It stars Jeanette Aw, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Joanne Peh, Dai Xiangyu, Darren Lim, Yao Wenlong, Zen Chong, Eelyn Kok, Lin Meijiao, Ng Hui and Xiang Yun as the main casts of the series.

[1] The series spawned a Chinese remake of the same name broadcasting on CCTV, which aired for 45 episodes beginning 28 June 2020 and ended on 20 July.

During a flashback to the past, Huang Juxiang (Jeanette Aw) is born into a large Peranakan Chinese family in Malacca, Malaysia where her mother is a mistress.

Although she is the daughter of the respectable Huang family, Juxiang and her mother Wang Tianlan (Xiang Yun) are treated as servants due to their illegitimate status, having no say in anything.

During a feast of peranakan cuisines hosted by the Huang family, Juxiang catches the eyes of many men - Chen Sheng (Pierre Png), the second son of the respectable Chen family, Charlie Zhang (Desmond Sim), a powerful and cunning businessman, and Yamamoto Yousuke (Dai Xiangyu), a Japanese Photographer.

Juxiang painstakingly raises hers and Yousuke's daughter Yamamoto Yueniang ((Jeanette Aw (Middle-Age)), (Christabelle Tan (Younger)) and (Xiang Yun (Older)) for 8 years with the support of Chen Sheng.

At the same time, Yueniang is forced to marry a lowly butcher turned gangster boss, Liu Yidao (Yao Wenlong).

Zhenzhu takes Yuzhu's place in marrying Chen Xi, who had no say in the marriage as he was gravely ill and in a coma after the unsuccessful elopement.

Zhenzhu leaves her loveless marriage and got a divorce with Chen Xi and the latter starts a relationship with his good friend Libby (Pamelyn Chee).

Yueniang adopts Yuzhu and Robert's son and names him Zhang Zuye ((Edsel Lim, Younger) and (Zen Chong, Older)).

Shortly after, Yueniang passes away peacefully wearing a traditional white garment, signifying that she will be reunited with her husband Paul in the afterlife.

[2] More than 150 staff members were involved in production of the series and the cast was required to travel frequently from Singapore to Penang, Malacca and Ipoh during filming.

This drama series was notable for having the highest production budget in the history of MediaCorp due to the elaborate period costumes like the kebaya.

Huang Biren was said to be a prime candidate for the role of Tian Lan, although the actress' decision not to renew her contract with MediaCorp ultimately resulted in Xiang Yun obtaining the part.

Elvin Ng was originally considered to be portraying Yamamoto Yousuke, but unfortunately, he was injured before filming began, which resulted Dai Xiangyu replacing him.

Andrew Seow was first choice to play Robert Zhang but he declined due to him leaving MediaCorp and not renewing his contract, which resulted the role being replaced and portrayed by Zen Chong.

Twelve members of the cast participated in "The Little Nyonya Public Event" 小娘惹户外影迷会 at Compass Point on 27 December 2008, which included an autograph session.

[3][4] Due to the overwhelming response of the initial public event, a "Thank You Roadshow" was held at Suntec City on 31 January 2009, where fans were allowed to take photographs with the cast and then shake hands.

On 17 January 2009, Jeanette Aw and Xiang Yun promoted bird nest at Tiong Bahru Plaza, while Qi Yuwu and Joanne Peh appeared at Courts Megastore along Tampines Road.

Qi and Peh later appeared in character as Chen Xi and Huang Yuzhu respectively as part of the official launch for Media Fiesta at Marina Square on 5 March 2009.

On 26 April 2009, Jeanette Aw and Pierre Png made an appearance at the first anniversary of the Singapore Peranakan Museum shortly before leaving to attend the Star Awards.

It was hosted by Dasmond Koh and featured Yan Bingliang, Lin Meijiao, Pan Lingling, Darren Lim, Li Yinzhu, Cynthia Koh, Eelyn Kok, Andie Chen, Joanne Peh, Zen Chong, Dai Xiangyu, Jeanette Aw, Xiang Yun, Pierre Png, Qi Yuwu, Ng Hui and Yao Wenlong.

However, despite being lauded as a drama that provides an insight into the unique Peranakan culture, the show has received criticism in local media over portrayals and promotion.

Issues that were raised early included the castings of Pan Lingling and Cynthia Koh to portray teenage girls albeit being already in their thirties.

Several viewers also believe that the producers intentionally wrote Aw's first role as a mute in attempt to conceal her imperfect delivery of Mandarin.

[11] Due to the usage of dramatic license, the drama series also contains a significant number of historical inaccuracies, particularly in the first few episodes involving Juxiang's life and Yueniang's childhood.

Notable examples include the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1932 (as opposed to 1937) and the first air raid on Singapore (8 December 1941) occurring in broad daylight (which took place at night in reality).

It was also used in the skit segment of Star Search 2010 Grand Finals in which contestants played Liu Yidao, Huang Yuzhu, Ah Tao and Robert Zhang.

[22][23] A mixture of Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese actors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Canada were cast as the other major and minor characters in the remake.

The significant changes are that in the ending, both Yueniang and Chen Xi are reunited six years after Yueniang's presumed death, and happily married; Huang Yuzhu's mental condition improved and she reunited with the Huang family after her recovery; the adopted son of Robert Zhang and Yuzhu was named Huang Cien (黄慈恩) instead of Zhang Zuye (张祖业), following his mother's surname while subsequently allowing his own descendants to adopt the surname Chen (Chen Xi's surname); and that both Libby and Paul are engaged to different people.