Singapore’s Inaugural Hokkien Lam Ann Cultural Festival
Singapore is known for its vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines, and now it’s set to celebrate the rich heritage of the Hokkien Lam Ann community with its first-ever Singapore Hokkien Lam Ann Cultural Festival, taking place from Sep 29 to Oct 8. This festival promises to be a jamboree of Lam Ann cuisine, history, and art.
Lam Ann, also known as Nanan, hails from the Nan’An province in Fujian, China. The festival is a celebration of this colourful culture and storied heritage. It will feature close to 20 food stalls offering over 40 Hokkien signature dishes, tempting the taste buds of visitors. The festival’s strategic location right beside the historical Hong San See Temple allows visitors to explore both the cultural festivities and the temple’s rich history. Gazed at as a national monument in 1978, the temple has undergone extensive restoration and was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
The Singapore Lam Ann Association, which is seated within the temple’s compound, proudly organizes the festival. This association represents the interests of the local Lam Ann community, which has a long history in Singapore dating back to the 19th century. The festival is a journey through the Lam Ann culture’s flavours, with highlights including the Oyster Omelette, Honglai Chicken Feet, Five Spice Meat Roll, Braised Pork Belly Bun, Hokkien Dumpling, Chinese Mustard Green Rice, Popiah, Honglai Braised Duck, and Black Ku Kueh. These dishes represent a fusion of diverse Chinese culinary traditions with distinctive local snacks.
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival offers a variety of cultural activities and traditional performances for visitors of all ages. From lantern making to calligraphy workshops, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Additionally, adults can take a stroll down memory lane with a sharing session by Dr. Chua Chee Lay, the former Mandarin tutor of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
The Singapore Hokkien Lam Ann Cultural Festival is a unique opportunity to savour the flavours, history, and artistry of the Lam Ann culture, making it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists alike. Drop by and immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary extravaganza.
Register your spot now at the official website here.