photo: Nasi Lemak Rice Burger
Eating, as many will attest, is a favorite Singapore past time. There are numerous food blogs extolling the next hidden gem of a dish hidden on this densely populated island. Yet, the Singaporean consumer is capricious. In 2017, many went crazy over various individual food items. Some of these food fads last well into 2018, while others fizzled out within months. By mid-2018, the craze over such individual food items food items are over, replaced by a series of abstract dining concepts such as “experiential dining”. As the year ends, lets take a peek at what new experiences the new year might bring.
Experiential Dining
It seems that “experiential dining” is becoming the next buzzword word in Singapore’s culinary world. Great food and excellent service now apparently only a part of what the discerning diner is looking for. As we cross over into 2019, we can expect diners to increasingly look for that little extra to add to their dining experience. For example, diners may choose the experiential dining of sky-dining in a moving cable car with Sky Dining on Cloud 9, or enjoy a sumptuous sunset cruise dinner on board the Royal Albatross, a luxury tall ship docked in Sentosa.
The “Mod Sin” Movement
2018 perhaps will be remembered as the year the local dining scene exploded with a multitude of Asian inspired western dishes at all levels of the food and beverage sector. In Singapore, this is being labelled the “Mod Sin” movement, or the development of the modern Singaporean cuisine where aspiring chefs takes a modern or western approach to local delights. One can indulge in Spicy Beef Rendang Tacos at Chimichanga, or Pizza Prata by Prata Alley. Or fine-dine on a Baked Halibut with Buah Keluak Pesto & Roasted Vegetables at the Wild Rocket. Even Fast-food chains such as Burger King joined the bandwagon with a “Mod Sin” Hainanese Chicken Rice Burger limited time item.
Is that a Lunch, Dessert, or Snack?
As the local dining scene continue to innovate and grow, the lines between a traditional meal, a dessert, and a snack also began to blur. Imagine savoring a Chili Crab Lava Cookie with Bread Toast Ice Cream, a limited time item offered by the Creamery Boutique. Now is that a meal, a dessert, or a snack?
Farm-to-table dining
Farm-to-table dining is about knowing where the food comes from and supporting local farmers. Singapore may be just a little red-dot, but it has within its borders a small but growing community of hydroponic farms, chicken farms, and fisheries. The growing interest in eating fresh and healthy meals have help support a growing number of such diners. The most well-known farm-to-table eatery is the Open Farm Community (OFC), a pioneer in the scene in Singapore. OFC also offers farming workshops, farm tours, and serve as a hub for the local farmer and artisans. Other Farm-to-Table dining outlets includes the Afterglow, Smith Marine, and The Green Door.
Mai Hum Laksa Pie by Starbucks