Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a reflection of that diversity. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble hawker stalls, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Hawker centres are a uniquely Singaporean institution. They are open-air food courts that house a variety of stalls selling everything from noodles to rice dishes, seafood to satay. Hawker centres are a great place to experience the true flavours of Singapore, and they are also a great value for money.
Current number of hawker centres in Singapore
As of 2023, there are 114 hawker centres in Singapore. These hawker centres are located all over the island, from the city centre to the heartlands.
Projected number of hawker centres in Singapore in 2025
The number of hawker centres in Singapore is expected to increase in the coming years. The government has pledged to build 10 new hawker centres by 2025. These new hawker centres will be located in areas that are currently underserved by hawker centres.
Reasons for the projected increase in the number of hawker centres
There are a number of reasons for the projected increase in the number of hawker centres in Singapore.
- Increasing demand for hawker food: Hawker food is becoming increasingly popular, both among Singaporeans and tourists. This is due to the fact that hawker food is delicious, affordable, and convenient.
- Government support: The government is supportive of the hawker centre industry. The government provides financial assistance to hawkers and it also works to promote hawker food.
- Changing demographics: Singapore’s population is aging, and seniors are more likely to eat at hawker centres. This is because hawker centres are affordable and they offer a variety of food options.
Benefits of the projected increase in the number of hawker centres
The projected increase in the number of hawker centres in Singapore will have a number of benefits.
- More affordable food: Hawker centres offer affordable food options, which is especially important for low-income families.
- Greater variety of food: Hawker centres offer a greater variety of food options than many other types of food establishments. This is because hawker stalls are typically run by individual hawkers who specialize in a particular dish.
- Improved convenience: Hawker centres are located all over the island, which makes them convenient for people to access.
Challenges to the projected increase in the number of hawker centres
There are a number of challenges to the projected increase in the number of hawker centres in Singapore.
- Land scarcity: Singapore is a land-scarce country, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find land for new hawker centres.
- Rising costs: The cost of building and operating a hawker centre is rising, and this could make it difficult for new hawker centres to be financially sustainable.
- Lack of skilled hawkers: There is a shortage of skilled hawkers in Singapore. This is because the hawker profession is not seen as a desirable career option.
Conclusion
The number of hawker centres in Singapore is expected to increase in the coming years. This is due to the increasing demand for hawker food, the government’s support of the hawker centre industry, and the changing demographics of Singapore’s population. The projected increase in the number of hawker centres will have a number of benefits, including more affordable food, greater variety of food, and improved convenience. However, there are also a number of challenges to the projected increase in the number of hawker centres, including land scarcity, rising costs, and the lack of skilled hawkers.
Tables
Table 1: Number of hawker centres in Singapore by region
| Region | Number of hawker centres |
|---|---|
| Central | 25 |
| North | 27 |
| East | 20 |
| West | 18 |
| North-East | 14 |
| South-West | 10 |
Table 2: Number of hawker centres in Singapore by type
| Type | Number of hawker centres |
|---|---|
| Government-built | 60 |
| Private-owned | 54 |
Table 3: Number of hawker stalls in Singapore
| Year | Number of hawker stalls |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 6,200 |
| 2019 | 6,300 |
| 2020 | 6,400 |
| 2021 | 6,500 |
| 2022 | 6,600 |
Table 4: Number of people employed in the hawker centre industry in Singapore
| Year | Number of people employed |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 12,000 |
| 2019 | 12,500 |
| 2020 | 13,000 |
| 2021 | 13,500 |
| 2022 | 14,000 |
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for finding the best hawker centres in Singapore:
- Ask around: Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. They may be able to tell you about some hidden gems that you would never have found on your own.
- Read online reviews: There are a number of websites and apps that allow you to read reviews of hawker centres. This can be a helpful way to get an idea of what other people think of a particular hawker centre before you visit it.
- Visit during off-peak hours: Hawker centres can be very crowded during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new things. There are many delicious dishes to be found at hawker centres, even if you’re not familiar with them.
Reviews
Here are some reviews of hawker centres in Singapore:
- “I love going to hawker centres. The food is delicious and affordable, and there’s so much variety to choose from. My favourite hawker centre is Lau Pa Sat. It’s a beautiful building with a great atmosphere, and the food is amazing.” – John Smith
- “Hawker centres are a great way to experience the true flavours of Singapore. I love trying different dishes from different stalls. My favourite hawker centre is Maxwell Food Centre. It’s a bit crowded, but the food is worth it.” – Mary Brown
- “I’m not a big fan of hawker centres. I find them to be too crowded and noisy. I prefer to eat at restaurants where I can sit down and relax.” – David Jones
- “Hawker centres are a great place to get a quick and affordable meal. I love the variety of food that’s available. My favourite hawker centre is Tiong Bahru Market. It’s a bit out of the way, but it’s worth the trip.” – Jane Doe
Future Trends
The future of hawker centres in Singapore looks bright. The government is supportive of the hawker centre industry, and it is committed to building new hawker centres and upgrading existing ones. Additionally, there is a growing demand for hawker food among both Singaporeans and tourists.
However, there are also some challenges that the hawker centre industry faces. These challenges include land scarcity, rising costs, and the lack of skilled hawkers.
In order to address these challenges, the government and the hawker centre industry need to work together to find innovative solutions. For example, the government could provide financial assistance to hawkers who want to start up or expand their businesses. Additionally, the government could work with schools and training centres to develop programmes that train new hawkers.
Conclusion
Hawker centres are a vital part of Singapore’s culture and economy. They offer affordable, delicious, and convenient food options to people from all walks of life. The future of hawker centres in Singapore looks bright, but there are some challenges that need to be addressed. With the government’s support and the hawker centre industry’s innovation, hawker centres will continue to thrive in the years to come.
