Gourmet markets are a dime a dozen these days – even the ones showcasing signature dishes from well-known restaurants. But few (if any at all) have the bragging rights of hosting both local and international Michelin-rated restaurants in one place.
Enter Epicurean Market, Marina Bay Sands’ annual gathering of producers of fine food that’s happening this weekend on 12-14 August. This year’s edition sees a whopping 75 booths spanning all genres of the culinary scene, from upcoming restaurant Yardbird Southern Table & Bar from the US to fresh gourmet produce and even takeaway frozen dim sums.
But above all, Epicurean Market offers a whistle-stop tour of offerings by Michelin-rated restaurants. While our inspector’s assessments are for the restaurants themselves, these pop-ups are a quick, fuss-free (and budget-friendly) way to sample their specialties without having to sit through an extended lunch or dinner service. Here are 5 of them to look out for.
Waku Ghin
The Marinated Botan Shrimp With Sea Urchin and Oscietra Caviar ($25) is one of Waku Ghin’s most famous signature dishes, and you’ll get to sample it without having to shell out for the full experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda himself is at the booth, flanked by local chefs Suffian Zain and Cory Soo Thoo. There’s a fairly extensive selection that includes Slow Cooked Beef with Truffle and Mushroom ($18) and chef Wakuda’s gourmet merchandise, but keep an eye out for the delicious Grilled Ohmi Beef with Freshly Grated Wasabi ($20). Waku Ghin's Website.
Cut
You may not get the premium steaks one-Michelin-starred restaurant Cut is so well known for at the stall, but chef Joshua Brown who heads the establishment is still serving up quality food made from the season’s best produce. The Maryland Crab Cake ($16) is one such treat, made with the sweet succulent flesh of blue crabs topped with tomato relish and basil aioli.
It’s also the only booth in our selection that offers interesting daily specials. Those going on Friday can expect the Lamb Shawarma ($18), the Lobster Chao Gio Spring Rolls ($18) will be showcased on Saturday while Indian Spiced Shrimp Sandwich ($15) will be available on Sunday. Cut's website.
Golden Peacock
Golden Peacock is the only other restaurant with a booth at Epicurean Market to have a one-Michelin-star rating, but it hails all the way from Macau. It’s the only Indian restaurant in Asia to have the accolade before Song of India joined the Michelin-starred league in Singapore’s inaugural Michelin Guide.
Its chef, Justin Paul, is a Kerala native who plates up recipes from 14 regions of India with a contemporary touch. This weekend, he’s serving up his Jhinga Avocado Raj Chaat ($8), a delicious creation of blanched prawns seasoned with cumin and chaat masala with spiced avocado and chutney, as well as the Makhmali Galouti Kebab ($8), tenderly cooked lamb marinated with mace and paired with a side of garlic yoghurt. Golden Peacock's website.
Chef David Thompson is no stranger to Michelin stars, as his now-defunct London restaurant Nahm was the first Thai restaurant globally to be awarded with a one-star accolade. His Singapore outpost, Long Chim, specialises in street food, and the Miang Prawn ($6) is the perfect example of its flavours. It’s unapologetically bold in all its sweet-spicy-sour-savoury glory. It’s the dish to go for if you’d like to jolt your palette awake with strong flavours but be sure to wash it down with the milk or lime tea (both $4). longchim.com.sg
Affable celebrity chef, TV personality and the man behind several Michelin-rated establishments in the US, Daniel Boulud is in town this weekend with not just one but two booths. The first takes after his Singapore restaurant, DB Bistro, and serves up classics like the Lobster Roll ($25) and fresh oysters ($45 for a dozen). The second takes after Epicerie Boulud, his takeout deli with two locations in New York while a third is slated to open later this August in the city's World Trade Center Occulus. Keep an eye out for its delectable range of pastries. dbbistro.com.
“Epicurean Market happens at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre from 12-14 August 2016. Three day passes are priced at S$35 and include a pair of Schott Zwiesel champagne flutes worth S$46 and entry to the After Parties on Friday 12 August and Saturday 13 August featuring live DJ sets, sumptuous food and cocktails from renowned mixologists. More information here.”
