SINGAPORE: The tiny city-state of Singapore is hosting its largest media contingent ever for the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. They will be well fed, if nothing else.

A sprawling 23,000-square-foot facility built for an annual Formula One race has been refurbished to handle about 3,000 journalists expected to cover Tuesday’s summit.

Singapore, arguably the food capital of Asia, is treating journalists to a spread of more than 20 local and international favorites at meal times.

There are quintessential Singaporean dishes, such as toast with a coconut and egg jam, chicken rice, and thick vermicelli in a spicy broth that’s made with dried shrimp.

Chia Chi Wei, a journalist from Taiwan and first-time visitor to Singapore, tried the famous chicken rice during a break: “I heard so much about it. It was very delicious.” The Common Good Company, a group of local eateries, is offering ice cream made with kimchi, a spicy Korean staple.

Belgian journalist Tom Van de Weghe arrived in the media centre, luggage in hand, after a 30-hour journey. “The food is amazing,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2018