Christmas gifts for food lovers
Whether you’re shopping for a gourmet friend or even yourself, there’s something for every taste
Asian turkeys
If you must have turkey for the table but are weary of the traditional butterball with chestnut stuffing, go Asian with Fullerton Hotel’s roast pongteh turkey (S$258 net), inspired by the Peranakan favourite. The turkey is marinated in a homemade paste of shallots, garlic and soybean paste for 48 hours before it is roasted, and paired with cranberry studded pumpkin rice, a green mango and pomelo salad and a punchy sambal belacan that makes all the difference. To complete this Peranakan-inspired feast, the hotel’s new coconut snow yule log (S$79) – a combination of pandan sponge, coconut lime mousse and pineapple compote, all covered in a shower of shredded coconut. Order at https://thefullertonfestivetakeaways.oddle.me/en_SG
Sausage feast
An English fry-up may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a Christmas Eve dinner, but might be a much-welcomed brunch treat the morning after. Pan Pacific Singapore has always been famous for its line of homemade sausages and cured meats, and the tradition continues with its new master butcher-chef Haiko Myer. Some of his artisanal creations include the faintly herby and juicy citron thyme bratwurst, chicken Parmesan sausages, farmer’s meatloaf with cheese (a tasty take on the familiar luncheon meat), and the signature Virginia ham – a classic favourite. The meats and sausages are perfectly seasoned, not overly salty, and you can be sure this is one gift that will be polished off fast. Customise your own hamper, or go with the Artizan Luxe (S$185 net) selection. Order at eshop-ppsin.panpacific.com
Huize van Wely
The newly opened Dutch heritage patisserie brings an old-world feel to its store on Seah Street, with a range of cakes and cookies to explore. Its Christmas range is especially appealing, especially its whimsical hamper in the shape of a Dutch house in cardboard, which is reusable after the season. Its Dutch huis hamper (S$158) is filled with sweet cinnamon-scented cookies, savoury cheese sticks, jam and mini chocolate wreaths. The Paradise ice cream cake (S$74) layers frozen mango puree and a creamy mousse base that is light, fruity and not too sweet. There is no website at the moment, so it is best to check out the store or WhatsApp them at 9734 9043.
Advent tea
Tea stalwart TWG has released one of its cutest Christmas sets – its Twelfth Night Advent Calendar (S$120). The whimsical hot air balloon packaging has little doors that open up to reveal miniature tins of loose tea – from black, white and green tea to theine-free red tea and rooibos. Curl up with a different tea for each of the 12 days of Christmas and dream of all things sugar and spice. The advent calendar is sold out online, but is still available at TWG boutiques. Check out its other festive offerings at https://twgtea.com/en/gifts-gourmet/explore/christmas-gift-guide
Panettone
It is not Christmas without renewing the debate about the appeal of panettone. Argue while you nibble some of the most popular panettones in town now, such as Fico’s gianduja and chestnut panettone made in collaboration with the famed family-run bakery Oliveri 1882 from Arzignano, Italy. Priced at S$98+, it is available at Fico restaurant or e-mail them at hello@ficomasseria.com.
Alternatively, AMI Patisserie chef Makoto Arami offers two kinds of handmade panettone – the original version (S$72 net), which is studded with brandy-soaked dried fruit, and the nutty pistachio (S$76 net) one, made with Sicilian pistachios for a premium nuttiness and delicate crumb that is just barely sweet. Order at https://www.amipatisserie.com/store/
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Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Designer chocolate
A Louis Vuitton bag may still be high on your Christmas wish list, but its chocolate is deserving of a spot too. At its Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton store in Marina Bay Sands, its signature chocolate travel tags (from S$95 for three tags) come in seven flavours – from hazelnut praline and Tahitian caramel to peanut gianduja and Madagascar praline. Especially for Christmas, there is a dark chocolate Christmas tree (S$350) filled with hazelnut gianduja, with interlocking branches of both dark and milk chocolate with hazelnut and pistachio praline. The chocolate goodies are available in-store only.
Artisanal caramels
Chewy, soft and buttery, these are made by the first home-grown caramel retailer, The Caramelier. The roasted pecan is our favourite for the nutty texture, but there are other flavours such as pink salt, raspberry rose, gula melaka coconut, Earl Grey and coffee. A nice change from the usual Christmas chocolates, these caramels are individually wrapped and packed in pretty boxes. Sold at S$12 for a box of six or S$36 for a box of 18, orders can be made at its website.
Atipico
The Italian bakery has been quietly gaining a reputation for its homemade cakes and breads made by architect-turned-chef Matteo Pertoldi, who started a take-home-only bakery in NEWest mall in West Coast Drive, and recently opened a dine-in outlet at New Bahru. While his panettoni are among his signature Christmas favourites, he also offers festive goodies including hampers filled with panettone, jams, cookies and marble cake. A series of cakes and yule logs are also available, and they are all lovingly made. Visit the stores for a taste, or order from atipico.sg
SEE ALSO
King Cake
The quintessential Christmas cake gets a Michelin star update by the three-starred Les Amis, which offers the flaky puff pastry complete with the hidden “feve” charm that is supposed to bring good luck to whoever finds it in their serving. Priced at S$78, you can further luxe up your Christmas gifting with the restaurant’s exclusive reserve caviar, which comprises matured oscietre and Kristal (from S$350 per 100g). Order from here.
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