Singapore Food Festival to whet regional appetites

For centuries, the riches of Southeast Asia brought foreign traders to the region. While many returned to their homelands, some remained behind, marrying local women. The Malay term 'Peranakan' which means 'locally born' is a reference to the distinct communities that arose from these inter-marriages.

Throughout the month of July, Middle East visitors can discover Singapore's Peranakan traditions through the heavenly tastes of typical Peranakan cooking. Some famous Peranakan dishes include Laksa, a spicy noodle soup dish, and Otak Otak, a spicy fish paste wrapped in banana leaf.

"The Singapore Food Festival allows Gulf-based food lovers to experience Singapore's rich cultural tapestry through our culinary delights,"

said Jason Ong, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

"With other exciting event such as the Great Singapore Sale running concurrently, summer is an excellent time for Middle East travellers to experience Singapore's unique lifestyle offerings!" he concluded.

This year's food festival will also see Singapore's various cultural districts such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam showcase their respective ethnic cuisines and heritage.
Within the UAE, Singaporean chefs are cooking up a storm and helping to raise awareness of Singaporean cuisine. Mohammad Kunhi, Chef de Cuisine at Saffron restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm, is a proud ambassador for Singaporean cuisine. "With its rich flavours and multi-ethnic heritage, Singaporean food is gaining interest amongst our cosmopolitan guests," he said.

Saffron restaurant, located at Atlantis, The Palm introduces culinary journeys with 20 theatrical cooking stations featuring international and Asian-inspired cuisine.

The Singapore Food Festival 2009 kicks off on 17 July in Singapore with a Peranakan Parade followed by 10 days of festivities including a 'Food Street' and a traditional Peranakan wedding dinner entitled "Beauty & The Feast".

To mark the end of the festival, the world's longest Peranakan buffet line will take place for visitors and locals to indulge in a tantalizing feast.