This is living history, a showcase for traditional Perankan crafts. The intricate and colourful bridal clothes recall a time when rituals and tradition ruled.

Skill and patience are a crucial part of the incredible detailed, handworked beaded items such as purses, shoes and jewellery. There's usually someone working on the beading loom (not always a woman, either) so you can see the process for yourself, up close.

You might not be up for getting kitted out in these clothes, but they are worthy of collecting if you're a lover of colour, detail and handwork.

Katong is one of the last commercial shop house strips, with plenty of Peranakan eateries. It's one of life's mysteries that such delicate clothing goes hand in hand with some really tricky eating.