From The Straits Times    |

Are you planning to head down to the Wine Fiesta 2015 this month to get your fill of great music and delectable food and wine? If you want to know more about this event before it happens, and get a sneak peak of the food that will be available on that day, here are our top picks on dishes you should definitely try and the wines that they’ll go perfectly with.

#1 Khan Soi Hotdog by Chef Bjorn Shen

How to pair wine and Singapore food at Wine Fiesta 2015 KHAN SOI HOTDOG

This hearty hotdog bun will definitely please those who love spicy and tangy flavours. This Singapore-inspired dish does not only consist of your usual banger and a bun, but is topped with red curry mayo, pickled mustard greens and crispy noodles. You’ll definitely be able to taste a spicy ‘kick’ while savouring this dish and what better way to enjoy your hotdog than with a fruity, yet slightly spicy wine?                           
Wines that will go well with this dish: 

  • AIX Rosé 2014, Provence, FRANCE
  • Man’ O War Gravestone 2012, Waiheke Island, NEW ZEALAND
  • Matthieu Barret, Cotes du Rhone Petit Ours Brun 2014, Rhone Valley, FRANCE    

#2 Caramelised pork cheek bun by Chef Malcolm Lee

How to pair wine and Singapore food at Wine Fiesta 2015 CARAMELISED PORK CHEEK BUN

If you’re a fan of the Hokkien speciality braised pork belly bun, you’ll want to try this new take on a similar pork-in-bun creation. The pork cheek in this bun is covered in a sauce which has the flavours of lemongrass, ginger and soy. The unique, aromatic flavours of this dish will definitely leave you reaching for seconds. 
Wines that go well with this dish: 

  • Carrick Pinot Noir Bannockburn 2013, Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND
  • Scott Wines Fiano 2014, Adelaide Hills, AUSTRALIA
  • Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Santa Barbara, California, USA 

#3 Beef cheek rendang burger by Chef Matthew Mok  

How to pair wine and Singapore food at Wine Fiesta 2015 BEEF CHEEK RENDANG BURGER      

Nothing says fusion food better than a Singapore flavour-inspired mini burger. The beef cheek rendang burger is topped with cheddar cheese and spicy achar and makes a great midday snack for those who love a little spice. The sweetness of the beef cheek rendang goes really well with the saltiness of the cheese and freshness of the achar, making this burger unlike any other.     
Wines that go well with this dish:        

  • Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir 2013, Mendoza, ARGENTINA
  • Angove Wild Olive Organic Shiraz 2014, McLaren Vale, AUSTRALIA
  • Bodegas Mano a Mano Venta La Ossa Tempranillo 2011, La Mancha, SPAIN
  • Vina Pedrosa “Gran Reserva” 2006, Ribera del Duero, SPAIN 

Can’t wait to get a taste of these lovely pairings? You’ll be thrilled to know that there will be even more Singapore themed dishes (think grilled buah keluak and pandan creme brûlée) to check out and a wide array of wines to pair them with at the Wine Fiesta!

If you haven’t got the chance to grab your tickets for this event yet, you can get your tickets from www.sistic.com.sg or all 11 Straits Wine Company retail stores. Wine Fiesta 2015 will take place on October 22 to 25, 2015, at Clifford Square (beside Fullerton Bay Hotel). Walkabout ticket prices are $50 per ticket and $99 for three tickets.