In conjunction with Crossroads: Archipelago, a special collaboration with Khir Johari, author of award-winning book, The Food of Singapore Malays.
Appetite celebrates this collaboration by offering a small salon and opportunity to engage with Khir and Ivan in person. Conducted in Appetite’s cosy Listening Room on Friday, 9 December, 5PM, the speakers will discuss the topic “The Malay Archipelago: A Metaphor for Inclusivity in the Age of Globalisation.” The hour-long joint talk will explore the influence Malay food traditions have had on the culinary and cultural landscape of the region and beyond.
A selection of free flow canapés and small plates will be offered from 6.30-8.00PM inspired by Khir’s lifetime of research. Experience traditional flavours with a crossroad twist, engage with ancient artefacts & a curated selection of Malay vinyls, and chat to both author and chef about the histories and stories of this region. In true Appetite spirit, these are always fun, casual and exciting evenings.
Tickets for the talk from 5PM [Fully Sold Out].
Tickets for the Salon from 6.30PM is at 125++ with food and drink. Click here to Register
This Salon session accompanies a one-night-only special dinner at Restaurant Nouri on Saturday, 10 December, 6.30PM. The collaborative dinner (388++) at Nouri boasts a menu showcasing contemporary renditions of dishes, techniques and flavours rooted in the history of the archipelago and Singapore’s Malay community. It is set to offer guests multiple ways of exploring how the exchange of gastronomic ideas across the Malay Archipelago and beyond have contributed towards the way we eat — through Chef Ivan’s lens of Crossroads Thinking. Diners opting for the menu will also have complimentary access to the Salon Session held on Friday – Limited seats available and RSVPs required.
Reserve seats for the collaborative dinner here: Click here to Register
About Khir Johari
Khir Johari, 59, is a respected Malay history and culture researcher and the author of “The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago”. Born and raised in Kampong Gelam, Khir grew up in the historic Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion) – once an annex of the royal palace of the Sultan of Singapore. In 2010, Khir started heritage trails in Kampong Gelam as a way to get people interested in this historic district and its significance to present-day Singapore. Till present, Khir is often invited to talks and interviews about Malay history and culture. Earlier in September, Khir’s book won Book of Year and Best Illustrated Non-Fiction Book at the Singapore Book Awards 2022.
More than a decade in the making, Khir’s first book is an exploration of the cultural anthropology of Malay food, and a showcase of how food has played a part in moulding Singapore Malay culture. “The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago”, explores in detail the history of the culture of Malay food in Singapore.
The book reveals how Malay cuisine has evolved to its modern-day form. Readers will discover how history, geography and cultural beliefs have shaped and influenced Malay gastronomy – and Singapore’s role as a creative kitchen hub in this culinary evolution. This landmark book celebrates not just the cuisine of the Mays, but the people and culture of the Malay Archipelago.
It also includes over 400 stunning photographs of food and culture around the region mostly shot by the talented photographer Law Soo Phye as well as 32 detailed recipes representing various aspects of Malay gastronomy.
About Ivan Brehm
Ivan Brehm is chef-owner of one Michelin-starred restaurant Nouri (established in 2017) and creative interdisciplinary space, Appetite (established in 2020). He is recognised for developing a system of thought — of which cooking is a part of — called Crossroads Thinking.
Nouri was created from the conviction that no food culture exists in isolation. Cooking food rooted in research, the restaurant creates dishes that are made universally delicious by exploring our shared history and a future of respect and diversity.
A floor above sits Appetite – opened in 2020, it is a creative space at the intersection of food, art, and music that aims to create a new kind of community across boundaries.