For the first time in Peru’s capital, Singaporean chefs joined forces to present a large-scale culinary celebration. Hosted at Lima’s renowned La Mar by Gaston Acurio, the event brought Singapore’s signature dishes to 180 eager diners, blending distinctive flavours with local Peruvian seafood.
- Dishes featured iconic Singaporean classics with a Peruvian twist
- 70kg of Singaporean ingredients were shipped to Lima for authenticity
- Event highlighted growing interest in Asian cuisine in Peru
What happened
On July 16, Singaporean chefs Paul and Wayne Liew of Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Petrina Loh of Morsels, and Daniel and Tamara Chavez of Canchita hosted a collaborative dining event at La Mar by Gaston Acurio in Lima. This marked Singapore food’s first large-scale, official showcase in the Peruvian capital, drawing a crowd of 180 guests eager to experience rich Singaporean flavours.
The chefs prepared a menu featuring beloved dishes such as kueh pie tee, laksa with prawns and clams, chicken rice, black pepper lobster, and chilli crab paired with fried buns. To ensure authenticity, they brought approximately 70 kilograms of key Singaporean ingredients including laksa leaves, chilli crab sauce, and rempah. The dinner was a landmark cultural exchange blending Singapore’s culinary traditions with Peru’s vibrant food scene.
Why it feels good
This collaborative dinner brought together chefs with deep ties to both Singapore and Peru, creating a meaningful connection between the two cultures. Daniel Chavez, a Peruvian chef who has lived in Singapore for over two decades, spearheaded the project to introduce Singaporean cuisine to his homeland, inspired by previous interactive chef events at La Mar.
The event offered more than just food; it fostered a lively atmosphere with music and drinks, echoing the Singaporean zi char dining culture of sharing good food over conversation. Diners in Peru embraced the fusion eagerly, suggesting a natural culinary kinship and excitement over discovering new flavours while appreciating familiar influences.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those fascinated by this cross-cultural feast, more exciting collaborations may be on the horizon as Singaporean and Latin American chefs explore further culinary partnerships. Singaporean flavours showcased with local ingredients created an inspiring blueprint for future events that celebrate global food connections.
Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying these Singaporean classics closer to home or seek out Peruvian renditions that embrace the shared spirit of vibrant, flavour-packed meals. Keep an eye on La Mar and similar venues for upcoming cultural culinary showcases that highlight unique blends of regional and international tastes.