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SINGAPORE – Including Singapore’s traveling culture on Unesco’s list of cultural heritage was a national feat, and it was overdue and deserved, said Singaporeans The Straits Times spoke to on Thursday (December 17), a day after that the nomination was accepted by the world body. intergovernmental committee.
Singaporeans spoke of the unique atmosphere and food diversity of street vendor centers, which many have enjoyed in their daily lives.
“I’ve spent almost every day in my last 10 years eating at street vendors,” said Ms. Kelly Ng, who is in her 50s.
The former IT worker recites from her head the stalls she loves at the Ghim Moh food hub: the chicken rice stall on the corner, the fried chicken on the front row, and said all her years of eating at the hubs street vendors have given him an “exquisite palate”.
His claim is not unusual for Singapore, which prides itself on its reputation as a gastronomic nation.
The hawker culture inscription is Singapore’s first on the list.
Jeffrey Chua, a 60-year-old Grab driver, said that food at street vending centers tastes better than what is served at other food and beverage outlets.
“Street vendors cook it and prepare the ingredients themselves, as opposed to what is cooked in central kitchens and distributed everywhere,” he said.
Kidd Teo, 44, said the uniqueness of the hawker centers lies in the atmosphere, with no restrictions on dining. “You can sweat it, order a beer and the people here are quiet,” he said.
During a walk to thank street vendors at the Ghim Moh food center on Thursday, Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu emphasized that the cultural milestone has relevance to all Singaporeans, whatever their profession.
He said it gives “a very young country … something with which to anchor our national identity.”
“(The Hawker centers) did not close during the pandemic and they provided very essential food, nutrition and also some social anchor for Singaporeans,” he said.
“I believe this inscription is a call for all Singaporeans to step forward, to help us promote and sustain this culture.
“They can do this by recommending good food to each other (and) their friends abroad. They can also help us keep the place clean after we have used it because we want this place to be one that we are proud of.”
Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, who delivered brief remarks in a pre-recorded video to the international community on Wednesday evening after Singapore achieved recognition, said that street vendor culture should never be taken for granted. .
“The culture of the hawk is much more than just food. It tells us a little about the history, the heritage of food and where it comes from. It is also a meeting point for people from all walks of life,” he said.
“I think it is something we should appreciate. It is a very beautiful symbol of who we are as a country.”
Mr. Ronak Robert, 24, agrees. The official said he is confident that Singaporeans will still brave the heat and rain in search of food from street vendors, even when more buildings are air-conditioned.
“More than an external body overseas that recognizes our street vendors, I hope that Singaporeans can have a renewed sense of appreciation for the craft of our street vendors,” he said.
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