Makan My Curry: Kashmiri Chounth Wangan with Urvashi Handu

We Singaporeans love eating curry. Assam Fish Head, Eurasian’s Devil’s Curry, Aloo Gobi and Tikka Masala – the possibilities are endless. How many of these curries have you tried? Makan My Curry brings Singaporeans into the homes of over 10 different home cooks to hear more about the processes and stories behind their curries and culture.

What is Chounth Wangan?

The chounth wangan, or apple and brinjal curry, is a traditional dish from Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its tanginess, which comes from apples native to the region. Kashmiri families typically have the dish during fasting periods, such as the Navratri or Ganesh Chaturthi. The dish is made without onion, tomatoes, and garlic, and is consumed before sunset.

About the cook

Ms Handu has been in Singapore for over 8 years. Back in Kashmir, she was a speech therapist and audiologist who worked with children with hearing disability. Today, she is a loving mother who enjoys cooking nutritious meals for her family. She is thankful for having befriended a group of like-minded mothers in her neighbourhood, around whom she spends most of her free time with:

“Luckily, there were a lot of girls of my daughter’s age. We got along well, and we like it here. It is like home. So many of our friends stay here and everyone wants to be here to be around each other.”

Ms Handu looks forward to meeting with the group every now and then. Part of what she enjoys most is sharing her Kashmiri recipes, which is difficult to find in hawkers and restaurants. The only Kashmiri restaurant at Race Course Road, where she used to frequent, has unfortunately closed its doors.

Details of the Programme

• Language: English

• Meeting point: Valley Park Condominium - Security Post (473 River Valley Road, Singapore, 248358)

• Please arrive 15 minutes before the event for registration. Our facilitators will be wearing our event t-shirt.
• Parking is available at Valley Park Condominium or Valley Point Shopping Centre
• Venue is not wheelchair accessible.

• The event will proceed rain or shine.

Who should come?

• Participants must be fully vaccinated.
• This recipe is non-halal and is not suitable for vegetarians. Curry may contain traces of nuts, dairy and other allergens. Participants are reminded to declare their food allergies, if any, in the registration form.

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 are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
• Asthmatic individuals are encouraged to bring their inhaler.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• By agreeing to participate in the event, participants are responsible for any injury, loss or damage due to the negligence on his/her part or of the children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• 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.

• It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12 children under his/her charge.

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