A Food Museum? Yes, please!

Posted by harpreet under Blogging, Food, Lifestyle, Museums/Heritage Galleries, Reflections
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In the news yesterday (3 March), MP Baey Yam Keng suggested that a food musem should be set up. He felt that food makes up another component of our rich heritage – apart from our historical architecture and iconic landmarks which help create shared memories. He strongly believes that a food museum will allow citizens to bond and the variety of food here will also “highlight our links to the world”.

Hear, hear.

Singaporeans live to eat. We love our char kway teow, chicken rice, satay, laksa…and the list goes on! All too often I’ve been guilty of having nasi lemak for breakfast and prata for supper. It truly drives the work blues away! So why not a food museum? Not only will we be able to learn what makes our local delicacy so good, this  national effort to preserve its rich cultural heritage will better educate us on the history and evolution of our local cuisines.

Besides, it promotes our sense of identity as Singaporeans. We are unique! And a food museum to showcase our cultural cuisines would be a good wardrobe to open not only to the locals, but to foreigners alike. Many tourists have commended on our cuisine, and I’ve received all-too-familiar calls from friends overseas who crave incessantly for a bowl of Laksa. MP Baey also shared that the food museum will bond citizens and new immigrants - what better way than to make new friends over a hearty meal?

Currently, the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) has set aside a Food Gallery. Dedicated to foodies like myself, the gallery features food pushcarts, an old ice-kachang maker and videos which showcase how tantalising meals of Laksa, Chicken Rice and Prata are prepared. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! And let’s not forget the rows of shelves lined with bottles of herbs and spices native to our local cuisine!

It will be great if the food museum is an extension of the Food Gallery at NMS. The history of our food could shed light on interesting aspects of various dishes. With the influx of immigrants into Singapore since the late 18th century, it’s of no surprise that much of our cuisine is influenced by other cultures (e.g. Hong Kong noodles did not originate from Hong Kong; or that Singapore’s Hainan Chicken Rice is different from China’s). But that’s exactly what makes our food so unique! The museum could also trace the development of our society’s lifestyle - from street hawkers, hawker centres, to coffeeshops, food courts and celebrity chef restaurants. That is certainly food for thought!

And so I say, move this chess piece! Can’t wait to satiate my appetite for all things food-related in a museum!

Rating: +2