1. What is the most popular hawker centre in Singapore?
The most popular hawker centre in Singapore is likely Maxwell Food Centre. It is well-known for its wide variety of delicious and affordable local dishes, including the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall which has received global recognition.
2. How many stalls are typically found in a hawker centre?
There are usually between 50 to 100 stalls in a hawker centre, with some larger ones having up to 200 or more stalls. The exact number can vary depending on the size and layout of the hawker centre.
3. Are there any specialty dishes that one must try at a particular hawker centre?
Yes, there are some specialty dishes that are unique to certain hawker centres. For example:– At Newton Food Centre, the most famous dish is the BBQ stingray, which is grilled stingray topped with spicy sambal sauce.
– At Maxwell Food Centre, the popular dish to try is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is known for its tender and flavourful chicken served with fragrant rice.
– At Old Airport Road Food Centre, the specialty dish to look out for is Fishball Noodles, which consists of springy fishballs in a savoury broth with noodles and other ingredients.
– At Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre, one must try the Char Kway Teow from “No. 1 Char Kway Teow” stall, which is packed with wok hei (smoky flavor) and served with crispy lard bits.
– At Amoy Street Food Centre, don’t miss out on the famous Hokkien Prawn Mee from “Hong Kee Beef Noodle” stall for its rich and flavorful broth with succulent prawns and noodles.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more specialties at different hawker centres that you can explore and discover!
4. How often do the stalls change or rotate in a hawker centre?
The stalls in a hawker centre can change or rotate at different frequencies depending on the rules and regulations set by the management. In some hawker centres, stalls may rotate every few years while in others, they may do so more frequently, such as every six months. Some hawker centres also have designated “pop-up” stalls that rotate regularly to offer variety to customers. Ultimately, it varies from hawker centre to hawker centre.
5. Is it easy to find vegetarian or halal options at hawker centres?
It may be challenging to find halal options at hawker centres, but it is possible. Some stalls may advertise that their food is halal, but it’s always best to double check with the stall owner just to be sure. Vegetarian options are generally more readily available as many hawker stalls offer at least a few vegetarian dishes. However, the level of vegetarianism in Singaporeans varies and some dishes may still include small amounts of meat or meat-based stock. It’s best to ask about the ingredients or look for vegetarian-certified options if you have specific dietary restrictions.
6. Can you negotiate prices with the hawkers at hawker centres?
Yes, it is common to negotiate prices with hawkers at hawker centres. However, the extent to which you can negotiate may vary depending on the individual hawker and their pricing policies. It is important to be respectful and polite when negotiating and to remember that the prices at hawker centres are already quite affordable.
7. Are there any famous celebrity chefs who have dishes sold at hawker centres?
There are a few celebrity chefs who have dishes sold at hawker centres in Singapore, including:
1. Anthony Bourdain – The late American chef and TV personality had his famous “Laksa” dish sold at Keng Eng Kee Seafood in Alexandra Village Food Centre.
2. Gordon Ramsay – The British celebrity chef’s signature dish, “Hainanese Chicken Rice,” is available at Hawker Chan in Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
3. Jamie Oliver – The English chef’s “Nasi Lemak” is served at Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak in Adam Road Food Centre.
4. Bobby Chinn – The Vietnamese-British chef’s popular “Lime and Garlic Pork Loin Banh Mi” sandwich can be found at NamNam Noodle Bar in Suntec City and Plaza Singapura.
5. Violet Oon – Known as the grand dame of Singapore cuisine, Oon has her own namesake food stall offering traditional Peranakan dishes like “Ayam Buah Keluak” and “Otak-Otak” at National Kitchen by Violet Oon in National Gallery Singapore’s food court.
8. What is the average cost of a meal at a hawker centre?
According to a study by the City Developers team, the average cost of a meal at a hawker centre is around $3 to $5. However, this can vary depending on the type of food and location of the hawker centre. Some dishes may cost less than $3 while others may be closer to $7 or $8. Additionally, prices may also differ between different stalls within the same hawker centre.
9. Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known stalls that are worth trying at a hawker centre?
Yes, there are many hidden gems and lesser-known stalls at hawker centres that are worth trying. Some examples include:
– Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow at Old Airport Road Food Centre – This stall is known for its delicious char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) with a generous amount of fresh seafood.
– Shi Wei Da Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee at Golden Mile Food Centre – Their signature dish, hokkien prawn mee, is cooked in a traditional charcoal fire and has a unique smoky flavor.
– Lim’s Fried Oyster at Maxwell Food Centre – This stall serves up mouthwatering fried oyster omelette (orh luak) and other delicious seafood dishes.
– Zhong Pin Hot & Cold Cheng Tng Dessert at Chinatown Complex Food Centre – This stall sells a refreshing dessert called cheng tng, made with a variety of ingredients such as longan, ginkgo nuts, barley, and lotus seeds.
– Bismillah Biryani at Tekka Centre – A must-try for biryani lovers, this stall serves fragrant and flavorful biryani rice with tender meat.
10. Are there any cultural or traditional events held at hawker centres throughout the year?
Yes, there are various cultural and traditional events that are held at hawker centres throughout the year. These include festive celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas. During these occasions, hawker centres may be decorated with traditional decorations and special dishes related to the festivities may be offered by the food stalls.
Additionally, there can also be events organized by the government or community groups to promote cultural diversity and heritage through food. For example, there may be food festivals featuring different ethnic cuisines or cooking demonstrations showcasing traditional recipes.
Some hawker centres also house permanent cultural exhibits or displays showcasing the history of local cuisine or particular dishes that have cultural significance in Singapore. These exhibits may include interactive elements and educational information to promote a better understanding of Singapore’s diverse food culture.
Overall, hawker centres provide a space for communities to come together and celebrate their cultures and traditions through food, making them an integral part of Singapore’s vibrant and multicultural society.
11. Do some hawker centres have better hygiene ratings than others?
Yes, some hawker centres may have better hygiene ratings than others. Hawker centres are required to undergo regular inspections by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and are graded based on their cleanliness and adherence to food safety standards. These grades range from “A” for excellent cleanliness to “D” for poor cleanliness.
Factors such as the frequency of inspections, overall cleanliness of the stalls, and compliance with NEA’s regulations can impact a hawker centre’s hygiene rating. Therefore, it is possible that some hawker centres may have better hygiene ratings due to consistently maintaining high levels of cleanliness and adhering to food safety standards. On the other hand, some hawker centres may receive lower ratings if they do not meet NEA’s requirements.
It is important for customers to be aware of a hawker centre’s hygiene rating before dining there and to make informed decisions about where to eat. This information can usually be found on display at the entrance of the hawker centre or on NEA’s website.
12. How does one go about ordering food from various stalls at a hawker centre?
1. Choose a stall: Take a walk around the hawker centre to check out the different stalls and their menus. Most stalls will have their dishes displayed on signboards or in front of their stall.
2. Decide on your order: Once you have chosen a stall, take a look at the menu and decide what you would like to eat. If you’re unsure, you can ask for recommendations from the stall owner or other customers.
3. Place your order: Approach the stall and inform the seller of your order. You can either point to the dish on the menu or tell them directly what you want to order.
4. Specify your preferences: When placing your order, make sure to mention any specific dietary requirements or preferences such as no onions, no meat, etc.
5. Pay for your food: After placing your order, most stalls will require payment before preparing your food. Some may accept cash only while others may also accept electronic payments like credit or debit cards.
6. Collect a queue number (optional): Some hawker centres use queue numbers to keep track of orders and ensure fairness in serving customers. If there is a ticketing system, collect a queue number from the machine provided and wait for your number to be called.
7. Wait for your food: Once you have paid for your food, take note of any estimated waiting time given by the seller and wait at a designated area if required.
8. Collect your food: When your food is ready, either the seller will call out your name/queue number or they will bring it to the table if you are seated nearby. Make sure to confirm that it is indeed your order before taking it back to your table.
9. Help yourself with cutlery and condiments: Most hawker centres provide self-service utensils (usually found at common stations) and condiments (like soy sauce, chili sauce) so feel free to help yourself before heading back to your table.
10. Enjoy your food: Once you have collected your food and condiments, head back to your table and enjoy your meal!
11. Return any unused utensils: If you did not use all the utensils you took, make sure to return them to the designated area or station for other customers to use.
12. Repeat the process for other dishes: If you want to try different dishes from other stalls, simply repeat the same process by choosing a stall, placing an order and paying for it.
13. Are there any rewards or discount programs for frequent visitors to specific hawker centres?
There may be certain hawker centres or individual stalls that offer loyalty rewards or discounts for frequent visitors, but this is not a common practice in most hawker centres. Some hawker centres may have membership programs, where members can enjoy additional perks such as priority seating or discounts. It would be best to check with the individual stall or hawker centre for any loyalty programs they offer.
14. What types of international cuisines can be found at various hawker centres in Singapore?
There is a wide variety of international cuisines available at hawker centres in Singapore, including:
1. Chinese – This includes different regional cuisines such as Cantonese, Sichuan, Hakka, Teochew, and more.
2. Malay – Hawker centres often have stalls that specialize in Malay dishes like nasi lemak, mee goreng, satay and more.
3. Indian – There are many Indian stalls offering popular dishes like roti prata, thosai, and biryani rice.
4. Indonesian – Some hawker centres have Indonesian food stalls that serve dishes like nasi padang, mie goreng and sate ayam.
5. Thai – Popular Thai dishes such as green curry chicken, tom yum soup and Pad Thai can also be found at various hawker centres.
6. Vietnamese – Pho noodles and spring rolls are some of the Vietnamese delicacies that can be found at hawker centres.
7. Korean – Korean cuisine has gained popularity in recent years in Singapore, and there are several hawker stalls selling traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi fried rice.
8. Japanese – From sushi to ramen to donburi bowls, you can find a variety of Japanese cuisine options at hawker centres in Singapore.
9. Western – Some hawker centres have western food stalls serving burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
10. Mediterranean/Middle Eastern – Shawarma wraps and kebabs are some of the Middle Eastern delicacies you can find at certain hawker centres in Singapore.
11. Mexican – Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are just some examples of the Mexican food available at certain hawker centres in Singapore.
12. Italian – Pizza and pasta lovers will not be disappointed with the options available at some hawker centres in Singapore.
13. Turkish – Turkish coffee or baklava can be found at certain hawker centres, along with other Turkish dishes like kebabs and shish taouk.
14. Caribbean – Some hawker centres have stalls selling Caribbean cuisine such as jerk chicken, plantains, and rice and peas.
15. Can you find unique local delicacies at all hawker centres or are they specific to certain locations?
Yes, you can find unique local delicacies at hawker centres across Singapore. However, some hawker centres may specialize in certain types of cuisine or have vendors who are well-known for specific dishes. For example, Maxwell Food Centre is known for its famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, while Chomp Chomp Food Centre is popular for its barbequed seafood. It is recommended to do some research before visiting a hawker centre to ensure that you try their signature dishes.
16. Is it customary to leave tips for hawkers when eating at a hawker centre?
It is not customary to leave tips for hawkers when eating at a hawker centre. Hawker food is typically inexpensive and the prices are fixed, so tipping is not expected. However, some customers may choose to leave loose change or a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
17. Can you bring outside drinks or snacks into a hawker centre while dining?
Yes, you can bring outside drinks and snacks into a hawker centre while dining. However, it is considered good etiquette to purchase your drinks and snacks from the stalls in the hawker centre.
18. Are there designated seating areas for different stalls within a hawker centre, or is it first come, first serve?
In most hawker centres, seating is usually first come, first serve. However, some hawker centres may have designated seating areas for certain stalls. These are typically indicated by signs or table numbers.
19. Does each stall have its own hours of operation, or are they all open and closed together as one unit?
Each stall may have its own individual hours of operation, depending on the policies of the market or store where the stalls are located. Some stalls may be open and closed together as one unit, while others may operate on their own schedule. It is best to check with the specific market or store for information on the operating hours of each individual stall.
20.Do some hawkers offer delivery or take-away options for their food?
Yes, many hawkers offer delivery and/or take-away options for their food. This allows customers to enjoy their dishes without having to dine in at the hawker center or food stall, making it more convenient for those who are on-the-go or prefer to eat at home. Some hawkers may have their own delivery services, while others may partner with food delivery apps such as GrabFood or Foodpanda. Take-away options usually involve packing the food in containers or plastic bags for customers to bring back to their homes or offices.