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Looking for a tasty, fresh, and pocket-friendly new experience Visit the hidden gems we have mentioned below for a culinary and sustainable oasis!
Where are these hidden Gardens?
Singapore imports a large portion of its food supply which means that many restaurants have ingredients that travel long distances before reaching your plate. But what if you could savor a salad with greens harvested just that morning, or seafood caught locally? Here are some Singaporean farm-to-table restaurants that grow their ingredients using sustainable methods in their very own hidden gardens to ensure freshness while minimizing the negative environmental impact:
A) The Fairmont Hotel :
Step into the realm of sustainability at The Fairmont Hotel, where innovation meets flavour
through a man-made urban Aquaponics Farm – a marvel of technology blending fish and plants to reduce the input of soil. So how does this work? Well, in aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water from raising fish provides a natural fertilizer for the plants and the plants help to purify the water for the fish. At the Fairmont It's not just a meal; it's a journey into Singapore's future of food…
B) Swissotel The Stamford:
High above the city, Swissôtel The Stamford boasts its rooftop aquaponics farm much like
the Fairmont Hotel, which is a testament to their commitment to freshness and locality. Led by Chef Robert Stirrup and gardener James Lam, this farm yields various types of vegetables and fish, ensuring every dish they serve tells a story of sustainability and from their crunchy greens to succulent fish each bite allows you to feel Singapore's culinary ingenuity.
C) Poison Ivy Bistro:
Nestled in Singapore’s cosy corner of Kranji, Poison Ivy Bistro stands out as a beacon of
local and sustainable farming practices. Through their very own local farm, Bollywood Farms, they nurture and supply vibrant greens and aromatic herbs, infusing every dish with a touch of freshness and taste. Among such dishes include their famous Banana cake, potato chips, sambals and even kaya!! By dining here, you not only treat your palate and save your wallet but also join hands in nurturing a greener tomorrow for Singapore.
D) The Gardenesia Bistro:
A beacon of sustainable dining with its Bistro and The Local Farm initiatives, Gardenasia
serves up dishes brimming with locally sourced ingredients, such as Egg Story's Dashimaki
Tamago and Papitto's Gelatos showcase the diverse flavours of Singapore's agriculture. Additionally, their local farm ensures freshness through monthly TLF Packs by allowing consumers to connect directly with farmers. Their accessible prices reflect Gardenasia's commitment to quality and affordability and whether you are dining at their Bistro or enjoying TLF Packs, you can savour the essence of fresh Singaporean local food while supporting sustainability and community welfare.
Why Go Local?
In today’s world, where we have been demoted from ‘Global warming’ to ‘Global Boiling,’ environmental consciousness is critical and farm-to-table dining offers a refreshing solution by simultaneously solving Singapore’s food security problem and reducing carbon emissions.
However, despite their innovative spirit, most farm-to-table restaurants face hurdles like limited space, lack of awareness and unpredictable weather. But, your patronage, advocacy, or even a helping hand can make all the difference by eating at such restaurants:
You can help protect your very own local Singaporean farmers, further empowering the one people, one nation, one Singapore spirit.
You reduce your carbon footprint as less fuel is used to transport food into Singapore.
You will fall sick less often! Often most of the imported foods at restaurants are a few days old, thus ripping their nutritional value which can lead to sickness. However, eating at such restaurants where your food was grown that very morning, enhances not only the nutritional value of your food but also the way it tastes.
Your map to finding these hidden gardens:
So if you are ready to embark on this adventure of self-improvement and sustainability
when dining out just watch out for the FTT (Farm-to-Table) symbol. This indicates that restaurants use a specific amount of local produce on their menus. The FTT program has tiers, with higher tiers using more local ingredients.
Source: Singapore Food Agency
Think you can match the following farm-to-table restaurants with their unique features? Try it below!
1. The Fairmont Hotel
2. Swissotel The Stamford
3. Poison Ivy Bistro
4. Gardensia
Features:
A. Rooftop Aquaponics Farm
B. TLF farm packs
C. Sustainable Farming Practices
D. Urban Aquaponics Farm
Answers: 1A, 2D, 3C, 4D
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