Page 131 - Our Hawker Stories

A Grandmother’s Hawker Legacy

“Wow! Grandma, what are you doing?” I asked with
curiosity.

“I’m making rice dumplings,” she replied, her hands
skillfully folding the bamboo leaves.

Watching her with admiration, I asked, “How did you
learn to make rice dumplings?”

With a proud smile, she said, “I used to be a hawker. So,
I had to learn how to make them.”

That moment sparked a deeper interest in me.
“Grandma, you used to be a hawker? Can I ask you some
questions about it?” to Singapore?” “Hawkers are very important,” Grandma
replied firmly. “Many people work long hours and return
“Of course,” she nodded warmly. home late with no time to cook. Hawker centres are
where they can find a warm, affordable meal.”
“How long were you a hawker?”
She also shared how things were different in the past.
“Forty years,” she answered. I was amazed. “Last time, hawkers didn’t have proper stalls like now.
They didn’t have the facilities to cook or wash plates
“Why did you choose to be a hawker?” I continued. properly. The hygiene wasn’t as good.”
Grandma looked thoughtful. “I had to support the family.
Being a hawker was how I could provide for everyone.” “Today, hawkers have their stalls with water supply and
Her words made me realise the strength and sacrifices proper kitchens, so hygiene has improved a lot.”
behind every dish she once prepared.
Listening to Grandma’s stories made me appreciate
“Did you face any challenges as a hawker?” not just her dumplings, but her decades of hard work.
“Oh yes,” she said. “I had to leave home as early as 5 Behind every hawker dish is a story of resilience, love,
am and only finished work at midnight. It was tiring, but and dedication — just like hers.
what made it even more challenging was remembering
all the customer requests — who liked spicy food, who “Behind every hawker dish is a story of
didn’t. We had to be careful not to make mistakes. Once
we learned their preferences, things got easier.” resilience, love, and dedication — just like my
grandmother’s.”
“If the customers weren’t happy with the food, we Aw Yi De Tyrael
always tried our best to improve it,” she added.
P5 Alertness
Red Swastika School
I then asked, “How important do you think hawkers are

Our Hawker Stories 127