Page 27 - Our Hawker Stories

It was my usual sunny Saturday morning as I headed to
Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. While waiting for my
friends, I quickly walked over to my favourite stall, You Ji.
It is the stall that sells the best braised duck rice.

As I waited for my food, I chatted with the stall owner,
Auntie Wong. I had always seen her working quietly
behind the counter, smiling at her customers. That day,
I finally felt brave enough to talk to her and ask about
her stall.

Auntie Wong told me that “You Ji” started way back in
1961. Her father was the one who started it, and she
took over around ten years ago. I was so surprised! That
meant the stall had been around for more than 60 years!

She also shared that she moved to Bukit Canberra
because she liked the green trees and the peaceful Hawker centres are more than just places to eat. They
feeling around the hawker centre. She said it was a good are where we share stories, make new friends, and keep
move, and thanks to her regular customers, business has our Singapore food culture alive. One plate at a time.
been going well. I could tell she was very proud of her
food and really cared about the people who visited her
stall.
“Auntie Wong’s duck rice isn’t just tasty — it’s
When I asked her what hawker culture meant, she said, a family legacy that brings people together,
“It shows how people of all races in Singapore come one plate at a time.”
together to eat, chat, and enjoy food. That’s why hawker
centres are so special.”
Chen Zihang
As I collected my plate of yummy duck rice, I looked at P5 Perseverance
Auntie Wong with a smile. I felt lucky to have spoken Endeavour Primary School
with someone who loves what she does and works so
hard.

Our Hawker Stories 23