Irene Ong specializes in Peranakan pastries. She bakes traditional crispy pineapple tarts, kueh bangkek, sugee cake, fruit cake (steamed and baked), traditional cookies such as almond horseshoe biscuits, almond and peanut cookies.

She takes after her mother who specialized in nyonya kueh. Todate Irene still keeps the hand-written receipes handed down by her grand-aunt to her mother.

What started as a hobby to her, baking is now ‘bread and butter’ to her.

Irene is also a part-time actress. She has acted for television and Peranakan Theatres, namely as ‘Siew Mui’ maid to the Matriach in ‘Ways of the Matriach;’ Series II, III and Happy Nyonya New Year.

Her last major appearance was as Bertha or Gek Choo in Bertha’s nest on Channel News Asia.

She has acted in the following Peranakan Theatres:

For Gunong Sayang Association
Belom Mati Belom Tau
Buang Keroh Pungot Jerneh
Kipas Cendana
Anak Udang Anak Tenggeri

For the Main Wayang Company
Baba Nyonya Mari Go Round
Various events at birthday celebrations and Community Centres
Irene is one of the Golden Girlz of Katong, a brand of The Main Wayang Company.