Melo Villareal
Travel has always been about more than simply reaching a destination. Every journey is filled with memorable flavors, local traditions, and unforgettable dining experiences that often become the highlights of a trip. Whether it’s enjoying fragrant street food in Singapore, savoring comforting bowls of noodles in Asia, or discovering regional specialties in the Philippines, food has the power to tell a place’s story.
(From left) Mr. Jason Crasto, Country Manager of Mastercard Philippines; Ms. Liwei Tai, General Manager of Singapore Airlines Philippines; Mr. Logaventhan Karuppannan, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines; and Mr. Roger Habermacher, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Manila, officially launch Culinary Connections at Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, featuring a menu showcasing flavors inspired by destinations across Singapore Airlines’ global network.
Now, you don’t have to board a flight to experience some of these culinary discoveries.
To celebrate six decades of connecting the Philippines to the world, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has partnered with Grand Hyatt Manila and Mastercard to launch Culinary Connections, a limited-time dining collaboration that brings together travel, gastronomy, and exclusive rewards in one memorable experience.
Available from August 6 to October 5, 2026, Culinary Connections transforms The Grand Kitchen at Grand Hyatt Manila into a passport of flavors inspired by destinations across Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network.
A Culinary Journey Without Leaving Manila
Culinary Connections isn’t simply a special menu. It’s an invitation to explore cultures through food.
The collaboration showcases dishes inspired by destinations served by Singapore Airlines, allowing diners to experience authentic flavors while learning about the traditions and stories behind every plate.
Speaking during the launch, Liwei Tai, General Manager of Singapore Airlines Philippines, shared that food remains one of the most meaningful ways people connect with different cultures.
According to Tai, every dish tells a story, creating opportunities for discovery and conversation. Through Culinary Connections, Singapore Airlines hopes to inspire travelers to revisit familiar destinations or discover entirely new ones while enjoying world-class hospitality here in Manila.
That philosophy perfectly reflects what many travelers experience abroad—sometimes the quickest way to understand a culture is simply by sitting down for a great meal.
Bringing Global Flavors to The Grand Kitchen
The talented culinary team at The Grand Kitchen carefully curated three signature dishes inspired by iconic flavors found across Singapore Airlines’ network.
Otak-Otak
One of Southeast Asia’s most beloved delicacies, Otak-Otak combines fish, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk wrapped inside banana leaves before being grilled or steamed.
The version served during Culinary Connections features an extra layer of curry paste, adding warmth and spice reminiscent of Singapore’s vibrant hawker centers. Every bite delivers smoky aromas balanced by rich coconut flavors, making it an excellent introduction to Southeast Asian cuisine.
Mee Pok
For noodle lovers, Mee Pok offers comforting yet bold flavors.
This Chinese-style flat yellow egg noodle is tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce before being topped with mushrooms, crunchy bean sprouts, ground beef, and squid balls. The combination creates an enjoyable contrast of textures while showcasing why this noodle dish remains a favorite across Singapore.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying—perfect for those craving authentic Asian comfort food.
Octopus Adobo
Representing the Philippines is an elevated take on one of the country’s best-loved dishes.
The Octopus Adobo combines tender octopus with the familiar soy-vinegar-garlic sauce that defines traditional Filipino adobo. What makes this version unique is the addition of Indonesian sambal, introducing a pleasant spicy kick that complements the richness of the seafood.
The result is both familiar and refreshingly different—a creative interpretation of a Filipino classic.
Celebrating Food as a Universal Language
During the launch, Logaventhan Karuppannan, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Singapore to the Philippines, highlighted how both Singapore and the Philippines share a deep appreciation for expressing care and hospitality through cuisine.
That shared culinary heritage forms the heart of Culinary Connections, where every dish becomes a bridge between cultures and a reminder that great food has the power to bring people together regardless of where they come from.
Roger Habermacher, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Manila, echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing that every meal should create meaningful memories. Through this collaboration, guests are invited to experience the stories, flavors, and traditions that define destinations across Singapore Airlines’ extensive route network.
Exclusive Dining Privileges for KrisFlyer Members and Mastercard Cardholders
Beyond the specially curated menu, Culinary Connections also rewards loyal travelers and diners with exclusive offers.
Eligible Singapore Airlines passengers who purchased their airline tickets using Mastercard can enjoy a Dine for Two, Pay for One promotion at The Grand Kitchen during the campaign period.
Lunch is available for PHP 2,288, while dinner and Sunday lunch are offered at PHP 2,988 under the special promotion.
Meanwhile, KrisFlyer members can redeem their dining experience using miles through KrisFlyer Experiences.
Redemption rates include:
- 4,500 KrisFlyer miles for lunch
- 5,500 KrisFlyer miles for dinner or Sunday lunch
Members can also upgrade their beverages to specially curated cocktails or mocktails when paying with Mastercard.
Those who have yet to become KrisFlyer members can sign up using the promotional code KFCONNECTION before visiting The Grand Kitchen.
Reservations are required for the Culinary Connections dining experience.
Dine for a Chance to Win a Luxury Getaway
Dining at Culinary Connections comes with another exciting incentive.
Guests automatically become eligible to join an exclusive raffle featuring luxurious travel prizes.
Five lucky winners will receive a one-night stay in a King Bed room at Grand Hyatt Manila.
The grand prize offers an unforgettable Singapore escape, including:
- Two Singapore Airlines Business Class round-trip tickets between Manila or Cebu and Singapore
- A two-night stay at Grand Hyatt Singapore
The electronic raffle draw is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
More Than a Meal
What makes Culinary Connections particularly memorable is how it blends travel inspiration with exceptional dining.
Instead of simply recreating international dishes, the collaboration celebrates the stories behind them while encouraging guests to discover the destinations where these flavors originated. It’s an experience that reminds travelers that every flight can begin long before boarding—and sometimes, all it takes is a remarkable meal to inspire your next adventure.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an aspiring foodie, or someone planning your next overseas escape, Culinary Connections offers a delicious preview of the flavors waiting across Singapore Airlines’ global network—all without leaving Metro Manila.
With its thoughtfully curated menu, exclusive travel rewards, and luxurious setting at Grand Hyatt Manila, this limited-time collaboration is well worth adding to your culinary bucket list before it concludes on October 5, 2026.
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