Author: Gareth John
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Designing Renewal: An Illuminated Prosperity Bowl for Singapore
January in Singapore is a month of fresh beginnings, vibrant energy, and artistic illumination. The city buzzes with: Singapore Art Week — a dynamic showcase of contemporary art, galleries, and installations across the island. Light to Night Festival — returning with stunning light installations, projections, and interactive experiences in the Civic District, themed around inner…
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Crafting December Joy: The Festive Hainanese Harmony Roast
December in Singapore is a whirlwind of lights, sounds, and shared joy. The city sparkles with: Christmas celebrations — Orchard Road’s dazzling light-up, carols, festive markets, and family gatherings. Winter Solstice (Dongzhi) — especially meaningful for Chinese Singaporeans, a time to gather, eat warming foods, and mark the return of longer days. Year-end reflections —…
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Edible Narratives: A Peranakan Spice Canvas for November
November in Singapore is a month of creative energy, storytelling, and artistic expression. Key highlights include: Singapore Writers Festival — a celebration of words, ideas, and narratives from local and international voices. Singapore Biennale — contemporary art installations exploring themes of intention, identity, and connection. Neon Lights Festival — vibrant outdoor music and light experiences…
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Designing Light & Spice: Deepavali Harmony Plate for Singapore
October in Singapore brings a magical glow to the city, as lights illuminate streets and homes in celebration of Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. Falling on October 20, 2025, this vibrant Hindu festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Little India transforms into a dazzling spectacle of colourful decorations, oil…
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Designing Flavours: A Malay–Indian Curry for Singapore Design Week
September in Singapore is a time of creativity and celebration. Two key festivals light up the city: Singapore Food Festival — a showcase of flavours that define our nation. Singapore Design Week — this year themed “Nation by Design”, exploring how creativity shapes our identity. As a chef, I see food as one of the…
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Celebrating Singapore National Day with Red & White Laksa
On 9 August, Singapore celebrates its National Day—a time for fireworks, parades, and reflecting on the incredible journey of a small island nation that grew into a global city. While the celebrations fill the skies with red and white, I like to bring that spirit to the kitchen. This year, I’ve created a dish to…
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Celebrating Racial Harmony Day with a Nasi Lemak Harmony Bowl
E very 21st of July, Singapore observes Racial Harmony Day—a reminder of how important unity in diversity is to the nation’s story. Schools, communities, and families across the island mark the day with cultural activities, traditional dress, and of course, food. As a chef who has embraced Singaporean cuisine after moving here from Australia, I’ve…
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Celebrating Eid with a Singaporean Twist: Rendang-Stuffed Roti Jala
Eid is always a special time—a celebration of reflection, family, and of course, food. This month, I’m sharing a festive favorite that combines Malay tradition with a touch of gourmet flair: Rendang-Stuffed Roti Jala. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, bite after bite. What Is It? Roti Jala (literally “net bread”) is…
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A Taste of Enlightenment: Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice for Vesak Day
In May, millions across Asia mark Vesak Day, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. In Singapore, this sacred day is one of reflection, compassion, and renewal—and food plays a quiet, meaningful role. As part of the tradition, many Buddhists observe vegetarian meals, embracing a spirit of non-harm and mindfulness. This month, I’m…
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Beef Rendang Reimagined: A Contemporary Take for Hari Raya
As Hari Raya approaches, kitchens across Singapore fill with the warm, heady aroma of tradition. One dish that always commands centre stage is Beef Rendang—rich, slow-cooked, and lovingly spiced. It’s a dish that speaks of family, celebration, and time-honoured patience. But what happens when we hold this heritage dish up to the light and ask:…