Istri was published in Melayu-Tionghoa and not in Dutch, as she wanted many women who are not as highly educated to be able to read them. The publication was aimed to educate the Peranakan women in the Dutch East Indies, who until then were seen as mostly indifferent to help others in need.
Many discussions happened during these frequent afternoon teas of Njonja Redaktur and the other Peranakan women in the circle. With other journalists of that time, they discussed their views on relevant topics from political, philosophical to arts & culture, over delicious homemade Peranakan delicacies made in rotation by the members of the circle and fragrant Javanese teas. These tea sessions were also often attended by a few renowned male editors of that time such as Kwee Hing Tjiat (known as the Malay-Tionghoa Journalistic Dragon) and the famous Dr Loe Ping Kian who then became the director of Sin Ming Hui Hospital.
Fast forwarding to 21st century, now at Dapur Babah, enjoy an afternoon with our Njonja Redaktur High Tea experience, indulging in the flavors of both sweet and savory traditional Peranakan delicacies, while delighting in the charming ambience of Dapur Babah Elite.
Read more about: