Joanna HuThe 19th edition of the World Food Fair took place from July 4 to 7 this year at the Singapore Expo. Organised by Constellar, a leading trade show and exhibit organiser in Asia, the World Food Fair is one of the largest and longest-running consumer food shows in Singapore.
The exhibit did not lack variety, boasting an array of piping hot food and refreshing drinks prepared on the spot, along with a plentiful selection of prepackaged goods and fresh fruit.
Here are some of the highlights from this year’s World Food Fair!
Hot food and refreshing beverages
At any consumer food show, the hot food offerings are a must-try. As I entered the exhibition hall, I was immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly cooked food and the lively calls of vendors promoting their products and special deals. The fair featured culinary delights from various Asian countries, with each stall offering a taste of a different culture. Local favourites such as shark’s fin soup and Chinese rice dumplings were available alongside international delicacies like Thai mango sticky rice, Vietnamese banh mi, Indonesian Ayam Kampong Goreng, and more.
The fair was a feast for the eyes as well, with chefs showcasing their culinary skills at their booths. Expertly preparing their best dishes, the chefs flawlessly captured the full attention of excited customers who watched in eager anticipation as their meals came together right before their eyes.
Of course, no great meal is complete without a refreshing drink to accompany it. At the World Food Fair, attendees were spoiled for choice with an array of popular beverage options, such as bubble tea and the famous Thai milk tea, among others.
Dry and prepackaged food
Attendees with smaller appetites were not left out at the World Food Fair, which featured a wide selection of dry and prepackaged goods for customers to take home. From popular local delights like Bak Kwa to international treats such as Turkish delight, the fair was a dream come true for those looking to expand their snack options. In true Singaporean fashion, there was even a booth dedicated to durian products, offering treats like durian ice cream.
For homeowners on the lookout for quick and easy-to-prepare meals, the fair showcased a variety of frozen foods such as dumplings and fish fingers, alongside popular instant noodle brands. Interestingly, one booth even offered dried goods typically found only in traditional Chinese medicine stores, which I certainly did not expect to find in a food fair.
Fresh fruit
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not the attendees of the World Food Fair. Several stalls featured tables brimming with a wide selection of fresh fruit, including pears, grapes, and cherries. Vendors happily handed out free samples while explaining the quality and origins of their products to customers.
Stage programme
At the centre of the Expo hall, a stage hosted a lineup of exciting activities throughout the day. One highlight was a food demonstration featuring Gac fruit, a vibrant orange-coloured tropical fruit with a spiky shell from Southeast Asia, that is renowned for its powerful antioxidants and rich vitamin content. Soon after, the tea appreciation workshop commenced, where attendees sampled a variety of premium Chinese teas while the host shared about the tea’s origins, health benefits, and brewing techniques.
Finally, the stage also featured the daily lucky draw at 5pm, where a few lucky attendees got their hands on two air tickets to destinations like Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo.
For those who missed this rendition of the World Food Fair, be sure to check out the next event under the Singapore Food Shows umbrella, Yummy Food Expo, taking place at the Singapore Expo from August 29 to September 1 this year. The Yummy Food Expo will feature over 100 local and international food and beverage vendors, and best of all, admission is free!