Cooking Course in Singapore

When it comes to exploring a new country, few experiences can rival discovering its culture through its cuisine. Singapore, a city-state renowned for its vibrant food scene, offers a paradise for food lovers. On our latest adventure, we decided to dive deeper into this culinary world by taking a cooking course to learn how to prepare some of the most iconic dishes of Singapore. Want to know how our experience turned out? Let’s dive in!

Without hesitation, we enrolled in a cooking course at Food Playground, one of the most respected culinary schools in Singapore. Here, we were treated to a wealth of knowledge about the region's gastronomy, while learning how to cook three delicious traditional dishes. Here’s a glimpse into our culinary adventure:

Upon our arrival (a bit late, I must admit), our instructor, Leslie, provided us with an insightful introduction to Peranakan cuisine. This culinary style is a remarkable blend of cultures and flavors, referring to the descendants of Chinese traders who married Malay and Indonesian women. Over the years, Peranakan culture has also absorbed influences from British and Dutch colonialism. In fact, Singapore hosts a dedicated museum that showcases this vital aspect of the city’s history, which we highly recommend visiting.

When it comes to the food, the recipes taught in the course are simple enough to recreate at home, and the menu changes daily. We chose to attend the class on a Wednesday, and our menu included:

Creating a Flavorful Chicken Curry

Most likely, you’ve enjoyed chicken curry at some point, but have you ever made the curry paste from scratch? We learned to create our own paste, and the difference was astonishing compared to store-bought versions. The process involves using a mortar and pestle to blend garlic, chili, lemongrass, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, onion, fennel seeds, and ginger. Once the paste is ready, it is sautéed for a few minutes before adding chicken, coconut milk, and potatoes. The result? A mouthwatering dish that truly embodies Singaporean flavors!

Delightful Roti Jala

This unique crepe is not your typical flat pancake; it’s shaped like a nest! Made from a combination of coconut milk, water, eggs, and turmeric, roti jala can be enjoyed either as a dessert or a side dish. We paired ours with the chicken curry, and it added a delightful texture and flavor complement to the meal.

Exploring Rojak

If we had to describe this dish in a single word, it would be “quirky.” Rojak is a salad that combines fruits (like pineapple), vegetables (such as cucumber and turnip), and a type of fried dough, all dressed with a sauce made from peanuts, tamarind, lime, and shrimp paste. While it might not have been our favorite dish, we felt proud to learn how to prepare this authentic recipe that captivates both Singaporeans and Malaysians alike.

For those following a vegetarian diet, the menus offer a vegetarian version where the chicken curry is replaced with a curry made from potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the class.

After preparing the dishes, the moment we’d all been eagerly waiting for arrived: it was time to sit down and savor our culinary creations!

Another aspect we appreciated about the school was its mission to provide job opportunities and a fresh start for older women or mothers looking to re-enter the workforce. Our instructors, Leslie and Lydia, exemplified this vision, along with Auntie, a sweet lady who assists in the classes.

We also want to extend our gratitude to Daniel, the owner of the school, who turned out to be a warm and welcoming host, sharing our passion for travel and good food. We wish him all the best in his endeavors!

This was our delightful experience at the cooking course in Singapore held at Food Playground. Are you ready to embark on your culinary journey?

Essential Information for Aspiring Chefs

• Location: 24A Sago Street, Chinatown, directly across from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
• Schedule: Classes start at 9:30 AM and conclude at 2:30 PM.
• Cost: 99 SGD (10% discount available with the code: “foodplayground_friends”).
• Website: http://www.foodplayground.com.sg

For those planning a visit to Singapore, consider checking out this informative video that showcases the vibrant culinary scene:

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