Episode 13: Hawker Centers and Heritage: Exploring Singapore's Food Culture

Singapore is an island nation renowned for its multicultural tapestry. Food in Singapore is like a symphony of flavors, reflecting the rich heritage of its many people. From Chinese and Malay influences to Indian and European touches, each bite tells a story of migration and cultural exchange. In this episode of Schnitzel and Stories, we delve into the vibrant culinary world of Singapore with Michelin-starred Chef Ivan Brehm of Nouri. Known for its rich blend of cultures, Singapore's food scene offers a unique tapestry woven from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences. We dive into the history of this city-state through various waves of immigration on food trends and iconic dishes that embody the country's multicultural spirit. Ivan discusses the idea of "crossroads cooking"—an approach that explores cultural intersections, inspiring the heart of his restaurant Nouri's menu. "You can talk about one dish, and spend a lifetime trying to get in touch with it". Chef Ivan Brehm

From street food to hawker centers and kaya toast, Ivan offers a glimpse into lesser-known Singaporean delicacies. He also sheds light on the nation's ongoing challenges with food security as a small island reliant on imports, a concern that resonates with all of us.

To learn more about chef Ivan Brehm and his restaurant, follow him on Instagram @ivanbrehm and @restaurantnouri.

Find Nour'i’s Recipe for Kaya here

To learn more about the history of the history and diversity of Singapore cuisine read more from these links:

Food in the Multiculturalism of Singapore
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666319311602
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/hawker-culture-in-singapore-community-dining-and-culinary-practices-in-a-multicultural-urban-context-01568

https://www.cali.sg/blog/a-quick-guide-to-understanding-the-food-culture-in-singapore

https://www.dw.com/en/understanding-singapores-culinary-diversity/a-39856775

https://www.guanchunding.com.sg/blog/food-snacks-of-singapore-a-cultural-perspective.html

https://studyabroad.gwu.edu/why-singapore-referred-cultural-melting-pot

https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/127130435/1_s2.0_S0195666319311602_main.pdf

Impact of Migrants to Singapore Food

https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-9/issue-3/oct-to-dec-2013/changing-palates/

https://prezi.com/wckhhwhtg7ew/the-culture-and-cuisine-influences-of-food-in-singapore/

https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-18/issue-1/apr-to-jun-2022/evolution-chinese-food-singapore/