We’re pleased to share that SpicyMama Spicy Anchovy was featured in the debut episode of GAStro Bites, an exciting new culinary series hosted by the charismatic Chef James on Mediacorp Channel 8. The programme offers a fresh take on everyday cooking by challenging chefs to get creative with ingredients found in an  unconventional places the local Caltex petrol stations.

In this premiere episode, Chef James was joined by the talented Chef Siang on a unique culinary mission: to create a restaurant-worthy dish using only ingredients sourced from a Caltex convenience store. The surprise element was the choice of ingredients, ranging from abalone and bird’s nest drinks to bubble tea and cup noodles, found exclusively at the station. This unexpected twist proved that culinary inspiration can strike anywhere — even at a petrol kiosk.

Yuzu Cold Noodles with SpicyMama Spicy Anchovy

One of the standout dishes from the episode was Yuzu Cold Noodles (柚子冷面) — a refreshing and elegant plate with light citrus notes and a savoury base. Chef James and Chef Siang topped the noodles with SpicyMama Spicy Anchovy to elevate the flavours and introduce heat and texture. The result was a beautifully balanced dish with complexity and character — a perfect example of how simple ingredients shine with the proper treatment.

We’re incredibly proud to see SpicyMama Spicy Anchovy used in such a thoughtful and creative way. While our anchovy is often a go-to ingredient for quick home meals — great with porridge, rice, or noodles — it also has a place in more inventive and elevated dishes, like the one featured in GAStro Bites. This moment highlights how even a humble pantry item can be transformed into something special with imagination and an expert touch, inspiring all home cooks with the potential of their own pantry.

More About Chef James

Chef James, whose real name is Zheng Jian Ke, is a celebrated Taiwanese chef, television host, and YouTube personality. Since 2006, he has built a loyal audience by appearing on popular shows like Super Taste and Stylish Man the Chef. He has gained recognition for his innovative approach to fusion cuisine, especially blending Japanese, French, and Italian influences.

In 2011, Chef James received the Golden Bell Award for Best Variety Programme Host at the 46th annual ceremony. His culinary ventures extended into product development with the founding of James’s Sauce Co., Ltd. in 2016. Two years later, he launched James Sauce, a product 14 years in the making, which was met with great success. In 2019, he introduced James Noodles, which became one of Taiwan’s top four best-selling instant noodle brands within three months.

James Sauce and James Noodles received international recognition at the 2020 International Superior Taste Awards, earning two-star and three-star ratings, respectively.

With a proven track record in innovation and flavour, it’s no surprise that Chef James is leading a show like GAStro Bites—all about seeing everyday ingredients in a new light.

Source: Wikipedia – Zheng Jian Ke (Chef James)

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Chef James and Chef Siang for including SpicyMama Spicy Anchovy in this exciting and flavourful project.

Being featured in the first episode of GAStro Bites was an honour, especially in such a fun and creative challenge at a Caltex petrol station.

We’re thrilled to have been part of this inspiring journey that showcases how food can be accessible and imaginative. The episode demonstrates precisely what we believe at SpicyMama—that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated and that familiar ingredients can still surprise you.

You can catch the full episode of GAStro Bites on meWATCH or tune in on Mediacorp Channel 8. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or just looking for fresh meal ideas, this series will spark your creativity.

Stay tuned for more flavourful moments with SpicyMama — and keep exploring new and unexpected ways to enjoy our spicy anchovy in your kitchen.

Credits: All screenshots courtesy of Mediacorp.