The Dutch colonies were part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Since the beginning of the 19th century, this kingdom was governed by ministries. The colonies also fell under their own ministry: the Ministry of Colonies. This ministry was housed in its own building at the address Plein 1, near the entrance to the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis.
The Ministry of Colonies maintained administrative connections with the colonies. During the 19th century, the advent of steamships, telephony and telegraphy increased traffic between the Netherlands and the colonies. This caused many Indian officials to settle in The Hague, bringing with them Indian (culinary) culture.
The Hague also attracted many colonial businesses. Markets ('pasars'), stores, tokos and restaurants emerged. But also hotels and guesthouses for anyone with a connection to the colonies. The Hague thus developed into a city with a strong Indian identity.