SINGAPORE — Singapore’s bid to get UN recognition for its street food has sparked a cross-border culinary clash, with angry chefs in neighboring Malaysia pouring cold water on the idea. Some hawkers have even been awarded Michelin stars by the culinary bible, which has had a Singapore edition since 2016. Another well-known local chef, Ismail Ahmad, insisted that his country was a street food “paradise” and it should be Malaysia that was applying for UN recognition. “It is about the street food culture heritage that bonds people together and is supported by the government and industry, because it is about the community,” acclaimed Singaporean food critic K.F. Singapore plans to submit its nomination to UNESCO in March, and an announcement on whether the bid has been successful is expected in 2020.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 30, 2018 07:41 UTC