Page 28 - Our Hawker Stories

It was supposed to be just another lunch. My mother and
I would eat, talk, and go home. Yet, something magical
happened the day I decided to have a conversation with
the hawker.

We arrived at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, with
sunlight shining through the roof and the smell of
delicious food filling the air. I walked straight to Yi Xin
Teochew Fishball Noodles, a stall I always visit.

“One dry fishball noodle, please,” I said politely. The
hawker smiled and nodded. The rich smell of soy sauce
and crispy shallots made me even hungrier.

As he cooked, I asked, “Uncle, how long have you run
this stall?”
As I slowly savoured each bite, I was reminded once
He smiled proudly and said, “This stall started in 1968. again that the noodles were more than just tasty. They
It has been passed down through three generations. In were filled with care, tradition, and heart.
2022, we were awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.”
That day, I came for lunch, but I left with a new
My eyes widened. “Even hawker stalls can win such big appreciation. Hawker centres are not just places to eat.
awards?” I asked. They are filled with stories of dedication and love.

He laughed and nodded. “We won because we worked Some stories are not told in books. They are served on
hard to keep the taste the same all these years. We still a plate.
hand-make our fish balls every morning, just like my
grandfather did.”
“I came for lunch but left with a story — every
I was amazed. handmade fishball was a bite of history, hard
work, and heart.”
It was not just about food.

It was about hard work, family, and never giving up. Lee Yan Zhen
P5 Perseverance
The uncle told me that keeping the business going was Endeavour Primary School
not always easy, but regular customers kept coming back
for the same familiar taste.

24 Our Hawker Stories