Singaporean foodies have had a rough couple of years as they ‘hungered’ for the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) to return to its true and full form. That wish has now been granted! SFF 2022 embraces all the mixing, mingling and interaction (safely!) that has made this annual celebration of our food a highlight of our calendars.
This year, fans of exciting culinary experiences from Singapore and around the world will be treated to an extravaganza like never before. Almost as if making up for the slowdown of 2020 and 2021, this iteration is jam-packed with events, showcases, classes, freebies, merchandise and, most importantly, tastes!
Here is what you can expect as SFF 2022 gets into full swing.
SFF Festival Village of Wonders
Is it really a food festival without the sights, smells and sounds of a buzzing Festival Village? After the fully virtual SFF 2020 and last year’s hybrid format, SFF 2022 puts you, the foodie, back in the driver’s (or eater’s) seat!
The SFF Festival Village at Marina Bayfront has been transformed into a hub of delicious activity from 31 August to 11 September 2022. This scenic site is already broadcasting its location with the aromas of delectable Singaporean cuisine.
One of the key draws is the Chef Arena, where 14 internationally-renowned masters of the culinary arts will add their individual touches to a 9-course dinner. You can sample this alluring collection for yourself with a VIP entry ticket (from S$128, available only in pairs).
Close to 30 food booths await you in the grounds. Tickets start at $15, which gives you $10 of spending credit. Note, F&B credit offers are only available with tickets bought online. There are heavy discounts on group tickets.
While there is no doubt about the variety of the fare, don’t expect a directionless hodgepodge of delicious delights. Rather, the SFF has carefully curated its range using the themes of Heritage, Contemporary and Innovation to take the thinking foodie on a mouthwatering journey.
I spent quite a bit of time in the Contemporary Food Zone, which showcases local stalls that are reinventing the concept of ‘Singaporean food’. It was interesting to get an insight into how coming generations of Singaporeans will lay claim to this evolved version of local cuisine.
Foodies may already know Damian D’Silva of Rempapa, Genevieve Lee of Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery and Chef Fumihko Hoshiba of Goodwood Park Hotel’s Shima Restaurant; they may be familiar with the Asian fusion dishes of STAPLE (by Qi Ji) or the plant-based creations of The GoodBurger Food Truck.
However, they have never tried all this fare in the midst of the buzz and excitement of a food festival— it was magical!
One standout stall is the insanely creative collaboration between Featherblade, MEZCLA and RAPPU. Sample their Black Pepper Crab Roll and Nasi Lemak Taco if you can! I also recommend One Prawn & Co’s Xia Bao Bao and the signature dish from Jelebu Dry Laksa.
Of the 6 stalls in the Heritage Food Zone, I would say that you shouldn’t miss the Wang Ji Wanton Mee for its Kurobuta Wanton Mee. Our team also ran into Jayce Ho of SG Brisket Kitchen with her mouthwatering creations and irresistible personality at the Hawker Heroes sector.
What’s good food without good music? Fortunately, we won’t have to find out. The pulsing heart of entertainment at the venue is Tiger Beer’s 90th Anniversary Entertainment stage.
A nightly entertainment lineup kicks off every evening with performances from some of Singapore’s most recognisable acts. Taking the stage are Jack & Rai, Carpet Golf, DJ Brendon P, Supersonic and DJ Krave, among others.
If you visit with the little ones in tow, you may want to wander over to the Games Zone for distractions for the young and young-at-heart alike.
Amazing SFF Free-to-Air Virtual Masterclasses
If you’re like me, you’ve watched world-renowned chefs whip up masterpieces and thought to yourself, “I could do that!” Never has the chance been better to follow through than with the Singapore Food Festival 2022 Virtual Masterclass series.
The 9 Free-to-Air Virtual Masterclasses are aimed squarely at Singaporeans and foodies around the world who think that they have already discovered all there is to know about Singaporean food. The goal is to tease at what lies just beyond their personal knowledge (and experiences) and encourage them on a journey of discovery beyond the SFF Festival.
These 9 events take you into the kitchen of world-class chefs and will be live-streamed completely free of cost on the official SFF Facebook Page. SFF takes the concept of virtual cooking lessons a step further— enthusiastic participants can buy 9 corresponding ingredient Food Kits in advance so nothing stands between them and culinary greatness.
The kits are available for purchase within Singapore from the SFF Virtual Marketplace from 11 Aug to 18 Sep 2022. Delivery will be completed between 22 Aug and 20 Sep 2022. If you would like to participate, please allow at least 2 days for delivery.
The Tantalising SFF Box
The first 10 people who purchase at least 2 Food Kits for the Masterclass series will receive an exclusive giveaway, the SFF Box worth S$50.
Presented in elegant packaging, the SFF Box is a microcosm of Singapore’s diverse flavours. Inside, foodies will find an eclectic mix of local food selected not only for quality but because they complement each other so well. They are:
- Spicy Salted Egg Yolk Instant Noodle by NISSIN and IRVINS
- Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms Curry Masala by Uncle Saba
- Singablend by Hook Coffee
- Jewels Rock Sugar Sticks x Asmara – 28 Herbal Infusion Flavour + Probiotics by Jewels Rock Sugar Sticks
- Freeze Dried Durian by Plucked
- Sachet Coffee by Killiney
- Energy Mix by Notternuts
- Sachi Soy Wine Mini by Sachi
- Tiger Crystal 90th Limited Edition Can by Tiger Beer
Visit the Singapore Food Festival Virtual Marketplace to stock up on Jewels Rock Sugar, Freeze Dried Durian, Killiney White Coffee and Singablend by Hook Coffee. You will also find Sachi Soy Wine and Energy Mix by nötter Nuts available for purchase there.
Other Intriguing Offerings of SFF 2022
The Singapore Food Festival is a celebration that extends far beyond the Village to every part of the country. Critical to this nationwide involvement are preeminent establishments that have been chosen as the Partner Restaurants for SFF 2022.
Fancy taking your love of food to the streets, literally? SFF brings inquisitive food enthusiasts on one-of-a-kind Tours around Singapore that will transport you behind the headlines and articles. See— and taste— for yourself the difference as you uncover the mysteries behind what we eat, up close and personal. These include exciting twists on the genre such as a Picnic Puzzle.
Any closer to the food and you would be making it yourself… which is exactly what the SFF Workshops are for! From plant-based sushi rolls and coffee appreciation to spice blending and tea blending, there is a workshop for everyone.
For those unable to attend the festival and its satellite events in-person, SFF has created a series of bespoke Content Videos. These videos are far more than just a substitute for in-person attendance; much of the content consists of SFF exclusives such as behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of local chefs and brands. This effort is an investment in our food heritage and local talent as it gives the world an instantaneous digital look at our culinary journey.
The buildup of excitement as we counted down the days to the SFF is finally over! This year’s event feels extra special, though. From our first expedition to SFF 2022, we can tell that it is going to be better than ever before and we can’t wait to bring you more exclusive news and revelations as and when they are unveiled.
Join us and let’s eat, savour and discover together!
*This post was brought to you in partnership with Singapore Food Festival.
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