Page 48 - Our Hawker Stories

What is the thread that binds Singapore together?
Food. Singapore’s vast and vivid hawker culture. Food
from different cuisines and cultures, each with different
purposes, whether to celebrate or to enjoy the simple
pleasures of feasting with family and friends, is all-
embracing.

Lip-smacking aromas can often be found wafting through
Singapore’s hawker centres. Hawkers may be elderly;
however, they come second to none when it comes to
preparing food! Not only do they serve meals to hundreds
of customers per day, but they do so while maintaining
a positive demeanour. Their friendly, wrinkled smiles
certainly are an essential aspect of Singapore’s hawker
culture. Their children and grandchildren support some,
and the cycle never ends. Most hawkers’ family recipes us more than necessary to fill our bellies with. “Ah boy,
are passed down from generation to generation. After you’re growing up. You have to eat more vegetables!”
all, food from family recipes serving gastronomical The hawker uncles and aunties would say.
delights is best when shared with other families.
Truly, the way to the heart can often be won through the
One of my favourite go-to dishes is rojak, specifically the stomach. Without a shadow of doubt, I fervently believe
one located at Our Tampines Hub’s Hawker Centre. Not that hawkers are the glue that holds us together as a
only is it a stone’s throw away from my home, but this society.
local delight often awaits me at home after tiring days at
school. With its sticky, sweet and flavourful breadcrumbs
and fruits, I am always glad I can share my love for this
mouthwatering delicacy along with my family. Rojak for “Every bite of rojak reminds me that hawkers
life! are the glue of Singapore — their food binds
families and cultures most deliciously.”
In Singapore, our unsung heroes, that is, our hawkers,
have got you covered with their local delights all day,
all night! Hawkers often have a generous hand, giving Aedan Chan Yi Le
P6.2
North Spring Primary School

44 Our Hawker Stories