Let’s makan!: Savoring Singapore’s culinary heritage in hotel restaurants

Eating is a national pastime in Singapore and food features strongly in many aspects of the city-state’s social and cultural landscape. Culinaria and gastronomy can be significant features of a destination and they allow tourists to experience local cultures, heritage and lifestyles. Street (hawker) food in Singapore offers a unique opportunity for visitors to sample popular local dishes conveniently and economically, whilst experiencing a vibrant taste of the colloquial way of life through eating and socializing with the locals. Many hotels in Singapore also commonly feature local signature dishes in their menu and foodservice outlets. This study aims to explore the role of street (hawker) food and local cuisine as a tourism and cultural resource within the Asian hospitality context. It investigates the phenomenon of Asian street food and traditional cuisines served in international chain hotels, specifically from a hotel and destination branding perspective, with a particular example of Singapore as a tourist destination. Keywords: Street Food, Asian Cuisine, Hotel Restaurants, Food Heritage, Brand Identity