Bug Appetit! Are You Ready for the Bug Meal?

Singapore, brace yourselves, because the future of food is… well, a little buggy! On July 8th, 2024, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) gave the green light to a whole new menu – one featuring crickets, mealworms, moths, and even grasshoppers! That’s right, folks, insects are officially on the plate, and it’s time to ditch the ‘ew’ factor and embrace the ‘ooh la la!’

While we’re disappointed with the current offerings of insect dishes in our restaurants – where deep-fried options and insect garnishes fail to excite our taste buds – we firmly believe there’s room for improvement. Consider the possibilities: succulent superworms steamed with egg for a protein-packed breakfast, crispy cricket nuggets dipped in a tangy sauce for a playful twist on finger food, or even a ‘Ham-bug-er’ – a delicious patty made from a blend of ground meat and crickets. The culinary potential of these little creatures is boundless! From roasting to sautéing to braising, let’s unlock it.

Now, I know some of you might squirm at the thought. After all, insects are often associated with creepy crawlies. But fear not, adventurous foodies! In many parts of the world, insects are already cherished delicacies. Thailand boasts spicy fried crickets, Mexico serves up crunchy chapulines (grasshoppers) seasoned with chili and lime, and who can resist a plate of juicy bamboo worms in China?

Here’s the real kicker: insects are a nutritional powerhouse! They’re packed with protein, just like beef, but with a much smaller environmental footprint. Raising insects for food requires way less land and water compared to traditional livestock. So, by embracing the bug burger, you’re not just treating your taste buds to something new; you’re also doing your part for the planet!

Now, about those bees and silkworms on the approved list. We hear your concerns. Bees are the most valuable players (MVPs) of pollination, and silkworms are the artists behind those luxurious scarves. Let’s leave them to their important jobs and not eat their future generations, shall we? But the rest of the creepy-crawly crew? Game on!

So next time you see a surprise insect guest chilling in your rice, consider it a protein bonus. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite snack!

And if you are the owner or chef of a restaurant, café, or eatery whch serves creative insect dishes, we’d love to feature your menu! Email us and let’s celebrate the culinary revolution together.

Here’s to a future filled with exciting, sustainable, and maybe even a little bit buggy cuisine!