My Punjabi Dinner with Vandana Sharma

In Punjabi tradition, confinement care is often entrusted to the husband’s sister, who takes on the responsibility of preparing nourishing meals and supporting the new mother through recovery. For Vandana, pregnancy was a journey marked by severe morning sickness and homesickness. As the first in her family to conceive, her family rallied around her and prepared soft, vegetarian meals – lentil porridge and ladoos – to aid in her recovery. Join Vandana as she recreates her family’s treasured recipes in MCF2025.
What’s For My Dinner?

About the Programme

What you’ll do:

Join Vandana Sharma for a heartwarming dinner programme where participants will gather to explore My First Journeys through the comforting and meaningful tradition of confinement meals. These meals, found in many cultures around the world, are specially prepared to nourish and restore mothers after childbirth. Thoughtfully selected ingredients—rich in protein, gentle on the body, and full of flavour—help new mothers heal and regain strength during this important time.

With roots in Punjabi cuisine, Vandana will be sharing dishes that reflect her heritage and the traditional wisdom passed down through generations. Expect a wholesome and nourishing meal featuring a warm, protein-rich lentil soup, and her signature laddu laddu—a sweet made with edible gum, ghee, and nuts, known for its energising and healing properties. These time-honoured recipes are staples in many Punjabi households, especially during the postpartum period.

Meet Your Host – Vandana Sharma

Vandana Sharma, born and raised in India, has been residing in Singapore with her husband and two daughters for the past decade. With a background in education, Vandana now dedicates her time to volunteering with various organisations such as MiNDs, ACM, and My Community!

 Meet Your Facilitator – Beatrice Tay

Beatrice Tay is a long-time volunteer with My Community, contributing as a heritage guide with the My Pek Kio Heritage 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 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 may contain peanuts and dairy products. The food is vegetarian but not halal-certified.

Parking Availability

Parking is available at the Valley Point Shopping Centre (491 River Valley Rd, #01-25, Singapore 248371)

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 entrance of Valley Point Shopping Centre, beside Little Farms Cafe (491 River Valley Rd, #01-25, Singapore 248371)

Ending Point

The event will start and end at the same point.

Language(s) / Age Limit(s)

English / No age limit
Baby Crawling

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