Page 65 - Our Hawker Stories

Last Saturday night, after my swimming lesson with my
cousin, I was so hungry that I felt like I could eat a horse!
When my parents asked where I wanted to go for dinner,
I did not think twice. I shouted with excitement, “Let’s
go to Chomp Chomp Food Centre!”

On the way there, I kept asking, “Are we there yet?” My
mind was already filled with the mouth-watering smell
of grilled food. When we finally arrived, I leapt out of
the car and dashed like lightning to find a table. I was as
joyful as a bird set free.

We ordered my all-time favourite, bbq chicken wings,
from traditional hai nam fang yuan satay. I watched in
awe as she fanned the flames and flipped the wings
skillfully over the sizzling fire. Her arms moved smoothly
and confidently, like a dance she had done a thousand
times. She never rushed, and her eyes were full of focus. Hawker food is more than just tasty meals. Behind every
dish is someone’s passion, someone’s story, someone’s
After dinner, I mustered up my courage and asked her, dream. Hawkers like her keep Singapore’s food traditions
“Isn’t it tiring to cook every day?” alive, one plate at a time.

She gave a warm smile and said, “Of course it is. But when
I see people enjoying my food, my tiredness disappears.” “I saw more than bbq chicken wings that
night — I saw love, hard work, and a
Her words stayed with me.
hawker’s pride keeping our food heritage
I realised that her food was not just delicious. It was alive.”
cooked with love, pride, and effort.
Gan Ler Shan
That night, I did not just go home with a full stomach. I P5 Perseverance
went home with a whole heart. Endeavour Primary School

Our Hawker Stories 61