The revamped Singapore Food Festival is all about immersive dining experiences. Here's what you can expect from this month-long fiesta.
October isn’t just about the spooky season and pumpkin spiced latte. We’re also welcoming the Singapore Food Festival 2024 with open arms! After going through a makeover, eventgoers can look forward to a festival celebrating our sunny island’s rich culinary heritage. Here’s what you can expect at this month-long event.
What’s happening at the Singapore Food Festival 2024
A festival of old and new
Last year saw the festival celebrating its 30th anniversary since debuting in 1994. In 2024, the Singapore Food Festival is all about celebrating the old and new. The theme is based on three core pillars (heritage, contemporary, and innovation), taking festivalgoers on a culinary journey spanning several generations. Oh, and don’t expect the festival village – that’s a thing of the past. Taking its place is a series of immersive experiences and uniquely local events.
Three signature events worth checking out
These large-scale events are the Singapore Food Festival 2024’s highlights. Why? ‘Cos they’re set to take place at iconic venues and feature renowned guest chefs. Yes, they’re going all out for these theatrical spectaculars.
The first signature event, Future Food, will bring you on a journey into the future of dining on 10 October at Marquee. Top culinary talents will showcase their takes on what dishes could look like in 20 to 30 years. Diners can enjoy this standing degustation menu at their own pace while basking in a vibrant neon atmosphere inspired by iconic blockbusters like Tron and The Fifth Element.
Have you ever dined at Chijmes? Well, this is your chance to drop by this iconic location. You’re invited to The Long Table, where three of Singapore’s celebrated chefs have joined forces to curate a four-course menu that blends top-notch ingredients with expert techniques. Savour quality dishes in a dreamy environment filled with ballerinas, a four-string quartet, projections, and life-size props. This dining experience takes place during lunch on 17 October as well as lunch and dinner on 18 October.
Art and gourmet come together in the third signature event, Food Art. Here, visitors can check out installations ranging from Janice Wong’s chocolate masterpieces to interactive exhibits showcasing ingredients, techniques, and flavours that inspire culinary creativity.
A nod to Singapore’s culture at top restaurants
The Singapore Food Festival 2024 also offers unique culinary experiences at some of our top bars and restaurants. What’s on the menu? Feasts that span from the East to West, where festivalgoers get to dig in and discover more about the dishes and flavours. There’s a lot going on, so we’ve picked the ones you must check out.
First up: Harummanis, a new restaurant that’s received massive raves from foodies, will present a four-course meal on 7 October. Diners can tuck into familiar Malay dishes elevated with modern twists, lovingly prepared by chef Akmal Anuar and his mother.
Those who love Indian cuisine should pop by two beloved Indian restaurants in Singapore. Take a seat and dive into The Maharaja’s Brunch at Yantra on 6 October, featuring a four-course menu, buffet-style dessert, and roving performances. Over at Firangi Superstar, chef Raj Kumar and his team will cook up “good” and “evil” menus on 8 October. Colour us intrigued…
Chinese culture comes alive on 12 October at Jiak Kim House. Diners can look forward to chef TQ’s four-course dinner, inspired by the dramatic art of Chinese opera. Psst: a performance in the same vein takes place while you sink your teeth into the dishes.
On 15 October, head over to Mimi at the Riverhouse, where you’ll journey through our island’s hidden histories. This dining experience is supplemented with a menu drawing inspiration from Kampong Melaka, one of the Malay settlements along the Singapore River.
Keep your eyes peeled for fun events
Besides cultural dining experiences, festivalgoers can expect a few events that inject a bit of fun at the Singapore Food Festival 2024. Hankering for the good ol’ days? On 11 October, The Alkaff Mansion will take you back to the roaring 1920s, when glamour and cultural transformation dominated. Picture The Great Gatsby in a Singaporean setting, with smooth jazz music, opulent decor, and a dinner menu paying homage to the period.
As we approach the end of October (and the spooky season proper), there are a couple of cool Halloween dining events to mark on your calendars. Atlas opens its doors for a spooktacular celebration on 26 October. Get ready for a live DJ set, performances, and delicious bites paired with cocktails by Yana K, the bar’s beverage director, alongside special creations by Penrose from Kuala Lumpur. Of course, turning up in a costume is a must – the brief is “80s horror twist”.
On 31 October, 1-Flowerhill welcomes you to a masquerade ball filled with romance and intrigue. We’re talking cascading flowers, flickering candles, outdoor chandeliers… basically, the works. Sip on a welcome drink before you’re ushered to your seat, where you’ll taste a four-course menu made with local produce. Keep a lookout for live opera performances and mystical masked beings.
Can’t make it to the restaurants and bars? This one’s for you
We totally understand if you can’t make it for these sit-down dining experiences. But don’t worry, Singapore Food Festival 2024 has a series of pop-up events. Yes, you’ll still get the chance to have a taste of this year’s festivities!
While we’re waiting for more info about the pop-ups (the organisers are coy at the mo!), we know there’ll be a handful of food carts at various locations. These include Digital Light Canvas at Marina Bay Sands and select shopping malls. You can enjoy bite-sized samples from brands and Singapore’s top chefs without forking out for tickets. That’s a win if you ask us! Stay tuned to this space: we’ll update it once we’ve gotten more information.
Come with an empty stomach – you’ll be stuffing your faces throughout the month!
Singapore Food Festival 2024, 1 to 31 October 2024, various timings and locations throughout Singapore; events are free or ticketed, with prices starting from $45
