Singapore Press : 12 LOCAL FAVOURITES GET RECOGNISED AT SINGAPORE FOOD MASTERS 2017

Singapore, 4 January 2018 - Following resounding support for Singapore Food Masters, the inaugural awards returned in 2017 for its second edition.

A total of 104 eateries featuring food from different ethnicities competed in the hopes of garnering the most number of votes by readers of Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) newspapers. More than 50,000 votes were cast over a period of four weeks through SMS and online votes. 20 lucky voters also walked away with $100 worth of shopping vouchers each.

The eateries were categorized according to zone districts in Singapore - North, Central, East, West. A panel of judges, which comprised food writers and bloggers, made surprise visits to the top ten most-voted-for stalls and restaurants in each zone. The top three finalists were then determined based on the following criteria - taste, service, cleanliness, value for money and healthier choice.

The judging panel comprised the following:

1. Mr Koh Weng Wai, Head, Marketing Communications, Integrated Marketing Division, Singapore Press Holdings

2. Mr Marcus Yeo Chuan Liang, Correspondent, Lianhe Zaobao

3. Mr Yeoh Wee Teck, Columnist, The New Paper

4. Ms Eunice Tan, Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications Division, Integrated Marketing, Singapore Press Holdings

5. Ms Liu Kaiying, Contributor, The Smart Local

6. Ms Maureen Wee, Blogger, Ms Tam Chiak

7. Ms Tan Xue Wei, Founder, An Affair With Food

8. Mr Joe Yang, Instagrammer, Mightyfoodie

The top 3 finalists from each of the 4 zones (in no order of ranking) are:

North

1. Gu Ma Jia

2. Hanwoori Korean Restaurant

3. To-Ricos Kway Chap

Central

1. Deja Brew

2. Dim Sum Haus

3. Fatty Aunt Yong Tau Foo

East

1. Chin Lee Restaurant

2. Crab Kingdom

3. Yan Ji Seafood Soup

West

1. Ah Ma Lor Mee

2. Shao

3. Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice

Quotes from panel of judges

Mr Yeo Wee Teck, Columist, Weeteats, The New Paper, said: 'From coffee shops to casinos, we can find great food. That's one of the joys in life. And I am always thrilled to honour them, especially those that are under the radar!'

Ms Tan Xue Wei, Instagrammer and blogger of An Affair With Food, said: 'I believe that food transcends boundaries and brings people together. When it comes to our unique Singaporean food culture and history, there's no one way or word to describe ours. We have come a long way with so many influences, combinations and history. As one of the judges for Singapore Food Masters 2017, I hope to understand Singapore's food scenes even better, to be inspired by the stories and build a community of people who enjoy food and culture.'

Mr Nikolai Wee, 45, participated in the voting of Singapore Food Masters. He said: 'As an avid foodie myself, I chanced upon the campaign at one of my favourite stalls and decided to vote for it. This is really an awesome event that can motivate hawkers and chefs to work harder for their food and bring us the best.'

Jolynn Lai (Ms)

Assistant Manager, Brand Communications

Singapore Press Holdings Limited

DID: 6319 3165

Rebecca Chee (Ms)

Executive, Corporate Communications & CSR

Singapore Press Holdings Limited

DID: 6319 1124