How can a plate of chicken rice tell the story of a family’s journey across generations?
Join Jen Foo, IT programme manager by day and passionate home cook by heart, as she prepares a hearty Hainanese dinner rooted in memory, migration, and heritage. On the menu: iconic Hainanese chicken rice and Hainanese pork chop — dishes that have travelled far, from island kitchens in Hainan to colonial households in Singapore, and now to your plate.
Jen’s journey begins with her grandfather, who arrived in Singapore by boat from Hainan. He worked as a cook and butler for a British family, and eventually brought over his wife and seven children to start a new life. Every week, he would cook familiar dishes from home — chicken rice, roast chicken — meals that brought the family together and reminded them of where they came from.
These recipes have been passed down, from grandfather to father to Jen. Even when living and working overseas, Jen continued to cook these dishes — for herself, for friends, for connection. For her, food isn’t just nourishment — it’s comfort, memory, and a tribute to the first steps her family took in Singapore.
Jen is an IT programme manager by day and a passionate heritage cook by heart. Her culinary roots trace back to her grandfather, a Hainanese cook and butler in a British household, and her father, who passed down family recipes like their weekly chicken rice staple.
Though her career has taken her around the world, Jen’s kitchen has always remained her anchor.
Now, Jen invites you into her home to share:
* Her signature Hainanese chicken rice
* Personal stories behind Hainanese cooking
* A warm slice of heritage you can taste
Whether you’re a foodie, heritage buff, or simply curious, this is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to savour history and culture, one bite at a time.
Meet Teng Siew Chin, a dedicated volunteer with My Community who plays an active role in both the Community Archives team and My Community Festival. Drawing from her background in the aviation industry, Siew Chin brings a keen eye for detail, steady professionalism, and a deep appreciation for people’s stories. Her involvement supports the organisation’s mission to document and preserve everyday histories from Singapore’s heartland—ensuring that the voices of residents, past and present, are not forgotten but celebrated.
For Siew Chin, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about building connections, cherishing memories, and helping to pass on the everyday legacies that make our neighbourhoods feel like home.
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.
Dishes contain nuts, eggs, and gluten. The food is non-vegetarian and not halal-certified.
Parking is available at Grandlink Square.
What’s For My Dinner?
What’s For My Dinner?
What’s For My Dinner?
What’s For My Dinner?
What’s For My Dinner?
What’s For My Dinner?
