Food Blog Award 2015 @ Berlin

Managing a blog is no easy task, it takes a huge commitment to keep it going. Without any special tools, I created my own online space 8 years ago, and to share this ride with people across the world. It’s the new digital era, and I truly feel like we are part of something massive. I found people who shared the same passion and interests, it is rewarding to find inspirations online. Not even for a second I would have though that this journey would bring me that far. Just two weeks ago, I was invited by Singapore Tourism Board to fly to Berlin to judge for Food Blog Award 2015. I had lots of fun mingling with the food bloggers from Germany and exchanging our views. Here’s what I did with the finalists in Berlin!

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Introduction at WARENDORF Küchen

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On the first night, we gathered at Warendorfer Küchen to meet all the finalists for the first time. I have seen all their blog entries online but it is so good to finally put a face to their name. Warendorf is like a kitchen for personalities. The kitchen is so modern and we were separated into different corners to learn how to cook!

Some of us learnt sushi making, some of us prepared coriander & cucumber salad, while some of us prepared salmon & beef skewers. It was a night of fun!

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Gourmet Liner

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On the second day, we were up on The Gourmet Liner which is a luxurious pop-up restaurant on a double-decker bus. We were welcomed by the crew on the red carpet, with a glass of champagne. Using products from GEFRO Balance, we were treated to a curry coconut soup, tofu salad and beef cubes while being chauffeured around the historical sites in Berlin.

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Lunch at Miele Gallery

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Lunch was at Miele Gallery where we experienced the fascination of the Miele brand. Staging cooking events, wine tastings, fashion shows, product launches and other entertaining and informative events provides a special setting to experience Miele. Chef Damian from Singapore shared with participants how to make curry at home with the introduction of our Asian ingredients.

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Workshop at KAHLA Porzellan

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Here, we were welcomed by Barbara Schmidt, KAHLA’s award-winning porcelain designer, who gave us fascinating insights into the worlds of porcelain and coffee. Additionally, we had a workshop with Conditorei Coppenrath & Wiese about seasonal coffee tables, completely styled and laid out for photography. “The cake looks delicious and I don’t want to eat it!” That’s the charm of food styling. I had a chat with food stylist Claudia Potgeter who showed me her thought process for styling a cake.

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Berlin Food Week

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Berlin is a food paradise. From street food culture to fine cuisine options and supper clubs, this city offers a versatile world of food experiences. That night, I had a taste of the local food scene at the highly anticipated Berlin Food Week. One of the more interesting concepts is Über den Tellerrand kochen – an establishment which hires refugees in Berlin to cook and help them to integrate into the German society. We had a pea stew called Dambou, which comes from Mouhamed Tanko, a 31-year-old from Niger. This classic African dish is served with Wanke, a type of flat bread made of wheat flour. Other items we tried include the tempura beef cubes, homemade pasta and tempeh pancakes.

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Food Blog Award 2015 Award Ceremony

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And finally, it’s the award ceremony! Even though I am only giving out award, I am as anxious as all the finalists on stage. It felt like a mini Oscar Award for the food bloggers! The judging process has been equally rewarding for me as I have also picked up tips from many food blogs in Germany, many of which are of high quality photos and exciting content.

Thank you STB Europe for giving me the chance to be part of Food Blog Award 2015. I have never been able to predict how blogging has take us so far. Here’s a quote for all #foodaw15 finalists, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” Dear winners, I will see all of you in Singapore this January! <3