“Singapore Hawker Centres – People, Places, Food”
Newton Food Centre (纽顿热食中心)
500 Clemenceau Avenue North
Singapore
“Singapore Hawker Centres – People, Places, Food”
The first definitive book on the social history of a uniquely Singapore icon
What is the definition of Singapore Food? What makes hawker food (street-food) so popular?
Briyani, thosai, chilli crab, roti prata, chicken rice and satay, the Singaporean-ness of hawker centres is palpable. Nowhere else on the island (or in the world) will you find such an eclectic array of food as it was meant to be enjoyed: in a natural open-air atmosphere, among friends and family, with the sizzle of hot pans and the clang of woks.
Hawker centres are no longer seen as a poor man’s meal ticket. They bring together foods old and new, from East and West. They are a reflection of life in Singapore, bridging cultures and generations. How did hawking evolve over the years, from street food to architect-designed eating places?
The National Environment Agency has commissioned a book that traces the social history of this uniquely Singapore icon. “Singapore Hawker Centres - People, Places, Food” is the definitive account on hawkers, their food and their stories. It also features environment and public health officials who have been instrumental in transforming hawking from a public health nightmare to a respectable trade.
“Hawker centres have become an important icon of the food scene in Singapore and have helped to put the country on the world map. We felt that it was timely to chronicle the development of hawker centres in a book, and pay tribute to the many people who have made it a Singapore success story.” said Mr Lee Yuen Hee, NEA CEO.
NEA started conceptualising the book in 2005 and completed its production in 2007. The book was researched and authored by Lily Kong, Professor of the Department of Geography at National University of Singapore and widely available at all major bookstores and the Environment Building. To catch a preview, visit its photo exhibition at the selected libraries below.
Schedule of Roving Photo Exhibition sites:
(1) Jurong West Community Library: 1 – 16 March 2008
(2) Bedok Community Library: 18 – 31 March 2008
(3) Ang Mo Kio Community Library: 2 –16 Apr 2008
For more information, please contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.nea.gov.sg
Text Edited by Ai San Yip. Information Courtesy of NEA. All Rights reserved.
‘Photo Launch at Newton Hawker Centre’ (starting from left to right): NEA Chairman, A/Prof Simon Tay, Author Lily Kong, Professor of the Department of Geography at NUS, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yacoob Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Amy Khor and NEA CEO, Mr Lee Yuen Hee
More stories in this category |
