Food has always had the power to connect people, and British Hainan has collaborated with a young chef Joachim Loo for Recipe for Good – a dining initiative to raise funds for The Bloom Fund. At the heart of this collaboration is a unique intergenerational partnership between two chefs: veteran Hainanese restaurateur Fredrick Phua, the man behind the beloved eatery British Hainan, and Joachim Loo, a young chef known for his modern approach to cuisine. Together, they have reimagined traditional Hainanese recipes while keeping their cultural roots intact, showing how respect across generations can spark fresh creativity on the plate.
Chef Frederick Phua is the veteran chef/restaurateur behind British Hainan. Photo © Katherine Goh
The result is a special line-up of three signature dishes, each steeped in heritage but given a new spin.
- Cream of Bone (S$32): A rich and velvety mutton soup, touched with a dash of Benedictine DOM and garnished with black fungus.
- The Pepper Shank (S$32.90): A lamb shank marinated overnight in British Hainan sauce, slow-cooked for eight hours, then finished with a peppercorn jus and pomme purée.
- The Tomesco Chop (S$16.90): A hearty breaded pork chop accompanied by Joachim’s handcrafted romesco sauce, adding a refined twist to a comfort classic.
Cream of Bone. Photo © Katherine Goh
Tomesco Chop. Photo © Katherine Goh
Ten percent of the sales from these dishes will go directly to The Bloom Fund, an intergenerational initiative that works to bridge generations, reduce social isolation, and build empathy across communities.
For the chefs, this partnership is about more than just good flavours. Joachim calls the journey “meaningful,” sharing how Uncle Fredrick’s stories gave him a deeper appreciation for the heritage that shaped Singapore’s food culture. Chef Fredrick, in turn, takes heart in seeing a younger chef embrace and reinterpret the recipes he grew up with, reminding him that food traditions are alive and evolving.
The Bloom Fund, managed by local arts charity TRCL, focuses on fostering meaningful connections between seniors and younger communities. By encouraging shared experiences, it hopes to reduce loneliness among the elderly while creating a more compassionate society.
With Recipe for Good, diners can do their part simply by enjoying a hearty meal. It is a reminder that food is more than sustenance; it is culture, connection and, in this case, a force for good.
The dishes launch on 26 August 2025 at British Hainan, and with only three creations on the special menu, there is every reason to make a trip down for a taste of heritage reborn.
British Hainan
158 Kallang Way
#01-06A
Singapore 349245
Opening hours: Tue to Sun – 11am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm
