Food Affair with Mark Wiens
Spotlights Singapore’s Food Obsession
Episodes will be released every Friday on HBO and HBO GO, premiering on 18 November 2022
MALAYSIA, 19 October 2022 — Food Affair with Mark Wiens is a fresh and invigorating journey of food obsession in Singapore, experienced through the eyes (and mouth) of popular food vlogger, Mark Wiens. The HBO Asia Originals’ production is the first non-scripted food series hosted by Mark as he discovers the untold stories, personalities, and history behind Singapore’s smorgasbord of delicacies, from haute to hawker cuisine. The six-episode series is set to premiere on 18 November on HBO (Astro Ch 411), HBO GO and will debut same time on HBO Max in the U.S.
With over 9 million subscribers on YouTube, Mark is no stranger to sharing his love for street food and for the first time, Mark assumes his role as programme host in a food miniseries, Food Affair with Mark Wiens. Through the series, Mark deepens his understanding of Singapore’s dynamic food culture, acquainting himself not only with Singapore’s popular street food but its fine dining experiences as well.
Each episode features a star-studded panel of guests comprising a fine-dining chef, culinary veteran, and a hawker hero. Through conversations, Mark uncovers the artistry and stories, as well as the distinct and rich culinary heritage, that has made Singapore home to more than 50 Michelin-starred establishments and over 60 Bib Gourmand locations, including street food and hawker centre stalls.
“It was a huge honour to be a part of the Food Affair series. I am immensely thankful for this opportunity, and grateful to everyone who has made it possible. In addition to eating lots of delicious food and exploring the cultural diversity of cuisine in Singapore, it was most rewarding to learn the stories of each restaurant owner and how they have followed their passion (sometimes against many challenges), which is truly reflected in the taste of their food. It’s undeniable that food is at the centre of all our lives, and that’s what brought us all together.” Mark Wiens.
Directed by Gillian Tan and Executive Produced and Created by pre-eminent filmmaker and consummate foodie, Eric Khoo, who also created the HBO anthology series Folklore 1 & 2 (2018, 2021) and the award-winning Food Lore (2019).
“Singapore is a delightful melting pot of mouth-watering food from the woks of street hawker fare to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants – a reflection of our multicultural society and heritage. Through food, I want to share with the rest of the world the diversity of what this tiny island has to offer.” Eric Khoo, Zhao Wei Films
Food Affair with Mark Wiens kickstarts a three-year partnership between Singapore Tourism Board and Warner Bros. Discovery, which will see both parties collaborate on a suite of entertainment and lifestyle content, as well as joint marketing, to spotlight and inspire travel to destination Singapore.
Stream or download Food Affair with Mark Wiens from 18 November on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.my/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for as low as RM23.30/month. You can also access HBO GO via Astro. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality Download the app at App Store or Play Store and get a free trial today.
EPISODIC SYNOPSIS
Episode 1 — Premieres Friday, 18 November
Mark learns about the rise of Fine Dining in Singapore alongside the humble culinary journey of Chef Justin Quek. As he explores Restaurant Zén, a Japanese-inspired French-Nordic restaurant with Chef Tristin, Mark discovers what a three Michelin-starred restaurant experience enjoyed over three storeys would be like. Mark and Chef Tristin end the episode with Chef Tristin’s favourite Malay dish at Selera Nasi Lemak.
Episode 2 — Premieres Friday, 25 November
Discover how Chinese immigrants and their distinct cuisines influenced Singapore’s Chinese Fine Dining cuisine and the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice dish at Hainanese Delicacy as we know today as Mark speaks to food writer Annette Tan and Executive Chef Edward Chong of Peach Blossoms.
Episode 3 — Premieres Friday, 2 December
Delve into the colourful flavours and dishes of Peranakan cuisine with Mark, Chef Violet Oon who is widely recognised as an authority in the unique cuisine, and Chef Malcolm Lee who heads the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Catch Chef Malcolm as he introduces Mark to his favourite laksa joint, Old Nyonya, where they discover how the flavourful vermicelli noodle soup made with coconut milk is put together.
Episode 4 — Premieres Friday, 9 December
Mark explores how Modern Singapore cuisine came to be through a pioneer, Chef Willin Low, and how female chef duo Lisa Tang and Kuah Chew Shian promote thoughtful living by challenging food norms that bring about unnecessary wastage. In this episode, Mark also tries Singapore’s popular Bak Kut Teh (Pork ribs soup) at Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh and learns about the method of preparation.
Episode 5 — Premieres Friday, 16 December
Uncover how South Asian Cuisine came to be in Singapore as Mark visits the oldest Indian Vegetarian restaurant in town, and speaks to Chef Rishi Naleendra, who is of Sri Lankan descent and helms restaurants like Cloudstreet and Kotuwa, on his love for curry. Watch the duo enjoy a hearty meal at Samy’s Curry at Dempsey Hill and learn about the heritage of the Fish Head Curry.
Episode 6 — Premieres Friday, 23 December
Mark reveals how the use of cooking with wood or charcoal is prevalent and loved by almost every culture in the world – adding a little “magic” to dishes – as he speaks to Chef Kazushi Kato of one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Cuppage plaza and Chef Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends. Chef Dave also takes Mark to Kwong Satay to enjoy one of his favourite hawker dishes – Satay, a must try in Singapore.
About HBO GO
Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO GO is a regional streaming service in eight territories in Southeast Asia, including Taiwan and Hong Kong. Programming includes award-winning HBO Original series, movies and documentaries, Max Originals which tell compelling stories from around the region and beyond. This is supplemented by exclusive, first-run content from major Hollywood and independent studios that offers a mix of originals and acquired content – including kids and family content from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. – available to download or stream anytime, anywhere. Log on to www.hbogoasia.com for more information.
Media Contacts:
Jess Yeoh | + 6012-350 9696 | [email protected]
Sophia Lee | + 6016-229 7727 | [email protected]
-faisal
