Passion: The Fuel for Creativity and Innovation
In space-constrained Singapore, where land is scarce and resources limited, passionate individuals have always faced unique challenges in pursuing their dreams. This was true even for our founding fathers, who turned obstacles into opportunities, laying the foundation for the lives we enjoy today. From a humble fishing port to a thriving developed nation, their journey exemplified the power of grit and the importance of thinking outside the box. This legacy of resilience and ingenuity lives on in subsequent generations.
A Tale of Two Dreamers
Today’s story highlights two young men who embody the spirit of innovation and purpose. First, we meet Benedict, whose dream is to share the beauty and benefits of mushrooms with the world. Then we visit Adrian’s café, where he champions local cuisine crafted from locally sourced or farmed ingredients.
Through their dedication and resourcefulness, they have each carved out unique paths. Benedict has developed a sustainable urban farming approach that thrives in Singapore’s space-constrained environment, and Adrian brings local produce to life in fresh and inspiring ways.
Mesmerized by Mushrooms
Why mushrooms? What is so fascinating about these fungi that could inspire a young man to abandon a comfortable career in finance to venture into the world of mushroom cultivation? Is it their remarkable adaptability, their ecological benefits, or perhaps their potential to revolutionize sustainable food production?
Starting a mushroom farm in Singapore is no small undertaking. When Benedict Yeo began his journey in 2020, he found himself part of a small and nascent community of mushroom farmers in the region. There were limited resources and information available.
As with many modern ventures, Benedict turned to the vast expanse of the internet to gather the knowledge and insights he needed to cultivate his farm successfully.
Golden Cap Farm – mushroom farming in land-scarce Singapore
He first discovered his passion for fungi in the United States, where he learned to forage for mushrooms in the forests. Upon returning to Singapore, he found himself increasingly restless in his job. Ultimately, he decided to take the plunge and follow his dreams, embarking on the challenging yet rewarding journey of mushroom cultivation.
The farm is situated on the 10th floor of an industrial building in Woodlands. It occupies a space that is no larger than a small shophouse. Within this compact area, Benedict has set up his farm, office, and a lab where he carefully cultivates mushroom spores. It’s a stark contrast to the comfort of a corporate office, but he finds the work deeply fulfilling.
Transitioning into this entirely new career has introduced him to a diverse network of people. The challenge of marketing his mushrooms to a wider audience keeps the journey both exciting and rewarding.
Golden Cap Farm
https://goldencapfarm.com/
Meet the Man He Met Over Mushrooms!
One of the new connections he made was with Adrian Chu. He is a cafe owner and chef who is passionate about using local ingredients. They met when Adrian sought out Golden Cap Farm for their exotic Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Their collaboration quickly became mutually beneficial: while Benedict cultivates the mushrooms, Adrian provides coffee grounds, which serve as an ideal medium for their growth. This meaningful partnership not only supports sustainable practices but also highlights their shared commitment to local sourcing.
Rustica – Singaporean cuisine with local ingredients
Located under an HDB block in Crawford, Rustica stands out as one of the few establishments serving barista-style coffee alongside locally inspired dishes. The café goes one step further by insisting on using local produce.
It is a commitment proudly highlighted by its Three Leaves Farm-to-Table Badge. Launched on 27 March 2023, the Farm-to-Table (FTT) Recognition Programme honours food businesses that champion local ingredients. The highest tier of three leaves signifies that Rustica sources at least 15% of its ingredients from local producers across three or more food categories.
Local Support Local
The idea behind “Local Support Local” originated during his time in California, where working at a farm-to-table restaurant opened his eyes to the beauty of sourcing locally. Back in Singapore, his experience at the Michelin-starred Labyrinth further spurred his vision for utilising local produce. However, while Labyrinth caters to an upscale audience, he aimed to translate that concept into a more relaxed, mass-market setting.
Like Benedict, Adrian found that pursuing his dream was both challenging and immensely rewarding. While working with local produce comes with its own set of hurdles, it also allows him to support a vital local movement and collaborate directly with farmers. This hands-on approach not only ensures the highest quality of his ingredients but also helps lower the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
Beyond his commitment to using primarily local ingredients, Adrian has crafted a menu that celebrates local and regional flavours. He turned the Lion’s Mane (also known as Monkey Head) mushrooms into a flavourful filling for murtabak that highlights the mushroom’s rich, meaty texture. His eclectic menu also features dishes like curry fish made with locally farmed snapper, mee hoon kueh prepared with locally grown kale, and laksa puff crafted using locally sourced prawns.
His family has been incredibly supportive of his venture, each contributing in their own way to help bring his vision to life. His mother, in particular, has taken on the responsibility of managing the front of the house. Her dedication even led her to enrol in a barista course, where she learned the art of pulling the perfect espresso and topping with delicate latte art!
RUSTICA
462 Crawford Lane, #01-65, Singapore 190462
https://www.instagram.com/rustica.sg/
Conclusion
Singapore has always needed to rely on innovation to thrive. And I can see how this spirit of innovation not only benefits both Benedict and Adrian, but also positively impacts the industry and our nation too.
Happy Eating!
This post is produced in collaboration with the Singapore Brand Office.
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