My Maharashtrian Breakfast with Vishakha Shahane

Fill your hearts and stomachs with Visakha’s Poha Tarri, or soft rice flakes paired with hearty chickpea curry, and Thalipeeth, a lovingly hand-patted multigrain flatbread, as she pays tribute to her Maharashtrian roots.

About the Programme

What you’ll do:

Participants can expect to indulge in two beloved dishes that beautifully capture the essence of Maharashtra’s morning rituals and home-cooked warmth.

Poha Tarri is a comforting dish made from flattened rice flakes (poha), gently sautéed with onions and mild spices. This version is served with a side of black chickpea curry (tarri), a protein-rich and flavourful gravy that adds depth and heartiness to the meal. Depending on the season, it can also be cooked with or without winter vegetables such as carrots, peas, or cauliflower—offering a vibrant burst of freshness and nutrition. This dish is commonly enjoyed across Nagpur and the Vidarbha region, where it is considered both a street snack and a home staple.

Thalipeeth, on the other hand, is a rustic multigrain flatbread, made from a blend of flours such as jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), rice, wheat, and lentils—a mix that varies from home to home. The flour is combined with finely chopped onions, fresh coriander leaves, green chillies, and spices, then hand-patted and cooked on a griddle into thick, golden discs. Served with a generous dollop of ghee or butter and a side of homemade pickle, thalipeeth offers a rich medley of textures and flavours, deeply tied to Maharashtrian kitchen traditions.

Breakfast, often considered the most important meal of the day, sets the tone for the hours ahead. In many cultures, it’s a time for nourishment and connection—and in Maharashtra, breakfast is no different. These dishes are not just about food—they reflect resilience, routine, and community. Throughout the meal, Vishakha will share stories and insights, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural, seasonal, and emotional significance behind these recipes, and how she recreates them with local ingredients in her Singaporean kitchen today.

Meet Your Host – Vishakha Shahane

Vishakha, a culinary teacher and chef with a rich background in Hotel Management, hails from Nagpur, Maharashtra. Her passion for food has taken her from India to various parts of the world, and in 2019, she moved to Singapore with her partner, a merchant navy captain who now works ashore.
Despite many places she has called home, food always brings Vishakha back to her roots.

As a host, Vishakha blends traditional recipes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Singapore’s markets, creating a unique fusion of her Indian heritage and global culinary influences.
With her expertise in adapting recipes to suit different ingredients, she brings both a deep connection to her hometown and a fresh, innovative approach to every dish. Through her stories and culinary expertise, Vishakha will share how food continues to remind her of home, offering guests a meaningful connection to her culinary journey.

Beatrice Tay

Beatrice Tay is a long-time volunteer with My Community, contributing as a heritage guide with the Pek Kio team. She is a former teacher, bringing many years of experience in education to her volunteer work. 

Beatrice was part of the guiding team for the inaugural My Pek Kio tour in 2023, sharing stories about the neighbourhood’s past and present with residents and visitors alike. Over the years, she has also supported other My Community programmes, including tours in Chinatown and cultural events that explore traditions around life and death. 

Her involvement reflects a strong personal commitment to documenting and sharing the everyday histories of Singapore’s neighbourhoods. With her background in education, Beatrice is familiar with working with people from different walks of life and is comfortable supporting both new and returning participants. 

Outside of guiding tours, Beatrice continues to stay active in community events and contributes to preserving stories of Singapore’s evolving heartlands. 

Through her work with My Community, she helps shine a light on the places and memories that give meaning to everyday life, ensuring that even quieter neighbourhoods like Pek Kio are celebrated and remembered.  

Attire:

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.

What to Bring?

  • Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
  • Asthmatic individuals are encouraged to bring their inhaler.

Allergy Information

Dishes contain ghee. The food is vegetarian but not halal-certified.

Parking Availability

Parking is available in the condominium.

Time and Duration

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (2 hours)

Days and Dates

Ticket Price

(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
$25

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.

Language(s) / Age Limit(s)

English / All are welcome!
Baby Crawling

In Collaboration with

You May Also Like...