Growing up Hainanese in Singapore

Trina
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  • Society & Culture
  • Semiweekly

What does it mean to grow up Hainanese in Singapore? Growing Up Hainanese is a personal journey through the food, family stories, traditions and cultural influences that shaped a Singaporean childhood. Hosted by Trina, the podcast explores what it means to grow up between generations and cultures — from Hainanese family traditions and Singapore's kopitiam culture, to migration, colonial history, food, language and the everyday experiences that make Singapore what it is. Expect stories about kopi, kaya toast, Hainanese chicken rice, family recipes, grandparents, Singaporean childhood memorie

Episodes

  1. Oct 17

    The Moths, The Steady Candlelight and My Anchor

    In this heartfelt episode, I share the story of my Hainanese grandma, Popo, who was my anchor, my safe place, and one of the greatest sources of unconditional love in my life. From childhood memories of her patiently braiding my hair and waiting for me at the school bus stop, to the comfort of her listening ear during my teenage years, I reflect on the quiet, everyday moments that shaped our bond. I also share the regrets of growing apart as I grew older, and the profound grief of realising that the person I had always relied on would no longer be there. Years after her passing, two extraordinary encounters with moths during the births of my children brought me a renewed sense of connection with her. Rooted in Chinese folk beliefs about moths as possible messengers of departed loved ones, these experiences reminded me that love can continue to find us in unexpected ways. For anyone who has lost someone dear, may this story remind you that although lifestages changes our relationships, the love we have received remains with us, anchoring us through every season of life.

    The Moths, The Steady Candlelight and My Anchor

  2. Oct 10

    Hainanese Curry Rice, Family Recipes and the Flavours of Home

    What makes Singapore’s food culture so unique? In this episode, Trina explores the story behind Singapore Hainanese curry rice, a beloved hawker dish that brings together different culinary influences. She also shares childhood memories of visiting the wet market with her grandmother, the family chicken curry recipe passed down through generations, and the challenge of recreating the taste of home while studying in North Carolina. From the aromas of freshly ground spices to the evolution of family recipes, discover how food reflects Singapore’s multicultural heritage and connects us to our memories, families, and sense of home.

    Hainanese Curry Rice, Family Recipes and the Flavours of Home

  3. Oct 3

    Kopi, Kaya & Colonial Kitchens: How the Hainanese Shaped Singapore’s Kopitiam Culture

    In this episode, Trina invites JD, her husband, to explore the fascinating story behind one of Singapore’s most beloved food traditions: the kopitiam. From Hainanese cooks working in British colonial households and kitchens, to the Western influences that became woven into everyday Singaporean breakfasts, we uncover how migration, culture and adaptation created something uniquely Singaporean. Trina shares memories of growing up with her Hainanese grandmother — from kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs to Milo, milk tea and the surprisingly American origins of buttered saltine crackers. Meanwhile, JD shares how he discovered Singaporean kopi, why traditional coffee is brewed through a sock-like filter, and the hilarious first time he ordered Kopi O and received his coffee in a plastic bag. We also get into the world of kopi orders, the history of kaya, the Hainanese connection to Singapore’s food scene, and the people behind iconic brands like Ya Kun Kaya Toast. It's a conversation about food, family, migration, colonial history and what makes something truly Singaporean. ☕ How did kopi become so Singaporean?🍞 Where did kaya toast come from?🥚 Why are soft-boiled eggs served with soy sauce and white pepper?🇸🇬 And how did the Hainanese turn British influences into a Singaporean tradition? Plus, one very important question: Will JD ever learn to love runny soft-boiled eggs? Spoiler: probably not.

    Kopi, Kaya & Colonial Kitchens: How the Hainanese Shaped Singapore’s Kopitiam Culture

  4. Sep 26

    Superwoman of a Grandmother

    Today's episode is a bit more personal, let's chat about my grandmother and I will share abit about her remarkable qualities, and the impact she had on me.

    Superwoman of a Grandmother

  5. Sep 19

    Origins of Chicken Rice and Recipe Variations

    Let's chat about one of Singapore's most famous national dishes - the Hainanese Chicken rice, and trace its origins to the Wenchang Chicken. We will also explore recipe variations and I will give a glimpse into my family's unique recipe.

  6. Sep 14

    Hainanese Language

    An intro, a debut and the Hainanese language

  • 6 Episodes

About

What does it mean to grow up Hainanese in Singapore? Growing Up Hainanese is a personal journey through the food, family stories, traditions and cultural influences that shaped a Singaporean childhood. Hosted by Trina, the podcast explores what it means to grow up between generations and cultures — from Hainanese family traditions and Singapore's kopitiam culture, to migration, colonial history, food, language and the everyday experiences that make Singapore what it is. Expect stories about kopi, kaya toast, Hainanese chicken rice, family recipes, grandparents, Singaporean childhood memorie

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