Longest Peranakan Buffet on July 26 by the Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore

July 20th, 2009 by Noemi

Swissôtel Merchant Court’s specialty Nonya Chef Shirley Tay adds, “As a Peranakan, I am so excited at this opportunity to prepare and share my heritage and cuisine. Preparing Peranakan food involves a lot of passion and hard work; every dish is prepared from scratch, starting with the rempah, spices that form the soul of the dish. I believe Nonya food is quite impossible to resist!”

Since its inauguration in 1994 by Singapore Tourism Board, the Singapore Food Festival has established itself as a key national event, offering a host of local cuisines as well as insights into Singapore’s food culture and heritage. This year, the focus of the Festival is on Nonya cuisine, delicacies from the minority ethnic group of the Straits Chinese, the Peranakans. The usual month-long event will only be held for ten days this year, starting from 17 July 2009.

Executive Chef Andy Yeo

Amidst the various festivities of the Festival held throughout the island, Swissôtel Merchant Court will have two stalls along the Food Street. The Food Street will operate daily from 17 to 25 July on Read Bridge at Clarke Quay, serving a range of exquisite Nonya delicacies.

Swissôtel Merchant Court’s Nonya Chef Shirley Tay, will also be giving an exclusive culinary display on Tuesday, 21 July at the STB Auditorium, from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. At S$88.00 per person, Swissôtel Merchant Court signature dishes such as Ikan Chilli Garam, Nonya Mee and Deep Fried Cempedak will be demonstrated. For reservations, please call 6255 1037 or email .rsvp@singaporefoodfestival.com

Feast under the stars at the Longest Peranakan Buffet for $35 nett per adult and $22 nett per child (aged 4 – 11 years old). Tickets are available for sale at Ellenborough Market Café, Swissôtel Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road from 1 to 23 July, between 12pm and 8pm daily. For enquiries, please call 6239 1848 or email emc.reservations@swissotel.com.

And to tempt you some more, here are a few photos of the Peranakan dishes (click to enlarge image)