Page 63 - Our Hawker Stories

Hawker culture represents the heart of Singapore’s food
heritage, where people from all walks of life gather at
hawker centres to enjoy affordable and delicious food.
These vibrant spaces serve as community dining rooms,
where people not only share meals but also engage in
conversations and forge friendships. This unique culture
has become an integral part of Singapore’s daily life and
national identity.

Singapore’s hawker excellence has gained international
recognition, with several stalls earning prestigious
Michelin stars. Notable examples include Hawker Chan
and Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice &
Noodle, which have attracted worldwide attention. Even
international celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain and
David Beckham have made special visits to experience
Singapore’s hawker cuisine.

The diversity of hawker food reflects Singapore’s underway. The practice of sharing tables with strangers
multicultural heritage. Visitors can savour chinese embodies the kampong spirit that Singapore holds dear.
chicken rice, malaysian nasi lemak, indian roti prata, Regardless of race or religion, hawker centres continue
and peranakanlaksa all under one roof. This remarkable to bring people together, united by their love for good
variety showcases the harmonious blend of different food and warm company.
cultural influences in Singapore’s culinary landscape.

The rich history of hawker culture dates back to the “Hawker centres are where we taste the
1800s, with Newton Food Centre becoming Singapore’s spirit of Singapore — one table, many
first official hawker centre in 1971. A significant milestone stories, and food from every culture, shared
was achieved in 2020 when UNESCO added Singapore’s with everyone.”
hawker culture to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity.
Wu Yichang Carson, How Rey Khai
Currently, Singapore boasts approximately 122 hawker Marcus Cheng Kah Jeun & Goh Zhi Jing
centres, with plans for expansion and modernisation P5
Ai Tong School

Our Hawker Stories 59