Started as a travelling pop-up restaurant in 2011, the Takeout concept is being re-introduced as a full-fledged dining event. At Singapore Takeout 2015, more than 10 local chefs will be preparing their creative interpretations of a few local dishes. Visitors can expect to take their taste buds on a gastronomic journey as they savour re-imagined versions local favourites like Chilli Crab, Beef Rendang and Laksa. Singapore Takeout will take place on 27 – 29 November and 4 – 6 December at Tan Quee Lan Street from 6pm to 10pm daily. Prices for each dish will range from $2 to $15. Check out some of the chefs and their creations that you will be sinking your teeth into!

1. Malcom Lee, Head Chef & Owner, Candlenut

Chef Malcolm found his calling in his Nyonya mother’s kitchen at a young age. Leading the team at Candlenut today, he does not deny his initial passions for cuisines of the West. Working in food establishments in the United States, and operating a student-run Western café-cum-bar at the Singapore Management University, Malcolm had his eyes and hands set on recreating all that he had experienced overseas.

However, his rediscovery of familiar Asian flavours came through the achievement of being the very first Singaporean recipient of the Miele Guide Scholarship. A comprehensive programme awarded to Malcolm at the At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy enabled him to re-experience his Asian culinary roots, and thus played a large role in his decision to preserve Peranakan cooking.

Bringing these experiences together, Malcolm seeks to pay homage to his heritage through a menu of refined taste and techniques, hence creating Candlenut’s authentic yet innovative flavours.

2. Chef Lee Boon Seng, Sous Chef of Osia at Resorts World Sentosa

As part of the pre-opening team in 2010, Chef Lee Boon Seng got his start at Osia when he took up the Junior Sous chef’s role under the mentorship of Executive Chef Douglas Tay and Celebrity Chef Scott Webster. Recognised for his extraordinary culinary skills, Lee was swiftly promoted to Sous Chef the very next year. As second-in-command in the kitchen, Lee oversees the planning and direction for food preparation in the kitchen, along with menu planning and daily kitchen operations.

Lee is part of the Singapore National Culinary Team that has participated in numerous international culinary competitions, such as the Expogast Culinary World Cup, that have helped put Singapore on the world culinary map through their victories on the global stage. Lee was named Meat & Livestock Australia Rising Chef of the Year at the Awards of Excellence 2013.

3. Yew Eng Tong, Chef de Cuisine of Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora at Resorts World Sentosa

A rising star in the local food and beverage fraternity, Chef Yew Eng Tong has characterised himself as a perennial achiever in his line of work. Making waves alongside Celebrity Chef Cat Cora, Yew joined the team at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora as the Chef de Cuisine in May 2013. Yew currently oversees the operational effectiveness of his team and is in charge of devising the next set of innovative and sustainable menus for the restaurant, along with other central responsibilities.

His passion and dedication for cooking has transformed him into a maestro both in and out of the kitchen, be it as an apprentice or mentor. Yew edged out competitors from nine countries, including Japan and Sri Lanka, to take home the gold in the Asian qualifiers of Bocuse d’Or competition in 2012.

His most recent achievement is leading the Singapore team in the Bocuse d’Or Finale in Lyon in January 2015 and achieving 17th place in the overall world standing. Back home, Yew was bestowed a great honour from the President’s Office, having been invited to cook for the President and esteemed guests for a National Day Lunch as part of the SG50 celebrations. Currently in his prime, Yew continues to break new grounds and inspire the local culinary scene.

Festive Year-End Golden Jubilee Activities

Beyond the creative and cultural showcases of Singapore: Inside Out and Singapore Takeout, there are also other festive year-end activities for international visitors and locals to partake in, including:

1. National Gallery Singapore Opening

The National Gallery Singapore houses the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art in the historic buildings of the former Supreme Court and City Hall. To commemorate its opening, special activities have been lined up, including free entry to its galleries, a family festival at the Padang, tours, talks and panel discussions. The opening will take place on 24 November 2015. Admission is free.

2. Christmas Events

Christmas often means festive displays will be featured all around Singapore. For the 31st year, Orchard Road will sparkle with Christmas lights from 14 November 2015 to 3 January 2016. Malls along the shopping stretch will also compete to win the Best Dressed Building Contest.

Christmas Wonderland returns to Gardens by the Bay and will feature magnificent light sculptures, a Christmas market brimming with unique gift ideas, an ice skating rink and snow playground, as well as a floral display in the Flower Dome complete with an 11-metre-tall Christmas Pyramid decked with toys as its centrepiece. The event will take place from 28 November 2015 to 3 January 2016.

3. Marina Bay Countdown

Singapore’s largest countdown event – the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown – is an annual celebration that brings together people from all walks of life for a night of revelry and reflection on New Year’s Eve. Festivities include exciting live performances, carnivals and waterfront bazaars, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. The countdown will take place on 31 December 2015. Admission is free.

Please visit www.yoursingapore.com for more information on the showcases and events above.