Food that’s fresh off the farm

By Linette Leong

Housing and defence developments will soon be taking over land traditionally occupied by farms, in line with Singapore’s vision of becoming a global cosmopolitan city.

And the last remaining 62 farms in Kranji, which will be relocated before June 2017, are not being spared.

For Singapore’s rising food fad — the farm-to-table dining concept — this news poses a huge challenge.

As the name suggests, restaurants procure all ingredients — such as fish, poultry and vegetables — directly from a local farm, skipping the usual middlemen of stores, markets or distributors. This means that restaurant diners are served food prepared only from the freshest ingredients.

In recent years, the farm-to-table trend has been making headway in Singapore, with more restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local farms. However, it has been far from a smooth-sailing ride for these homegrown entrepreneurs, as some farms are choosing not to bid for new lots due to the uncertain future of the agricultural industry.

While farms producing food staples such as vegetables and eggs are allocated land and allowed to bid for as many plots of land as required, businesses not under this category, such as Jurong Frog Farm and Hay Dairies Goat Farm, are left to vie over just two plots of land.

“The government does not put priority on agriculture, so farmers face short lease terms and a lack of support. Farm leases are only for 20 years, compared to industrial leases that can last up to 99 years,” said Ms Manda Foo, personal assistant to the owner of Poison Ivy Bistro, one of Singapore’s farm-to-table restaurants.

“There are very few people in Singapore who are properly trained in agriculture and agronomy. Singaporeans don’t want to work on farms,” she added.

Despite being faced with such adversities, several restaurants in Singapore are still supporting the local farming community, serving only the freshest food to their customers.
We’ve narrowed down three places you may wish to visit for an authentic farm-to-table experience.

Open Farm Community

130E Minden Road, S248819
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12pm – 10pm
Saturday to Sunday: 11am – 10pm

Housing up to 70 customers, bask under the fairy lights in the the air-conditioned space of Open Farm Community. PHOTO: OPEN FARM COMMUNITY

Enjoy a game of table tennis with your friends at Open Farm Community while waiting for your food to be served. PHOTO: OPEN FARM COMMUNITY

With an interior that mirrors a greenhouse and ceilings adorned with fairy lights, there is no doubt that the indoor dining space of Open Farm Community catches our attention at first sight.

Established in 2015, Open Farm Community is part of a joint initiative by Spa Esprit Group and urban farming company Edible Garden City.

The joint initiative is aimed at spearheading local farming and strengthening the community’s understanding and respect for food and its origins.

The restaurant liaises with local farms such as Jurong Frog Farm and Seng Choon Egg Farm for protein, while its vegetables come from an urban farm located right next door.

The menu is curated by award-winning chef Ryan Clift, with mains priced from $24.

Open Farm Community also organises occasional vegetable and fruit orchard tours, talks, and gardening workshops where families can come together and explore the many facets of food.

Afterglow by Anglow

24 Keong Saik Road, S089131
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday:
12pm – 10.30pm
Wednesday and Thursday:
5.30pm – 10.30pm

Afterglow’s Raw Basil Alfredo Pizza is made with a pesto cashew spread, marinated cherry tomatoes and wakame seaweed. PHOTO: AFTERGLOW

Made with pickles, mushrooms and avocadoes, the Deconstructed Sushi Bowl by Afterglow is an option for those who crave a healthier alternative. PHOTO: AFTERGLOW

Just like how Coachella is the hipster of the music scene, Afterglow by Anglow embodies the hipster in the food scene with its raw, unprocessed, eco-friendly, and community-based vegan food.

Unlike the other two restaurants mentioned, Afterglow does not have its own garden. However, it supports the local farming community by crowdsourcing produce from local farms such Quan Fa Organic Farm and Sustenir Agriculture.

Be sure to try the acclaimed Deconstructed Sushi Bowl ($16), where a mild wasabi dressing is drizzled over seasonal pickles, shiitake mushrooms and avocado.

This unassuming sushi bowl is packed with the goodness of brown rice coupled with generous fillings.

Afterglow also offers a daily Eat Clean Meal Plan where it includes three meals and three cold presses a day, delivered straight to your doorstep.

Poison Ivy Bistro

100 Neo Tiew Road, S719026
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Saturday to Sunday: 8am – 6.30pm

Tucked away in Kranji, Poison Ivy Bistro serves a wide selection of local fares ranging from otah to curry chicken to nasi lemak.

Diners get to feast right next to the bistro’s farm — the well-known Bollywood Veggies — completing their meal with a rustic and relaxing dining experience.

Contrary to what its name suggests, the food served at Poison Ivy is anything but poisonous. In fact, the chefs use less cooking oil and salt to prepare their dishes.

The bistro also caters both to vegetarians and the health-conscious, with vegetarian-style curries and vegetarian platters.

On average, starters and mains are priced at $4 and $6 respectively.

After you’ve enjoyed your meal, join the guided farm tour to learn more about the food that goes on your plates.