Dishes made from Western Australian winter produce paired with local liquor will be featured on menus in Singapore this month.
The project is part of the annual Plating Up WA campaign, an initiative of the state government’s Buy West Eat Best program, and will run throughout June.
For the first time this year, the campaign has expanded internationally and will bring Singaporean consumers into contact with WA through their taste buds.
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There will be 21 locations in Singapore this month serving dishes featuring WA produce, including rock lobster, scallops, octopus, chestnut, premium pork, Wagyu beef and lamb, black truffle, and black barley.
A selection of WA craft beers, wines, and spirits accompanies all dishes served at participating restaurants in Singapore.
Thirty-one local venues will participate in Plating Up WA, featuring menu items such as abalone, clams, squid, seasonal fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, broccolini, mushrooms, truffles, and premium meats, including pork and goat.
Sauma, UMA at Pan Pacific, The Alcove at Joondalup Resort, Bib & Tucker, Emily Taylor, and The Shoe Bar & Cafe are some of the locations in Perth that will serve seasonal produce from the state.
Camera IconSauma owner and chef Gurps Bagga on May 23, 2022. Matt Jelonek Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian
Sauma owner and chef Gurps Bagga told Perth Now that he loved the experience of connecting with the local community and farmers to access some of the best products in the world.
“What we serve starts with how it’s grown – we put our angle, culture, or story on it and then put it on a plate, so it’s important that what we buy is of a high standard,” he said.
“We must become aware of what we do, what farmers do, how it’s presented, where you can buy it, and why it’s good for you – I think it’s all important, and that’s why I think this campaign very important to us as consumers, producers, and chefs.
“There’s a lot less CO2 to get things locally, and when we get things locally, it’s seasonal too, so the quality is good.”
Camera IconSauma owner and chef Gurps Bagga with Briana Amos on May 23, 2022. Matt Jelonek Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian
Throughout June, as part of the campaign, Mr. Bagga will be serving a Pork Vindaloo featuring Linley Valley Pork sourced and produced in WA and the state’s own Dingo Brewing Company lager.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the campaign would boost interest in and demand for WA’s fresh seasonal foods and beverages and the restaurants that use them.
“This year, we are going beyond our borders to our neighbors in Singapore, aiming to rebuild export markets after two years of disruption,” she said.
