My Maharashtrian Dinner with Vishakha Shahane

Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Vishakha recalled confinement meals as comforting and nourishing food prepared for mothers in the days and weeks after childbirth. You can look forward to a delicious spread featuring Red Amaranth Sabji (or stir-fried vegetables), Moong Dal (or split mung beans) and Bhakri (or flatbread).
What’s For My Dinner?

About the Programme

What you’ll do:

Join Vishakha for a heartfelt dinner programme where participants will gather to explore My First Journeys through the comforting tradition of confinement meals—the nourishing food shared with mothers in the days and weeks after childbirth. Across cultures, these meals are specially prepared to promote healing, restore strength, and provide warmth during a time of transition and care.

Drawing from her roots in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and influenced by her broader journey across India and the world, Vishakha will present a wholesome meal centred on high-protein, easily digestible dishes. Expect soulful flavours in Moong Dal, a gently cooked yellow moong split lentil dish tempered with cumin to aid digestion; Red Amaranth Sabji, a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable stir-fry; and Bitter Gourd Sabji, prized for its detoxifying properties. These will be accompanied by Bhakri, a hearty millet flatbread, and Cucumber Raita, a cooling yoghurt-based side dish that balances the meal.

To end on a refreshing note, enjoy Paan—a betel leaf folded and filled with digestives like fennel and aromatic herbs, traditionally served to soothe the stomach and complete the dining experience.

These dishes reflect the wisdom of Maharashtrian cuisine and Vishakha’s thoughtful approach to food—anchored in tradition, shaped by travel, and lovingly adapted to her life in Singapore.

 

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 eductor, bringing many years of experience in education to her volunteer work. 

Beatrice was part of the guiding team for the inaugural My Pek Kio Heritage 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.

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

7 p.m. – 9 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 / No age limit
Baby Crawling

In Collaboration with

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