Issue 2: The Conversation with Judith Von Prockl-Chng
The Gourmet on Tour founder on how you can discover culinary gems while travelling consciously.
Judith Von Prockl-Chng enjoyed a starry career in the internet retail industry, having worked for Amazon when the company first launched in Europe in its heyday. But her calling in entrepreneurship was so strong that she couldn’t stop herself from jumping into the unknown and starting anew.
These days, the Gourmet on Tour founder is travelling around the world to curate and celebrate one-of-a-kind experiences for food lovers who want to see the world a little differently. She meets with a small but fine family of producers in wine and culinary, hoping that she will find what travel guests are looking for. And oftentimes they do, when they spend an incredible amount of time immersing in the local cultures in one-on-one relationships.
Her curated tours have taken guests to locations in Italy, France, U.K., Ireland, Spain, Morocco, China, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka and the U.S. Guests may stay at a converted farmhouse, a 16th century Renaissance villa, a stunning chateau, charming guesthouse or a design boutique hotel - most that are intimate and rich with history. Her company even won popular awards like Experts’ Choice in Saveur Culinary Travel Awards; Readers Award by Food & Travel Magazine; and IACP Awards of Excellence.
We asked Judith what it takes to run such an interesting business for guests who are looking to indulge in the ‘slow travel’ trend.
You've had quite an interesting start in your career. You were working at Amazon when they first operated as a bookstore, and you delved into entrepreneurship by starting your own company, Gourmet On Tour. Tell us what made you take the leap.
I was very fortunate to join Amazon during the early days of e-commerce. It was an extraordinary time to be part of the launch into Europe and work with a visionary team. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs with a 220-year legacy of family business, I always knew that I wanted to follow in their footsteps and become an entrepreneur myself.
So, I left my corporate career to follow my passion and launched a travel business specialising in food adventures. At the time, culinary tourism was virtually unknown, and it was exciting to pioneer a new category in experiential travel.
Gourmet On Tour started at my humble kitchen counter, and it has been an incredible journey to see my idea transform into the business it is today, with a vast network of partners in destinations worldwide.
How did your love with food first begin? Why did you choose to set up your base here in Singapore?
My love for food began in my grandmother’s kitchen and was further nourished through extensive traveling, always tasting my way through each destination. I established my business in London 25 years ago and later moved to Singapore for family reasons (my husband is Singaporean). With a growing clientele in the region, expanding into Singapore was a natural step to better serve this market.
Where are most of your guests from? Are they foodies in general?
Gourmet On Tour welcomes guests from all over the world, with food being our common language. We cater to everyone, from curious adventurers to serious food lovers, enthusiastic amateur cooks to professional chefs. What guests share is a passion for food, a curious spirit, and a quest for authentic experiences!
It seems like most of the guests who signed up enjoy 'slow travel' while immersing themselves in the local food and culture. Could you share what are some of the most popular destinations?
Classic foodie destinations in Western Europe, Morocco and Asia are always popular. Many of our guests are seasoned travellers and are seeking a fresh perspective on familiar destinations.
That's where we come in: by offering reimagined journeys to iconic destinations and introducing them to lesser-known regions, we provide opportunities for deeper, more meaningful experiences.
What will travel guests expect when they sign up for one of the programmes? Are home stays included?
We believe the way to a region’s heart is through its gastronomy so that you can gain an insider’s perspective as an invited guest and not as a tourist. Whether you are cooking with a French Michelin-starred chef, preparing a feast with a grandmother in a Tuscan farmhouse, picnic in the Peruvian Andes, or hunt for truffles, it’s all about the experience, meeting locals and departing inspired.
We offer both scheduled small group programmes and tailor-made itineraries. For the latter, we take the time to understand our clients' unique preferences, designing their dream trip with a blend of cultural & culinary highlights and soft adventures.
Accommodations are always included, and we handpick hotels that are unique and reflect the spirit of the region. For our immersive cooking courses, guests have the option to stay at the chef's cooking school itself.
What are some of the next big destinations you think travellers are keen to explore next?
It’s no longer just about WHERE you travel; HOW you travel matters just as much.
There has been a notable trend for shoulder-season travel as people aim to avoid overtourism and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots.
Travellers are prioritising what truly matters to them. They are seeking transformative experiences that leave a lasting positive impact. They value well-being, quality time with loved ones, and the acquisition of new skills that endure long after they return home.
What's your fondest memory with Gourmet on Tour?
So many to choose from, so here are my top 3:
The fondest moment for us is when clients return from their journey and tell us it was the best holiday they've ever had.
The incredible awards we've received over the years are deeply humbling and mean the world to us.
And I love researching unique culinary experiences, for example baking bread with Berber women in the Atlas Mountains and weaving these moments into our new Moroccan itineraries.
The Latest in Life and Style
1. Chanel launches 7 new creations in the Coco Crush collection
I love stacking jewelry, and you could see the layers around my neckline and wrists all the time. With Chanel’s new Coco Crush collection, you could stack golds and silvers together anywhere and anytime you like. The collection is inspired by the quilted motif, an emblem of the House since 1955 and features 7 new creations.
You’ll take your pick from three rings in yellow gold, beige gold and white gold enhanced with prong-set diamonds on each curved square of the quilted motif. It features a brand new semi-paved design with a more mesmerising effect that can be worn on its own, or with other Chanel rings.
There are also three mini single hoops in yellow gold, beige gold and white gold and 1 single earring with a bicolor design in beige gold, white gold and diamonds.
Available in stores now.
2. Normat unveils Against The Grain sake range
Normat, a Singaporean lifestyle collective, launches its debut creation: a Japanese sake called ‘Against The Grain.’ The founder of Normat, Larry Peh, is a two-time President’s Design Award winner, whose vision for his collective is to create soulful products that stay relevant with the times, so that the things enjoyed and cherished today may never have an expiry date.
For Against The Grain Sake line, the story begins with planting the rice at Kishida Rice Farm – located at the base of the sacred Mt. Yoneyama in Joetsu City, as the end product would benefit greatly from the area’s pristine water, fertile soil, and abundant sunlight. The Junmai Daiginjo version is brewed with 100% Koshitanrei rice and pure mountain water, presenting a mellow fruity aroma and a balance of sweetness and umami with a silky, snow-like finish – ideal for both savouring on its own and pairing with diverse culinary delights. On the other hand, the Tokubetsu Junmai features a rare combination Gohyakumangoku and Tsukiakari rice, creating a unique taste profile with a velvety texture, an elegant and fruity aroma with refined umami and a light acidity, and a long aftertaste.
Normat ‘Against The Grain’ sake is now available for purchased on Normat.com.
3. Burberry Beauty unveils the Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense pop-up
Happening at Paragon, Singapore, from today till 8 September 2024, fans of the brand can discover the enigmatic hero product and other bestselling items.
The new Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense embodies depth, elegance, and warmth, inspired by the colours of a sunset. Encased in a square bottle filled with a light amber fragrance, this scent amplifies the signature trio of vanillas from the original Goddess Eau de Parfum with the addition of a fourth vanilla wood (vanilla SFE), lending it a smoky character. When combined with luminous lavender essence, it intensifies the fragrance with a vibrant woody aroma.
Alongside these beloved scents, shoppers can explore the brand’s makeup range, with highlights such as the Beyond Wear collection, including the Perfecting Matte Foundation, Cushion, Setting and Refining Powder as well as the newest Beyond Wear Perfecting Concealer, and the Liquid Matte and Matte variation of the Burberry Kisses.
As a special treat, with any purchase, shoppers can redeem a refreshing bottle of iced tea in a striking amber shade, perfectly complementing the elegance of Burberry’s newest fragrance.
Travel Inspiration
I first fell in love with Corsica when I stepped foot on the laid-back island in 2019. We were visiting my then boyfriend-now husband’s family for the first time and I was extremely excited and nervous. Back then, we had to fly in from Singapore to Frankfurt, wait for a layover and hop onto a plane to Marseille. From Marseille, we had to take another local plane to Figari-South Corsica Airport and just writing this brought me back to the long anguish hours of travelling. But what’s an adventure without the leap of faith?
As I gear up for my next visit end of this September, I find that more and more airlines are now opening routes from Singapore to the fourth largest and beautiful island in the Mediterranean. British Airways, Swiss Airlines and Air France now have layovers in London, Zurich and Paris before departing directly for Corsica, saving me a tonne of headache.
But back to Corsica.
The air is different. The water glistens and the people are so nice to begin with, even with me trying with my broken French. The Immortelle flowers that grow wild and free in the Corsica Marquis are found in the beloved L’Occitane beauty brand. You could smell it even as you walk along the streets.
The curves of the valley make for great hiking days, as I come to realise when my in-laws were actively doing on an almost daily basis (I’m always last and behind their trails). Days are spent lazing on the beaches with clear blue water, or even night fishing.
For excursions, we drove out to Bonifacio, known for its marina and medieval clifftop citadels. Stroll alongside the marina, discover the rich heritage in the diversity of its churches - including Saint-Dominique, Corsica’s only Gothic church - and visit Escalier du Roy du Aragon as you descend its 189 steps and find yourself facing Sardinia, just above water level.
The old Genoese walled town of Porto Vecchio also offers picturesque views of stone houses and narrow streets. To cool down, we dipped in natural rock pools in Cavu.
It always feels like a dream to be out there and I do envision my wedding party to be held here (ask me again later when are the preparations) and as the unofficial ambassador of Corsica, there’s only so much I can share, but I’d implore you to explore.
Editor’s note
There are four months left in 2024, so what are you doing differently today to make full use of your time and days? Creative designer and coach Sarita Walsh wants to remind us the importance of being extraordinary today.
“I will make today EXTRAordinary by committing to ______ before the day ends.”
Till then, next issue #3!