Gastrobeats 2026
Honest Review: Is Singapore's Biggest Food Festival Still Worth Visiting?
Venue: Bayfront Event Space
Dates: 5–28 June 2026
Our Rating:★★★★☆ (4/5)
Now in its fifth year, GastroBeats has become one of Singapore's most anticipated food festivals, bringing together food vendors, carnival games, live performances, and brand activations all in one space.
This year, the event once again takes over Bayfront Event Space with dozens of food booths, photbooths, carnival games, live entertainment, and experiential booths from brands such as Coca Cola, Somersby, 1664, and many more.
After spending an evening exploring the grounds and trying a range of food offerings, here's our honest take on whether GastroBeats 2026 is worth your time and money.
Food Review
Wagyu Beef Cubes
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The Wagyu beef cubes were reasonably tender and flavourful, but they didn't quite deliver the premium taste we were expecting. While enjoyable, it wasn't a particularly memorable dish compared to some of the other options available at the festival. At S$20, it was a pleasant snack, though there were a few other dishes that left a stronger impression on us.
Fish & Chips
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Nosh's Fish & Chips is a solid take on the classic dish. The fish was coated in a crispy batter and remained flaky on the inside, while the portion size was decent enough for a satisfying meal.
While we enjoyed it, the dish felt quite familiar and didn't particularly stand out among the many food options available at GastroBeats. That said, sometimes there's comfort in sticking to the classics, and this delivered exactly what we expected from a plate of fish and chips.
At S$21.90, it was a satisfying option that will likely appeal to those looking for something reliable and comforting amidst the festival offerings. While it wasn't our standout dish of the night, it was still an enjoyable meal overall.
Chilled & Mentaiko Oysters
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
We tried both the Chilled and Mentaiko Oysters from Slurp Your Oysters. The oysters are sourced from Japan, and we were able to choose between Signature Mango Salsa or Thai Chilli for the chilled oysters, and Mentaiko or Cheese for the grilled oysters.
Pricing starts at S$16 for 3 chilled oysters and S$18 for 3 grilled oysters, with larger portions available at S$30 for 6 chilled oysters and S$32 for 6 grilled oysters. The oysters were fresh, big, and juicy, with the chilled oysters served at the right temperature and the mentaiko version adding a nice layer of flavour.
That said, while we enjoyed them, they didn't particularly stand out compared to some of the other offerings at GastroBeats. The oysters were fresh and well-executed, making them a solid choice for oyster lovers looking for a quick seafood fix. However, compared to some of the other stalls we tried at GastroBeats, they didn't leave as strong an impression.
Horizon & Dawn
Rating: ★★★⯨☆ (3.5/5)
Need a break from the heat? Thirsty's coconut-based drinks offer a refreshing option while you explore the festival grounds.
We tried both the Horizon ($10) and Dawn ($11). Horizon combines butterfly pea tea, coconut water, and sea salt cold foam, while Dawn features a blend of coconut, pistachio crunch, pistachio cold foam, and roasted pistachio glaze.
Both drinks were refreshing and easy to enjoy, with the coconut base making them particularly cooling on a warm evening. They were also visually stunning, with vibrant colours and carefully layered toppings. While neither drink particularly stood out from a flavour perspective, they delivered exactly what we expected and served as a welcome respite from the heat.
Collagen Ramen & Creamy Mala Udon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Both dishes from No Time Hot Pot were priced at $18.80 and turned out to be pleasant surprises, especially if you're looking for something warm and satisfying amid all the barbecue, pizzas, and finger food.
The Collagen Ramen featured a rich and flavourful broth that was comforting without feeling overly heavy. Meanwhile, the Creamy Mala Udon struck a good balance between spice and creaminess. The creamy base helped tone down the mala kick, creating a dish that was flavourful without being overwhelmingly spicy.
While neither dish completely stole the show, both were great options that delivered on flavour and comfort.
Margherita & Chilli Crab Pizza
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tonda Pizza Romana brings its signature Roman-style pizzas to GastroBeats. We tried both the Margherita ($5 per slice) and Chilli Crab pizzas ($8 per slice) and while the Chilli Crab pizza was good, we personally preferred the Margherita. It had just the right balance of cheese and tomato, with neither flavour overpowering the other, making for a simple yet satisfying slice.
Everything Platter
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
The standout dish of our visit and arguably one of the best food offerings we tried at GastroBeats 2026. Priced at $154, the Everything Platter is designed for sharing and comes with 1 Full Dino Beef Rib, 2 Beef Cheek Burgers,1 Beef Loaded Tater Tots, and 1 Mashed Potatoes.
The star of the platter was undoubtedly the Dino Beef Rib, which was tender, smoky, and packed with flavour. Surprisingly, the mashed potatoes were also a standout, with their rich, buttery flavour making them one of our favourite parts of the platter.
Wchat impressed us most was that the platter didn't feel like a gimmicky festival item. Despite the premium price tag, the portion size was generous and the quality of the meats justified the cost, especially when shared among a group.
One thing to note is that Jett Barbecue was one of the busiest stalls during our visit, so be prepared to queue, especially during peak dinner hours.
Beyond the Food:
Experiential Booths
One aspect of GastroBeats that stood out to us was the number of experiential booths scattered throughout the festival grounds. Brands such as Coca-Cola, Somersby, 1664, Carlsberg, and Connor's went beyond simply serving drinks and created spaces that encouraged visitors to stop, interact, and take photos.
The booths were thoughtfully designed, with many featuring eye-catching installations and aesthetic setups that were highly photo-worthy. Many of the booths also hosted interactive activities and mini-games, giving visitors the opportunity to win merchandise, vouchers, and other prizes. These activations helped create a more engaging experience and provided something to do in between food stops.
Overall, the experiential booths added a fun and lively element to GastroBeats, offering a nice break in between food stops making the festival feel like more than just a food event.
Photobooths & Carnival Games
Solace Studio - Photobooths
One of the highlights beyond the food was Solace Studio, which brought its Solace Theatre concept to GastroBeats. The setup featured 9 themed photobooths: Cinema Hall, Popcorn Ball Pit, Claw Machine, Spotlight, Director's Room, Gold Class, Box Office, Flip Book, and Newspaper.
With prices starting from S$12, visitors can choose from a variety of photo strip templates and designs. We particularly enjoyed the MegaStrip, which produces extra-large photo prints that make for a memorable keepsake from the event. The themed photobooths were creative and well-executed, making them a fun activity to enjoy with friends. As expected for one of the more popular attractions at GastroBeats, queues can get quite long during peak hours.
Carnival Games & Amusement Rides
Families visiting GastroBeats will also find plenty to enjoy at J'Kids Amusement, which brought the carnival atmosphere to life with attractions such as Ring Toss, Bumper Cars, Train Rides, and the European Swing, Mini Viking, and Bouncy Castle. Credits are priced at S$1 each, with bonus credits available for larger top-ups.
While the food may be the main draw, the photobooths and carnival games and amusement rides helped round out the GastroBeats experience, giving visitors something to do between meals and making the festival feel like a complete night out rather than just a food hunt.
So, is GastroBeats 2026 worth visiting?
We'd say yes! With free entry, GastroBeats offers a relatively low-commitment way to spend an evening, whether you're there for the food, activities, or simply the atmosphere. Even if you're not planning to spend much on food, there's still plenty to see and do around the festival grounds. From the creatively designed experiential booths to the photobooths and carnival attractions, there are enough activities to keep you occupied for an evening.
We also appreciated that the event is pet-friendly, making it a nice outing option for those who want to bring their furry companions along.
If you're planning a visit, our biggest tip would be to bring a portable fan. The outdoor venue can get quite warm, especially during peak hours, and you'll likely be spending a fair amount of time walking around, queuing for food, and exploring the various booths.
Overall, GastroBeats 2026 delivers what it promises: good food, a lively atmosphere, and a fun night out by the waterfront. Not every dish was a winner, but with free admission and plenty to explore, it's definitely worth dropping by at least once before the festival wraps up.