Happy 58th Birthday, Singapore!

We’re so excited for this year’s National Day Parade! The theme, “Defending Our Nation as One”, celebrates the commitment, resilience, and contributions of all Singaporeans in protecting the country. With more than 1,700 participants, performances from the military and a combined school band, plus a choir music video, the parade is one to watch out for!

As the Lion City turns 58 this year, here’s what you can expect:

1. National Day Parade (NDP) 2023:

   This year, Singapore's National Day Parade will be held at the Padang for the first time since 2020, when only 150 people attended in person due to the pandemic.

   Contingents representing the Singapore Armed Forces, Ministry of Home Affairs, local institutions, and community groups will lead the parade, followed by a mesmerizing cultural presentation featuring music, dance displays, and fireworks display.

   Not to be missed – perennial crowd favorites such as the freefall jumps by Singapore’s parachuting team, the Red Lions, alongside the Presidential Gun Salute, and multi-media projections. Another highlight of this year’s program is the Total Defence Parade, with a special segment featuring the six "pillars" of Total Defence using floats, Singapore Armed Forces, and Home Team hardware, as well as a multi-media performance. Audiences can also look forward to an enhanced aerial display to commemorate the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 55th anniversary.

   Singapore celebrates its 58th birthday at the Padang! (Photo: Gavin Foo)

2. NDP in the heartlands:

   Prior to the main celebration on August 9, members of the public can partake in National Day celebrations at the heartlands with GetActive! Singapore Heartland Festival co-organized with Sport Singapore over the August 5-6 weekend. A series of community activities will be held at five heartland locations across Singapore, from Bedok Stadium to Jurong West Stadium, Toa Payoh Stadium, Woodlands Stadium, and Our Tampines Hub.

   This line-up includes family-friendly activities such as sports try-outs, carnivals and live performances for more people to celebrate the nation’s birthday together. A fireworks display will also be showcased at all five sites on August 9.

   The public can participate in community events at 5 locations. (Photo: Sng Wei Jie)

3. Experience the iconic National Day light-up:

   The one event that many look forward to every National Day? It’s the six historical landmarks in the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) precinct lighting up in Singapore’s National Flag of red and white colors throughout August. These landmarks, four of which are gazetted national monuments, take the public on a journey through Singapore’s shared history, where the red and white illumination serves as a reminder that the future is one’s own destiny to create.

   The Bras Basah Bugis precinct will light up the National flag of red and white colors throughout August. (Photo: National Heritage Board)

Singaporeans and visitors: you’re in for a grand time so come join in the fun! Deck yourselves in red and white colors and celebrate Singapore’s 58th birthday!

Wishing all Singaporeans a joyful and inspiring National Day!

Culinary Students Level Up With U.S. Poultry Masterclass & Competition

A group photo with Chef Teo, USAPEEC’s Margaret Say and Maria Cheong, and SHATEC students following the masterclass.

Thirty-one students from SHATEC’s WSQ Diploma in Food Service (Culinary Arts) enjoyed a masterclass held at the institute on July 3, 2023. Led by industry professional, Chef Lawrence Teo, a culinarian of 30 years, and owner of Lacrosanct Private Dining, the masterclass featured a demonstration of three U.S. poultry dishes, namely: Foie Gras and Roasted Chestnut Meat Loaf wrapped with Roasted Seaweed Sheets; Sous Vide Duck Breast served with Red Curry, Thai Asparagus, Stuffed Lychee and Bamboo Shoots; and Turkey Ballotine Stuffed with Foie Gras, Morel Mushrooms and Roasted Chestnut Meat Loaf. Chef Teo shared an interactive lesson with the students on the different types of U.S. poultry, as well as categorization, nutrition and quality characteristics, and various cooking methods. During the demonstrations, students had a close-up look at the ingredients used, preparation and assembly of the final products, which included careful plating.

Sous Vide Duck Breast served with Red Curry, Thai Asparagus.

Chef Lawrence Teo putting the final touches to his creation.

A closer look at the Foie Gras and Roasted Chestnut Meat Loaf wrapped with Roasted Seaweed Sheets.

At the U.S. Poultry Culinary Challenge held July 15, six finalists stepped up to the plate. Each had to create an appetizer and main dish with chicken, duck or turkey as the main ingredient. They put to practice the skills and lessons they learned earlier from the practical lessons, and the masterclass. The judging panel of Chef Edmund Toh of Aston Food & Beverage Specialities, Chef Gerald Cheok, Culinary Trainer (SHATEC), and Margaret Say and Maria Cheong of USAPEEC was impressed with the young finalists who showed a high standard of creativity, culinary prowess and confidence. The three winning dishes were: Mosaic of U.S. Chicken Leg Mousseline (appetizer) & Sous Vide Smoked U.S. Duck Breast in Orange Juice and Confit U.S. Chicken Leg Tartare (main) by Pierre Lee; Curried U.S. Duck Breast with Summer Vegetables in Roti Jala (appetizer) & Roulade of U.S. Chicken Breast (main) by Suriya Kumar; Ravioli of U.S. Chicken Breast, Spinach and Egg Yolk (appetizer) & Pan-Seared Sea Salt U.S. Duck Breast (main) by Jethro Tham.

USAPEEC organized the U.S. Poultry Masterclass and Culinary Challenge, with funding from USB.

Ready, set, go! The U.S. culinary challenge gets underway.

Judge Edmund Toh giving feedback to one of the competitors.

The winning dish by Pierre Lee – Mosaic of U.S. Chicken Leg Mousseline (appetizer) & Sous Vide Smoked U.S. Duck Breast in Orange Juice and Confit U.S. Chicken Leg Tartare (main).

All smiles — finalists at the U.S. culinary challenge.

Gobbling Up Ground Turkey

When you think of turkey, Thanksgiving or Christmas comes to mind, doesn’t it? While the whole bird may be a staple at the festive table, turkey is a super versatile protein that can be enjoyed any day of the year!

A super versatile protein, turkey can be enjoyed all year long!
(Photo: Pexels)

For some, cooking a whole turkey for 12 hours can be “hard labor!” How about ground turkey instead? Ground turkey is one of those ingredients we always keep on hand. It cooks up quickly and is versatile enough to use in a myriad of recipes and applications, which means a great, homemade meal is never out of reach. It can be sauteed, pan-fried, broiled, grilled, baked, microwaved, or simmered.

For health-conscious individuals, ground turkey is a great low-fat replacement for ground beef in a wide variety of dishes, from sauces to meatballs to burgers. It is healthier than ground beef, and contains less saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol. However, be sure to check the packaging as turkey made with dark meat, tends to have more fat than ground turkey breast. Ground turkey is also an excellent source of lean protein and vitamins B-6 and 12. Dark meat turkey will have more essential nutrients, but it will also have more fat.

Because of its leanness, some may find ground turkey dry or bland. But there are so many ingredients you can use to spice up the flavor. For example, the low-fat content means you get to add a fat of your choice to impart taste and moisture. You can also opt for ground turkey made from the slightly fattier dark meat. Olive oil, a little bacon fat or cheese - ground turkey synthesizes well with these flavors. Don’t forget to add fresh or dried herbs to your heart’s content to punch up the taste.

If you’re looking to gobble up some healthy, tasty ground turkey dishes, here are some interesting Asian-inspired recipes you can experiment with:

1. Hearty Ground Turkey Soup with Vegetables: A heart-healthy meal that is filling and soothing to the stomach and body. If you’re feeling a little under the weather, this soup is an ideal choice.

   To make it, simmer turkey bacon and onions in a large pot until translucent. Place the ground turkey in the pot and mix everything until it's cooked! Add potatoes, carrots, zucchini, squash, chicken broth, and coconut cream. Once it's boiling, cover the pot and let it continue to simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted, and you're done!

   Ground turkey soup – wholesome goodness in a cup. (Photo: Pexels)

2. Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl: What's a quick and easy family meal that everyone will enjoy? Why, it’s the turkey rice bowl of course! Because it’s healthy, tasty, and budget-friendly. Packed with vegetables and protein, it's also sweet, savory, and delicious!

   Let's begin by preparing the sauce. In a pan, add soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger, and stir with a whisk until the sugar dissolves. In a small bowl, whisk corn starch and warm water together, stir the mixture slowly into the boiling water and let it simmer until thickened. Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and broccoli finely, and add them to the pot with ground turkey. Once the sauce is done, drizzle it over rice or noodles in a bowl and serve.

   Rice bowls with ground turkey make for a quick and easy family meal. (Photo: Pexels)

3. Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps: These light and tasty wraps make a perfect appetizer. Packed with tender meat and seasoned, crunchy vegetables, they are hard to resist.

   The recipe is as easy as cooking ground turkey with your favorite vegetables! In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chilli paste. Stir and simmer for a few minutes. Afterwards, serve on butter lettuce leaves and voila!

   For a variation of appetizers, you may want to try Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps that are light and tasty! (Photo: Unsplash)

4. Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs: An exceptionally accessible dish, simple and affordable. Meatballs can be made with nearly any kind of meat, especially ground meat like turkey. Coated in the most delicious sticky sweet sauce, and mixed with herbs and other flavors, you can make this dish in less than 30 minutes!

   For the meatballs, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions in a large bowl. Make 1-inch sized balls and scoop onto a baking sheet. Pop into the oven at 200^oC and bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly browned. To make the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, beef broth, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and pepper in a small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken up. Asian turkey meatballs are best served over fluffy brown rice with a little extra sauce drizzled on top along with a side of veggies.

   A balanced combination of fresh and dried herbs gives this ground turkey meatball a rich, flavorful taste. (Photo: Unsplash)

For more turkey recipes, check out: https://usapeecasean.com/recipes/

Dipping Sauces To Jazz Up Tofu

We love the versatility of tofu and we’re sure you do too! This vegan-friendly food is not only a nutrient-dense, high-protein snack, but it also has all the important amino acids your body needs.

Originating in China, tofu is made by curdling soy milk before molding into solid, white blocks in a manner similar to making cheese. Today, the majority of the world's soybeans are cultivated in the U.S., and a sizable number have undergone genetic modification to enhance their growth and nutritional content.

From extra-soft silken tofu to extra-firm tofu, you can get a variety of tofu options for your meal (or snack). Your intended use will determine the type you purchase. Silken tofu might be best for desserts like cheesecake, while extra-firm tofu can be chopped into cubes and fried in oil in a skillet or air fryer. Baking is another method to cook tofu. It yields flavorful, firm cubes that go well with a stir fry, salad, or bowl.

Let’s face it. Tofu on its own is bland but its texture and ability to absorb the flavor of condiments make up for the lack of taste. Here are some of our favorite dipping sauces to jazz up any tofu dish.

Soy ginger sauce

This is what you would typically see in a Chinese restaurant. So why not make it at home? Grab some low sodium soy sauce and mix it with rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, chopped green onions, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. You can steam some tofu in it or add some wontons (dumplings) if you’re craving for Chinese takeout. It takes only a few minutes to make!

Vegan-friendly and versatile, tofu goes well with any choice of dipping sauce!
(Photo: Ella Olsson)

There is no Chinese restaurant without the classic soy ginger sauce.
(Photo: Nutriciously)

Healthy buffalo sauce

If you like tomato-based sauces, this will leave you wanting more. Buffalo sauce is not only vegan, it’s also sugar-free, low in fat and rich in tomato flavor. Add tomato paste, hemp seeds, dates (as a natural alternative to sugar), apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, chili, garlic, and paprika in a blender and simply blend till smooth. The sauce tastes fantastic when poured over a platter of crispy, battered tofu, but be warned — this dish is incredibly addictive!

Buffalo sauce is not only addictive when eaten with chicken wings, but with tofu too!
(Photo: Nutriciously)

Nothing like crispy tofu for the classic Cajun Mayo Sauce.
(Photo: Cupful of Kale)

Cajun mayo sauce

All you need are six ingredients - sour cream, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, hot sauce and garlic powder. Mix them together in a bowl and chill before serving. This super simple dip combines the creaminess of mayonnaise and sour cream to balance out the zesty flavors of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. Everything, from chicken and shrimp to crispy tofu tastes great with it.

Creamy peanut sauce

Try this if you're looking for a richer-tasting tofu snack! This dip is loaded with authentic spices, nutrients and flavors. In a blender, combine natural peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes for an irresistible, protein-packed snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty. It has a strong Asian flavor reminiscent of the traditional satay sauce from Indonesia and can be made in larger batches. Go ahead and prepare a large quantity and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container where it will keep nicely for up to a week.

Love Indonesian food? Try this creamy twist on the traditional peanut sauce!
(Photo: Nutriciously)

Give your immune system a boost this summer with a fruity mango chutney!
(Photo: Nutriciously)

Fruity mango chutney

For an exotic, Indian touch, give this mango chutney sauce a go with fried tofu. Your immune system will benefit from a boost with warm Indian spices, ginger, onion, and vitamin C from the mango. Although it does take some time in the kitchen, the results are well worth the effort. In a pan, sauté onion and ginger for a few minutes; add fresh mango, dates, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and curry; and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chutney can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Instead of mangoes, you can even try it with peaches, pears, apricots, or apples.

Gochujang sauce

Made from red peppers, fermented soybeans, rice, and salt, gochujang is a delectable spicy paste popular in Korea. It is known to increase metabolism, improve heart health, lower blood sugar levels and supply antioxidants, so this sauce is one for keeps! In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, orange juice and sesame oil. For the ultimate Korean experience, serve crispy tofu pieces wrapped with lettuce leaves and dip in the sauce. Tempting, isn’t it?

Gochujang sauce is known to fire up metabolism, improve heart health and lower blood sugar.
(Photo: Country and Town House)

Dipping sauces are on trend right now. The possibilities for creativity and innovation are endless, so get the sauces splashing – put those ramekins to good use and watch your favorite dishes take off to the next level.

Singapore: More Budget Meals On The Way

In the midst of inflation and escalating food prices, the Government has introduced an innovative online platform to help residents discover cost-effective dining choices in their local neighborhoods.

Local residents can now access more cost-effective options in their neighborhoods.
(Photo: Freepik)

Developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in collaboration with the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), the BudgetMealGoWhere website helps residents find affordable meal options available at HDB coffee shops near their residential areas.

Since the launch on May 19, there have been more than 100,000 unique visitors to the site. To boost its outreach, advertisements on digital display panels around housing estates will be rolled out. Participating hawkers will also display the budget meal decal at their stalls. Currently, 46 coffee shops are listed. The budget options include full meals that cost between S$3.00 and S$3.50, and hot drinks at S$1.00 to S$1.15 on average. The initiative to increase the transparency of prices and help consumers search for cheaper alternatives is useful as it empowers them with more information.

Hawker centers offer budget meals for the family in light of rising food prices.
(Photo: NEA Singapore)

This is not the first initiative enabling consumers to search for budget stores or items. Similar initiatives were launched by the Consumers Association of Singapore in 2019.

For the elderly who may not be as digitally savvy, the government is providing assistance to train them through schemes such as the Silver Generation Ambassadors program - where volunteers link them with networks and resources. So, they can still potentially benefit from the tool and also learn about budget options through their family.

Currently, all HDB rental coffee shops due for renewal need to provide four budget meals and two budget drinks as a condition for the renewal of their three-year tenancy. By 2026, all 374 HDB rental coffee shops, out of a total of 776 coffee shops in Singapore, will offer budget meals. The new BudgetMealGoWhere website already lists about 40 coffee shops, with plans to add more progressively. It is also engaging operators of non-HDB rental coffee shops and other agencies to offer budget meals at more eating establishments.

19 Eateries In Singapore Awarded The Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023

Named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and official company mascot of the Michelin Group, the Bib Gourmand awards, launched in 1997, spotlight friendly establishments that offer refined cuisine at affordable prices.

In Singapore, the list covers casual restaurants, street food and hawker stalls. Nineteen new locations, that is, 17 hawker stalls and 2 restaurants made the list this year, bringing the total of Bib Gourmand restaurants to 79 in Singapore.

79 restaurants and eateries in Singapore are currently on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.
(Photo: Lily Banse)

According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides, these places serve flavorful food from diverse ethnic groups, highlighting Singapore’s culinary heritage while attracting both locals and tourists.

Kok Sen, a renowned business that relocated to the Keong Saik area in 2022, is one of the new Bib Gourmand restaurants. It is well-known for its tze char classics, including prawn paste chicken, giant prawn bee hoon, and yong tau foo (stuffed tofu puffs).

Kok Sen is known for its tze char classics.

The Coconut Club is the only other restaurant awarded the Bib Gourmand. Located at a historic shophouse on Beach Road, the restaurant’s signature dish is none other than the fragrant nasi lemak — a quintessential Singaporean dish prepared with a proprietary blend of fresh coconut milk.

Although both restaurants had received the awards before, Kok Sen and The Coconut Club were considered new entrants due to their new locations.

The Coconut Club’s signature dish is the fragrant nasi lemak, prepared with fresh coconut milk.
(Photo: Oddle Eats)

In the hawker scene — Kwee Heng at Newton Food Centre, specializing in braised duck; Bahrakath Mutton Soup at Adam Food Centre, serving herbal soup since 1973; Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee at 51 Old Airport Road Market, known for its signature dish since 1960; and Heng Kee at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, offering chicken curry noodles since the 1970s, are among the remaining 17 newly recognized Bib Gourmand-rated hawker stalls. Meanwhile, other stalls like LiXin Fishball Noodles, established in 1968, have retained their spots on the list.

Braised duck noodle soup is a specialty dish at Kwee Heng.
(Photo: Burpple)

Newton Food Centre holds the most Bib Gourmand-rated stalls, with Alliance Seafood, Heng, and Kwang Kee Teochew Fish Porridge steadily maintaining their position on the acclaimed list.

Planning a visit to Singapore sometime soon? Check out this list of newly awarded Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Lion City:

1. Adam Rd Noo Cheng Big Prawn Noodle

2. Bahrakath Mutton Soup

3. Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon

4. Cheok Kee

5. Du Du Shou Shi

6. Heng Kee

7. Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian

8. Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice

9. Kok Sen

10. Kwee Heng

11. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

12. No.18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow

13. Selamat Datang Warong Pak Sapari

14. Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee

15. Soon Huat

16. Spinach Soup

17. Tai Seng Fish Soup

18. The Coconut Club

19. Yong Chun Wan Ton Noodle