Is the ‘Singapore brand’ losing its shine in China’s food scene?

When Celine Teo feels homesick, she visits Singaporean eatery Vanda Room in Beijing’s central business district to enjoy delicacies such as chicken rice and laksa.“Being able to enjoy a familiar dish abroad always brings a sense of comfort and connection to home,” said the 25-year-old undergraduate, who has lived in China for four years.But Teo worries these connections are thinning, as some Singapore-linked F&B players retreat, refocus or struggle to defend their edge in China’s increasingly competitive market.Vanda Room, which opened its doors in 2012, has endured earlier shocks, such as during the Covid-19 outbreak when the restaurant’s owner was forced to suspend dine-in service and rely on delivery. But not every Singaporean brand has found it easy to hold its ground.Food Republic closed its last remaining store in Beijing, located at Oriental Plaza, on Monday. Photo: HandoutFood court chain Food Republic, a Singapore-run brand known for bringing hawker-style and regional street food under one roof, shut its outlet at Beijing’s Oriental Plaza on Monday after its lease expired.The store, which opened more than 25 years ago, was the chain’s first in the city.