One thing that unites all Singaporeans is our love for food, and this is evident by the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) which will go virtual for the first time in its 27-year history. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and safe distancing measures, it will be a whole new experience this year with highlights like virtual food tours and free online masterclasses to give festival-goers a different sensory experience.
Held from 21 to 30 August, foodies from all over the world will be able to experience the festival from the comfort of their homes.
The announcement comes a week after the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced the launch of a S$45m, nine-month-long domestic tourism recovery campaign to encourage Singaporeans to discover local hidden gems, in a bid to support the lifestyle and tourism sectors that have been hit badly by Covid-19.
On the SFF virtual food tours, local TV host Chua Enlai will take participants through the historical Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Joo Chiat and Katong as he uncovers secret foodie trails, discover stories behind popular eats and heritage food businesses in an immersive, interactive experience. Physical guided tours of these destinations will also be offered over the two weekends, conducted by local tour guides. More details are to be announced.
The festival will also be offering 17 specially curated masterclasses featuring award-winning chefs from around the world, such as Julien Royer of three Michelin-starred Odette, Violet Oon of Violet Oon Kitchen, as well as bartending honchos Colin Chia and Charmaine Thio of Nutmeg & Clove. Participants can opt to purchase ingredient boxes and have them delivered to their doorstep, so that they can cook “alongside” chefs. Selected masterclasses will also be available in person at restaurants, though they will be subject to safe distancing measures.
From Aug 14 to Sept 13, foodies can also order meals from participating merchants from Shopee, while stocks last. Options include set menus from Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut, sustainable restaurant Kausmo and pastry shop Tarte by Cheryl Koh. STB said that the number of dishes available from each restaurant will differ depending on the restaurant’s daily operational capacity.
“This also enables each restaurant to ensure that the food bundles that are delivered will meet their standards of quality,” they said.
Not forgetting to mention that there will also be exclusive SFF product launches. Think limited edition Uniqlo t-shirts, Chicken Rice Pretz (a collaboration between Wee Nam Kee and Japanese food company Glico), Violet Oon’s signature Sambal Bajak and Goreng Chilli, Prawn Otah Cookies from Cedele and a special Passion Gao Siew Dai Festival Beer by Brewerkz.
Sounds yummy? For the latest updates on all the details, be sure to check out Singapore Food Festival’s official website!