Travel report

The legend of the lion and the mermaid

We realise already at the airport that the small country of Singapore is a prosperous and very clean country. You also find almost exclusively perfectly dressed business persons on the streets. Nevertheless, Singapore also has its traditional aspect. Attention is given to Chinese festivals, as for example Chinese Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival with all corresponding parades and traditions are here celebrated in a naturally stylish way.

Even the history behind the national symbol of Singapore, the merlion, is based on the legendary history of the mermaid and the lion who successively aroused the interest of a prince passing by and lead to the foundation of Singapore.

We are in Singapore because of the superior oils. The most used stir-fry oil in China comes from Singapore. We have got an appointment with cook Kanya who performs an impressing stir-fry show, completely, with flambé! She starts every dish with a dash of oil and seasons it to taste with garlic, chilli and sesame. Immediately, an Asian aroma spread through the kitchen. This is exactly the oil we are searching for!

We also speak to Songlene, the daughter of a sesame oil producer who lets us taste a number of oils served with a fresh salad. We pass the exam because her favourite oil – an oil with a delicious slightly roasted oil taste – is our favourite oil too.

Another final glass of wine at the pleasant Clarke Quay and we almost leave again; this time to the country of the maharajas and the Orient Express, India!