With the festive season fast approaching, we’re ready to get our hands on all the food we love to eat in Christmas markets here in Singapore. Whether you’re a Christmas market first-timer or you just want to know our secrets, here are four handy pointers that will help you make the most of your visits.
Tip 1: Sample as much as you can
Getting stuck into food samples is one of the best things about Christmas food markets. With samples, you can taste all that’s on offer and find new favourites without needing to splash out on foods you might not like. Vendors are usually all too happy to give you a taste in the hope you’ll get hooked, so don’t be afraid to ask if you can try something out on display.
If you love trying a variety of flavours in one sitting, you can also get the same experience at home by ordering grazing cuisines like tapas from Tapas Club.
Tip 2: Explore Regional Cuisines
When you’re browsing food stalls at your local Christmas markets, don’t just stick to Singaporean dishes you can find all year round. Instead, try branching out to some of the regional cuisines you wouldn’t normally try. Petit Marché on East Coast Road, for example, usually runs a Christmas farmers market where you can broaden your horizons with traditional French treats like caviar and foie gras.
The best part is that if you find a foreign food you like, you can always order it again with foodpanda at any time of year. Poulet, for example, is just one Singapore restaurant specialising French food.
Tip 3: Enjoy the festivities
While food is the biggest highlight of Christmas markets, there’s more to these events than just filling your tummy. Leave enough time to enjoy all the activities on offer-especially if you’re heading out with the whole family. The Greenwood Fish Market Christmas fair has a lobster version of Santa Claus, and many more have Christmas arts and crafts sessions like wreath-making and bauble painting.
Tip 4: Leave alcohol until last
Alongside the food we love to eat in Christmas markets, there’s also the drinks. From mulled wine to craft beer, you can find alcohol at many stalls serving food. But if you plan to imbibe, make sure you leave it until after the food shopping. After all, it’s hard to be smart about your purchases after the buzz kicks in.
You could even leave drinking until you get home with a delivery from TigerNow or Wine Connection Bistro.
