A food festival featuring the best of Singapore is truly proof that this city is the “it” destination for gourmets 

The popular Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is a delicious celebration of flavours, culture, and the ingenious minds that bring the life, and this year's edition was an extra special one as the festival marked its remarkable 30th anniversary. From beloved heritage dishes to avant-garde experiments, this festival is a melting pot of tastes that bridges the gap between the past and the future. At the recently-concluded festival that took place from 19 to 30 July 2023, festival-goers got to experience the largest-ever Festival Village, hybrid masterclasses, food tours, culinary workshops, and festival exclusives dotted throughout the island. 

What to eat

While here, one mustn't miss out on trying the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, a dish where succulent chicken is paired with fragrant rice, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste. Another staple is Chilli Crab, a messy yet utterly satisfying experience featuring a spicy tomato-based sauce enveloping tender crab meat. 

For those seeking new flavour profiles, laksa is a must-try. This aromatic noodle soup comes in various regional variations, such as the creamy Katong laksa and the robust curry laksa. If you're feeling adventurous, savour the unique taste of durian, famously known as the "king of fruits," although its strong aroma might be an acquired taste. 

The Singapore Food Festival gave a glimpse into the island nation’s rich and diverse food culture, which is a delicious mix of immigrant cuisines, from Tamil, and Malaysian, to Cantonese. When visiting the country, don’t forget to sample these delicacies!

At the Sweets Alley, traditional and modern desserts from Nonya-style ang ku kueh by Ji Xiang Confectionery to Denzy Gelato’s pear, ginger, and ginger flower ice cream were on the table. And not to forget Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery that blended the classic sourdough with the goodness of Italian bomboloni, cloud-like filled doughnuts.

Café Boulevard paid tribute to the cafe culture with coffee and pastries from oat milk brands Oatside and Le Matin Patisserie.

At the SG Food Walk zone, over 50 food stalls and restaurants served festival-exclusive dishes. True to Singapore’s diverse culinary scene, the zone was divided into various categories to highlight the many kinds of dishes on offer—the Heritage section saw iconic establishments that serve traditional Singaporean food, Contemporary had restaurants present well-known dishes with a modern twist, Bespoke was all about serving up a unique dining experience, and Tiger Food Street, true to its name, doled out on-the-go street dishes that were a total hit with the festival goers! 

From curry chicken fried popiah from Mr Popiah, calamari nachos with belimbing sauce from Kausmo and local fish farm Ah Hua Kelong, and No. 25 Minced Meat Noodle’s Singapore-style mazesoba, foodies were spoilt for choice! Other options included pandan waffles with smoked pork cheese by The Hainan Story, Le Levain’s nasi lemak pizza, and bakmi hae bee hiam from Kulon. 

Where to shop

Singapore is a shopper’s haven—you’ll discover chances to shop for local food products, cooking items, and souvenirs at every corner. Be it the swish Orchard Road lined with malls, to ChinaTown where you can strike yourself a bargain on interesting souvenirs.

At the Festival Village too, there was a dedicated Gourmet Market where one could pick from a wide range of fresh and cured meats and seafood, cheese, wines, and artisanal produce. There were also unique ingredients like spices, sauces, and treats on offer. In addition to this, there were pop-up markets with handmade products celebrating the culinary culture, and cooking workshops selling tools and ingredients, along with event merchandise like T-shirts and collectibles to remember the festival. Truly a food lover and shopper’s paradise! 

What are the other things to try your hand at 

For those who’re also into cooking, the masterclasses at the festival were a great opportunity to learn, with renowned chefs like chef Paul Longworth of one Michelin starred Rhubarb Le Restaurant, award-winning chef Ivan Yeo, and many more sharing popular dishes from their restaurants and revealing their kitchen secrets. From a Chilli Crab Scotch Egg with Black Pepper Aioli to a twice-steamed Nasi Lemak, a traditional Malaysian dish of coconut milk-infused rice steamed in pandan leaf, attendees walked away learning so many fun dishes. 

Apart from the masterclasses, there were a host of other workshops teaching everything from acing food photography to the secrets behind the Singaporean-style sambal paste, which is a variation of the spicy chilli-based Indonesian condiment. 

At the Food For Future zone, those interested in learning more about sustainability and the future of food and consumption got to interact with brands who are working in the space by building products and practices that are all about growing food equitably and giving back to the planet. There was plenty of food for thought, indeed.

For those looking for something more laidback, where they didn’t have to get their hands dirty, there was of course the live music to enjoy, with local bands like Monty Crew and Too Much Drama playing at the festival. 

Where to stay

To fully immerse yourself in the Singapore Food Festival, consider staying in close proximity to all the culinary action. For an authentic local experience, opt for boutique hotels in heritage areas like Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India. We love the Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection which is located a stone’s throw away from the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. Raffles Singapore, a plush heritage hotel, is another option. 

These charming hotels blend modern comforts with cultural immersion, allowing you to soak up the neighbourhood's unique atmosphere. Alternatively, if you're planning an extended stay, consider serviced apartments for a more homely feel and added convenience. Both options offer a chance to connect with Singapore's rich history and traditions while enjoying comfortable accommodations.