Singapore is known as a diverse country with a rich culture worth experiencing. Its cuisine is one of its many attractions that people from across the globe find worthwhile. With influences from local and international flavors, Singaporean cuisine is a melting pot of cuisines that highlight the country’s heritage.
Filipinos looking to get a taste of Singapore’s cuisine don’t have to travel far, as the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) brought an ultimate gastronomic experience to Metro Manila with the Singapore Food Festival 2022.
Under STB’s initiative, a selection of Singapore’s best restaurants, from traditional favorites to contemporary Singaporean delights to innovative modern Singapore cuisine, Filipino food enthusiasts can experience its flavors through a series of pop-ups at The Grid in Powerplant Mall, Makati.
“Now that tourism has resumed for Singapore, STB is excited to present the Manila edition of the Singapore Food Festival to Filipinos hungry for a taste of Singapore. We look forward to this diverse, eclectic mix whetting the appetites of Filipino foodies and enticing them to visit Singapore to experience more,” said STB Philippines Area Director Ruby Liu.
The first restaurant featured at The Grid from September 2 to 4 was Keng Eng Kee Seafood. Third-generation owners Paul and Wayne Liew continue the restaurant’s reputation as a Michelin-Plated institution for Zi Char cuisine, which translates to “cook and fry.” The method is a popular cooking style in Singapore inspired by homecooked food and is a favorite to be shared by friends and family.
Some of their specialties food lovers tried at their stall in The Grid include soft-shell crab with a special chili sauce, salted egg popcorn chicken, and coffee pork ribs.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood, also known as KEK Seafood, began as a hawker stall along Old Havelock Road in the 70s. Its food honors its tradition of merging different depths of flavor, from sweet, savory, spicy, sour, and more, to give its customers a new experience of eating food.
Meanwhile, from September 2 to 30, The Elephant Room graces The Grid to show food enthusiasts how they push the boundaries of creativity through their masterfully-crafted drinks. The Elephant Room is a culture-forward cocktail bar inspired by Singapore’s Little India. It uses carefully sourced ingredients from Tekka Market, Singapore’s largest wet market, to create the ideal blend of spices that will tickle the tastebuds.
Other notable Singaporean restaurants with a pop-up include The Coconut Club (September 9 to 11), Blue Smoke (September 16 to 18), and New Ubin Seafood (September 23 to 25). Also complementing the Singaporean establishments is a selection of local restaurants offering their
takes on Singapore fare. The roster of restaurants includes BYRD Tubs – Rice (September 5 to 7), China Mommy (September 12 to 14), BYRD Tubs – Noodles (September 19 to 21), and Your Local (September 26 to 30).
With all these Singaporean delicacies and favorites, Filipino food lovers will soon say Singaporeans’ favorite exclamation, “Shiok!” which means “delicious.”
For more from SFF 2022, visit Singapore and enjoy a feast of over 70 gastronomic experiences based on the pillars of heritage, contemporary, and innovation.
