About
Gedung
Kuning
Gedung Kuning, which translates to "Yellow Mansion" in Malay, was constructed slightly before the Istana Kampong Gelam—now the Malay Heritage Centre. Situated adjacent to the former royal palace, it once stood within the grounds of a royal compound.
Architecturally, Gedung Kuning shares Palladian influences with Istana Kampong Gelam, while its form and interior layout are rooted in the traditional single-storey raised Malay house. Features such as louvred windows were specifically designed to allow air and light in while shielding against tropical glare and rain.
The mansion’s exterior, built using a combination of wood and brick, reflects European architectural influence, while its interior remains faithful to the layout and design principles of traditional Malay homes.
According to historical records, locals referred to the building by various names, including Rumah Bendahara and Gedung Kuning. In 1864, Tengku Mahmud—the youngest son of the Sultan of Johor—officially named the mansion Gedung Kuning, inspired by its distinct yellow exterior.
Due to its royal ties, the bungalow came to be known by several names over time, including Rumah Bendahara and Gedung Kuning (meaning Yellow Mansion).
In the Nusantara region and the wider Malay world, yellow has long been associated with royalty, particularly among Malay Sultans. As the bungalow was originally built to house a royal heir, this association likely influenced its distinctive yellow colour.
Haji Yusoff, a respected merchant and philanthropist of Javanese descent, was born in Kampong Glam in 1855. His father, Haji Mohamed Noor bin Haji Ali, migrated from Java to Singapore in the mid-19th century. He settled in Kampong Glam, near the Istana Kampong Gelam, and operated a food stall near the Kallang River.
In 1912, Haji Yusoff purchased Gedung Kuning. Although he later sold it, he eventually reacquired the property, which then served as the residence for his family for many years.
Today, Gedung Kuning stands not only as a reminder of its royal past but also as a cherished part of Kampong Glam’s cultural and historical landscape.
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 an old Javanese term that refers to the Maritime Southeast Asia region. Literally meaning “outer islands,” it is commonly used in Indonesia to describe the interconnected archipelagos of the Malay world.
In the 1800s, Singapore’s population comprised mainly Malays, Chinese, and indigenous coastal communities known as the Orang Laut—also referred to as Orang Seletar. These seafaring groups inhabited the coastal areas around Singapore, the Straits of Johor, the Riau Islands of Indonesia, and extended as far as the Malaysian peninsula, Myanmar, and parts of the Thai archipelago.
In 1822, the Raffles Town Plan was introduced, designating Kampong Glam as the settlement for Muslim immigrants and traders arriving from the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Riau Islands, and other parts of the Nusantara region.
Pondoks, or communal lodging houses, were established to accommodate newly arrived migrants from various parts of what is now Indonesia and Malaysia.
These lodgings provided a sense of community and cultural continuity for newcomers. Pondok Jawa, located at Sultan Gate, became known for its residents—many of whom were hawkers—who introduced popular dishes such as Satay, Ketupat, Mee Rebus, and Mee Siam.
At Pondok Melaka, traders from Malacca brought with them regional specialties like Cincalok, a traditional Malaccan fermented shrimp condiment. As a bustling port and cultural hub, Kampong Glam evolved into Singapore’s oldest urban quarter, where migrants from across the Nusantara region shared their culinary heritage—enriching the nation’s food culture in ways that continue to be felt today.
Such influences have left a lasting mark on the area’s cultural landscape.
“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.”
Fajar Ali Mohd
Executive Director
With over 38 years of experience in the F&B and hospitality industry in Singapore, Fajar is the Executive Director of Gedung Kuning. He is one of the driving forces to revive nostalgic Nusantara dishes in Singapore through Permata Singapore. His passion for Nusantara stems from his Malay heritage which he is proud to share with both the locals and expats that visit Gedung Kuning.
Chef Mel Dean
Culinary Director
Meet Chef Mel Dean, Culinary Director at Permata Singapore and recipient of the Honorary Entrepreneur Award.
From Culinary Creator to Consultant, Lifestyle Chef, Brand Ambassador, Trainer, Speaker, Author, Host, and Actor—Chef Mel embodies how passion and profession can unite to achieve excellence.
At Permata, he brings this vision to life through innovative recipe creation, menu development, and thematic buffet experiences that blend heritage with modern flair.
Experience Chef Mel Dean’s culinary artistry as he reimagines tradition with creativity, delivering bold, vibrant dishes that celebrate culture and flavour.
Chef Manoj
Kumar
Head Chef
Chef Manoj's culinary experience began at Taj Palace, New Delhi, a 5 Star establishment. Being in the culinary scene for the past 20 years, Head Chef Manoj is a versatile Chef who specialises in international cuisines, particularly Nusantara & Indian Cuisine.
Chef Manoj's culinary expertise has won the hearts of celebrities, politicians, diplomats and dignitaries who visit Permata Singapore. His culinary expertise exceeds beyond expectations, and reaches countless possibilities through his exclusive curation of Nusantara inspired vegetarian dishes.
Rinna Suhaimi
Manager
Born in Singapore with Javanese heritage, Rinna brings with her a deep understanding of the cultural traditions of the Nusantara region. With over a decade of experience in the F&B industry, she focuses on maintaining authentic service standards and preserving regional culinary practices.
At Permata, Rinna leads the service team and plays a key role in shaping the guest experience. Her strong interpersonal skills and commitment to hospitality contribute to an atmosphere that reflects the warmth and traditions of Nusantara.
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
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