Episode list

The Ways of the Matriarch

S1.E1 ∙ Setting the Scene

Pearlyn has been asked to write a book on Peranakan cuisine and culture. She uses emotional blackmail to rope her daughter-in-law Fern into helping her. The beginning of the ties that bind and bind "until you can't escape". Through the recipes and methods of cooking Babi Chin and Kueh Koci, we learn about the character of Nonya Food and the idiosyncrasies of the members of the Chew household.

Iman Corinne Adrienne and Gerald Chew in The Ways of the Matriarch (2002)

S1.E2 ∙ The Love Letter

Dial M for melodrama. In this episode, Aunt Gloria falls in love. Through the course of Hati Babi Bungkus, Luak Chye and Kueh Belandan we discover the mystery of Gor Kor's past and why the present is played out with a lot of song and dance.

Iman Corinne Adrienne, Gerald Chew, Shirley Tay, Mabel Long, and Jessie Cheang in The Ways of the Matriarch (2002)

S1.E3 ∙ The Very Impressive Meal

Pearlyn hears that "the old woman", her mother-in-law may visit. She goes into a panic, and the household is in total disarray. This is her moment of triumph and glory and a chance to show off her culinary skills. Fern as the unwilling victim cooks Poh Piah and a Pengat.

Iman Corinne Adrienne, Gerald Chew, and Shirley Tay in The Ways of the Matriarch (2002)

S1.E4 ∙ A Question of Blending

Fern decides to prove a point on the use of the blender. She makes Ayam Lemak. It is an experiment that lands her harshly on the floor with the batu lesong. Yet, through the making of Achar and Kueh Lapis, she learns more about Nonya music and poetry, especially the pantun.

Iman Corinne Adrienne and Shirley Tay in The Ways of the Matriarch (2002)

S1.E5 ∙ Pantang

Fern learns about Nonya superstitions and discovers that it is not just old wives' tales. Through the course of cooking the Sambal Jantong and Kueh Bangkit, she uses an old superstition to her advantage.

Iman Corinne Adrienne, Gerald Chew, Shirley Tay, and Mabel Long in The Ways of the Matriarch (2002)

S1.E6 ∙ Birthday Boy

It is Robert's birthday and Fern plans a romantic dinner for two at a French restaurant. Pearlyn has other plans. Robert is now faced between the devil and the deep blue sea. Will he be enticed by home made Hee Piow Soup and Ang Ku Kueh, an offering of Pearlyn's love?

S1.E7 ∙ Sick Bed

San Mui is not well. Pearlyn is sincerely worried and does her best to make her favourite foods including the Kueh Bolu. But San Mui is sick of porridge and she wants the Otak Otak instead.

S1.E8 ∙ Is She, Isn't She?

Fern has not been feeling well. Pearlyn suspects she is pregnant and does her best to find out. Fern is not telling. She likes the sudden attention and near-affection she is getting from Pearlyn, especially if she doesn't have to slice her way through the Nasi Ulam and she gets her favourite Pineapple Tarts. A cliffhanger episode - is she or isn't she pregnant?