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Westies rejoice! If, like me, you’ve spent years making the pilgrimage across the island to experience Isetan’s popular Japanese food fairs, your turn has finally arrived. For the first time, Isetan is bringing its iconic Japanese culture and food fest to the west with its annual Momiji Matsuri food fair, which is taking over Jurong Point JP1 Centre Stage from 6 to 18 Oct.
The Autumn extravaganza boasts over 20 participating vendors, with most of them visiting specially from Japan to bring you the most authentic regional delicacies, which are otherwise rather elusive in Singapore.
The food fair is part of a broader “Food Feastival” campaign by Jurong Point, which is on until Nov 1. Keep an eye out for other festivities popping up at Jurong Point, including artisanal markets, a Mid-Autumn Fair and shopping rewards, together with the iconic Japanese Food Street precinct within the mall.
Among the participating vendors I’m eager to try is 4-time Kumamoto Fried Chicken Champion, Higo Marunoya. Their speciality chicken is deeply marinated in traditional Japanese ingredients like shio koji before being fried until crispy golden brown.
For a similar street snack vibe, check out Nakayama Shokuhin, which specialises in the wildly popular takoyaki. Morsels of octopus are encased in a fluffy batter and fried to perfection, then finished with a drizzle of savoury sauce and a sprinkling of bonito flakes.
To end your visit on a sweet note, swing by Yakimono Club and try out their adorable mini taiyaki and classic hanami dango, which is 3 individual pink, green and white dango skewered for easy snacking.
Alongside the food hall, a Japanese-themed artisan market will run simultaneously along the JP1 walkway near Decathlon, offering curated crafts and lifestyle finds.
17 affordable Japanese food in Singapore that will make you go Oishii!
