Unveiling the Reimagined Singapore Food Festival 2024: A Month-Long Culinary Extravaganza

 

The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) returns, promising a vibrant culinary experience from 1 to 31 October 2024. This year’s festival, themed ‘A Celebration of Old and New’, intertwines the timeless culinary traditions of the old with the cutting-edge innovations of the new. Through a month-long series of over 20 events, SFF 2024 promises to bring together the best of both worlds, offering a gastronomic journey that honours Singapore’s heritage with contemporary flair, while embracing the spirit of innovation.

From grand, theatrical spectacles at iconic venues to intimate dining experiences in some of the city’s best restaurants, and lively public pop-up events, SFF 2024 offers something for every food lover. Whether you are a fan of traditional dishes, contemporary cuisine, or the latest in food innovation, this year’s festival promises a culinary journey like no other.

Reimagined in collaboration with Blake Harris Entertainment (BHE), SFF 2024 is more than just a collection of events — it is a celebration of Singapore’s culinary evolution. Each experience is designed to showcase the diversity and dynamism of Singapore’s food culture, offering a fresh take on what a food festival can be.

Signature Events: The Heartbeat of SFF 2024

Signature Events are the festival’s main attractions, where the magic of Singapore’s culinary scene comes alive. Three large-scale, immersive experiences will be held at iconic venues, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

At Future Food (10 October 2024), held at MARQUEE Singapore, guests will step into the world of tomorrow, where culinary innovation meets high-energy entertainment. This event will challenge the traditional dining experience, showcasing futuristic techniques and cutting-edge mixology from top chefs like Zor Tan, Hafizzul Hashim, and Emmanual Stroobant.

The Long Table (17 and 18 October 2024) invites guests to experience an elegant ‘long-table’ dining experience at CHIJMES Hall. Set in a beautifully historic venue, this event features a four-course lunch menu or a six-course dinner menu crafted by Damian D’Silva, Marvas Ng, and Cheryl Koh, served amidst elegant decor and live ballet performances.

Food is Art (19 October 2024) at Digital Light Canvas by teamLab, Marina Bay Sands invites you to experience a gallery-style exhibition that celebrates the connections between food and art. Discover installations that blur the boundaries of culinary and artistic expression, like

Janice Wong’s intricate chocolate sculptures, or explore other thought-provoking displays, such as the unique relationship between plants and music. This immersive event offers a new perspective on how food can inspire and transform art across multiple mediums.

Unique Events: Intimate Culinary Explorations

Hosted in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants and bars, Unique Events provide an intimate setting where culinary creativity meets immersive storytelling.

From the rich cultural heritage of a Chinese teahouse at Path to the sustainability-meetsculinary artistry at LeVeL33, each event offers a unique journey into Singapore’s culinary offerings. Guests can enjoy a special menu at Yantra that honours the cultural ties between Singapore and India, immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Singaporean Malay cuisine at Harummanis, or head to Firangi Superstar for an interactive storytelling and modern Indian cuisine experience.

Cenzo celebrates the Australian, Italian, and Singaporean cultures, while Jiak Kim House blends the bold spices of Southeast Asia with that of Western cuisines. Neon Pigeon offers an evening of world-class food bites, cocktails, and performances, while The Villa presents an evening of cultural elegance and natural beauty within the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens. ATLAS invites guests to a night of spooky fun with live DJ sets, performances, and cocktails paired with bites that celebrate Singaporean flavours.

For more information on the Unique Events, please refer to Annex A.

Pop-Up Events: Bringing the Festival to the People

Pop-Up Events will bring the excitement of SFF 2024 to the community, at various locations across Singapore such as Digital Light Canvas by teamLab, Marina Bay Sands and select CapitaLand Malls. These family-friendly showcases offer bite-sized samples from top chefs, making gourmet experiences accessible to all. Perfect for food lovers of all ages, these popups ensure that everyone can be part of the festival’s fun and flavour.

Meet the Ambassadors: The Faces of SFF 2024

This year, the SFF is proud to introduce a team of ambassadors. Our ambassadors not only feature in some of the events, but also embody the festival’s core pillars: Heritage, Contemporary, and Innovation. The pillars spotlight Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, celebrate the contemporary evolution of its food scene, and showcase the innovative spirit driving its gastronomic landscape.

These ambassadors are not just masters in the kitchen — they are the driving forces behind Singapore’s dynamic food culture, embodying the essence of each pillar through their culinary expertise and contributions to Singapore’s culinary scene.

Damian D’Silva: Heritage

• Chef Damian D’Silva is the custodian of Singapore’s culinary traditions. With a deep connection to the multi-ethnic cuisines that have shaped our nation, Damian’s work ensures that the flavours of the past remain a vital part of our future. As the Heritage ambassador, he reminds us of the importance of honouring and preserving our culinary roots.

 

Akmal Anuar: Contemporary

• Chef Akmal Anuar embodies the marriage of cultures that represents contemporary Singaporean dining. His innovative approach to traditional dishes, advocacy of the foods of Singapore Malays and his flair for reinvention make him the perfect representative for the Contemporary pillar. Akmal’s work is a testament to the vibrant, evolving nature of Singapore’s food scene.

 

Janice Wong: Innovation

• Chef Janice Wong is a pioneer in the world of culinary innovation. Known for pushing the boundaries of dessert and confectionery, she transforms food into art forms. As the Innovation ambassador, Janice’s creative vision encapsulates the progressive mindset that drives the spirit of innovation in Singapore’s culinary landscape.

Celebrating Collaboration: Valued Partners

SFF 2024 is made possible with the generous support of our official partners: lifestyle rewards partner KrisFlyer, innovative kitchen partner MIELE, beer partner Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore and produce partner Octave. These partnerships are instrumental in bringing the festival to life and ensuring its appeal to food enthusiasts worldwide.

For more information and to purchase tickets to our events, please visit the website at http://www.singaporefoodfestival.com.

Annex A: More on the Unique Events

• Path – Dream of the Orient – 2 October – 7pm

Experience an evening at Path, where the rich cultural heritage of a Chinese teahouse blends with the contemporary flair of modern Singapore. Executive Chef Marvas Ng, a Culinary World Cup double gold medallist, presents an eight-course menu that marries East Asian flavours with French finesse. The evening begins with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and features captivating dance performances that offer a deep dive into Singapore’s cultural tapestry.

• LeVeL33 – Illuminated Bites & Brews – 5 October – 7pm

Indulge in a unique dining experience at LeVeL33, where sustainability meets culinary artistry. Over a 3-hour unlimited food and beverage service, Chef Jake Kowalewski will present a menu crafted from beer elements and brewing by-products.  As night falls, LeVeL33 transforms with illuminated performances by artists in upcycled outfits, celebrating the fusion of sustainability and contemporary dining amidst the clouds.

• Yantra – The Maharaja’s Brunch – 6 October – 11.30am

Step into the grandeur of India’s past and celebrate the cultural ties India shares with Singapore.  ‘The Maharaja’s Brunch’ at Yantra will welcome guests with a complimentary glass of champagne, followed by a four-course fine-dining menu and a buffet-style dessert. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated experience with roving performances that are inspired by the historical synergy between these two countries.

• Harummanis – The Foods of Singapore Malays – A Legacy Dinner (Halal) – 7 October – 6pm

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Singaporean Malay cuisine at Harummanis. This special four-course dinner, featuring Chef Akmal Anuar and his mother Raja Paridah, highlights the intergenerational collaboration that combines traditional dishes with contemporary interpretations. This event offers a culinary journey through Malay culture, elevating its flavours to new heights.

• Firangi Superstar – Ayodhya Adventures in Singapore – 8 October – 7pm

Join us at Firangi Superstar for “Ayodhya Adventures in Singapore,” where the ancient Indian epic, The Ramayana, comes to life through food and performance. Chef Raj Kumar, a Singapore-born culinary superstar, leads a night of interactive storytelling and modern Indian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation for an unforgettable cultural experience.

• Cenzo – Italian Meets Australian Meets Singaporean Dinner Party – 9 October – 7pm

Celebrate the eclectic mix of Australian, Italian, and Singaporean cultures at Cenzo, where Chef Drew Nocente will play host to a lively communal dining experience.  Guests will enjoy a welcome drink, shared platters, music, and a vibrant atmosphere that feels like a big family gathering. It’s a night of connection, culture, and culinary joy.

• Alkaff Mansion – Revelry in the Mansion – 11 October – 7pm

Step into the 1920s at Alkaff Mansion with “Revelry in the Mansion.” This event brings to life the glamour and cultural transformation of Singapore’s elite circles, featuring dance performances inspired by the Charleston and Lindy Hop. Enjoy cocktails crafted in the spirit of the golden age of mixology, paired with a Singaporean menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the era.

• Jiak Kim House – The Magic of Tradition & Modernity – 12 October – 7pm

Experience the Magic of Tradition and Modernity at Jiak Kim House. This evening blends Singapore’s rich heritage with contemporary flair through a four-course menu and a captivating performance inspired by Chinese opera. Set within a beautifully preserved 1920s conservation warehouse, this event is a harmonious blend of the past and present.

• Neon Pigeon – Singapore After Dark – 12 October – 6pm

Dive into the shadowy allure of Singapore with “Singapore After Dark” at Neon Pigeon. This event offers an evening of world-class food bites, cocktails, and performances that push the boundaries of imagination, creating a tantalising escapade through Singapore’s uncut nightscape.

• Marcy’s – Cabaret Soirée – 15 October – 7pm

Step into the vibrant world of Singapore’s historic cabaret scene at Marcy’s Cabaret

Soirée. Chef Ryan Nile Choo presents a four-course menu that blends the flavours of Southeast Asia with Latin American and Coastal Italian influences, all while guests enjoy captivating performances inspired by the city’s lively cabaret traditions.

• The Halia x The Villa – A Botanical Symphony (Halal) – 25 October – 6.30pm

Immerse yourself in an evening of cultural elegance and natural beauty at The Halia, nestled within the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens. “A Botanical Symphony” will be held at The Villa by the Halia, and celebrates the significance of the gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Halal menu and enchanting performances that beautifully captures the elegance of nature.

• ATLAS – SFF x ATLAS Chronicles – A Halloween Story – 26 October – 8pm

Join ATLAS for “SFF x ATLAS Chronicles – A Halloween Story!” This night of spooky fun features live DJ sets, performances, and world-class cocktails by Beverage Director Lidiyanah ‘Yana’ K. Paired with bites that celebrate Singaporean flavours, this event promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Costumes with an 80s horror twist are encouraged.

• 1-Flowerhill – The Phantom on the Hill – 31 October – 6.30pm

Experience mystery and elegance at “The Phantom on the Hill.” Set against the historic backdrop of 1-Flowerhill, this masquerade ball features an enchanting atmosphere of candles, flowers, and chandeliers. The evening includes a four-course menu plus dessert that incorporates use of local produce, complemented by live opera performances and mystical masked performers, creating a captivating and immersive experience. More Unique Events will be announced as the festival approaches, each offering a fresh and exciting way to experience Singapore’s culinary scene.