Food Festivals in Singapore: Where To Spend a Day Eating and Drinking
PUBLISHED February 27th, 2017 09:16 am | UPDATED December 21st, 2017 05:10 pm
Has Singapore’s culinary scene has come a long way or what? Last year, we saw more than 10 world-class food festivals happening on our shores, and 2017 looks set to be no different – or dare we say, even better. From a festival that celebrates local street food culture to another that caters to vino drinkers, you’ll want to jump right in with this list of foodie festivals – as expected of a country where feasting is a daily affair!
SAVOUR
We start with one of the most exciting festivals that happened last year. The SAVOUR concept remains the only one of its kind in Asia, split across three delicious themed editions: Gourmet, Wine, and Christmas. In each, the alfresco event sees both local and international celebrity chefs brandishing their skills in a specially-curated lifestyle setting, along with cooking workshops, meet-and-greets, and a huge gourmet market full of rare and funky items. Plus, no more entrance fees!
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on SAVOUR 2017, stay tuned here.
Singapore Food Festival
Perhaps the most locally known (and the most relatable) one on the list, Singapore Food Festival shines a well-deserved spotlight on local food and home-grown culinary talents. Look forward to a slew of pop-ups and themed events taking place all around the island in July, including STREAT – the festival’s signature event bringing together the best Mod-Sin (modern Singaporean) grub by our most eminent chefs and hawkers, across a wide range of price points. Laksagne, anyone?
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Singapore Food Festival 2017, stay tuned here.
Singapore Cocktail Festival
If you’re a fan of cocktails or alcohol in general, you won’t want to miss this one. Purportedly the biggest such event in Asia, the Singapore Cocktail Festival celebrates the city’s best watering holes and the hottest mixologists both in and out of town. This year’s edition sees a festival village as well as bars like the newly-renovated The Library, new Amoy street watering hole Native, and the rum-focused Bob’s Bar at Capella Singapore amongst the participators dishing out signature and bespoke cocktails at fantastic prizes, along with intriguing workshops and guest shifts!
When: 16 to 21 March 2017
Where: 99 Beach Road and participating bars islandwide
For more details on Singapore Cocktail Festival 2017, stay tuned here.
World Gourmet Summit
Showcasing master chefs, Michelin star winners, and world-famous sommeliers, the World Gourmet Summit is all about celebrating fine dining in the city – no holds barred. Having previously seen heavyweights like the Roca brothers (from three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca), Mathieu Viannay, and Anne-Sophie Pi, you can expect only the finest luminaries to grace the world’s kitchens, in a series of dinner collaborations and wine tastings.
When: 20 March to 16 April 2017
Where: Island-wide
For more details on World Gourmet Summit 2017, stay tuned here.
Singapore Craft Beer Week
New to craft beer or seasoned ale drinker? The annual Singapore Craft Beer Week brings you tap-takeovers, microbrewery tours, bar hops, and tasters going on all over the island, involving all of the city’s best craft beer bars – be it Tap, Paulaner Brauhaus, Smith Street Taps, Draft & Craft, Red Dot Brewhouse, as well as Singapore’s newest craft brewery, Rye & Pint Brewing Co. With beer-centric events and promotions going on every, this a whole week of fun presented by the beerheads, for the beerheads.
When: 20 to 27 August 2017
Where: Island-wide
For more details on Singapore Craft Beer Week 2017, stay tuned here.
Epicurean Market
Ah, the magical culinary event held annually by Marina Bay Sands. Epicurean Market is far from just a food and wine fair – think food sampling booths galore, masterclasses by some of the world’s top chefs, a farmer’s market that brings in famous and undiscovered brands, as well as an all-out afterparty to close it all. While the list of participating restaurants have yet to be announced, we expect to see celebrity restaurants like Bread Street Kitchen, Long Chim, Waku Ghin, and the soon-to-be-opened The Bird Southern Table & Bar.
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Epicurean Market 2017, stay tuned here.
Gin Jubilee
Time sure flies, and it’s now already the fifth edition of East Imperial’s Gin Jubilee – the premier gin festival in Asia that celebrates all things gin. Last year saw for the first time individual jubilees planned in cities outside Singapore, and now, the ante is upped with even more countries, including Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Auckland. More than 120 bars will compete for the ultimate crown of ‘Best Gin & Tonic’, bringing together thousands of bartenders, gin novices, aficionados, and of course, glass after glass of top-notch G&Ts.
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Gin Jubilee 2017, stay tuned here.
Beerfest Asia
Love a good pint of IPA? Us too! Whether you’re a hardcore beer connoisseur or otherwise, there’s something for all drinkers at this festival, from networking sessions with the beer world’s biggest players to beer tastings, talks, and workshops – all the the background of live music, comedy performances, and scrumptious grub. Back for its ninth edition this year, expect more than 400 types of brews along with an equally impressive lineup of spirits and ciders for the non-beer drinkers.
When: 17 to 20 August 2017
Where: Marina Bay Cruise Centre
For more details on Beerfest Asia 2017, stay tuned here.
Singapore Restaurant Week
How does a three-course lunch or dinner at some of Singapore’s top restaurants for $28++ and $38++ respectively sound? To put it simply, that’s what the Singapore Restaurant Week is all about – allowing you to experience great full portion meals at a fraction of their original price. Happening twice every year, participating restaurants include Xperience Restaurant, Senso, Zafferano, and Stellar at 1-Altitude. Do note that certain restaurants listed with a star will charge an additional premium of $12++ for lunch and $20++ for dinner.
When: 25 March to 1 April 2017
Where: Island-wide
For more details on Singapore Restaurant Week 2017, stay tuned here.
Whisky Live
Brought to you by the good folks behind La Maison du Whisky, this year sees the 8th edition of Asia’s premier whisky and spirits festival, Whisky Live. Expect to see some of the spirit industry’s rising and leading authorities, international collecctors, award-winning distilleries, and a whole host of pop-up bars and masterclasses where you’ll be able to enjoy the best drams you’ve ever tasted! Don’t miss out on The Collector Room, as the world’s most sought-after bottles – from closed distilleries to vintages, singles casks, and decades-old bottes – are gathered.
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Whisky Live 2017, stay tuned here.
Wine Fiesta
Whatever your poison of choice – red, white, rosé, or bubbly – this one’s for all you wine people. It’s organised by the long-standing Straits Wine Company, so you know the festival’s going to be good. Look out for face-to-face sessions with outstanding wine makers, participate in a masterclass conducted by international wine experts, and the opportunity to sample over 300 labels from around the world. Also, meet fellow wine lovers, indulge in great food, and find your new favourite wines. Word of warning: don’t expect to go home sober!
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Wine Fiesta 2017, stay tuned here.
Food Japan
Who doesn’t love Japanese food? As ASEAN’s largest dedicated showcase of Japan’s food and beverage industry, head down to understand discover new authentic ingredients and dishes, innovative culinary techniques and machinery, along with demos and workshops for the public. Last year’s edition saw more than 1000 products F&B from 42 prefectures such as Aomori, Chiba, Gifu, Saitama, Tochigi, and many more, so we don’t expect any less this time.
When: 26 – 28 October 2017
Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
For more details on Food Japan 2017, stay tuned here.
Singapore Coffee Festival
Something’s brewing for all you caffeine heads. Having made its debut at the F1 Pit last year, the Singapore Coffee Festival looks set to bring in yet another round of over 100 exhibitors from the local and international coffee scene – and that includes local kopi too. Sample unique brews and indulge in a delectable spread by some of Singapore’s most trendy cafés, or listen to educational talks (it’s not as boring as it sounds!) and watch amazing barista displays bound to impress.
Dates and venue to be announced. For more details on Singapore Coffee Festival 2017, stay tuned here.
