Page 121 - Our Hawker Stories

The tantalising aroma of sizzling food filled the air as
I strolled through the bustling One Punggol Hawker
Centre. It was just another typical Saturday, humid,
noisy, and alive with the clatter of utensils and shouts
of stall owners calling out orders. I clutched my wallet,
intending to get my usual plate of chicken rice. However,
as I neared a familiar stall, a bright green sign caught my
eye: “Plant-Powered-Delights-100’’

I froze in my steps. Suddenly, memories came flooding
back. This was what had happened.

It was a sweltering morning, and the sun shone down
on the pathway to One Punggol Hawker Centre. I quickly
took out my handkerchief to wipe my sweat. “What a
hot day,” I thought to myself. I was planning to go to One
Punggol Hawker Centre for lunch and eat chicken rice. bursting with colour - crunchy lettuce, roasted pumpkin,
juicy cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, chickpeas, and
Fifteen minutes later, I had finally reached the hawker golden-brown tofu. A citrusy vinaigrette glistened on
centre. “ This is even hotter than outside,” I muttered top. It was finger-licking good. Now, this was what you
angrily. Beads of perspiration rolled down my cheeks. called a scrumptious lunch. “See, it is nice, right? I told
I could see every stall offering something delicious - you.” The older man beamed with happiness.
steaming bowls of Laksa, plates of fragrant Chicken rice,
and crispy roti prata. I was just about to head to my usual While eating the salad, I noticed a few people glancing at
chicken rice stall when something unusual caught my my bowl curiously. My salad looked like a rainbow oasis
eye: A stall with a sign that read “Plant-Powered-Delights in a sea of meat-heavy dishes.
- 100% Vegan.” “ How can a plant-based restaurant be in
a hawker centre?” I muttered, amused. From this experience, I will glance at “Plant-Powered
Delights - 100% Vegan” whenever I go to the hawker
I saw an older man with silver hair tucked under a faded centre. Who would have thought a simple vegan salad
cap. His shirt was strained from years of cooking, but he could teach me such a valuable lesson? In a place known
wore it with pride. I could see many blisters on his palm, for tradition, I found a little taste of chang - delicious.
showing his hard work in making every vegan dish. The
old man said in a very friendly voice, “ Hi, boy! Would “At a hawker centre known for tradition, I
you like to try our special vegan salad? It is very healthy.” discovered something new — a vegan salad
that tasted like change and reminded me that
“Hmm. Should I try a vegan salad or not?” I thought to our heritage can grow in many colours.”
myself. A vegan salad was not actually what I had in mind
for lunch. However, I decided to give it a try.
Sampath Vedh
Soon, the older man passed me the salad, which was P5.2
North Spring Primary School

Our Hawker Stories 117