Have you ever wondered what food items people in Singapore used to eat in the past? How were these food items shaped by the trends and cultural context of their times? Join cookbook author and food scholar Christopher Tan as he shares stories and recipes inspired by the cooking styles from the different eras of Singapore’s history. Learn a new recipe each week from the comfort of your home!
Premiered 9 July 2020
Singapore was a thriving and cosmopolitan port city by the 1920s and 1930s. Different immigrant groups who settled in Singapore often brought their traditions and foods with them. One such item is nankhatai, an Indian shortbread biscuit made with semolina or “sugee”. Do you know how it originated? Watch to find out more!
Premiered 16 July 2020
As the people in Singapore coped with the difficulties of daily life under the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, they also responded to the uncertainties and shortages with resourcefulness and self-reliance. This refreshing citrus barley water recipe is inspired by the spirit of thrift and innovative cooking that flourished during this period of scarcity. Watch to find out more!
23 July 2020
This version of the satay ayam goreng recipe is a tribute to the inventive and economic local dishes found in Singaporean cookbooks of the 1970s, a time when people were striving against the uncertainties and challenges of the post-war era. Watch this video to learn how to create this dish for your loved ones!
Sections
22 August 2025
Our museum will be open on Friday and Saturday nights from 22 Aug to 6 Sep with free admission to all. We will close at 6pm for cleaning before reopening from 7pm to midnight (last admission to galleries at 11pm, last entry to Singapore Odyssea at 10.30pm). Daytime ticket sales with regular admission prices will end at 5pm with last admission to galleries at 5.30pm (last entry to Singapore Odyssea at 5pm).
01 January 2025
Parts of the National Museum of Singapore are undergoing restoration and upgrading works. We remain open with exhibitions, programmes as well as dining and retail offerings.