Sustainability The people and places making a diff erence - The Ascott
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JUL 2019 – DEC 2019
Sustainability
The people and places making a difference
C U LT U R E G A S T RO N O M Y COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Circular economy and the Clean and green, the way The eco-friendly brands How to stay f it
new meaning of “waste” food should be and events to know when you jet set
WELCOME
Sustainability, Green Living—these somewhat alien concepts a The Ascott Limited
www.the-ascott.com
couple of decades ago have today crept into our vocabulary and our
Editorial Advisors
very thought processes. The concept of green living has undergone Vice President, Brand & Marketing
a cultural overhaul—with the entry of the millennial, it’s about being Mindy Teo
in the know and now. The awakening may have started with some Senior Manager, Brand & Marketing
Bryan Lim
Boomers, but with social media and its subsidiaries changing the way
Senior Executive, Brand &
opinions and viewpoints are disseminated, every bit of silence in our Marketing
life has been taken over by an urgent call for sustainable living. Koh Kim Wan
These have created a great impact on the hospitality industry as Ascott Living is a biannual publication by
well. As strong and relentless as they are, the increasing spending The Ascott Limited in association with
Edipresse Media Singapore Pte Ltd
power of the millennials—the new customer—also makes them 14 Kung Chong Road, #06-02
voices to be reckoned with. At The Ascott Limited, we subscribe to Lum Chang Building, Singapore 159150
the vision of a greener future by employing eco-friendly standards Tel (65) 6323 1606 Fax (65) 6323 1692
in all our properties and working with like-minded vendors. We have Editorial Enquiries
spotlighted a few entrepreneurs who are making the most of the sgcpedit@edipressemedia.com
circular economy model to give new life to waste in “Making The
Times Printers Pte Ltd
World Go Around”, while “Wasted Pleasures” talks about those
16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340,
applying the same principle in the gastronomy industry. Tel (65) 6311 2888
All rights reserved
The way we travel has also changed—eating clean and travelling MCI(P) 079/12/2018
to green-friendly places are on the agenda. That’s no surprise as
Published by
sustainability ranks high on the list of many countries as well. We have Edipresse Media Singapore
rounded up the cultures and communities that stand out in the midst. Managing Senior Art
Being an eco-tourist is not just fashionable but as you will see from Director Director
Corinne Ng Matilda Au
our notes, very much possible.
General Production And
Enjoy the issue! Manager – Traffic Director
Commercial Grace Lim
Stephanie Tay
Traffic
Client Service Executive
Director Jane Lau
Kellyn Lee
Production
Editor-In-Chief Executive
Kissa Castañeda May Tan
Senior Editor
Mindy Teo Sandhya
Mahadevan
Vice President, Brand & Marketing
CONTENTS
JUL 2019 - DEC 2019
COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Where social and economic For a healthy, fulfilling life
relationships interact
32
Jet Set, Keep Fit
It is possible to stay in shape when you’re
on the road. Here’s your primer on getting
started—from what to eat to making the
most of a transfer and turning your hotel
room into your very own gym.
C U LT U R E
Defining a way of life
18
Making The World
Go Around
Why let waste, literally, go to
waste? We take a closer look
at the circular economy,
06
Heal The World
in which designers are
rethinking traditional
business models, preserving
Although people make up and extending what is
just a tiny part of the planet, already made, using waste
we are causing a massive as a resource, prioritising
impact on the future of regerative resources, and
the world. Here are some collaborating to create
hard facts and figures. shared value.
GASTRONOMY
Green Footprints 12 The science of eating well
Breathe... in Bandung 14
Building A Community 22
36
Wasted Pleasures
26
Dutch Beauty
The zero-waste cooking revolution is bigger
than ever and these culinary innovators are
making a strong case of it.
Amsterdam, an intriguing
medley of culture and Food For Good 40
Sustainable Style 04 history, a city populated by
Chennai Express 07 a tolerant people and shot Milestones 25
Destination: Istanbul 08 through with a thread of Ascott World News 42
Conscious Travel 10 progressive sustainability. Ascott Community Chat 44
3
COMMUNITY S P LU R G E
SUSTAINABLE STYLE
Looking good doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment.
Flex your style cred with these eco-friendly brands
All That
Glitters
Every piece of
Melissa Joy Manning
jewellery is handmade.
Using age-old
metalsmithing
methods eliminates Masters Of
the use of heavy Waste Not, Minimalism
machinery and Want Not Where vegan fashion
reduces the firm’s London-based might only take up a
carbon footprint. womenswear small corner in most
melissajoymanning. designer Richard brand inventories,
com Quinn’s vividly Hurtig Lane ensures
printed creations all of its products
Bags Of Style are all produced in a are vegan-friendly.
Each JW Pei design is sustainable printing The leather used in
crafted with state-of- studio—which aims the brand’s watch
the-art technology for low water and straps are sourced
and using 100% energy usage—and and manufactured in
vegan leather—ultra- in exact quantities a PETA-approved,
microfibre—that is to eliminate wastage cruelty-free manner.
made to have the and overstock. hurtiglane.com
same handfeel as richardquinn.london
regular animal hides.
jwpei.com
Dive Into This
All of Lilliput &
Felix’s chic swimwear
are made from
recycled fishing
nets and reclaimed
fibres, printed
using handmade
Firm Footing techniques, and
French footwear brand Veja’s packaged in
sneakers are all made from from recyclable materials.
recycled plastic bottles, wild At the end of the
rubber, corn waste and organic season, all the unused
cotton. The brand also works with fabrics are donated
the industry players to upcycle to schools and
TEXT: WEI K
waste materials and give them a charities, so nothing
second life. veja-store.com goes to waste.
lilliputandfelix.com
4
OH, APP-Y DAY!
Meet the apps helping you go green
R
RecycleNation is
an app that takes
a
tthe brainwork out
of recycling, so
o
tthere’s no more
e
excuses about
ttrashing that
p
plastic bottle.
Brand New You S
Simply log onto
Touted as the first carbon- tthe app and input
neutral spa in the US, and built Love Your y
your location, and
on a solar field that generates Skin the app will direct you to the nearest
all of its electrical power, Two Incorporating recycling centre in your area. Plus,
Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in top-grade essential it even comes with opening hours
Desert Hot Springs, California oils with quality of each recycling centre, as well as
offers a range of wellness botanical extracts, contact information and directions
treatments to recharge tired Appelles products on how to get there. To help you
bodies. Guests can indulge in will pamper you further, the app also tells you
one of its signature treatments, while delivering the which materials are accepted at the
or sign up for alternative therapy best results. Every recycling centre, so you’re making
sessions that include chakra product is packaged the most out of every trip.
balancing and shamanic healing. in eco-friendly and
twobunchpalms.com recyclable materials,
and free from animal Forgot to turn
testing. Try the off the plug on
Hydrating Body your way out
Built For Speed Collection for a the house? Fret
Designed to give the luxurious showering not, because
rider full control of its experience that will the WeMo
functionality, you can not dry out your skin. smart plug is
customise the Cero bike appelles.com here to remedy
using its 12-way modular that. Built by
cargo system. Simply Belkin, this
pick your preferred smart plug allows you to control your
choice of storage boxes plugs from a remote location, so no
and fit everything you more frittering electricity and money
might need to bring away! On top of that, use the WeMo
along. And while the app to create schedules with your
environmental merits of smart plug. Plan for the fan to start
using a bicycle over a car running when the afternoon gets
are obvious, the Cero hot, or for your bedside lamps to turn
bike can travel almost on in the evening — you now have
160km on a single greater control at your fingertips.
charge. cero.bike
5
COMMUNITY B Y T H E N U M B E R S
HEAL THE WORLD
Facts and figures on how our actions are impacting the Earth.
525 Trillion
The number of pieces of plastic debris in the world’s
10%
The percentage of the
electricity consumed by
oceans. Plastic entanglement kills about 100,000 sea an incandescent bulb that
creatures every year. is actually converted into
light. The other 90% is
wasted as heat.
17
The number of trees that
can be saved by recycling
one ton of paper. Each year,
7 Inches
The amount by which sea levels have risen in the last
century due to global warming, which is more than the
the world produces around previous 2,000 years combined.
400 million tons of paper to
meet consumer demands,
much of which is discarded
as office waste, junk mail and
o
0.8 C
packaging material.
The increase in the Earth’s
20 Minutes
The energy saved from recycling just one glass bottle can
average global surface
temperature since 1880.
This is due to a 30% rise in
power a television set for this long. Think of all the energy atmospheric C0₂ levels in the
that could be saved if every glass bottle was repurposed. last 150 years.
6
COMMUNITY LO C A L B E AT
The University of Madras
in Chennai—a fine example
of 19th Century Indo-
Saracenic architecture.
CHENNAI EXPRESS
Vishal Dey, room attendant at Somerset
Greenways Chennai, believes in going the extra
mile. Here’s what the Assamese has to say about
his adopted home Chennai and his work.
sure his every need was met. with marshlands and flora
I also found out his birthday makes these reserves a
and decorated his room while natural habitat for hundreds
he was away, and that totally of species of local and
lifted his spirits. migratory birds all year round.
There was this other Inside the city, you can go to
guest whose father had just the Theosophical Society, The
undergone surgery. After Indian Institute of Technology
talking to her, I discovered campus and the Guindy
What do you like most take pride in what I do and that the father had trouble National Park, which are
about Chennai? take personal responsibility sitting straight. So we home to many species like
The language, culture and for each and every guest procured a special leather the Flameback Woodpecker,
cuisine are all so different on my watch. Each guest is recliner and also raised the Spotted Owlet and Bulbuls
and unique. You can find different—some are articulate toilet seat so he wouldn’t have among others. The
architectural examples from while others may not even to strain his back. Little details Pallikaranai Marsh is great to
different periods of history, speak English, let alone the that make a big difference. spot Greater Flamingos, Ibis
from the ancient Tamil local language. Which is why I and more. The Nanmangalam
kingdoms to the British era. try to understand the nuances How else do you help make a Reserve Forest has a
The city has centuries old of each guest. This way, I can guest’s stay memorable? famous resident, the Great
COMPILED BY: SRIDHAR.G IMAGE: RAMNATH A.S/PIXABAY
temples and quaint spaces. be proactive rather than wait Out of their rooms, a Horned Owl (Eurasian
And a wide range of food for their requests. historically and culturally Eagle Owl), which has been
vegetarian or otherwise, is vibrant city awaits them. So successfully breeding here
available. A must-try is the Can you give us a couple of I provide guests with local for over two decades. Then
South Indian Thali, which is instances when you went insights to help them explore there’s Vedanthangal Bird
rice accompanied by a dozen beyond the call of duty? the city and get the best out Sanctuary, the oldest water
side dishes and served on a There was this Japanese of their stay. bird sanctuary in India, which
plantain leaf. guest who didn’t speak much attracts more than 40,000
English. He had specific What’s something about birds during the migration
Tell us about your job. What requests about his room, Chennai that most people season. Some of the special
is its most interesting aspect? but couldn’t communicate aren’t aware of? visitors include Garganeys
Officially I’m part of the effectively. This made him There are at least 15 birding and Teals from Canada, Grey
housekeeping team but I see irritable. I established a hotspots in and around the Pelicans from Australia and
it as more than just that. I rapport with him and made city. The unique geography, Herons from Bangladesh.
7
COMMUNITY C I T Y C I R C U I T
DESTINATION: ISTANBUL
We asked an insider to share his top eco-friendly destinations in the Turkish capital.
1 BOMONTIADA
“It was previously a beer brewery, but instead of being
demolished with something new constructed in its place, the
building was repurposed, and in 2015, it reopened as a cultural 1
hub. Bomontiada is a great example of an adaptive reuse
project—one that sees an old or abandoned structure being
given a new lease of life. Adaptive reuse changes a building’s
function while keeping its form, and it’s environmentally
beneficial in that it reduces waste and saves on resources
and materials.”
2 BOMONTI ORGANIC MARKET
“This market in Şişli Belediyesi Otopark comes alive every
Saturday, when local farmers and food producers sell their
vegetables, fruit, honeys, cheeses, yogurts, teas and other
organic goodies to the public. If you’re after fresh produce,
it’s best to come early in the morning to get the most 2
variety. Getting there early is also a chance for you to enjoy a
traditional breakfast—look for the stalls selling savoury baked
pastries and cakes.”
http://ekolojikpazarlar.org
Istanbul local Cuneyt Bukulmez
is a co-founder of Atolye4N, 3
an architecture and design
studio whose goal is to create a
modern understanding of the
environment. The firm is behind
a number of environmentally
sustainable projects in Turkey
COMPILED BY: SASHA GONZALES
and around Asia.
ILLUSTRATION: ANNGEE NEO
BOOK YOURSELF INTO
SOMERSET MASLAK ISTANBUL IN
New Maslak 1453, a brand new
neighbourhood in the heart of the city. It is situated next to
the city’s green oasis, Fatih Forest.
83 REFLECT STUDIO
“Mass fashion and the resulting textile waste present huge,
long-term problems for the environment. This fashion brand is
making a difference by producing only small quantities of their
designs and using fabrics that are locally sourced, sustainably
manufactured and fairly traded. It’s ethical and transparent
from production to distribution, which is good if you’re trying
to be a more eco-conscious consumer.”
https://reflectstudio.co
4 4 BI NEVI DELI
“More and more people are eating plant-based diets, not just
for health reasons but also to minimise their carbon footprint
and conserve natural resources. This restaurant in Etiler
specialises in nourishing whole food dishes made from fresh,
seasonal ingredients, including anti-inflammatory oils. Choose
from salad bowls, smoothie bowls, raw vegan bites, and heartier
meals like burgers, stir-fries and pastas. The founders, Libby
and Belkis, are passionate about environmental sustainability
and good nutrition.”
5 5 EK BIC YE IC
“At this café, you can pick what goes into your meal from
the on-site garden. There’s no wondering if your fruit and
veggies were grown locally or not, because you harvested them
yourself, and whatever isn’t grown on the premises is procured
locally where possible, to ensure a low carbon footprint.
Another thing I like about this place is that almost everything
is made from scratch using ingredients that are non-GMO and
free from chemical fertilisers, pesticides and preservatives.”
www.ekbicyeic.com
6
6 KUZGUNCUK BOSTAN
“Kuzguncuk is a neighbourhood on the Asian side of
the Bosphorus. It is here that you’ll find the Kuzguncuk
Bostan, one of the last remaining urban gardens in
Istanbul. About a decade ago, it was proposed that
this land be used to build a large school, but the locals
successfully argued for it to be turned into a community
space. Since then it’s become a thriving garden where
locals grow their own fruit and vegetables.”
9COMMUNITY E V E N T P L A N N E R
CONSCIOUS TRAVEL
Mark your calendar for the most eco-friendly events of 2019
CHEESE BERLIN
When: 8 - 10 November
Where: Berlin, Germany
Cheese Berlin shines a spotlight on fromage artisans from all over the world by bringing
them together under one roof for a two-day slow food festival. Cheesemakers will serve
delicacies such as an ancient Italian mountain cheese covered in pressed grapes or soft cheese
infused with lavender. Visitors can listen to workshops and join in with tutored tastings, or arm
TEXT: CLAIRE TURRELL
themselves with a glass of wine and slice of bread, and create their own personal food tour in
the Big Sunday Market cheese tent where the cheesemongers lay out their wares. The artisans’
work are not only recognised by the smiling visitors, but also by the Cheese Berlin team who
give out an award to the most green-thinking farmer of the year. Tickets for the
Big Sunday Cheese Market priced from around €5. Visit cheese-berlin.de.
10WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE
When: 13 - 20 October
Where: Darwin and Adelaide, Australia
Make a date with the world’s most famous solar-powered
car race event. Over the past 30 years, the teams at
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia have tasked
themselves with driving 3,000km from Darwin to Adelaide
in cars that are powered by solar energy. Visitors can see
these crazy cars that plan to give Tesla a run for its money at
the starting line in Darwin and when they gather in Adelaide
at the end of the race, or if you are lucky, you might be able
to see them en-route, speeding through the desert. THE HANDLEBARDS
Visit worldsolarchallenge.org. When: July, various dates
Where: Various locations, UK
When it comes to green theatre, The Handlebards
GREEN FILM FESTIVAL could be hard to beat. The world’s first cycling theatre
When: 11 - 18 September company pedal from venue to venue with the set, props
Where: San Francisco, USA and costumes necessary to stage sustainable Shakespeare
If An Inconvenient Truth has inspired your interest in plays across the world. From July they are in the UK, so
global warming, hotfoot it to the Green Film Festival in grab a deckchair and take a picnic to see innovative takes
San Francisco. Cinemas, theatres and libraries throughout on The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth
the city will be hosting screenings of more than 60 Night and more. Visit handlebards.com.
environmental films from around the globe. Over 100
filmmakers are expected to descend on the city to join in with
panel discussions and audience talks. Time to stock up on RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
popcorn. Tickets from around US$12. When: 12 - 14 July
Visit greenfilmfest.org. Where: Kuching, Borneo
Explore the woods for a sensory experience of a different
kind—world music bands from India, Brazil and the Solomon
Islands have been known to perform in the Borneo forest
at this festival. But what makes this even more special is
that the team base their event planning on UN Sustainable
Development Goals. Vendors serve locally-grown food on
biodegradable tableware and any food waste is composted
for farmers to use as fertiliser, and old festival banners are
turned into tote bags.Visit rwmf.net.
PLAN AHEAD AND MAKE
A HOLIDAY OUT OF IT:
Citadines Kurfürstendamm Berlin
Olivaer Platz 1 10707 Berlin-Wilmersdorf Germany
Citadines Trafalgar Square London
18/21 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5EA
Citadines Uplands Kuching
No. 55 Jalan Simpang Tiga 93350 Kuching Sarawak
11COMMUNITY G LO B E T R OT T E R
GREEN FOOTPRINTS
We zero in on three leading cities—Paris, Frankfurt and Singapore—that make sustainable
travel accessible, even amidst rapid urbanisation
Paris
Cleaner transport systems, and pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly zones aside,
the French capital is paving its low-carbon future with a ground-breaking
eco-village Clichy-Batignolles, slated for completion in 2020.
EAT EXPLORE
With six outlets scattered across the city and an ethos to Soak in the city’s romantic vibes with a bicycle ride down
help urbanites adapt to the slow food movement, Wild & the Seine—designated bicycle lanes, increased parking
The Moon gives a compelling reason to lighten up from spots and seamless bike-sharing systems ensure a
rich, classical French cuisine, also with grand plans to reach pleasant experience. Vélib’ Métropole is one of the most
zero food waste by 2020. Expect a plant-based menu established bike share programs, with approximately
made with local, seasonal ingredients—think cold-pressed 15,000 bicycles at over 1,200 docking stations in all 22
juices, nutrient-dense raw crackers, salads and soups. arrondissements.
RELAX SLEEP
Take a quiet stroll around the lush grounds of Jardin des The new La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris recently
Tuileries, or pack a picnic basket and sit by one of the opened its doors after a two-year renovation. Its stellar
two ponds. Re-landscaped in formal French garden location puts world-class museums, restaurants and
design in 1664 by André Le Nôtre, beautiful terraces many of Paris’ best known attractions—from the Arc
and statues abound here. Visit between June and de Triomphe to the famous Avenue des Champs-
August for Fête des Tuileries, when the gardens come Elysées—at your doorstep. So strap on your walking
alive with fairground rides. shoes and explore.
TEXT: ANGELEIGH KHOO
12Frankfurt Singapore
With over 52 percent of its land still unurbanised, Dubbed “the garden city”, the island city has green spaces
Frankfurt is one of the leaders in conservation, energy peppered all around. Environmentalism has pervaded every
efficiency and climate protection with plans to become nook of the Singaporean conscience, with endless
completely dependent on renewable energy by 2050. eco-friendly choices for food, rest and shopping.
EAT
There’s more to Frankfurt than sausages and sauerkraut.
Establishments city-wide have jumped on the meat-free
bandwagon with many sustainable choices. Michelin-starred
vegetarian hotspot Seven Swans offers a seasonal menu that
draws extensively on ingredients from its own permaculture
farm outside the city.
EXPLORE
For the lazy man’s alternative to exploring the city by foot,
hop on a Velotaxi. The driver-operated cycle rickshaw is an
eco-friendly transport alternative that’s fast and efficient,
while giving you time to take in the sights. Chances are you
driver would share with you a local gem or two, too.
EAT
Set amidst lush Dempsey Hill, Open Farm Community
champions local farming and farm-to-table cuisine,
sometimes fresh from their own vegetable garden, adopting
a strict policy against imported produce and unsustainable
farming practices. Stroll the sprawling grounds after your
meal and reconnect with nature.
EXPLORE
Designed around conscious living, multi-brand store
The Green Collective showcases over 35 homegrown eco
brands—from ethically produced fashion labels, to handmade
homewares and essentials for zero waste living. They also hold
crafty workshops like sessions on upcycling and DIY lip balms.
RELAX RELAX
Duck into the Palmengarten for some green therapy. Escape into the Gardens by the Bay to the Flower Dome
Established in 1871 to house Duke Adolphe of Nassau’s and Cloud Forest’s cooled conservatories. Stay on till dusk
tropical plant collection, the verdant oasis now showcases to watch the dazzling Garden Rhapsody light show amidst its
some 13,000 species of plants from various climate zones in iconic Supertrees—vertical gardens that collect rainwater,
stunning gardens, greenhouses and conservatories. Summer generate solar power and act as venting ducts for the
evenings often see some jazz and world music concerts there. conservatories for energy efficiency.
SLEEP SLEEP
The Citadines City Centre Frankfurt is strategically located Set in the heart of the city’s shopping belt, Orchard Road,
in the city centre and across the renowned Frankfurt Messe Ascott Orchard Singapore has been warded the Green Mark
Trade Fair area. Take heart in the fact that the property makes Gold Plus by Singapore’s Building & Construction Authority
concerted efforts to reduce water and energy consumption, for its efforts in reducing environmental impact as well as in
among other green initiatives like Earth Hour. energy, water and material resource usage.
13C U LT U R E C I T Y B R I E F
BREATHE…
IN BANDUNG
Deep dive into slow living and have a fabulous
holiday in Indonesia’s third-largest city—
regardless of the duration of travel
N
estled among the slopes of lush volcanoes and emerald
green tea plantations, the city of Bandung is a magnet
for tourists seeking mountain breezes and an authentic
taste of Sundanese culture, as well as corporate visitors.
The city has managed to retain its tranquility and connection
to nature amidst swelling urbanisation across Indonesia, thanks
to eco-initiatives aimed at cutting out waste and pollution,
cultivation of green spaces, its public transport network and
a sharing economy. In that aspect, Bandung has something
for everyone.
STOPOVER
When time is of the essence, grab a Boseh bike (the local
bike-share scheme) and pedal around Braga (the old town,
(From right)
Take a dive
into Bandung’s
lush landscape.
Extreme
hammocking
at Tebing
Gunung Hawu.
with buildings that date back to the 1920s—1950s) and Instagram-friendly interior. They still proudly make every cup
Jalan Asia Afrika to admire some of Bandung’s finest colonial of coffee by hand.
architecture. Its art deco appeal has even earned it the In the evening, head to Paskal Food Market to sample some
moniker, “Paris of Java”. traditional Sundanese dishes such as Batagor, fried meatballs
Across the river, you’ll find Alun Alun Park and Bandung and tofu served with peanut sauce, or Seblak, a sambal-soaked
Grand Mosque, built in 1812, with its spectacular twin spicy stew of Indonesian crackers, which is Bandung’s most
minarets. The park itself was fully refurbished with synthetic famous dish.
grass in 2014 and is a popular place for locals to nongkrong,
the Indonesian concept of hanging out with friends. A short WEEKEND
walk past the park, on Jalan Alkareti, you’ll find Warung Kopi With a couple of days more to explore, tackle one of Bandung’s
Purnama, Bandung’s oldest kopitiam, where four generations most popular volcanic peaks, Mt Tangkuban, for lush jungle,
of one family have been serving since 1940. In recent years wildlife encounters and spectacular views of the city. Follow
it’s become one of the city’s hippest hangouts thanks to its the easy paved path to the top or take the more adventurous
14TEXT SHARON CROWTHER & RYAN REUBEN IMAGES @TEBING_HAWU, WONDERFUL INDONESIA,
@DUNIAKULINERBDG, @SAUNGPENGKOLANLEMBANG UNSPLASH.COM & THE ASCOTT LIMITED
A dance
signature
(From top)
Sundanese
Udjo. Seblak
dishes. Bubu
Jungle Resort.
performance at
and Karedok—
Saung Angklung
15C U LT U R E C I T Y B R I E F
trail, both of which lead to the sulphur-belching crater of
this active peak. You’ll also find the Sari Ater hot springs on
the slopes, perfect for a post-hike soak.
Enjoy a more restful second day at Saung Angklung
Udjo, a Sundanese craft centre with daily live performances
of the angklung, a bamboo instrument unique to Indonesia,
played by the Sundanese for centuries. It was originally
used as a way to ask Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, for a good
harvest. Aspiring maestros can even try it for themselves.
HOLIDAY
More time in Bandung means more opportunity to explore
the region’s spectacular landscape including the dramatic
limestone cliffs of Tebing Gunung Hawu, 20 kilometres and
a 30-minute hike from Bandung.
The summit of this spectacular mountain is known
for two things: Incredible sunrises and extreme
hammocking, an adrenaline sport on the rise with Bandung
at the helm. Hammocking literally involves sitting in a FROM THE GROUND UP
hammock—except the hammock is suspended at great Armand Steinmeyer, Head of Business Development at TAUZIA
height from a rock formation. If you’d rather keep your feet hotels shares his impressions of how Bandung, Indonesia is
closer to the ground, river rafting and off-road driving are pushing for a greener future.
also available all around Bandung.
Culture lovers must explore NuArt Sculpture Park,
(From top) The picturesque
which exhibits the work of contemporary artist Nyoman
Putri Mountain is a key tourist
Nuarta, and check out Bandung Geological Museum for attraction in Bandung; Armand
insights into Indonesia’s unique natural history. Steinmeyer, Head of Business
Make sure you also take the time to meander among Development at TAUZIA hotels.
some of the region’s spectacular tea plantations, where you
can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a brew.
For something stronger, head for The Valley, a popular
hillside resort where cocktails are served against sunsets done this by emphasising
over the city. awareness among guests and
staff, and also improving the
technology in the hotels.
The Ascott Limited, including TAUZIA
hotels, has over 70 operational properties How does TAUZIA’s own What other eco-friendly
across Indonesia and an exceptionally strong sustainability ethos tie in initiatives has TAUZIA put
presence in Bandung—the likes of FOX HARRIS City Center with Bandung’s green drive? into practice?
Bandung, HARRIS Festival Citylink Bandung, HARRIS Bandung’s efforts at being a Since 2008, TAUZIA
Ciumbuleuit Bandung, POP! Festival Citylink Bandung, sustainable city all start with has pushed to put green
YELLO Paskal Promenade Bandung and FOX HARRIS Lite consumption, and beyond building at the heart of the
Metro Indah Bandung—and new openings such as Somerset our hotels in Bandung, we development of our POP!
Asia Afrika Bandung and Citadines Kings Bandung. All encourage all HARRIS, brand, which uses innovative
are designed with “green building” at the heart, employing FOX, YELLO and POP! design to reduce energy
innovative design to reduce energy consumption and overall Hotels to reduce water consumption and overall
maintenance needs. and energy consumption maintenance requirements.
throughout. We have We recently launched an
16(From left)
Relaxing poolside
of HARRIS Vertu
Hotel Harmoni.
The artsy and
colourful YELLO
Hotel Manggarai.
What is admirable about how many trees and gardens
the city’s green initiatives there are in the centre
is that they are becoming a of the city and lining the
way of life that is supported streets. Jalan Jawa and the
at the grassroots level. The surrounding area is quite
local communities have been pleasant to walk in.
very active in recycling and
reducing the use of plastic What else do you like
in their daily consumption, about Bandung?
showing that Bandung is in When I have the time, I really
tune with concerns on waste enjoy taking a walk in the old
and aims to be a national part of town to admire the
leader in this space. architecture, which dates
back from the 1920s to the
In your opinion, how have 1950s. The buildings here are
Bandung’s eco-friendly quite well preserved and also
efforts paid off ? close to some of the best
Bandung’s green initiatives food in the city.
are part of a wider
transformation and naturally What are TAUZIA’s future
initiative to reduce the use integrated with Jakarta’s will take some time. Given plans in Bandung?
of plastic in all our properties bustling economy. As such, that Indonesia is undergoing Bandung is a fast-growing
and we are also part of city it was a natural extension intensive infrastructural city, and we aim to be part
clean-ups when our hotels for TAUZIA to grow in a development—with railroads, of its growth. New suburbs
are nearby. Hospitality city known so famously as roads, and airports—we centred around tourism,
moving forward has to be the ‘Paris of Java’—it is a big will see the results of this education and research
green, and we want to be destination for international combined effort in the near are taking shape, and with
part of this transformation. travellers from Southeast future. However, the city’s our partners, we hope
Asia as well as people from green direction and putting to fulfil the city’s growth
What was the strategic the surrounding provinces residents at the heart of the needs, whether these are
thinking behind locating for weekend getaways, change will certainly improve for students travelling
six of your properties in conventions and business. daily life in Bandung. to discover Bandung,
Bandung? businessmen attending
Bandung is the third- Which components of Which is your favourite conferences in the city or
largest metropolitan area Bandung’s eco-friendly green space in the city? tourists coming here to enjoy
in Indonesia and well- drive impress you the most? Personally, I really enjoy its culinary delights.
17C U LT U R E V I E W P O I N T
MAKING
THE WORLD GO
AROUND Why let waste go to
waste, literally? In
a circular economy,
designers have found
a way to conserve
resources and save
the planet by turning
trash into treasure
hat if you could take something destined for
the dump and turn it into something new?
Rethinking design and how things are
made, some entrepreneurs have found a way to tackle
trash. With creativity, waste materials have found a
new lease of life—thanks to the regenerative nature of
a circular economy.
In a current linear approach, companies employ a
“take-make-waste” model: Make it, buy it, use it and
dispose of it. Maximising the number of products made
and sold is top priority, with waste as a byproduct. “We turn excess into efficiencies,” says Bödecker. Founders of
However, in a circular economy, the byproducts From old DVDs to cracked smartphone glass, no Pentatonic,
from one industry gets repurposed as raw materials for element is beyond the scope of possibilities. Even CEO Johann
another. Designing waste out of the system, one man’s plastic bottles can be fashioned into beautiful chairs. Bödecker and
trash becomes another man’s treasure. Unlike a linear Case in point: Pentatonic has recently partnered CMO Jamie Hall,
take waste plastics
economy, priority is placed on retaining the value of with Starbucks to create furniture out of the coffee and turn them
the products, parts and materials themselves. chain’s own store waste. Fashioned in the Pentatonic into possibilities.
Reduce, re-use and recycle are the trademarks of Trash Lab, their collaboration will see the re-
this self-sustaining system. In a finite (read: limited) engineering of Starbucks’ iconic “Bean” chair which
world, this constant repurposing of resources becomes is slated for release in June 2019. The chair frame is
a “made to be made again” solution to keep the world made from polypropylene—common food packaging—
turning while keeping garbage out of the landfill. while the upholstery and foam are constructed from
polyethylene terephthalate (the material found in
TEXT: ANNABEL MIDDLETON
RE-IMAGINING FURNITURE plastic bottles and frappuccino cups).
That is what innovative companies like London and Vice-president of Design, Starbucks EMEA
Berlin-based Pentatonic are doing. New materials are (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Ad de Hond affirms
invented using the world’s most abundant resource— the partnership: “This fantastic collaboration with
human trash—“without compromising on design, Pentatonic lets us give post-consumer waste a second
performance or function,” founders Johann Bödecker life while finding solutions that can positively impact
(CEO) and Jamie Hall (CMO) promise. the environment.”
18Designed by
the London
and Berlin-
based circular
economy pioneer
Pentatonic, this
premium high-
performance
hanger is the
first in a suite
of products
manufactured
from surplus
synthetic waste.
Due to be released
in June 2019, the
iconic Starbucks
Bean Chair was
recreated from
upcycled textiles,
made using only
plastic waste
from the store.
“The partnership
of Pentatonic’s
technology
and Starbucks’
commitment to a
greener future is
truly significant
for the planet,”
says Jamie
Hall, CMO of
Pentatonic.
19C U LT U R E V I E W P O I N T
TRANSFORMING TECHNOLOGY constructed from three modular components. The
Similarly, at UK design studio Gomi, every material equivalent of 100 plastic bags goes into the rectangular
maintains its value. The sustainable design company body of each speaker which is hand-marbled, so no
recently created a portable bluetooth speaker using two speakers look alike.
flexible plastic waste such as plastic bags and pallet “Each time we melt down coloured plastics, we
wrap, while working with audio professionals and get a different effect,” says Meades. “This creates a
engineers to ensure the highest sound quality. unique artisan aesthetic and gives each speaker its
“We wanted to intercept a waste stream that own identity.”
would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated,” says In the spirit of the circular economy, its
co-founder and sustainable designer Tom Meades. components can be melted into new components for
“Flexible plastics (or low-density polyethylene) are future products—without losing any material value.
widely regarded as non-recyclable by UK councils. We “I have always hated the idea of throwing away
wanted to prove that waste plastic could be turned into electronic products as they just sit in landfills,” says
a high-end functioning product.” Meades. “I wanted to make a product which never
Using both traditional craft techniques and had to end up this way and can be processed into
digital fabrication, each stunning Gomi Speaker is something new when it is no longer required.”
“We wanted to prove that waste plastic could be
turned into a high-end functioning product.”
BORROW, NOT OWN
Another way to recycle is to simply not acquire
anything in the first place. Founders of Harth,
Henrietta Thompson and her husband, Ed Padmore,
came up with the idea to bring a circular economy
to the world of interior design—by introducing a
platform through which one can rent furniture,
accessories and artworks from the world’s best
interior designers, brands, artists and dealers.
The equivalent
of 100 plastic
bags goes into
the body of each
Gomi speaker,
which comprises
three modular
marbled-plastic
components
that are easily
recyclable. These
are marbled
by hand, which
creates a unique
look for each
Gomi speaker.
20Top: Harth’s
high-end furniture
rentals let you
transform your
space whenever
you feel like it.
Left: Eileen
Fisher’s line of
clothing features
garments that
are made from
organic linen
which is grown
without synthetic
fungicides,
pesticides and
Thompson points out that there is “too much Top: The “Waste herbicides.
stuff ” created in a world that often does not really No More”
need it. Instead of focusing on ownership, focus on programme takes
borrowing. Connecting the lenders to borrowers, the waste fabrics and
concept is simple: Designers can feature their unique turns them into fashion industry. Since 2009, the brand has been
beautiful pillows.
pieces, and art-appreciators can rent those pieces taking back old clothes—with every return, you get
without having to fork out a fortune. a $5 Renew Rewards card, redeemable online at
She believes that “no-ownership” is the way of eileenfisher.com and Renew stores (available in the
the future. “We are surrounded by beautiful interiors US only).
and inspiring designs everywhere. People want a bit Pieces that are in perfect condition are given
of that. Hopefully we can make it more accessible,” a “good-as-new” laundering and resold through
Thompson adds. its Renew programme, while damaged pieces get
That means getting creative and experimenting transformed into one-of-a-kind artworks, pillows and
more freely. “When you can change everything easily, wall hangings using a custom felting method by its
you can have a lot more fun with your interiors,” says “Waste No More” team.
Thompson. “It takes away stress from the decision- The brand believes in taking responsibility for what
making process when you know something is only it makes and also where it all ends up. “We want to
going to be temporary. You can literally lift (and upend the conventional cycle of consumerism and
recreate) a room from the pages of a magazine!” design a future without waste,” says Eileen Fisher.
“The pieces we cannot sell become tomorrow’s raw
FASHION REFASHIONED material and reborn as new textiles or refashioned as
Even bigwigs like American designer Eileen Fisher new clothes. We imagine a future in which waste is a
are committed to transforming waste culture in the thing of the past.”
21C U LT U R E V I E W P O I N T
BUILDING A
COMMUNITY
The emerging trend of coliving may be the
perfect solution to rising property prices
and a salve for solitude
A
shared home, where you get to live with
(From right)
like-minded individuals around your age, have Coworking spaces
meals with them, talk about your experiences offer a platform
and the projects you’re working on, and perhaps even for like-minded
make valuable business connections. Welcome to the individuals to
have creative
new world of coliving.
conversations.
This emerging hospitality concept came about as Chic, cosy spaces
a solution to combat rising property prices in highly and sustainable
developed urban areas. In expensive cities such as concepts make lyf
London and San Francisco, it is near impossible for Funan Singapore
perfect for the
young adults who are just starting out in their careers
new generation of
to afford a decent place to stay. professionals.
This alternative to renting is also a way to nurture
a sense of community through shared living spaces
such as the kitchen, dining area and communal they may also feel energised through interactions and
spaces. These shared spaces are meant to foster discussions with their co-sharers.
collaboration and socialisation, making them the With a generation of young people comfortable
TEXT: SITI ROHANI IMAGES: STOCKSY &THE ASCOTT LIMITED
perfect panacea to the increasing sense of solitude with the idea of shared spaces and also concerned
and loneliness felt by a social media generation that is with limited resources, it then makes perfect sense to
more accustomed to interacting via a screen. extend this way of life beyond working hours.
lyf, a new coliving brand by The Ascott Limited,
LYF WELL LIVED has gone one step further to cater to this target
Coliving is a result of the sharing, or gig, economy demographic by ensuring that their coliving concept
where everything from working spaces to transport and product is designed and managed by millennials
needs are shared. It is a natural progression from co- for millennials and the millennial-minded.
working, which allows strangers to share work space Ascott’s first lyf property in Singapore, lyf Funan
with different people across different industries. This Singapore, is located at the heart of Singapore’s Civic
is especially attractive to digital nomads who may be and Cultural District. It is set to open its doors at the
working as they travel and who are now able to set up end of the year and will offer a range of apartment
office anywhere in the world. Not only are they able layouts that are suitable for singles, couples and even
to get a comfortable and connected space to work, larger groups of up to eight guests, for both long or
22short stays. There will be 279 units, with the flexibility
to offer up to 412 rooms.
The coliving lifestyle may be tempting to those
who want the freedom to move to other cities or
countries whenever and wherever opportunities
arise. With the flexibility of short-term coliving
spaces, it makes it easy to up and leave when the next
opportunity arises, without the need to give up your
lease early or sell off your belongings.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Coliving takes away the hassle of finding your own
roommates or flat mates. You’ll get instant flat mates
who are also looking for a dynamic place and way to
live. Imagine the energy and ideas you will be exposed
to, as you live in a shared home with like-minded
people who are keen to build a community together.
If you’re new in town, staying in a coliving space is
the perfect way to make new friends and connections
due to the availability of social events you can take
part in. At lyf Funan Singapore, communal spaces
are designed to facilitate collaboration, community
building and social activities. These include the “say
hi” reception counter, the “connect” communal
lounges, the “bond” social kitchen, “wash and hang”
laundromat and “burn” social gym.
23C U LT U R E V I E W P O I N T
At lyf Funan
Singapore,
communal spaces
are designed
to facilitate
collaboration,
community building
and social activities.
Aside from enabling interpersonal relationships,
interaction with the local culture and community sit
at the core of the brand. You can also depend on lyf
guards, who are themselves millennials and possibly
also residents, to look after guests as they function
as community managers, city guides and problem
solvers all rolled into one.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t get
your privacy for those days when you don’t feel like
socialising—you’re free to opt out of activities when
you need some alone time.
As a brand that aspires to meet the needs of digital
natives, lyf will provide guests with a digital experience
by going paperless and cashless. By accessing a
multi-function mobile app, guests can check-in,
participate in social activities, open doors and also
make multiple bookings at different destinations
within the same transaction.
These destinations include the eight properties
with over 1,500 units that fall under the lyf brand
in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, that
are slated to open between 2019 and 2021. Here
in Singapore, we can look forward to two new
properties—lyf Farrer Park Singapore and lyf one-
north Singapore—opening in 2021, proving that
coliving is a trend that’s here to stay.
24MILESTONES
Citadines Islington
London
Opening in the second half of 2019,
Citadines Islington London is sited close
to the West End, the UK’s premier
entertainment quarter and Europe’s
largest shopping district. The serviced
residence will offer modern living
within a beautifully restored Edwardian
building. Residents can choose from
studio and one-bedroom apartments
with connecting rooms, and enjoy
facilities such as a breakfast and lounge
area as well as a gymnasium.
Citadines Citadines Connect Ascott Corniche
Confluent Nantes Sydney Airport Al Khobar
The iconic French city is the site of the This property, the second to open Once it opens in the third quarter of this
upcoming Citadines Confluent Nantes, under the Citadines Connect brand of year, the Ascott Corniche Al Khobar in
to open in the third quarter of 2019. unique short-stay offerings for frequent Saudi Arabia will set new standards for
Located near an array of landmarks such travellers, boasts an intoxicating mix sophisticated living, providing its guests
as Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral of modern-chic and retro-cool with with top-notch comforts that help
and the Tour de Bretagne skyscraper, its pastel colours, smooth woods and them feel at home on the road. From
this residence boasts spacious studios, polished metal finishes. Each of its 150 premier studios to luxury three-bedroom
all with a kitchen, living area, bathroom, guest rooms features deluxe bedding, a penthouses, these contemporary
modern bedrooms and Wi-Fi. A meeting 55-inch TV set, complimentary Wi-Fi, apartments are spacious and elegantly
room is also available for conference and rainfall shower and blackout curtains for furnished as with other properties under
business purposes. the perfect night’s sleep. the Ascott brand worldwide.
2526
C U LT U R E T R A V E L N O T E S
TEXT: SANDHYA MAHADEVAN IMAGES: UNSPLASH.COM, RESTAURANT DE
KAS. @IRISMAREE, @WATSONFOODBAR, WRITER & THE ASCOTT LIMITEDDUTCH
BEAUTY
A curious mix of history, culture,
permissiveness and inherent
eco-friendliness—discover the many
facets of the city of Amsterdam.
uaint, pulsating, rooted in culture and a devoid of rules and regulations either, Amsterdam
(From left) If you are
haven for free-thinkers and thrill seekers— thrives on the famed Dutch tolerance—gedogen— looking to duplicate
there are many words albeit contradicting the “live and let live” policy that has shaped the city the postcard
that can aptly describe Amsterdam—the provincial since the 17th century—the Dutch golden age. The imagery of a bicycle
capital of the Netherlands. government policies, Gedoogbeleid, to that end leant on the steel
bridge against a
It lures tourists from all over the world. Last year accommodate (tolerate) with concession, but make
beautiful sunset or
alone, it was estimated that it had tourist traffic of 20 no compromise when it comes to the safety of its sunrise, position
million. That is staggering by any standards, but more citizens. The “anything goes” air that looms over the yourself anywhere
so considering that its resident population is only city is part of this unsaid agreement, which its people on Prinsengracht
about one million, of which 45 per cent are expats— respect—the same, however, cannot always be said of (gracht, Dutch for
canal), Herengracht
even the Dutch in Amsterdam are from other parts its tourists.
or Keizersgracht.
of the Netherlands. This flourishing city on the banks Slot in a trip to
of the Amstel river is home to about 180 nationalities. WATER CULTURE Keukenhof tulip
On the surface, while it may seem like a maze of The Amstel River is Amsterdam’s heartline—also gardens if in the
canals, bars, weed cafés, brothels and nightclubs, a its only fresh water source. Eight-hundred years city between end
March and mid May.
sense of family and a preference for the simple life ago when the city started taking shape it was called
runs deep in the culture. And it’s not completely Amsteldammer and has since gotten shortened to
27C U LT U R E T R A V E L N O T E S
Amsterdam. One-thousand-six hundred bridges
ply over its canals, which sees a traffic of 2,800
houseboats and 10,000 private boats.
“If you were in a houseboat 50 years ago, you
were a hippie, a loser; but now it’s considered cool. If
you live in a boat in the city, you will suddenly have a
lot of friends,” laughs the captain of our canal boat.
This lifestyle association is largely due to the fact
that now the boats are all connected to the main
utilities and water, so no waste gets dumped in the
river. This is a major step up, considering that 200 A graffiti of
years ago, Amsterdam was a sewer. The rich and Anne Frank
famous, who owned houses here would visit only in at Amsterdam’s
winter as the cold made the stench bearable—hence NDSM wharf, its
shipyard-turned-
the popular literary reference of Amsterdam as a
cultural centre.
beauty with bad breath. Expect ships
With a view towards a low-emission future, all and containers
canal boats in Amsterdam are also being converted to repurposed
electric with consecutive efforts to increase charging as cafes, co-
stations around the canals. The boats are fitted sharing spaces,
artist studios,
lithium-iron-phosphate, which is different from what greenhouses,
one would find in regular automobiles. Not only do and projects
they have a larger capacity, but are also more durable like De Cuevel
and environmentally friendly. At the moment some (deceuvel.nl) that
of the tourist boats are still diesel guzzlers, but the focus on making
sustainability
stipulations require them to switch from diesel to concepts fun
electric by 2025. and tangible.
ECO-FRIENDLY ATTITUDE
Amsterdam’s gedogen attitude no doubt makes it bicycle lanes, parking and charging stations, biking
a tourist magnet, but once you go a bit deeper, the around the city is probably the best way to explore
progressive sustainability and innovation intertwined it. The city is fairly compact, so navigating the city
in its makeup reveals itself. on foot is the next best option. Even the tramlines,
Its impressive zero-carbon mode of transportation which are great for quick stops between attractions,
hits from the get-go. With an elaborate network of and trains, work on green electricity.
Regulations prohibit scooters and mopeds from
before 2010—which use fossil fuels—as well as trucks
With a view towards a low from before 2005 from entering the “Environmental
Zone”, which encompasses the entire inner city of
emission future, all canal Amsterdam. Since 2018, many establishments have
opted for cash-free payments—ticket officers in
boats in Amsterdam are trams only accept credit or debit card payments for
tickets and charging a 1.5 euro bottle of water to a
also being converted to credit card is par for the course here.
electric with consecutive GET DOWN TO IT
The Dutch have an astute awareness of the harm
efforts to increase charging global warming can do to the city: Amsterdam is set
below sea level with the imminent danger of flooding
stations around the canals. with rising sea levels. That’s not to say it’s plastic-free
28either, but Amsterdam start-up Plastic Whale, who
Amsterdam’s
fish out the plastic from Amsterdam’s canals and
historic centre
give them new life, are forces of change. It started has numerous
with the goal of building a boat out of the plastic important
waste shipped out of the canals. Today, it has not buildings: The
one but 10 boats, and has also launched its circular New Church,
Royal Palace,
office furniture line. Visitors to Amsterdam can sign
Amsterdam
up for a two-hour “fishing” tour with the company History Museum
(plasticwhale.com/plastic-fishing), while taking in the and more.
city’s historic centre—the area around Dam Square,
which encompasses the medieval city as it existed
during the Dutch Golden Age.
CONSCIOUS SHOPPING
Amsterdam is like a museum of a bygone era—every
structure celebrates that history—and you will find
a museum for almost everything as well here. From
the bigger players, Rijks, Stedelijk and Van Gogh
at Museumplein, to the bizarre—the Torture and wall of information in this minimalist space has a “Take
Funeral museums—and off-the beaten track ones Action” plaque on changes you can make to your
like a houseboat museum (of course) and Fashion everyday that can make a difference. You can scan
for Good. The latter is a global initiative that focuses these to make a pledge and email to yourself
on and highlights innovation for sustainable and as reminders.
accessible fashion. Housed in a heritage building Designer Iris Maree (irismaree.com) subscribes to
that was once Sotheby’s, a Gentleman’s Club and this—her eponymous vegan bag label works on a “love
then a Reading Museum, Fashion for Good faces animal love fashion” motto. The brand’s boutique in
one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, its Red Light Amsterdam’s shopping haven, Herenstraat, houses
District and is a short walk from the city’s boutique bags made from animal-friendly materials that marry
shopping street Negen Staatjes (9 streets). Every style and quality with eco-friendliness.
29C U LT U R E T R A V E L N O T E S
Amsterdam-born and based fashion brand,
Mumami (mumami.nl) at Paleisatraat, Dam Square,
works on the basis of low-carbon, low to no-wastage
production. The brainchild of a Bosnian fashion
designer, Asmira Salkanovic, who fled the war, all
Mumami products are entirely handmade in Bosnia.
Salkanovic was inspired by her little daughter’s
childlike, unfettered creativity—so expect bright
colours, vibrant prints and happy clothes for children
and adults, home ware and accessories.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Veganism is catching on the world over—and in
Amsterdam where American fast food chains,
meat-loving Dutch and fried food dominate, vegan
junk food somehow fits right in. “Our mission is to
break through the stigma surrounding plant-based
food and to introduce people to plant-based food in
an approachable way, without compromising taste,
texture and experience,” says Mireille Sanches of
chain, Vegan Junk Food Bar (veganjunkfoodbar.com).
When the menu includes food like the juicy Notorious
Sumo burger made from plant-based beef, Loaded
VJFB fries, their version of the Dutch favourite
Kapsalon (topped with plant-based shawarma) and
Amsterdam Bitterballen, it’s not surprising that the
“response has been amazing”.
Restaurants like De Kas (restaurantdekas.nl)
create a whole new experience around food with fresh
sustainable farming concepts. Chef Jos Timmer and
his team create their fixed menu based on the harvest
30You can also read
