(SPOT.ph) Singapore, as you know, is a mecca of numerous amazing eateries that range from humble hawker stalls to higher-end (even Michelin-starred) establishments. Whether you're a Lion City regular looking to reunite with old faves or just itching to try Singaporean flavors without leaving Manila, you'll want to make your way over to Rockwell, stat. A number of famed SG restos are popping up at The Grid Food Market this month, in line with the Singaporean Food Festival 2022!
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Catch these famous Singaporean restaurants at The Grid while you can:
Keng Eng Kee, for one, is a well-loved spot hailed for their zi char fare; zi char refers to a genre of Singaporean dishes that are cooked upon order, with roots in Chinese cooking but also influences from Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. From feisty crab dishes to savory-sweet coffee ribs, Keng Eng Kee (also called KEK Seafood) dishes out plate after plate of hearty eats that deliver full-on flavors—not to mention the distinct soulful character you can only get from a scratch-made meal cooked with love. No wonder they've caught the attention of the Michelin guide, and won over the likes of Anthony Bourdain.
Drop by Stall 16 at The Grid Food Market as KEK Seafood's got three signatures available until September 4th. Grab a plate of the Salted Egg Popcorn Chicken (P330) for a dose of chicken-meets-egg brutality—er, fun—with a creamy-umami salted-egg sauce that coats crisp pieces of fried chicken with an aromatic smattering of curry leaves and chilies. On the more savory-sweet end of the spectrum is the Coffee Pork Ribs (P350), with a sticky, glossy coffee sauce draping over tender ribs with plenty of umami.
And because Keng Eng Kee is best known for their seafood dishes, the Soft Shell Crab with Chilli Crab Sauce and Fried Bun (P500) definitely shouldn't be missed. Think classic Singaporean chili crab, deconstructed and given a crisp-succulent spin, as this ensemble's got fried soft-shell crabs paired with a hearty chili crab sauce that you can sop up with the fried mantou on the side.
Cocktail spot The Elephant Room, loved for its libations inspired by Singapore's Little India (with ingredients sourced from Singapore's Tekka Market!), is also serving some of its signature libations until September 30. Cozy up to boozy sips like the fragrant Jothi's Flower Shop (P350) with jasmine and HAPUSA Gin; the tropical-leaning Tekka (P350) with coconut rum, fermented banana, and jaggery; or the smoky-spiced Chai (P350) with rum, tea, and fermented pineapple.
That's not all that awaits, though; other icons from Lion City will be popping up at The Grid on selected dates. Get a taste of the famous Nasi Lemak of The Coconut Club from September 9 to 11, or drop by between September 16 to 18 to try Modern Singaporean fare (of the likes of the slow-smoked, lychee wood-grilled Rendang Wagyu Brisket) from Blue Smoke. New Ubin Seafood—another famous zi char spot with signatures that include the beef fat- and drippings-infused Heart Attack Fried Rice—will also be at the food hall between September 23 to 25. You can also expect localized takes on classic Singaporean eats from your homegrown spots and purveyors—namely BYRD Tubs (September 5 to 7 and 19 to 21), China Mommy (September 12 to 14), and Your Local (September 26 to 30)—on the said dates.
The Singapore Food Festival 2022 pop-ups are at The Grid Food Market, 2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. For more information, check out The Grid Food Market's Facebook page.
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