My Maharashtrian Dinner with Vishakha Shahane

What You'll Do

In Maharashtrian tradition, families gather for lunch on the 13th day after a loved one’s passing. This meal serves as a tribute and a reminder that life, like laddoo, a sweet dish always served on such occasions, is a beautiful balance between sweet and sour. Vishakha, honouring her father-in-law who passed away earlier this year, will be preparing a menu reflecting his tradition. Guests can expect comforting dishes like rice kheer, tangy kokum, and her father-in-law’s favourite fried vadai – a heartfelt nod to his memory.

About What’s For My Dinner

In moments of remembrance, food becomes a heartfelt tribute to our departed loved ones. This year, join us as we witness the preparation of these special meals and learn about the connection between food and the departed from communities from different cultures, nationalities and background.

Multiculturalism is important in Singapore as it serves as the bedrock of the nation's societal fabric. It fosters mutual respect and harmony among diverse ethnic communities with different cultural practices, languages and religions. This shared understanding bridges social divides, cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued and included. It shapes Singapore's unique identity on the global stage, fortifying its reputation as a cosmopolitan hub.

Food serves as a conduit for understanding and appreciating our neighbours’ culture and traditions. From Singaporean food to ASEAN cuisine to far beyond, there are dishes sure to suit everyone’s tastebuds. Through interacting with members from different communities, What’s For My Dinner aims to inculcate a greater awareness of the diverse communities residing in Singapore. It spotlights Singapore, through many of its culinary adaptions, as a melting pot of cultures and encourages deeper appreciation of our multicultural identity. Be inspired by the flavours and friendships and let us makan (dine)!

About The Host

Vishakha was born in Baroda, Gujarat but raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She studied Hotel Management and worked in Mumbai and Pune. Back in India, she was a culinary teacher and chef. When she met her partner, a captain of a merchant navy, she travelled the world. In 2019, they moved to Singapore. However, no matter where she goes, food still reminds Vishakha of her hometown. She continues to cook with her roots in mind but based on the availability of ingredients, substituting recipes with fresh ingredients that she can source from the markets here.

Who should come?

• Everyone is welcome to participate!

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: Meet at the Security Post of Melville Park Condominium (16 Simei Street 1, Singapore 529942).

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
• Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Dishes may contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten. The food is vegetarian but not halal-certified.
• Parking is available in the condominium.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible.
• Photography is allowed at event premises.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• Each ticket admits only one participant.
• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

For updates:

• Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
• Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
• Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Meet at the Security Post of Melville Park Condominium (16 Simei Street 1, Singapore 529942), 16 Simei Street 1, Tampines, Singapore