This is a Grinder (Batu Giling) probably used in the preparation of spices and pastes needed in Peranakan cuisine. It is made from rough and heavy granite and consists of a rectangular base and accompanying rod. Peranakan cuisine is a blend of tastes borrowed from various communities. These include recipes from Chinese, Malay, Javanese, Indian and even European palates. Since Peranakan dishes require a lot of preparation, tools such as the Batu Giling are important in the crushing, pounding and grinding of the numerous ingredients and spices used. This is necessary to release the natural flavours of the ingredients or to mill them to the correct consistency.
