Savoring Tradition: Teochew Cultural Festival 2023 Unveils a Feast for the Senses

Teochew Cultural and Food Festival returns to Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on Orchard Road. Proudly sponsored by The Ngee Ann Kongsi and jointly hosted by the Ngee Ann Cultural Centre (NACC) and the Teochew Federation (Singapore), this three-day extravaganza immersed attendees in the rich tapestry of Teochew heritage, culture, and cuisine.

Grand Opening by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

The festivities kicked off in grand style on 24 November 2023, at 10 am, with the official opening by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Mr. Heng Swee Keat. Amidst a backdrop of Teochew delicacies and the mesmerizing performances of Teochew opera, Mr. Heng Swee Keat set the tone for a weekend filled with cultural celebrations.

Global Gathering of Teochew Communities

To foster unity among Teochew communities worldwide, leaders from 20 overseas Teochew clan associations, spanning Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and China, have been extended a warm invitation to join the festivities. Adding to the tapestry are leaders from over 18 Chinese clan associations in Singapore, including the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, and Singapore Kityang Huay Kwan. This global assembly echoes the spirit of Teochews coming together as one family in the Lion City.

A Gastronomic Extravaganza

At the heart of the festival lies the food fair, a gastronomic haven featuring over 25 Teochew delicacies meticulously prepared by skilled chefs from both China and Singapore. Open to the public in two 4-hour sessions daily (10 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm), the fair promises a tantalizing array of Teochew snacks, kueh, desserts, soups, and stir-fried dishes. To share the joy of Teochew cuisine, 50 free food vouchers were distributed at each session on a first-come, first-served basis. These vouchers can be exchanged for delectable treats like pig trotter terrine, Teochew oyster omelette, braised duck, Ngoh Hiang, and Teochew glutinous rice balls.

An Enriching Cultural Experience

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival embraces traditional Teochew Opera and music. Renowned actors from the Guangdong Chao Opera Theatre (Troupe 2) in China will grace the stage for six free performances. Expect performances by National First-Class Actors, including Zhang Yihuang, Lin Chufa, Zeng Huigang, Huang Dan Na, and troupe-leader Chen Weicheng, showcasing excerpts from classic Teochew operas.

Visitors kept an eye out for the Teochew Folk Customs handbook, sponsored by the Teochew Federation (Singapore). This informative guide was distributed at each session, offering a comprehensive understanding of Teochew culture and customs through vivid illustrations and concise content. This thoughtful initiative aims to bridge generational gaps, providing attendees, especially the younger generation, with a deeper appreciation of Teochew heritage while indulging in the festival’s specialties and opera performances.