Supporting and Saving Singapore Hawker Culture

​

“Ambrosia for the People – Hawker Centre Food” is an art book featuring different types of hawker food over 129 food stalls from 111 hawker centres in Singapore.

​

Dating back to the 19th century during pre-World War times, hawkers plied the streets of Singapore, obstructing traffic and creating a buzz. The relocation of these hawkers to designated centres by the government regulated the situation and hygiene issues greatly. 

​

Hawker Culture in Singapore was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in December 2020 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, hawkers were badly affected by unprecedented challenges, uncertainties and restrictions posed. As much as 80% of their prior business was lost and many were forced to call it a day. The aim of “Ambrosia for the People – Hawker Centre Food” is to raise awareness for the hawker culture in Singapore and bring these hawkers back to the forefront of our attention. The author hopes to rekindle our love for this unique culture that is an integral part of life in Singapore and remind us why they still matter very much today. The list of hawkers with location details at the end of the book provides a helpful guide of hawker you can visit to show your support.

Illustrated by award-winning local comic artist, painter and graphic novelist Koh Hong Teng, this book shares the snippets of life as a hawker, their triumphs and setbacks, as well as the tenacity and perseverance required in their daily lives to draw you into the lives of these hawker stall owners and into the heart of this unique Singaporean culture.