Page 84 - Our Hawker Stories

The Life of Hawkers

Hawker centres are very popular in Singapore. Most
locals go to hawker centres regularly, as all hawkers sell
diverse and affordable street food dishes. To us, hawkers
may seem like they are doing well, but have you ever
wondered what their lives are really like?

On the 8th of April 2025, I went to the hawker centre at
205B Compassvale Lane for a late-night dinner with my
father. The moment I stepped in, I was hit by the mixed
aroma of chicken rice, satay and many more varieties of
seemingly delicious foods. The hawker centre was almost
empty as it was already late, and all I could hear was the
clatter of utensils and customers happily chatting about
their days. However, I was not just there to eat. Earlier, I
had prepared a list of questions to ask some hawkers to
find out more about their daily lives.
but because I had not eaten yet. The tender, juicy chicken
I interviewed the owner of the satay stall, Liu Yan Xian. meat dipped in peanut sauce was truly the best thing I
The biggest problems she faces as a hawker are rental had eaten that day.
costs and the lack of customers. I am a witness to the
latter - when I first entered the hawker centre, I did not That visit completely changed my view of hawkers. I
see any customers at her stall. used to take them for granted, and I never thought about
what their lives are really like. I certainly appreciate our
It was her passion for cooking which influenced her to unsung heroes more than ever now, and hopefully, you
become a hawker. I think that it is very admirable that would too!
she is following her dreams - not many people dare to
do so. What she likes about being a hawker is seeing her
customers enjoy her food. I think that it is sweet how “Behind every stick of satay is a story of
she likes seeing the bright smiles that her customers passion and perseverance — our hawkers are
have when they dig into her food. After the interview, I heroes who serve more than just food.”
ordered some sticks of satay from her, not as a reward,
De Los Reyes Zia Elise Francisco
P6.1
North Spring Primary School

80 Our Hawker Stories