Singapore Food Festival set to attract a strong number of Middle East travellers

Once a fishing village, the Lion City has gained recognition worldwide as one of the top travel destinations with summer as the peak season for inbound guests.

In 2006, Singapore welcomed more than 82,000 visitors from the Middle East region, breaking previous records. Visitor arrivals from the Middle East increased by more than 10,000 - growth of about16 percent - compared to 2005.
The Grand Hyatt Singapore, centrally located at the start of the famous Orchard Road, welcomes Middle East travelers to celebrate the Singapore Food Festival with its halal-compliant dining at StraitsKitchen, the best of local cuisine in a contemporary 'market place' setting.

"StraitsKitchen offers a range of exquisite tastes and culturally sensitive dishes suitable for local and visiting guests," said Thierry Bertin, Area Director of Marketing in the Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.

"With the implemented halal standards, Middle East travellers visiting StraitsKitchen can enjoy one of the world's top cuisines in a traditional Singaporean setting," he added.

A "start-from-scratch" approach was necessary to build StraitsKitchen at Grand Hyatt Singapore. Determined that procedures and delivery of food and service be acceptable under the rules of Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), Singapore's governing body for the Islamic community, a detail-oriented work was carried out.

Taking pride in the lively ambience, these show kitchens take centre stage where the chefs are the stars. To whet your appetite, take in the wonderful aroma emanating from tandoori ovens or watch as chefs fire up their woks and satay grill, preparing all orders upon request.

This 260-seat kitchen-theatre setting features a variety of seating arrangements, from intimate corners for two to seven semi-private dining areas for large groups. Interspersed with different dining tables at varied sections in the restaurant, guests are treated to a design drama where the ambience is energized with an emphasis on unique finishes ranging from metal to exotic woods. Plate ware forms an intricate part of the dining experience in StraitsKitchen. The unusual shapes, colours and textures of the plate ware will intrigue guests, present an element of surprise and enliven the restaurant atmosphere greatly.

StraitsKitchen offers a wide variety of items for buffet lunch and dinner. Highlights of the menu are the Chinese, Indian and Malay specialities. These include Singapore Laksa; Fried Hor Fun; Fried Kang Kong; Mee Goreng; Nasi Goreng; Carrot Cake; Prawn Mee Soup; Hainanese Chicken Rice; Roast Duck/Chicken; Fish Ball Noodle Soup; and Steamed Whole Fish. The chefs recommend grilled items of Stingray in Banana Leaf; Otak Otak; Assorted Satay and Ayam Bakar. Delicious and popular Indian dishes are the Roti Prata; Naan; Chicken Tikka; Curries; and Briyani Rice.

For guests bent on a Singaporean multicultural gastronomic tour, a journey through StraitsKitchen, where they can find a taste of ethnic Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisine, is a must. StraitsKitchen is the hotel's answer to provide a halal compliant dining experience which Singapore can be proud of.