Raffles Hotel Singapore Writer’s Residency Programme Ventures into Culinary Artistry With Chef André Chiang
The book was written based on Chef André Chiang's experiences during his residency at Raffles Hotel Singapore and encompasses culinary moments across four cultural regions
(Singapore, 7 April 2025) True to its commitment to being a steward of cultural heritage and the literary word, Raffles Hotel Singapore is proud to introduce the fourth Writer-in-Residence to be appointed as part of the Raffles Writer’s Residency programme – its first-ever chef, Chef André Chiang, and his new book “Fragments of Time”. The Writer’s Residency Programme was first introduced in 2019 to celebrate the hotel’s rich literary heritage and its long literary tradition of playing host and muse to renowned literary figures around the world. Poised as a serene retreat, a colonial architectural sanctuary, and a wellspring of history, arts and culture, the programme serves as a haven for esteemed writers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the 138-year-old storied walls of the Grande Dame – deep in thought as they bring their words to life on paper.
Chef André Chiang is a Taiwanese-born, award-winning French-trained chef renowned for his innovative approach to modern gastronomy, marked contributions to advancing the future of the culinary world, and inspiring new generations of culinary talents. He founded the now-defunct Restaurant André in Singapore, which earned two Michelin stars and was ranked among The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Chiang has received numerous accolades, including Asia’s Best Chef and recognition for his artistic culinary vision.
The book comprehensively explores the culinary heritage and innovations associated with Raffles Hotel and Singapore, framed within a deeper historical and cultural context. Drawing inspiration from a Chinese idiom (吉光片羽) where a mythical creature (吉光) left behind a fragment of its being – a single, unique feather (片羽), Chef André conceptualised his book as this feather – wherein the book holds a strikingly unique and storied collection of this region’s tapestry of heritage and tradition, melding fragments from Chinese, Indian, European, and Southeast Asian cultures over generations. The book reflects Chef André’s journey through his residency at Raffles Hotel Singapore, beginning with an introduction and its connection to the hotel, the cultures that feature within, and culinary traditions and techniques specific to each culture. Readers may find Chef Andre’s occasional musings and inspiration-starters interspersed throughout the book.
‘Fragments of Time’
It also includes Chef’s reflections on the storied state of the world in the year the iconic historic hotel was founded, 1887, painting a picture of the hotel as a repository of stories around the evolution of Singapore, through landmark industrial and political movements, culinary world developments and the turn of the century. He delves into the preservation of culinary heritage, the role of chefs in modern cuisine, and his hopes for the culinary world.
Raffles Hotel Singapore has long played muse to renowned literary personalities igniting their creativity within the hotel’s majestic setting, intriguing guests and its place in Singapore’s evolution. Overlapping with a new beginning in his career, the award-winning chef, storyteller, mentor and gamechanger in the culinary arts realm penned this 200-page book inspired by his life experiences, travels around the region and his residency at Raffles Hotel Singapore.
“Raffles Hotel Singapore, with its storied heritage and beautiful juxtaposition of old-world charm and modernity, is an undeniable keeper of many of these culture’s stories. It was an apt setting in which to reflect on defining moments and musings during my travels in these regions. Each recipe is a tribute, and I hope readers will appreciate how these precious fragments of time have come together to create something truly remarkable,” said Chef André Chiang.
“The Raffles Writer’s Residency programme is a significant part of the hotel’s legacy, and we endeavour to provide an urban oasis for thinkers and creatives of our time. Chef André is a world-renowned chef and an artist in his own right, and joins a hallowed list of visionaries who have featured in our journey supporting and inspiring the art of the written word and acclaimed storytellers,” said Christian Westbeld, Managing Director at Raffles Hotel Singapore.
‘Fragments of Time’ is now available for purchase online at https://www.rafflesarcade.com.sg/product/fragments-of-time and in-store at Raffles Boutique for S$98.
