HAVE YOU EATEN YET?
In Singapore, that question means more than just checking if you’re hungry. It’s a way of showing care, a friendly greeting, and a reminder that food brings everyone together. And this year, it’s also the theme of the Singapore Food Festival 2025. The festival is happening from September 4 to 24, with 21 days full of food, fun, and local culture.
This year’s festival is extra special. Singapore is celebrating its 60th birthday (SG60), and the whole country is coming together to mark the occasion in a big, joyful way. It’s a celebration of food, old memories, and the stories that come with each dish.
Whether you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, living here, or just love good food, the festival is for you. It feels like a big shared meal where everyone is welcome. Expect some nostalgic dishes to make a comeback, and culinary experiments will surprise you, for sure. And from Chinatown’s smoky hawker stalls to Dempsey Hill’s artistic plating, every bite will speak to your senses.
What Is the Singapore Food Festival (SFF)
The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) started in 1994 and is held every year by the Singapore Tourism Board. It was created to promote local food and show that Singapore is a great place for food lovers.
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Over the years, the festival has grown to include food tastings, cooking classes, chef events, and food shows. It features both traditional and modern Singaporean dishes from the country’s main cultures, like Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian.
In recent years, the festival has happily come back to in-person events, and it now also features online activities. This wonderful hybrid format means more people can join in the fun, whether they’re in sunny Singapore or celebrating from afar. It really makes the festival welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, no matter who they are and where they are from.
In 2025, the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) will show its theme ‘Have You Eaten Yet?’, by highlighting how food connects people, memories, and cultures. Each dish will tell a story, and every bite will spark a conversation. Major festival locations include Dempsey Hill, which hosts pop-up food stalls and workshops in a lifestyle setting, and Chinatown Complex Food Centre, where over 200 hawker stalls turn into special festival showcases.
The 2025 festival is also part of Singapore’s SG60 celebration. It includes special experiences that bring back memories of old favourites and celebrate national pride. The festival is not just about food, but also about celebrating Singapore’s shared history and culture.
Festival Highlights to Expect
The Singapore Food Festival 2025 is set to be the biggest and most exciting one yet, with plenty of events that food lovers won’t want to miss. Some of the top highlights you should check out:
Signature Events
The Long Table at Chijmes Hall invites you to a large communal dining experience with curated multi‑course menus and immersive storytelling: imagine strangers seated side by side, sharing flavors and culture, guided by chefs who narrate each dish’s heritage.
Next, Food Is Art at Marina Bay Sands is a unique part of the festival where food meets creativity. Top chefs team up with artists to craft dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
You’ll see amazing food displays you can eat, desserts that look great under the lights, and live drink-making shows that feel like a show. It’s a treat for all your senses and makes every meal feel like a piece of art.
Finally, you’ll get a chance to experience a taste of the future at Future Food in Marquee Singapore. It’s where food and tech come together in fun and surprising ways. You’ll get to try trendy new foods, eat dishes made with eco-friendly ingredients, and enjoy fun, experimental drinks that are full of surprises. It’s your chance to see how food is evolving and what the future of dining could look like.
Citywide Attractions
All around Singapore, the festival brings food to the streets with pop-up kitchens and tasting spots in neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru and Katong. You’ll find fun surprises like street food events and special dishes made by famous chefs and hawker legends. It’s a great way to explore the city.
There are also some special meals you won’t want to miss. At Yantra, Indian Heritage Dining serves well-loved dishes like Butter Chicken and Tandoori, but with a modern twist. Harummanis offers a Malay fine dining experience, giving classic dishes like Rendang and Nasi Lemak a fresh new take. And at Jiak Kim House, you can enjoy a Chinese meal inspired by opera, mixing the beauty of performance with delicious traditional flavors.
Family‑Friendly & Budget‑Friendly Options
The Food Festival offers plenty of family-friendly and budget-friendly options, with many activities that are completely free. You can enjoy live cooking shows, open-air demos, and free food samples at various neighborhood spots.
One of the main highlights is the Festival Village at Bayfront Event Space, where over 100 food brands come together across seven themed zones. You can try all kinds of food, from local street favorites to high-end dishes.
Some fun spots to check out are the SG Food Walk, where you can try popular local dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Satay, and Laksa. Sweets Alley has everything from traditional kueh to modern desserts for those with a sweet tooth. If you love durian, head to Durian BB Park to taste different types of the fruit in a fun and interactive way.
Must-Try Dishes at the Festival
The Singapore Food Festival is a great chance to taste some of the best and most iconic dishes the country has to offer. Check out some of the dishes you won’t want to miss:
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- Hainanese Chicken Rice: A true Singaporean classic with poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a tasty chili sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Chilli Crab: This dish is famous for its sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. It’s usually served with crispy mantou buns that are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Laksa: A rich and spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, chili, and prawns. It’s bold, flavorful, and a festival favorite.
- Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with a yummy peanut sauce. It’s a go-to street food snack that’s great for sharing.
- Fusion Dishes: Try something new with dishes that mix traditional flavors and modern cooking styles. Expect surprises like truffle chicken rice or smoky laksa.
- Snacks & Sweets: You will enjoy street-style bites like grilled satay, colorful kueh at market stalls, and bold durian desserts. Don’t miss the fusion pastries from Zumbo Desserts, making their Asian debut at Dempsey Hill.
Culinary Workshops & Tours
The Singapore Food Festival also offers fun and hands-on culinary workshops where you can learn from experienced local chefs. You’ll get to try your hand at making traditional dishes, like rolling rice paste or mixing sambal. Along the way, you’ll learn the stories behind the ingredients and how they’re linked to Singapore’s culture.
You can also join guided food tours through places like Chinatown, Katong, and Tiong Bahru. These walks share the history of local dishes, old kitchens, and the role food played in bringing communities together.
For something a bit fancier, there you will find wine and craft cocktail sessions that pair each drink with a local dish. These experiences let you enjoy the flavors while learning the rich history behind them.
Planning Tips for Travelers
You’re all set to enjoy the Singapore Food Festival with a bit of planning. These tips will help you make the most of your visit, from tickets to transport and everything in between.
Event Access & Tickets
Don’t forget to bookmark the official SFF website early. Because events like The Long Table and Food Is Art usually sell out fast. The SG60 is happening too, so things are going to be even busier this year. The good news is that there are tons of free and outdoor activities too, so you can mix in some ticketed events with laid-back food strolls and still have an awesome time.
Transport & Navigation
Getting around Singapore is easy for any traveler. Just use an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card to ride the MRT or buses. If you’re staying near Orchard, Bugis, or Marina Bay, you’ll have quick access to all the festival fun.
For late nights or last-minute food hunts, you can easily book a ride with mobile apps like Grab. The interesting part is that most festival spots are right near MRT stations or bus stops.
Weather & What to Pack
September in Singapore is hot, humid, and sometimes rainy, so you have to be ready for a mix of sunshine and sudden showers. It usually feels around 32°C with humidity at about 80%, so it can get pretty sticky.
It will be good if you pack light, comfy clothes, breathable fabrics, sunscreen, and either an umbrella or a light rain jacket. Don’t forget a power bank because you’ll likely be using your phone a lot for photos, directions, and ride bookings.
Budgeting Tips
You can enjoy the festival without spending too much by mixing fancy events with hawker meals. Share plates for variety, or try tasting menus for full flavour at a better price. Pop-up kitchens give you tasty food at a reasonable price, and free events like cooking demos and street tastings make the experience even more fun. With a little planning, you won’t overspend and can enjoy the festival fully.
Travel Packages & Festival Itineraries
A bit of planning can make your festival trip easier, more fun, and full of great food experiences.
Book a Curated Culinary Package
If it’s your first time in Singapore, you’re traveling solo, or just want a fun way to spend your holiday, booking a travel package can be a great option. Travel agencies offer deals that often include return flights, hotel stays near the festival hotspots, daily breakfast, tickets to major SFF events, and guided hawker centre tours.
You can even add extras like market walks, Chinatown cultural trails, or a night cruise around Marina Bay. It’s an easy, stress-free way to enjoy the festival and experience Singapore’s food scene in full.
Best Time to Visit During the Festival
If you’re considering the best time to attend the festival, this is what you can expect.
From September 4 to 7 is the opening weekend. And it is the perfect time if you love excitement. You’ll also catch all the opening buzz, with media events, celebrity chefs, and the first look at new dishes.
September 10 to 13 is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed vibe. You’ll have more space to enjoy workshops, tastings, and tours without the big crowds.
September 21 to 24 is perfect if you want to end your trip on a high note. You’ll enjoy the grand finale with lively meals, surprise pop-up dishes, and special SG60 celebrations.
Booking Essentials
If you’re planning to go to the festival, it’s smart to book your hotel 1 to 2 months in advance. This helps you get the best rates and locations, especially in Orchard, Bugis, or Marina Bay. Always purchase event tickets through the official SFF website to prevent scams.
If you have extra time, consider adding a few popular attractions to your trip. You can visit places like Sentosa’s beaches, Gardens by the Bay, or the Singapore Zoo night safari.
Conclusion
The Singapore Food Festival in 2025 is more than just a food event. It’s a celebration of culture, pride, and the joy of sharing meals. As part of SG60, it easily brings locals and visitors together through something everyone loves, and that is good food. Every dish, stall, and event is part of a bigger story that starts with a simple, caring question: ‘Have you eaten yet?’
Don’t let travel planning slow you down. Start your journey by getting your Singapore eVisa today. The eVisa is a quick, secure, expert‑guided process. Let the experts take care of the paperwork while you get ready for satay, sambal, and all the delicious surprises waiting for you.
Because food is love. And love? You deserve to taste it.
