It is a weekday, and I am at the newly opened speciality grocer Little Farms in MyVillage in the middle of suburban Serangoon Gardens. The crowds trawling the food aisles are a mix of locals and expats who are there to shop for some of the best when it comes to items such as meats, seafood, deli and pantry essentials, fresh vegetables and fruit, ready-to-eat must-haves, as well as a sizeable plant-based selection.
An elderly shopper, thrilled to find some treasures, commented that she could finally get some items not found in the neighbourhood grocery stores. More and more people are looking for sustainable foods and looking into where our produce comes from, and Little Farms is addressing this trend. The company is committed to offering only all-natural and delicious food, ensuring that ingredient lists are free from “nasties” such as indecipherable additives and flavourings.
Through carefully forged relationships with trusted farmers and artisanal producers, the brand also ensures full traceability of the produce and products. All organic products are certified and clearly labelled.
Little Farms specialises in the highest quality produce, meats, seafood, dairy and groceries
For customers to enjoy the true “farm-to-store” journey, fresh and seasonal produce is harvested only at their prime and transported to the stores within 48 hours. Little Farms eschews the practice of allowing produce to ripen during an extended journey that could span weeks, resulting in a loss of flavour and nutrients. The “farm-to-store” concept is prevalent at Little Farms. The opening of Little Farms Serangoon Gardens is its sixth and comes after the launch of the flagship store in Tanglin Mall, which opened in June last year.
Joe Stevens, CEO of Little Farms, says: “Since the opening of our first store at Valley Point in 2016, we have been inspired by a steady uptrend of customers who find joy in being a part of our community. We fell in love with our Serangoon Garden location the minute we stepped foot into it. While undoubtedly bustling, Serangoon Garden retains a very ‘local’ and charming feel — a warm and welcoming vibe that aligns with the community spirit that Little Farms aspires to evoke.”
After my purchases were rung up and packed (you are encouraged to bring your bags), I needed a lunch break. Thankfully, Little Farms Bar + Grill is located just adjacent to the grocery section, and the al fresco dining area is perfect for a hearty, healthy and delicious grill-focused meal.
Head chef Carl Jaeger helms Little Farms Bar + Grill
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For $24, I had the Smash Burger made of O’Connor Beef and King Onion Rings; this was recommended by Head chef Carl Jaeger, who was kind enough to let me see how the meal was prepared through the open kitchen concept. The beef was tender and cooked to a level where the juices were maintained just enough to keep the meat moist. The piece de resistance on the plate is King Onion Rings which are so moreish everyone is asking for it to be sold as a takeaway snack. According to the chef, the dish takes a long preparation process, and keeping quantities small helps retain the quality of the onion rings, which are well-flavoured with a soft centre as you bite through the crunchy exterior.
If you are there around brunch time, which is until 2pm, the Shakshuka with Tomato, Avocado, Coddled Eggs, and Feta cheese served with Sourdough ($20) is a must-try. There are many variations to this Maghreb dish that comes with a touch of spices. The chef’s attention to detail is found in all his dishes, and this stems from his culinary beginings where as a young boy, he was inspired by his German and Puerto Rican heritage and each country’s love and respect for quality and tradition. He believes in cooking for guests just like he would for loved ones.
Apart from the extensive menu, the drinks list is just as varied. The Lululemon crowd who drops by after a yoga session will want fresh juices, smoothies and organic sodas. For others, there is a long list of cocktails and wines. The store offers a wide range of wines, champagnes, and spirits sourced from boutique vineyards across France and the exclusively-imported Peccavi Wines from Margaret River.
While running a successful and profitable business, the management at Little Farms also believes in giving back. As part of its zero-waste initiative, Little Farms sets aside unsold bakes for Divert for 2nd Life (D2L) rescuers to collect at the end of the day to be redistributed, along with other products that include unsold fresh produce, short-dated pantry items, and other off-season or off-the-shelf products. While the brand prides itself on only lining shelves with the freshest produce and products, it also wants more people to benefit from products made with no preservatives and clean ingredients.
Little Farms Bar + Grill
1 Maju Ave, Serangoon Garden, #01-12/19, MyVillage, 556679
Phone: 3158 7041
Opening hours
Retail:
Daily: 730am–930pm
Little Farms Bar + Grill:
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wednesday and Thursdays: 11am –930pm (last order 9pm)
Fridays: 11am–10pm (last order 930pm)
Saturdays: 9am–10pm (last order 930pm)
Sundays: 9am–930pm (last order 9pm)
