From experimental eaters to tea lovers: The Singapore Food Festival for 5 types of foodies

It’s time for Singaporeans to start saving their stomach space, because Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 2024 is rapidly approaching, and it’s gotten an image refresh. SFF, which runs from 1st to 31st October has replaced their tents and rows and rows of food stalls in a festival village with a series of curated food events run by established chefs.

This year’s theme is "A Celebration of Old and New,” and the event aims to commemorate Singapore’s culinary evolution. Not only will attendees get to taste refreshed versions of their favourite dishes, they’ll also get to choose from over 20 multi-sensory dining festivities that honour culture or experimenting with new technologies.

With so many options available, we highlight a selection of events for five types of foodies. 

For the experimental and adventurous foodie: Future Food

Future Food ($275) is one of SFF’s signature events, and it promises to be a grand spectacle. Held at MARQUEE Singapore, guests will get to step into a futuristic world inspired by science fiction classics like “The Fifth Element.” 

Guests will be treated to unique visual and auditory entertainment with vibrant lights and unique sounds. At the same time, top chefs will prepare innovative new cuisines and interesting cocktails for them to sample. Those behind the menu include Zor Tan who runs contemporary restaurant Born, featured on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant list; Hafizzul Hashim, whose restaurant Fiz received Singapore’s second Michelin Green Star this year; and Emmanuel Stroobant, the Chef-Restaurateur who runs two two-Michelin-starred restaurants, Saint Pierre and Shoukouwa. 

Guests will also get to witness live demonstrations by these top chefs, right in one of Singapore’s famous nightclubs. If you are someone who loves trying new things, this event promises you a novel dining experience while sampling futuristic dishes. 

Future Food is held on 10th October, at Marquee.

For the foodie with sophisticated tastes: The Long Table

For epicureans who fancy a touch of entertainment, another of SFF’s Signature Events, The Long Table will certainly be appealing. Guests will be seated at a carefully decorated long table in the chapel hall of CHIJMES — featured on Crazy Rich Asians — and will be treated to a four-course lunch ($155) or six-course dinner ($220) curated by chefs known for their contemporary spins on local flavours.

This menu was crafted by Damian D’Silva, who runs fine dining Singaporean restaurant, Rempapa; Marvas Ng, head chef of Path Restaurant; and Cheryl Koh, the award winning pastry chef behind the artisanal brand Tarte.

As guests feast, they will also be treated to live singers and ballet performances.

The Long Table will be available for lunch on 18th October, and for dinner on the 17th and 18th of October at CHIJMES Chapel hall.

For the dessert lover: Food is art

The last of SFF’s Signature Events explores the connection between food and art, and is held at the Digital Light Canvas by teamLab in Marina Bay Sands. This event is as much a museum experience as it is a culinary one, as guests will look at installations arranged in an exhibition.

Edible art made by Janice Wong — awarded Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2013 and 2014 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants — will be on display. Last year, she installed a three metre tall edible art wall made from chocolate in Marina Bay sands, so guests who are eager to have a look at her creations should certainly pay a visit. They may come out of it seeing food in a different way.

Food is Art will be held on 19th October and is free to enter at Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

For the well-read foodie: Ayodhya Adventures in Singapore

Those who pride themselves on being learned will have heard of The Ramayana, one of the world’s oldest epics. This epic is the inspiration behind the SFF event ($188) at Firangi Superstar, where guests will visit four rooms in the restaurant to watch interactive performances of The Ramayana. At the same time, they will enjoy traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist.

Guests will be given the choice between two interactive menus, the good and evil menu, that will complement each performance. For example, the good menu serves Maitake Mushrooms with polenta upma, while the Evil menu replaces the mushrooms with a Wagyu short rib. 

Ayodhya Adventures in Singapore is held on 8th October at Firangi Superstar.

For the tea lovers: Dream of the Orient

Those who enjoy tea and the cultural ceremonies associated with it will enjoy Dream of the Orient ($228). This event is hosted at Path, and guests will be treated to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, giving them the opportunity to learn about the art of tea preparation and the cultural rituals that spawn from it. 

Following the tea ceremony and a welcome drink, guests will enjoy an eight course menu featuring familiar East Asian flavours made with French techniques. This includes dishes such as the Straits Wild Caught Marble Goby Straits, accompanied by yuba, pork skin, and chrysanthemum; and the Dry Aged Aqina Pineapple Chicken, served with a Ginger Scallion Purée and Truffles.

Throughout the experience, traditional Chinese dance performances will entertain the guests, adding to the immersive snippet of Chinese cultural traditions.

Dream of the Orient is held from 2nd to 4th October at Path.