Photo Credit: https://media.theindependent.sg/

Singapore’s food scene is about to get more interactive with the arrival of Gourmaze, the city’s first-ever food treasure hunt in Singapore. Set to officially launch on May 17, 2025, this innovative concept transforms Chinatown into a playground of culinary discovery where participants solve riddles and puzzles to uncover hidden food gems. Combining the excitement of an escape room with the pleasures of food tasting, Gourmaze offers a fresh approach to appreciating Singapore’s rich food heritage.

From London to Lion City: The Gourmaze Journey

After three successful years in London, where it earned over 500 five-star reviews and a prestigious Traveller’s Choice Award, Gourmaze is making its international debut in Singapore. The concept, which has generated more than $1.7 million SGD in revenue in the UK and channelled over $600,000 SGD to small food businesses, arrives with the backing of the Singapore Tourism Board.

“We’ve found that many locals often see Chinatown as more of a tourist spot, but they’re always surprised by how much there is to discover,” explains Holly Mennear, co-founder of Gourmaze. “Most of the time, even lifelong residents would still be shocked to find hidden corners they’ve never visited just a few blocks away.”

The timing of this launch aligns perfectly with Singapore’s growing appetite for interactive entertainment. With attractions like Bubble Planet and Harry Potter: Visions of Magic gaining popularity, Gourmaze enters a market where participants increasingly seek hands-on activities that offer both entertainment and cultural insight.

A Unique Blend of Adventure and Gastronomy

What sets this food treasure hunt in Singapore apart from traditional food tours is its self-guided, interactive nature. There are no tour guides herding groups from one location to another. Instead, participants receive clues and riddles via WhatsApp that lead them to various food establishments throughout Chinatown.

The adventure combines storytelling elements with puzzle-solving, turning what could be a simple food tour into an immersive adventure. As teams solve each puzzle, they unlock the location of their next culinary destination, learning about Chinatown’s rich history and cultural significance along the way.

How the Singapore Food Treasure Hunt Works

The “Tasty Treasure Hunt” is designed for teams of up to six players who embark on a three-hour journey through Chinatown. The entire experience is self-contained and begins at the Chinatown Visitor Centre on Banda Street, where participants collect their printed adventure card.

From there, the hunt unfolds as a series of WhatsApp messages guide teams to different locations. The route spans approximately 1-2 kilometres, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Players can proceed at their own pace, taking breaks when needed or spending extra time at stops that particularly interest them.

Culinary Rewards Throughout the Journey

As participants successfully decode clues in this food treasure hunt in Singapore, they’re rewarded with an array of local delicacies. The culinary journey includes:

A traditional breakfast taster
Two local treat samples
A Singaporean pastry
An iconic hawker dish
A local dessert
A tea tasting experience

These carefully selected items showcase the diversity of Singapore’s food scene, from traditional favourites to lesser-known delights. Each food stop has been chosen not only for its delicious offerings but also for its cultural significance in the tapestry of Singapore’s food heritage.

In addition to the food tastings, participants collect small souvenir gifts along the way, providing tangible mementos of their adventure through Chinatown’s vibrant streets.

Who Is Gourmaze For?

This innovative food treasure hunt in Singapore caters to a wide audience. For tourists, it provides an engaging way to explore one of the city’s most iconic districts while sampling authentic local cuisine. For locals, it presents an opportunity to rediscover a familiar neighbourhood from a fresh perspective, potentially uncovering hidden gems they’ve walked past countless times.

“Our aim is to create moments of joy, connection, and discovery for everyone, whether you’re a tourist or a local,” says Mennear. “We believe food is the perfect way to bring people together and help them experience the city in a new light.”

The format makes Gourmaze particularly suitable for:

Friends seeking a unique weekend activity
Families with children (suitable for ages 10 and up)
Corporate teams looking for team-building experiences
Couples wanting an alternative to traditional date activities
Food enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge of Singapore’s culinary landscape

A Boon for Local Businesses

Beyond providing entertainment, this food treasure hunt in Singapore serves a deeper purpose by directing foot traffic to local eateries that might otherwise be overlooked by visitors. Based on the London model, participating food establishments can expect increased exposure and revenue, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the experience provider and local businesses.

Practical Information for Participants

Those interested in joining Singapore’s first food treasure hunt should note that the experience takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. While suitable for most participants, the organisers advise that it may not be recommended for pregnant travellers, those with spinal injuries, or individuals with poor cardiovascular health.

The experience operates on a self-guided basis, meaning there’s no need to adhere to strict scheduling. Teams simply need to start during operating hours and can progress at their own pace. The WhatsApp-based system ensures that assistance is always available should teams get stuck on a particular clue.

Early interest has been strong, with trial runs receiving enthusiastic feedback for “its seamless integration of food, fun, and history, and its ability to surprise even seasoned locals,” according to Holly Mennear. With the official launch approaching, advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekend slots which are expected to fill quickly.

Beyond the Food: A New Way to See Singapore

What makes this food treasure hunt in Singapore particularly valuable is how it transforms the act of eating from a passive experience into an active adventure. By connecting food to stories, history, and problem-solving, Gourmaze creates deeper connections between participants and the places they visit.

For many Singaporeans, Chinatown may be an area they transit through regularly without stopping to appreciate its details. The treasure hunt format encourages participants to look up, look around, and engage with their surroundings in ways they normally wouldn’t. A shophouse façade might reveal clues, a street name might hold historical significance, and a seemingly ordinary alleyway might lead to extraordinary culinary treasures.

As Singapore’s first food treasure hunt prepares to make its mark on the local entertainment landscape, it represents a new chapter in how both residents and visitors can engage with the city’s rich food culture. By turning passive consumers into active explorers, Gourmaze offers a fresh perspective on the familiar streets of Chinatown and the delicious treasures they hold.