The Lepak Makan Club – Singapore Heritage Gastronomy Week officially commenced with its opening night on 8 August 2026 and will continue on 14 and 15 August 2026 at KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition in Ho Chi Minh City.

In celebration of Singapore's 61st National Day, KiN Group, a Singapore-headquartered lifestyle hospitality company, officially launched The Lepak Makan Club – Singapore Heritage Gastronomy Week in Ho Chi Minh City. More than simply showcasing the iconic flavours of the Lion City, the event brings Singapore's culture, traditions and way of life to life through authentic culinary experiences, community engagement and cultural exchange.

Held on 8, 14 and 15 August 2026 at KiN Hotel Thi Sach Edition, the event is organised in collaboration with SingShiok, a platform dedicated to introducing Singaporean food and beverage brands to the Vietnamese market through distribution, retail, F&B partnerships and culinary experiences, and renowned Singaporean heritage chef Chef Eric Low. Together, they present an immersive celebration of Singapore's culinary heritage complemented by cultural activities and community engagement. The opening night was attended by Mr. Pang Te Cheng, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside business leaders and members of the Singaporean community in Vietnam.

"The Lepak Makan Club is not only an opportunity for Singaporeans living in Vietnam to reconnect with the flavours of home, but also an invitation for our Vietnamese friends to discover Singapore's culture, traditions and community spirit through gastronomy. More than a food festival, the event strengthens people-to-people exchanges while celebrating the growing friendship and cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam," said Mr. Pang Te Cheng, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City.

When cultural identity becomes hospitality's new competitive advantage

As the hospitality and tourism industry moves beyond traditional measures of facilities and room amenities, today's travellers are seeking much more from the brands they choose to stay with. They are no longer looking only for exceptional service or beautiful accommodation, but also for the stories, values and communities that a hospitality brand represents.

The next generation of hotels will therefore be remembered not only for operational excellence, but also for the cultural experiences they create, the communities they foster and the sense of belonging they inspire.

While many international hospitality brands localise their offerings to adapt to individual markets, KiN Group has chosen a different path. As a Singapore-born company experiencing rapid growth in Vietnam, KiN believes that staying true to its Singaporean identity enables the Group to create experiences that are authentic, culturally rich and deeply meaningful for its community.

This philosophy comes to life through The Lepak Makan Club, an initiative inspired by a uniquely Singaporean way of life. Its name combines two familiar local expressions: "Lepak," meaning to relax and spend quality time with family and friends, and "Makan," meaning "to eat." Together, the phrase reflects one of Singapore's most cherished traditions, gathering around the dining table to share stories, strengthen relationships and build community.

"At KiN Group, we believe hospitality only becomes truly meaningful when it reflects the identity and spirit of where the brand was born. As a Singapore-born company growing in Vietnam, we hope The Lepak Makan Club will not only celebrate the Singaporean community in Vietnam, but also serve as a bridge that deepens cultural understanding, strengthens people-to-people connections and encourages greater business collaboration between Singapore and Vietnam," said Mr. Benny Ong, Co-Founder and Group Chief Business Officer, KiN Group.

Throughout each evening of the event, guests will enjoy a Singapore Heritage Buffet personally curated and prepared by Chef Eric Low. With more than 35 years of international culinary experience across Asia, Europe and Latin America, Chef Eric is widely recognised as one of Singapore's leading advocates for preserving and promoting the nation's culinary heritage, particularly Teochew cuisine.

He has represented Singapore at major international events including SG Day London 2014 and the SG50 Diplomatic Dinner in Brasília in 2015. Chef Eric is also a Worldchefs-certified International Culinary Judge, having served as a judge for numerous editions of the FHV Culinary Challenge in Ho Chi Minh City, most recently in 2026.

The Lepak Makan Club's menu takes guests on a journey through Singapore's vibrant hawker culture, featuring iconic dishes such as Laksa, Bak Kut Teh, Fried Kway Teow, Gado Gado with peanut sauce, alongside traditional Singaporean desserts and heritage favourites.

Each dish is more than a familiar flavour, it represents a piece of Singapore's cultural identity, evoking memories, inspiring conversations and celebrating the traditions that have shaped the nation's heritage across generations. Speaking about bringing this culinary journey to Vietnam for the first time, Chef Eric Low shared:

"I have shared Singapore's story through food in London and Brasília during our National Day celebrations. This time, I wanted to bring that same story to Ho Chi Minh City for Singaporeans who have chosen Vietnam as their second home. The Lepak Makan Club is more than a dinner, it is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, our community and the memories that continue to connect us, wherever we may be in the world," said Chef Eric Low.

Strengthening Singapore–Vietnam friendship through hospitality experiences

Singapore and Vietnam share a deep and enduring partnership across investment, trade, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. As more Singaporean entrepreneurs, professionals and families choose Vietnam as a place to live and work, The Lepak Makan Club is expected to become a new platform that brings together the Singaporean community in Vietnam while fostering stronger connections with Vietnamese friends, partners and businesses.

Each evening includes dedicated networking sessions inspired by Singapore's iconic kopitiams, traditional coffee shops that have long served as gathering places where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed and communities come together.

Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the Mamashop, a nostalgic recreation of Singapore's neighbourhood provision stores; try their hand at making their own Teh Tarik at the DIY station; enjoy traditional games such as Five Stones and Congkak; or take part in Tikam-Tikam Trivia, an interactive cultural quiz designed to spark conversations and encourage meaningful connections among participants.

Tickets can be purchased online at The Lepak Makan Club.

Event information
Event: The Lepak Makan Club - Tuần lễ Ẩm thực Di sản Singapore
Venue: KiN Hotel Thi Sách Edition, Hồ Chí Minh City
Public Sessions: 14 & 15 August
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Featured Chef: Chef Eric Low
Partner: SingShiok
General Admission: VND 1,388,000 net per person