I always look forward to trying local specialties whenever I travel to different destinations and often connect travel memories to the food I had on a trip.
I still recall the lively chatter at neighborhood pizzeria while digging into slices of pizza al taglio and beer after biking along Rome’s ancient roads in Italy during our nearly month-long trip to Europe.
Indulging in fresh seafood, steak, and fish and chips by the shores of Manly Beach was a highlight, as much as the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, while traveling from Melbourne to Brisbane in Australia.
Feasting on the bold and varied flavors of chilli crab, creamy laksa, and comforting kaya toast at hawker centers makes every visit to Singapore with family and friends something to look forward to.
To celebrate 60 years of connecting the Philippines to the world and encourage Filipino travelers to journey to new destinations, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has partnered with Mastercard and Grand Hyatt Manila by launching Culinary Connections. This curated range of dishes celebrates flavors in destinations across SIA’s global network.
For a limited time between August 6, 2026 and October 5, 2026, guests can enjoy special dishes and rewards at The Grand Kitchen of Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Culinary Connections
Culinary Connections gives customers a chance to savor and learn about the history and cultural significance behind the dishes.
“For both Singapore and the Philippines, we express our care through cuisine and culture. So in this sense, Culinary Connections today captures this spirit quite beautifully,” said Logaventhan Karuppannan, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Singapore to the Philippines.
Liwei Tai, General Manager, Philippines of Singapore Airlines, hopes the collaboration encourages Filipinos to explore or to re-explore destinations around the world.
“Food is one of the most universal ways to connect with culture, traditions, people, and stories. And when that experience is paired with thoughtful hospitality, it creates a sense of discovery and invites conversations. Culinary Connections demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to offering customers meaningful experiences that extend beyond the cabin.”
For the team behind Grand Hyatt Manila, the collaboration is a way to invite guests to discover the flavors and stories of destinations from across Singapore Airlines’ network via The Grand Kitchen.
“Together with Singapore Airlines and Mastercard, we’re proud to offer an experience that celebrates world-class hospitality, cultural discovery, and the joy of sharing great food,” said Roger Habermacher, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Manila.
Meanwhile, KrisFlyer members and Mastercard cardholders can also access exclusive privileges including redemption options and promotional offers.
According to Jason Crasto, Country Manager of Mastercard Philippines, the partnership demonstrates how travel, dining, and rewards can come together. Aside from enabling secure, seamless payments, the exclusive offers aim to create more meaningful experiences and extend value to customers.
“What else can payments make possible? For us, the answer begins with access to a meal that brings people closer together, a trip that introduces someone to a new culture, or an experience that makes everyday moments more rewarding,” said Crasto.
Signature dishes
Culinary Connections unveiled three distinct dishes celebrated by locals in different destinations of the Singapore Airlines network.
Otak-Otak
Otak-Otak is a Southeast Asian delicacy made of fish mixed with spices and coconut milk and wrapped in a banana leaf. Traditionally steamed or grilled, this dish boasts a delicate flavor with a distinct aroma and just the right kick of spice thanks to the curry paste reminiscent of hawker stalls and street food markets in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Mee Pok
Mee Pok is a flat, yellow Chinese egg noodle used as a base in many Southeast Asian street food noodle dishes. Served tableside on a cart, Grand Hyatt’s Mee Pok is mixed with a tangy-spicy sauce, topped with juicy mushrooms, crunchy bean sprouts, and flavorful ground beef and squid balls, for a customizable blend in one bite.
Pusit Adobo
The Octopus Adobo is a Filipino-inspired take on the popular dish, combining tender octopus with the garlicky soy-vinegar sauce. The addition of Indonesian sauce sambal brings a surprising kick of heat to the dish, elevating it from the typical variations in many restaurants.
During the launch, we got to try the signature dishes along with the wide buffet spread across six Culinary Connections stations serving dishes from from SIA’s network, namely Singapore, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, New Delhi and Sydney.
Exclusive offers for KrisFlyer Members and Mastercard cardholders
Customers can experience unique Culinary Connections offerings at The Grand Kitchen in three ways and stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including a round trip to Singapore for two.
Dine for 2, Pay for 1 Promotion.
Singapore Airlines customers can present an eligible Singapore Airlines e-ticket purchased with Mastercard within the promotion period to enjoy the Dine for 2, Pay for 1 promotion at PHP 2,288 for Lunch or PHP 2,988 for Dinner or Sunday Lunch.
Redeem meals with KrisFlyer miles.
Members of Singapore Airlines loyalty program, KrisFlyer, can use their KrisFlyer miles to redeem dining experiences, with the option to upgrade refreshments to curated cocktails or mocktails using Mastercard.
To enjoy this, KrisFlyer members may visit KrisFlyerExperiences.com and redeem the Culinary Connections promotion for 4,500 KrisFlyer miles for lunch, and 5,500 KrisFlyer miles for dinner and Sunday lunch.
Pay directly with Mastercard.
Non-members can simply sign up for KrisFlyer membership using the registration promo code to access the experience. Using the registration promo code KFCONNECTION, new members can enjoy lunch (excluding Sunday) at PHP 2,288 nett per person or dinner and Sunday lunch at PHP 2,988 nett per person when paying with Mastercard.
To enjoy the Culinary Connections experience, customers must have a confirmed booking at The Grand Kitchen. Reservations can be made via +63 2 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.
Exclusive raffle prizes
Culinary Connections customers will also be eligible to join an exclusive raffle. Prizes include:
- 5 winners: One-night King Bed stay at the Grand Hyatt Manila – 5 winners
- 1 grand prize winner: Two Singapore Airlines round-trip Business Class tickets between Manila or Cebu and Singapore, along with a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Singapore.
The winners of the Culinary Connections raffle promotion will be drawn via electronic raffle on 9 October 2026 at the Grand Hyatt.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/SQPHCulinaryConnections.