Binge - Two Hundred Peranakans Parading

It’s funny why we have the Singapore Food Festival when we are naturally a nation of constant feeders anyway. Food is definitely the crux of nationhood here. Nevertheless the Food Festival is upon us again from 17-26 July, this time with a Peranakan theme. Yet another reason to eat.

A few things caught our eye among the line-up of activities. How about 200 costumed Peranakans parading from various locations towards Clarke Quay for the opening ceremony at 6pm tomorrow, Friday 17 July?

Other excitement include:

Clarke Quay Food Street at the Read Bridge (17-25 July, 4-11pm) for local and Peranakan fare.

Singapore River Market (17-26 July, 4-11pm) along Singapore River, with stalls selling every knick knack under the sun from scented oils to everything else.

Nonya Mobile (17-26 July), a roving kitchen plying central locations like Orchard Road and City Hall, with chefs dishing out live cooking demos on dishes like Ang Ku Kueh, Buah Keluak and Pineapple tarts.
‘Streets of Singapore’ cooking classes at Coriander Leaf with Samia Ahad (24 July, 3pm). Learn how to make 10 (yes, ten!) Singapore classics such as chilli crab, Hainanese chicken rice, tauhu telor, lamb satay, etc for $130 net. Email info@corianderleaf.com to book; www.corianderleaf.com for details.

Hawker Centres. Look out for ‘special activities’ on both festival weekends at East Coast Lagoon hawker centre and Chinatown Complex. Sketchy details by NEA, the organisers, make this mysterious but they promise lots of ‘family fun’.

The Art of Peranakan Dining and High Tea seminar (24 July, 2.30pm) at the Peranakan Museum. Tel 6255 1037 for reservations but it costs a whopping $60. Hmmm, pearls of wisdom I am sure….!

The Longest Peranakan Buffet Line (26 July, 5–10 pm) by Swissotel Merchant Court to end off the festival. It’ll span the entire Read Bridge, serving up 100 dishes under the stars. Nice. Tix at $35++ per adult, from Ellenborough Market Café. Tel: 6239 1848 for details.

Get more info on the festival at www.singaporefoodfestival.com

- Ee Waun