Page 18 - Our Hawker Stories

Every morning before school, I will find my mum at the
hawker centre, chatting with friends before the day
begins. It was more than a meeting spot—it was home,
where our family ran a Yong Tau Foo stall. The thwack
of my grandpa’s hands preparing fragrant fish paste
still echoes in my memory, a joyful, familiar rhythm of
childhood. He had stuff tofu, bitter gourd, and eggplant
with his secret recipe, simmering them in a rich broth
that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.

Though I longed to eat them, I knew they were for our
community—friends, neighbours, and regulars who
supported our stall like family. Today, my auntie runs the
stall, with help from other relatives, keeping the family
tradition alive. The stall is not just a business; it is a place
where we played after school, celebrated birthdays, and
watched the daily gathering of loved ones. “Our Yong Tau Foo stall isn’t just where we cook
— it’s where we grew up, shared birthdays,
Even when I am far from Singapore, I miss this hawker and served our community like family.”
culture most—the joyful noise, the smell of fresh
cooking, and the warmth of shared moments. Our Yong Lim Kai Xuan Triton
Tau Foo stall is a small but cherished part of that story. P3 Sincerity
It represents not only our heritage but the spirit of unity Ai Tong School
and connection that makes Singapore’s hawker centres
so special.

14 Our Hawker Stories