The way renowned chef Nelly Robinson talks about Singapore is worrying. “You’re not leaving Sydney?” I ask. He’s not. And NEL Restaurant, which is somehow both conceptual and yet incredibly down to earth, is safe. But Chef Nelly’s love of Singapore and its cuisine is clear. Here’s how to make his passion work for you.
Don’t get me wrong, Nelly Robinson is an amazing chef. He’s like that kid who breaks apart a toy to see how it works and then puts it back together differently, with some new bits to create something better, yet familiar. Only instead of toys Nelly does this with food.
But if the whole chef thing doesn’t pan out (which is unlikely), the man has the gift of the gab. A natural storyteller, he takes you with him as he remembers a dish: where it was, who was with him. And the dish, when placed before you, somehow tastes like his story.
And now he’s taking his diners to Singapore.
A taste of Singapore in Sydney
From today for the next nine weeks, locals and visitors to Sydney can sample some of Singapore’s favourite and iconic dishes (with a Nelly twist) at NEL Restaurant in Surry Hills.
I will fail if I try and describe some of the dishes. And even if I tell you the ingredients, you’ll miss the flavour of Nelly’s first bubble tea experience on a hot Singapore day.
Nelly’s reimagining of Singapore’s eclectic and innovative culinary scene will impress the foodies, yes, but it’s his stories and experiences of the local zi char eateries and hawker markets that will resonate with everyone. You’ll recognise the laksa and chilli crab, the chicken rice, satay and congee.
“Singapore is one of my favourite culinary cities in the world,” Chef Nelly says.
“The diverse range of flavours and cooking styles that have been passionately honed by local chefs over many decades is what keeps me going back for inspiration time and time again.
“This bespoke menu is my homage to that and I hope it will give Aussie diners a tantalising taste of what they could experience on their next trip to Singapore.”
Kicking off on 29 March and running until 27 May, A Taste of Singapore is an 11-course degustation experience.
To book the experience, head to the NEL Restaurant website here.
How to travel with Chef Nelly
Singapore’s tourism board knows its food is a big attraction for Aussies.
Singapore’s dining scene is renowned for its incredible multi-cultural cuisine that reflects Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. But its culinary landscape continues to thrive, fuelled by the creative passion of local chefs and tastemakers. And Chef Nelly is no stranger to this dynamic food culture and considers Singapore a top destination for its diverse and exciting flavours. The city’s food scene has been a constant source of inspiration for the chef, who revels in the endless variety of local dishes and the constant evolution of the culinary scene.
“Singapore is well-known for our innovative and adventurous approach to food, so partnering with Chef Nelly, who has a similar culinary philosophy, was a natural fit,” Stephanie Yong, Area Director Oceania at Singapore Tourism Board (STB) says.
As part of a multi-channel campaign, STB has curated a bespoke culinary-focused consumer package, which will be partially hosted by Chef Nelly himself.
The bookable itinerary will give Aussies the opportunity to experience Singapore’s innovative F&B scene, including world-class restaurants, tasty hawker fare and its award-winning bar scene.
Key itinerary inclusions are:
- A full day of experiences with Chef Nelly Robinson, Owner and Chef Patron of NEL Restaurant
- Dinner at Michelin-starred Restaurant Labyrinth
- A cooking course with Chef Nelly at Cookery Magic
- Delicious drinks at the inspired Hopscotch
- A unique dining experience at Mr Bucket Chocolaterie
Aussies have the option to book the experience in either May or June. For further information and to book, visit here.