More so than anything else, we love eating. Which isn’t so surprising since Singapore is widely known for its vibrant food scene. When overseas, our local delights are the ones that have us all teary-eyed when we’ve been away for far too long – even an average bowl of Chinese chow mein would do. It’s safe to say that food plays a crucial role in forming Singapore’s national identity and our rich local food scene goes way back, and this year, the Singapore Food Festival will be revisiting our food heritage and culinary traditions. The theme, “Savour the Past and Taste the Future” will take you through the nostalgia of the good ol’ days with a contemporary modern twist.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the main highlights of the festival, but there are also plenty of other gastronomical delights for you to indulge in from 15-31 July. So you know, #treatyoself.
1. STREAT
SFF’s signature event STREAT is back again this year, featuring creations from several local food establishments such as The Disgruntled Chef, Candlenut as well as Char and Casuarina Restaurant. There will also be a pop-up restaurant featuring an exclusive five-course dinner menu, helmed by celebrity chef Susur Lee (currently one of MasterChef Asia’s judge!). Together with Tunglok Heen’s Ken Ling and Restaurant Labyrinth’s chef-owner Han Liguang, we wouldn’t expect anything less from them. We were especially intrigued by chef Susur’s Laksa Cheong Fun – Chee Cheong Fun in Laksa broth… need we say more?
Date: 15-16 July
Time: 5pm – 10.30pm
Venue: Clifford Square
Admission: Free
More info at singaporefoodfestival.com
2. Open Stoves by Timbre+
Prata Tacos with BBQ Pork Collar
Having just opened a few months back, the first food truck food place in Singapore, Timbre+, will be bringing us an unique outdoor experience this year. At Open Stoves, you’ll get to see what goes on behind the kitchen walls. Besides unique collaboration dishes (read: prata tacos), there will be other activities that includes a BBQ Blowout picnic, local music performances, bouncy castle and neon beer pong. Beer, food, playground, music? We’re in.
Date: 23-24 July
Time: 12pm till late
Venue: Timbre+, One-north (Fusionopolis)
Admission: Free
More info at timbreplus.sg/open-stoves.
3. Singapore Favourite Food Village
Big Street’s Chilli Crab in Prata Bag
Get to explore a wide range of local food culture – from traditional food preparations to the contemporary reinventions of our local favourites. The event will be divided into three culinary zones: Old Favourites, Modern Takes and On-the-Go – each promising satisfaction for your tastebuds. From traditional local food from the likes of Kampong Café and Fortune Food to modern innovations such as Rainbow Churros from Churros Factory and Big Street’s Chilli Crab in Prata Bag, as well as food trucks featuring The Travelling Cow and the all-time favourite Old Chang Kee, you’ll definitely find something you like in this gastronomical village.
Date: 22-31 July
Time: 5pm – 11pm
Venue: Rochor Event Space
Admission: Free
Cooking demonstrations available on 23-24, 30-31 July, 7.30pm – 8pm.
4. Chatterbox Food Truck by Mandarin Orchard
Chatterbox Chicken Rice Maki
Mandarin Orchard’s famous Chatterbox Chicken Rice is probably the only time we can justify paying more than we should for this humble dish. Look out for the Chatterbox Food Truck that will be going around several locations and bringing you their cult favourite chicken rice. What’s interesting this time round is their unique creation of a chicken rice maki ($8). So move over, boring salmon rolls and mentaiko maki.
Date: 15-31 July
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Follow Mandarin Orchard Singapore on instagram.com/mandarinorchard and facebook.com/chatterboxsingapore to keep track of the truck’s location.
5. The 50 Cents Fest! by Select Group
Ice Ball
Revisit the 1950s with a nostalgic dining experience at the Chinatown Food Street, featuring shophouse-lined streets of hawkers, old school music, buskers and scrumptious dishes such as the Kok Kok Mee, Trishaw Noodles and Ice Balls. We’re all excited to relive the old Kampong days with communal activities that include black-and-white outdoor movie screenings and martial art performances. The best part? We’re promised dishes that cost just 50 cents – a single coin that was more than enough for aa indulgent meal in the olden days.
Date: 30-31 July
Time: 3pm – 11pm (30 Jul), 11am – 11pm (31 Jul)
Venue: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Admission: Free
More info at chinatownfoodstreet.sg/the-50-cents-fest.
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