Taking Root

By merging sustainability and creativity, il Giardino's FELIX CHONG plants strong Italian roots in the heart of Singapore's Botanic Gardens.

- By SAMANTHA FRANCIS

Felix Chong likens the process of designing il Giardino's menu to planting a garden.

“You start with strong roots—in this case, Italian traditions—and let it grow in its own way, adding a few unexpected herbs and surprises,” says the Singaporean chef known for his expertise in Italian cuisine and his role as the Culinary Associate Director of Cuisine Development at 1-Group. The homegrown F&B, lifestyle, and hospitality group also runs the restaurants Monti (Italian), Una (Spanish), and Oumi (Japanese).

Since July, The Garage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens has been home to il Giardino, located on the second floor. With its lush surroundings, Singapore's first Unesco World Heritage site provides the perfect backdrop for the Italian restaurant.