Cover Farm-to-table dishes at Kaarla
Farm-to-table dishes at Kaarla
1 / 1
Discover the vibrant intersection of gastronomy and sustainability at these farm-to-table restaurants in Singapore
While Singapore’s dining landscape has always been celebrated for its Michelin-starred restaurants and international flavours, the farm-to-table movement has injected a fresh and sustainable dimension into the local culinary scene. These restaurants are not only dedicated to delivering exceptional flavours but also prioritising ethical sourcing, minimising carbon footprint, and establishing meaningful connections with local farmers.
As food lovers and conscious consumers increasingly seek an authentic and wholesome dining experience, we round up the top restaurants that champion the farm-to-table concept in Singapore.
In case you missed it: Solein, a protein powder made out of thin air, makes its debut in Singapore
1. Kaarla
Amidst the bustling cityscape of Singapore, Kaarla is redefining the farm-to-table dining experience by embracing an innovative approach – the world’s highest food forest. Under the guidance of head farmer Brent Purtell, the team at Kaarla collaborates closely with nature to create a dining experience that elevates coastal Australian cuisine to new heights. They carefully handpick produce from the food forest, incorporating the freshest seasonal offerings into their meticulously crafted dishes. From aromatic basil leaves to vibrant nasturtium flowers, each dish tells a story of sustainability and mindful sourcing. The Kaarla closed loop salad, for instance, features a kaleidoscope of over 20 different leaves and flowers plucked fresh from the outdoor garden, creating a textural symphony that celebrates the seasonality and diversity of the local produce.
2. Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong
Scaled, established in 2018 as the country’s pioneering fish-farmer-owned restaurant, offers an unparalleled fish farm-to-table experience. The journey commences at Ah Hua Kelong, a floating fish farm located in Changi and Sembawang, where expert farmers nurture an array of seafood including sea bass, pearl grouper, golden pomfret, and green-lipped mussels. Not only does Ah Hua Kelong supply seafood to Scaled, but it also serves as a trusted provider for esteemed local restaurants like Table65, Labyrinth, and Level33. The exceptional freshness of the seafood is showcased in Scaled’s roasted prawns with seaweed butter and braised kelp, while their inventive twist on Asian classics, such as curry mussels with mantou, adds a delightful touch of quirkiness. With each meticulously crafted dish, Scaled transforms the farm-to-table narrative, celebrating the excellence of Singapore’s seafood production.
Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong, 8 Hamilton Rd, S(209179), 9133 3379
Now read: 16 Most Sustainable Restaurants and Bars in Singapore
3. Open Farm Community
Serving as both an urban farm and a dining destination, Open Farm Community embodies the essence of reconnecting people with their food amidst a growing disconnection. Showcasing the best of local and regional produce through an international lens, the chefs aim to elevate the flavours and experiences derived from our soil. One of their culinary highlights is the delectable cauliflower wings, coated in a tantalising tamarind miso sauce and adorned with sesame and green onions. Furthermore, their signature corn “ribs” feature corn freshly plucked from their own farm. Offering more than just a dining experience, they also house the city’s first urban farm, inviting diners to partake in farm tours that engage the senses by touching, smelling, and tasting the freshly harvested local vegetables and herbs. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Open Farm Community not only provides unique and flavourful produce but also fosters meaningful conversations and insights into the future of food.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Rd, S(248819), 6471 0306
4. Bistro by Gardenasia
Bistro by Gardenasia has received the highest-tier farm-to-table recognition from the Singapore Food Agency, demonstrating the team’s dedication to fostering connections between local farms and the community. The menu showcases a delectable array of dishes, blending local hawker favourites with a modern twist. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour their farm-fresh fish soup, showcasing locally sourced red snapper slices, local leafy greens, and thick bee hoon. For something fancier, try their mouthwatering pan-roasted lamb rack, perfectly roasted and complemented by a delightful mint sauce. Situated in the picturesque Kranji Countryside, Bistro by Gardenasia also offers a unique accommodation option with their three farm-stay villas, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape and savour the hidden gems of the land at Bistro by Gardenasia.
Bistro by Gardenasia, 240 Neo Tiew Cres, S(718898), 6898 9111
Read more: Dearborn’s chef-owner Christopher Kong is building a brand that goes beyond serving granola
5. Noka by Tippling Club
Noka by Tippling Club stands as Singapore’s pioneer rooftop urban farm-to-table Japanese restaurant, embracing the concept of sustainability and freshness. While essential ingredients are sourced directly from Japan, such as the acclaimed Koshihikari rice, Noka takes pride in its rooftop garden managed by Edible Garden City, where an array of herbs, vegetables, and even specialty Japanese produce like Okinawan spinach flourish. This commitment to local sourcing ensures a vibrant and flavourful dining experience. One must indulge in the exquisite black cod saikyo-yaki, gently marinated in miso and paired with ikura, pulut hitam furikake, and the distinct Mexican tarragon from the garden, elevating the dish to a delightful symphony of flavours. Noka by Tippling Club seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and a connection to nature, offering an unforgettable farm-to-table experience with a Japanese twist.
Noka by Tippling Club, 07-38 Funan 109, North Bridge Rd (Lift Lobby A only), S(179097), 6877 4878
