Page 93 - Our Hawker Stories

Hawker centres are a vital part of Singapore’s identity
— bustling hubs filled with flavours and stories found all
across the island. Truth be told, hawker centres serve as
the heartbeat of our nation. Whether it is for breakfast,
lunch, or dinner, I can always find delicious hawker food
any time.

Their roots trace back to the early 20th century, when
street vendors sold food from pushcarts. Many hawkers
were immigrants from india, china, or malaysia,
bringing authentic recipes that have been passed down
through generations. From fragrant rice to spicy curries
and noodle soups, these humble beginnings offered
affordable meals to all. Their presence makes Singapore
unique and vibrant, reflecting our multicultural heritage
and culinary diversity. The spicy, umami-rich chilli perfectly balanced the salty
chicken, delivering a satisfying and authentic experience.
Between 1920 and 1930, Singapore’s rapid urbanisation Hawker centres will always be my go-to for food.
led to an increase in hawkers. This growth brought Their diversity and affordability make them especially
challenges, such as health concerns and traffic meaningful to me. Truly, the way to my heart is through
congestion. To address these issues, the government my stomach.
established hawker centres and organised stalls,
improving hygiene and reducing street congestion. Hawkers are the unsung heroes of Singapore, bringing
people together through shared meals. Without them,
My visit to Anchor Village Hawker Centre was a our culinary landscape would not be the same. Without
memorable experience. As I arrived, the aroma of spices a shadow of a doubt, hawker centres symbolise unity
and grilled meats filled the air. The lively atmosphere and culture - places where everyone’s taste buds and
was contagious, with families enjoying their meals stories come together, for some, if not all, Singaporeans.
together. The variety of dishes was impressive, each stall
offering a different culinary delight. Watching hawkers “With every bite of nasi lemak, I tasted more
scoop fragrant rice and ladle aromatic curry made my than food — I tasted the history, heart, and
mouth water. The food looked finger-licking good, and I harmony that make hawker centres the
was sure it would taste just as amazing.
soul of Singapore.”
I debated between chicken rice and laksa, but finally
settled on nasi lemak. The presentation was beautiful, Sarisha Diya Balamurali
and every bite was a burst of flavour. P6.1
North Spring Primary School

Our Hawker Stories 89