Haven’t you heard? Singapore Food Festival is back to celebrate its 30th anniversary! We give you the sweet scoop on what to expect at the two-week fiesta.
Something exciting always takes place at Marina Bay. Last month saw the return of i Light Singapore, the annual sustainable light festival. From now until 30 July, Singapore Food Festival is gracing the Bayfront Event Space again. This landmark event for food lovers is celebrating a significant milestone, and we have all the deets! Here’s what you can expect for the next two weeks.
What’s happening at Singapore Food Festival 2023
The festival hits the big 3-0
Did you know the food festival has been around in Singapore for three decades? First launched in 1994, this year’s festivity commemorates its 30th anniversary in a big way: by showcasing our country’s food culture. Participants are invited to explore the past, savour the flavours of the present, and be inspired by innovations that’ll shape the future of dining.
The Festival Village is teeming with loads of food and activities, so you better get your stomachs ready. On top of a returning zone, there are three new zones for you to check out.
Sweets for the sweet
If you love all things saccharine, you better not miss out on this new zone! Sweets Alley is where festival goers can satisfy their sugar cravings by getting their hands on all the available treats. Enjoy chocolate masterpieces meticulously created by Chocolate Origin and Cacaocat, delicious ice cream from beloved local parlours Creamier and Denzy Gelato, and toothsome cookies and brownies by Whiskdom.
Those who prefer traditional desserts can get their fill here too. Ji Xiang Confectionary doles out handcrafted ang ku kueh, while The Hainan Story Bakery presents freshly baked goods such as Nanyang yam orh nee Swiss roll. Now, we know the weather will be hot and humid, so cool down with cold desserts from Yat Ka Yan.
What if you’re a reformed sugar addict? Well, we know a stall that caters especially to those looking for sugar-free treats. Jammy’s Guiltless Pleasures serves vegan-friendly desserts with zero added sugar. Must-try specials are the parfait with layered peanut butter and black sesame ice cream, and an acai bowl-inspired ice cream dessert. Go on and indulge without feeling remorseful!
Boulevard of cafe dreams
Cafe Boulevard, the second new zone at this year’s Singapore Food Festival, is inspired by our country’s thriving cafe culture. Visitors can enjoy familiar local and international cafe brands under one roof. If you ask us, we’re most looking forward to bakes from the renowned Le Matin Patisserie. On the menu: the cafe’s signature baked kouign amann, smoked sourdough cruffin, seafood pot pie, and more. If you can’t decide what to get, we recommend the exclusive gift box comprising six bite-sized sweet treats. The lemon myrtle madeleine is simply divine!
Need a dose of caffeine in your system? Hit up Syip Cafe for your favourite brew as well as fare like mushroom fritters, tiger prawn squid ink pasta, and creamy chicken scrambled egg croissants. Kombucha fans should make their way to the Hapi Cafe x Porubucha booth. Don’t skip the Oatside food truck, where you can order chocolate coffee with chocolate chips.
Where cuisines are elevated
You know the saying: if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. So if the weather’s getting to you, escape by ducking into the air-conditioned Food Cartel, the festival’s third new zone. Festival participants can try unique offerings and catch their favourite chefs and personalities in action here. Psst: this zone is only open to premium and drinking pass holders.
Once you step in, you’ll be greeted by booths showcasing innovative culinary offerings. Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery and Dearborn Granola have teamed up to create an all-day breakfast menu exclusively available at the Singapore Food Festival. You’re also invited to let your creativity run wild by building your own bombe or designing your own granola. Fun!
Those craving a tipple will be glad to know there are booths here to help quench your thirst. Papa Doble, a Mediterranean-inspired speakeasy in Keong Saik Road, has concocted a drink comprising pandan, gin, and tibicos. It’s a refreshing cocktail and a much-needed respite. If you’re hankering for something unique, Sachi’s Bar has created a menu using the world’s first soy wine that’s brewed locally. Local breweries Archipelago Brewery and The 1925 Brewing Co. are also debuting a mango passion fruit ale. We can’t wait to try it!
A nod to Singapore’s diverse flavours
SG Food Walk is the only returning zone for this year’s edition, which takes festival goers through heritage, contemporary, and bespoke food stalls. Sample perennial favourites such as nasi lemak from Dickson Nasi Lemak and traditional claypot chicken rice from Dian Lao Er, and contemporary fare from Elemen and La Levain.
Street food fans will be glad to know they can eat their way here too. Make space for Fan Bao Bao burgers, Spicy Squad’s mala creations, and Vietnamese banh mi by Banh Mi House. Diners can also look forward to festival exclusives such as Mr Popiah’s curry chicken fried popiah, bakmi hae bee hiam from Kulon, and papachos, veggie bajji, and prawn noodles roll by The Black Hole Group.
If you’re dropping by the Singapore Food Festival, spare some time at SG Mama Shop, which resembles our beloved vintage convenience stores. Indulge in old school snacks, tidbits, and beverages lining the shelves, including Camel Nuts’ assorted snacks, rock sugar sticks, and freeze dried fruits from Plucked.
It’s not all about eating
Yes, you’ll be stuffing your faces at the Festival Village, but there are fun fringe activities you can participate in too. Get hands-on experience mastering dishes at the various workshops. Or, join local and international chefs as they share their art (and secrets!) during the culinary masterclasses. You can also learn more about sustainability and how to make a positive impact through your food choices. Before you leave, don’t forget to browse the Gourmet Market for a premium selection of meat, seafood, cheese, wine, and artisanal produce. Did you hear that? It’s your kitchen calling – it’s time for you to stock up your pantry…
Attending this festival? Be sure to come with an empty stomach!
Singapore Food Festival 2023, until 30 July 2023, 5pm to 10.30pm (starts from 10am on weekends); Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970. Entry passes start from $8.
