On 28 June 2024, our team had the pleasure of dining at The Buffet Restaurant at M Hotel Singapore, where we indulged in their renowned Nasi Padang lunch buffet. It was a delightful Nasi Padang feast, featuring a wide array of delicious and authentic Indonesian dishes.
After a hearty lunch, our team headed to D’Open Kitchen at OUE Downtown 2 where we embarked on a flavourful adventure with a unique team-building event centered around ‘Master Chef ‘cooking Thai cuisine. The event was not just about culinary skills; it was designed to strengthen our teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities in an unconventional and engaging way.
The day began with a brief introduction to Thai ingredients and a cooking demonstration by a professional chef. We were then divided into 3 groups, each tasked with preparing 3 classic Thai dishes: appetizer, main and a dessert. This competition was centered round ‘ The Silent Killer ‘ which added an exciting twist; for about one hour we are not to talk to group members while preparing and cooking. This forced the 3 groups to rely on non-verbal communication and creative strategies to collaborate effectively.
Despite the silence, the kitchen buzzed with energy. We quickly discovered new ways to communicate, using gestures, facial expressions, and even improvisational sign language. It was amazing how we adapted to the challenge, finding innovative solutions to ensure our dishes were prepared nicely. Some of us of course could not resist breaking into laughter and had to sit out for 5 minutes as a penalty.
As the aromas of basil and chilli filled the air, the camaraderie among us grew stronger. The silent communication game highlighted the importance of understanding and anticipating each other’s needs without verbal cues, a skill that is invaluable in our everyday work environment. Once the cooking was complete, we gathered to share and enjoy the fruits of our labour. We were indeed surprised by the cooking skills of some staff and fascinated by the creative plating of each team’s dishes and also in awe that some whom we thought did not have a clue about cooking, they ended up being the “Master Chef”!
The event concluded with reflections on the experience and a prize giving ceremony. Team Greenies emerged as champions for the day with the best looking and tastiest dishes while Team Shiok won the prize for being the only compliant team for the “Silent Game”. Everyone simply had fun and enjoyed our time together in the kitchen. It not only provided us with a fun and memorable experience but also reinforced the importance of communication and teamwork. Plus, we all left with our stomachs full and a few new recipes to try at home!