SINGAPORE: Following two successful editions in Taipei, the International Chefs Summit Asia (ICSA) will be held in Singapore this year from 9 to 11 October 2019, with the theme of ‘Sourcing Locally, Innovating Globally’.
Organised by Favorable Impression Media (FIM Media) and supported by Singapore Tourism Board, this year’s event will showcase the stellar cuisines and flavours of Asia, and see the region’s internationally acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs, food experts, and industry insiders taking part in constructive dialogue on the pulse of Asia’s culinary development.
“As two cosmopolitan cities and gastronomic hubs in Asia with rich food cultures, it was only natural to take ICSA to Singapore this year and allow Taiwan-based chefs to share their philosophies away from their home ground and on the international stage. With ICSA providing a platform for mutual exchange of experiences and learnings between chefs, we hope to encourage even more positive changes in the sector,” said Jacky Yang, General Coordinator of ICSA.
Talk of the town
At the heart of the three-day conference is the ICSA 2019 Asian Culinary Seminar being held on 10 October 2019. This is an invite-only event that will host up to 150 award-winning chefs and industry representatives. Held at Monti at The Fullerton Pavilion, the event is presided over by two Masters of Ceremonies Mason Florence, Co-Founder of Gastronauts Asia, as well as David Yip, a renowned journalist, chef and restaurateur within Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
One of the highlights of the day’s programme is the panel-led Chef’s Forum, during which participating chefs will tackle topics such as how their culinary roots intertwine with the land and the ingredients of the country their restaurants are located in; how their experiences shape their cuisine, forge new perspectives, and inspire new innovations; and how they constantly strive to highlight the traditions and seasonal ingredients of their host country.
The spotlight is also cast on innovations using local ingredients, the evolving role of local farmers, as well as the sustainability movement. Dining philosophies, approaches and trends will also be shared to ensure that the regional food and beverage scene is on par with the direction of the global culinary world. Guests will have the chance to not just watch and listen, but also interact with the presenters and get the chance to taste the delicacies whipped up by the chefs on stage.
The list of participating chefs includes:
- La Cime – Chef Yusuke Takada (Osaka) Two Michelin stars and No. 14 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- Il Ristorante Luca Fantin – Chef Luca Fantin (Tokyo) One Michelin star and No. 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- Shoun RyuGin – Chef Ryohei Hieda (Taiwan) Two Michelin stars and No. 31 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- Mume – Chef Richie Lin (Taiwan) One Michelin star and No. 7 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- JAAN – Chef Kirk Westaway (Singapore) One Michelin star and No. 32 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- Nouri – Chef Ivan Brehm (Singapore) One Michelin star and No. 39 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
- Labyrinth – Chef Han Li Guang (Singapore) One Michelin star
- Meta – Chef Sun Kim (Singapore) One Michelin star
- JL Studio – Chef Jimmy Lim (Taiwan, Singapore)
- Winner of the Miele ‘One To Watch’ Award for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
Other Singapore F&B luminaries joining the panel discussions include Chef Louis Han of Kimme,Paul Liew of Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Ken Loon of Naked Finn, Burgerlabo and Magic Square and Wong Jing Kai of Ah Hua Kelong.
Up close with Chinese master chefs
At the ICSA 2019 Asian Culinary Seminar, expect even more experiential elements through the chef’s demonstrations – one of ICSA’s objectives is to demystify local Chinese cuisine styles. With the participation of the Society of Chinese Cuisine Chefs (Singapore) and Singapore HK International Restaurant, industry veterans with decades of Chinese cuisine experience under their belts include Chef Pung Lu Tin of Tasty Court and Tasty Loong Restaurant in Singapore and Chef Consultant Peter Tsang, who will be sharing their expert knowledge on Chinese cuisine. They will also be joined by legendary dim sum master Chef Wang Jiao Long who will also be presenting his creations on stage.
Exclusive dining experiences not to miss
With so many top toques in the region gathering for ICSA in Singapore, there will also be dinner collaborations by leading chefs in Asia that are sure to delight discerning epicureans. Open to the public, the line-up of unique gastronomic experiences includes:
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
- Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin (One Michelin star and No. 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019) with Nouri (One Michelin star and No. 39 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019)
Thursday, 10 October 2019
- Shoun RyuGin (Two Michelin stars and No. 31 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019) with Labyrinth (One Michelin star)
Friday, 11 October 2019
- La Cime (Two Michelin stars and No. 17 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019), Chef Jimmy Lim of JL Studio (Winner of the Miele ‘One To Watch’ Award for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019) with JAAN by Kirk Westaway (One Michelin star and No. 32 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019)
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