What You'll Do

In Mangalorean homes, breakfast often carries the spirit of celebration, togetherness, and timeless tradition. As part of My First Journey, this breakfast session offers a delicious glimpse into a classic Mangalorean spread—one that has long graced morning gatherings at weddings, housewarmings, and thread ceremonies. At the heart of the table is Sajjige-Bajil, a beloved twin preparation where fluffy semolina (sajjige) meets lightly spiced flattened rice flakes (bajil), each family putting their own twist on this comforting pair. No Mangalorean breakfast is complete without a small Indian banana, often served on the side, its sweet notes balancing the savoury dishes.

Guests can also look forward to Mangalore buns—a pillowy, slightly sweet fried bread made from fermented dough—paired perfectly with fresh coconut chutney, a staple in coastal South Indian kitchens. To round off the meal, choose between a steaming cup of cha (tea) or the bold richness of South Indian filter coffee, both of which have their own devoted following.

Through this breakfast, you’ll discover how food in Mangalorean culture is more than just sustenance—it’s a way of honouring milestones, showing hospitality, and staying rooted in home, even as tastes and times evolve.

About My Breakfast Club

Breakfast marks the quiet start to each new day—and for many, it’s also the first encounter with food and family traditions. As part of the theme of the festival, My First Journey, this edition of My Breakfast Club invites you to explore how cultures around the world begin their mornings, and how that first meal is often tied to care, routine, and identity.

More than just a meal, breakfast is a daily practice that reflects the values we grow up with. From childhood favourites to generational recipes, these dishes tell stories of home, heritage, and love. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of porridge, a flaky pastry, or something passed down from grandparents, every breakfast has its place in the rhythm of life.

Join us as we gather around the breakfast table to share not just food, but memories of firsts—first bites, first days, and first connections. Through this programme, you’ll discover how something as simple as breakfast can offer insight into cultural roots and the everyday ways we care for one another.

Multiculturalism is important in Singapore as it serves as the bedrock of the nation's societal fabric. It fosters mutual respect and harmony among diverse ethnic communities with different cultural practices, languages and religions. This shared understanding bridges social divides, cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued and included. It shapes Singapore's unique identity on the global stage, fortifying its reputation as a cosmopolitan hub.

Food serves as a conduit for understanding and appreciating our neighbours’ culture and traditions. From Singaporean food to ASEAN cuisine to far beyond, there are dishes sure to suit everyone’s tastebuds. Through interacting with members from different communities, My Breakfast Club aims to inculcate a greater awareness of the diverse communities residing in Singapore. It spotlights Singapore, through many of its culinary adaptions, as a melting pot of cultures and encourages deeper appreciation of our multicultural identity. Be inspired by the flavours and friendships and let us makan (dine)!

About The Host

Shobha’s family hails from Mangalore, a bustling city (which was a sleepy town while she was growing up) on the southwest coast of India known for its lush greenery and abundant produce. Her grandparents and extended family were deeply rooted in agriculture, growing coconuts, betelnuts, bananas , tropical fruits and a variety of squash and gourds. In her childhood home, coconuts were a daily staple—so plentiful that meals often began only after cracking one open, letting its contents guide the day’s dish. These early experiences shaped Shobha’s deep connection to food and seasonal cooking. Now living in Singapore, she continues to cook with her Mangalorean roots in mind, bringing the rich, earthy flavours of her hometown into her kitchen with whatever fresh ingredients she finds at the local markets.

Who should come?

Everyone is welcome to participate!
Participants under 13 must be accompained and supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

Programme Details

Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
Language: English
Meeting Point: Meet at Upper Changi MRT Exit A - Street Level (53 Simei Rise, Singapore 528790)

Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

The events will proceed rain or shine.

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 should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

Dishes may contain gluten and beverages contain dairy products. The food is vegetarian but not halal-certified.
Limited parking is available along the street next to Upper Changi MRT Exit A Street Level.
The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Photography is allowed at event premises.

Disclaimer

Each ticket admits only one participant.
By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
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.

For updates:

Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

My Mangalorean Breakfast with Shobha Shankernarayan