Stories on a Plate: A Culinary Dialogue at Baba Chews

In the vibrant, heritage-rich heart of Singapore’s Katong district, a unique culinary conversation recently took place. As a marquee event of the Singapore Food Festival 2025, Baba Chews, the acclaimed restaurant of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, hosted a masterful 4-Hands Dining Experience titled, “Stories of Land, Soul of the City.” This limited-time collaboration was a beautiful and ambitious dialogue between two talented chefs from two distinct cities: Head Chef Huang Jiaxing from Baba Chews and Sous Chef Anas Syafiq of Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park.

The concept was a bold one: to reimagine the rich heritage of Southeast Asian flavors through a modern, contemporary lens. Over six meticulously crafted courses, the chefs channeled their respective culinary philosophies, creating a menu that was a vibrant tapestry of shared memory and refined craft. Chef Huang brought the disciplined classical techniques and comforting flavors of a Singaporean family feast, translated into clean, modern expressions. Meanwhile, Chef Anas from Kuala Lumpur introduced a progressive fine-dining perspective, with a focus on sustainability, nature-inspired plating, and a unique agricultural sensibility from Malaysia’s Bidor.

The journey began with “bright social openers,” a delicate start that moved seamlessly into courses of “restorative warmth.” The culinary storytelling was truly a work of art, with each dish building upon the last. A notable highlight was the Binchotan-Kissed Halibut Collagen Soup, which showcased a beautiful balance of pristine technique and comforting, nourishing flavors. The Gulai Barramundi was a masterpiece of textures and tastes, offering a modern twist on a beloved regional curry, while the Bidor Orange Bird demonstrated a playful yet sophisticated approach to classic ingredients, proving that heritage flavors can be both familiar and surprising.

The meal was a vivid showcase of memory and craft, moving into “deeper, charcoal-tinged richness” before culminating in a “light, elegant finish.” It was a reminder that food is more than sustenance—it is a powerful medium for storytelling. Set within the charming, neoclassical beauty of the former Joo Chiat Police Station, the event was a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural collaboration, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the creativity and soul of modern Southeast Asian gastronomy.

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