Page 25 - Our Hawker Stories

Singapore’s hawker centres are truly the heart of our
food culture. They are places where stories, flavours,
and people come together. One weekend, I visited
Yishun Park Hawker Centre with my family, excited for a
delicious lunch.

As I stepped in, my nose was greeted by the mouth-
watering smell of sizzling char kway teow, fragrant
chicken rice, and creamy laksa. Yet, one stall, Hua Hua
Cooking & Eating Restaurant, caught my attention.
Behind the hot wok was an auntie who looked calm and
focused.

She moved quickly but carefully, flipping the noodles
high into the air like a dance. Her name was Mdm Hua
Hua. I ordered a plate of char kway teow, but my stomach
was already rumbling.

As she cooked, I had a conversation with her. She shared Hawker culture is a gift. It is filled with stories, flavours,
warmly, “I am from Vietnam. I came to Singapore many and warmth. I feel proud to be part of a country that
years ago. A kind hawker taught me how to cook this celebrates it. I am always looking forward to my next
dish. It took me four years to learn. In 2017, I opened my visit to the hawker centre as it feels like an adventure to
stall. I love cooking and serving people.” find the next delicacy.

I was amazed. Even though she was not born here, her
passion for food and people was so strong. When she “When Mdm Hua Hua said, ‘Enjoy! It’s cooked
passed me the plate, she uttered, “Enjoy! It’s cooked
with love.” I took a bite. with love,’ I realised hawker food is more than
delicious — it’s a story of heart, heritage, and
It was smoky, sweet, and so delicious. home.”

More than that, I could taste her hard work and heart.
Andre Chew En Cheng
That day, I learned something special. P5 Perseverance
Endeavour Primary School
Hawker food is not just about taste. It is about the people
behind the stove, like Mdm Hua Hua, who put love into
every dish.

Our Hawker Stories 21