Page 79 - Our Hawker Stories

Last week, my parents and I visited Anchorvale Village
Hawker Centre, a hawker centre in our neighbourhood.
Although it was packed because of the lunch hour
crowd, we found a place to sit. The hawker centre is
well-ventilated and clean.

We ordered our food at Al-Ihsan Mee Combo House.
I accompanied my father to order our food, and the
aroma of the spices from the kitchen wafted through my
nostrils, making my mouth water. Soon, our nasi goreng
was served. I took the cutlery and helped my father carry
the food to our table.

I looked at my plate of nasi goreng. The hawker placed
a mountain of rice on my plate. I took the first bite and experience: older people gathering over kopi, colleagues
almost immediately, my eyes grew as wide as saucers. smiling and enjoying their lunch, families spending time
That was the best fried rice I had ever tasted! The spice with each other, and having conversations over food.
and flavour hit the spot! Lots of vegetables and mutton
pieces made it super moreish and a little crunchy. My father also told me that while studying in school,
Additionally, there was shredded omelette and fresh he always had food from hawker centres, which offer a
cucumbers. I finished the nasi goreng plate in one go.
wide range of affordable and tasty food. I developed a
newfound respect for hawkers and their work. We need
While digging into our meal, my father told me there to preserve our hawkers so our future generations can
were different variations of nasi goreng. So far, he had experience the indispensable legacy of our culture and
tried the same dish from different hawker centres, and heritage.
it all tasted a little different. The ingredients also vary
slightly. This nasi goreng was the best for me, and I do
not mind having it every day!
“One plate of nasi goreng taught me that
After returning my tray, I asked the kind uncle where he hawker food isn’t just tasty — it’s a legacy of
had learnt to make such a scrumptious nasi goreng, to love, memories, and culture we must preserve.”
which he replied, “From my brother.” Then, he smiled
and asked, “How was the food?” I told him that it was
the most delicious meal I had ever tasted in a long time. Nirenj Alen Joe
The uncle thanked him with a wide smile. P5.1
North Spring Primary School
After looking at all the other stalls, we decided to
head back home. While walking, I thought about my

Our Hawker Stories 75