Beef Shepherd’s Pie (photo: danielfooddiary)
The experience of dining in a stranger’s home is no longer a mystery. Many chefs in Singapore have started providing unique dining experiences for customers in their own homes. If you are looking for a new experience, private dining may be an alternative you can consider. However, be prepared to plan ahead as most of these chefs are fully booked for months1 as they cater to small groups.
The price ranges from SGD 33-150 (USD 24-110) per person for a six to ten course meal. Many chefs started on this idea mainly as an alternative to starting up their own restaurants due to high costs. On the flip side, some chefs decided to take the private dining route after working in commercial restaurants. By serving dishes in the comfort of their own homes, they are able to share their creations, earn some income and gain feedback on how they can improve2. This way they would be able to know what works and hopefully bring it with them if they decide to open their own restaurant.
Chef Gan Ming Kiat of The Mustard Seed previously worked at one michelin-starred Candlenut and kaiseki restaurant Goto. The menu is Japanese-inspired but heavily influenced by Singaporean flavours. The Mustard Seed charges SGD 85 (USD 62.50) per person for eight to nine courses served at the dining table that can sit up to eight people. All guests are required to sit together. The experience is only available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Home-cook Kurt at icookibakeieat serves Eurasian cuisine in his home. Priced at SGD 33 (USD 24), he offers a six course meal which is also Halal. Kurt specialises in baking so diners are usually in for a treat, with dishes such as his decadent chocolate brownie served with ice cream or Death by Chocolate.
There are many more options available for private home dining scattered all over Singapore. Each experience would be different considering that it is served by chefs across multiple cuisines. If you fancy a change in the ‘dining out’ environment or have a chance to make new friends then maybe this is something you can look into.
Gado gado of market vegetables (photo: The Market Seed Pop Up)
References
- $100 to dine in someone’s home? Private dining takes off, with home chefs booked up for months
https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/private-dining-scene-in-singapore-buzzing-with-new-options-for-diners
- Singapore’s private home dining scene is seeing sophisticated new concepts
https://www.lifestyleasia.com/sg/food-drink/dining/how-singapores-private-home-dining-scene-has-evolved-in-recent-times/
- 10 Private Home Dining Places In Singapore – Comforting Peranakan Food, $33 Halal Eurasian Meal, To 7-Course Cantonese Delights
http://danielfooddiary.com/2018/11/18/homedining/
- The best private home dining experiences in Singapore
https://www.timeout.com/singapore/restaurants/the-best-private-dining-experiences-by-home-cooks-in-singapore