DESPITE the COVID-19 restrictions in Singapore itself, this does not mean that you are deprived of the flavors of city-state. Through the Singapore Food Festival — which runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12 — the feasting is delivered to homes through takeout deals and virtual classes.
Singapore Tourism Board Area Director for the Philippines Ruby Liu said that leisure travel to Singapore is off the table for now. “I have to be very honest,” she said in an online press conference on Aug. 24. “It’s probably going to take a long time. In the next six to eight months, we do not believe that there will be leisure tourism. Singapore will remain closed to most countries around the world.”
According to her, “Things are really under control” in Singapore. They have had 66,000 COVID-19 cases in total, with a low death rate of 46, and a 98% recovery rate; 73% of the population has been vaccinated, and there are further efforts to increase the number. At present, they’re still on what Ms. Liu calls “relaxed lockdown,” with a maximum number of five people allowed in gyms and indoor restaurants.
While travel is still restricted, there are special deals from grocery, food, and shops delivery app Pick.A.Roo via a Singapore Food Festival popup featuring Singaporean dishes.
These include merchants Hawker Chan, Babu, Marriott Cafe, Shang at Home, James & Daughter, Banana Leaf, Your Local, Char Express, Namyang, Wee Nam Kee, and Putien. Until Sept. 23, one can use a Singapore discount voucher worth P150 for a minimum purchase of P1,000, using the code PICKSFF.
Putien deserves a special mention because of their Spice Mum Chili Sauce (available at delivery.vikings.ph for P288), constructed like a well-written villain. Citrus, herbs, and spices provide depth and character, while the chili component is still a violent kick that clears your nostrils. It is, bar none, the best chili sauce I have tasted so far.
This was served during the press conference alongside oyster omelettes (a Singapore hawker stall favorite), prepared by Filipino celebrity chef and restaurateur JP Anglo. Mr. Anglo, along with his friend and culinary schoolmate Singaporean chef Bjorn Shen (one of the judges for the first two seasons of MasterChef Singapore) will prepare “boyster” omelettes in a cooking demo to be aired on the Singapore Food Festival website (singaporefoodfestival.sg/masterclasses/), and the Visit SingaporePH Facebook page (facebook.com/VisitSingaporePH) on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.
Speaking about oyster omelettes, Ms. Liu noted that “What is very important and requires a lot of skill is the chef must control the fire so it will be crispy without overcooking it.”
Classes for Chili Crab and Durian Pound Cake, among many other Singaporean dishes, are also available. Other website offerings include documentaries on Kok Fah Farm, and Kitchen Insider: Sustenir, as well as virtual tours of Singapore’s Little India and indie enclave Tiong Bahru. — J.L. Garcia
Getting a taste of Singapore without traveling
Source: Bantay Radio
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