3 young hawkers keeping #OurHawkerCulture alive

The colourful and vibrant culinary scene situated in open-air hawkers is what Singapore is known for. Beads of sweats on hawkers, clanging of empty bowls and utensils being stacked by cleaners, hawkers repeating orders, smells of flaming woks and roasted meats getting chopped is what I get to experience growing up with hawker food.

“What should I eat,” is a privilege I acknowledge as a Singaporean. We are spoilt with choices when it come to food. However, with the median age for hawkers is 59 years old and more older hawkers retiring the scene, it is no surprise that some are worried about our hawker culture dying. The younger generation may find the hawker trade unfavourable to work in compared to a steady, well-paid job in the office.

But thankfully, there are still young hawkers who are inspired by the hawker trade in Singapore and here are food from 3 successful young hawkers I have tried and is worth recommending:

1. Coffee Break

This is a good fusion between a cup of coffee from a café and a cup of coffee from a kopitiam. Coffee Break is unlike the other drink stalls that you can find in a hawker centre. Coffee’s Break coffee is sock-brewed the traditional way and toasts with “hipster flavours” are found here. With coffee that are usually found in cafes such as Sea Salt Caramel Latte and Caramel Rum Mocha, Coffee Break definitely market their price cheaper.

According to Vulcan Post, Coffee Break was first established in 1999, which means that the stall has been standing strong for the past 18 years. The eldest, Jack Sai, officially took over the business full-time in 2009, when he was just 24 years old. Faye joined Jack the following year, and Anna was the last to join the team in 2015.

2. Burgs by Warung Project

Accommodating the halal food scene in Singapore and ensuring quality in their burgers is Burgs by Warung Project. This third-gen hawker is run by 3 young owners - Ridz, Syafiq and Shah.

Your first time at Burgs? Try The Classic ($5.50)! Served with a side of thick cut fries, the burger has a beef patty and is topped with caramelised onions, American cheese and pickled green chilli.

Innovative halal burgers created by young "hawkerpreneurs" has made its popularity among the younger community and curb the needs of the halal food scene. It is a comforting sight to find more young people dining in hawker centers when I visited Burg's branch at Golden Mile Complex.

3. Roast Paradise

You wouldn't believe how good this roast meat stall is until you have tried it! I am a frequent patron of this stall and the numerous reviews pasted on the glass windows says a lot about their food.

Owners of Roast Paradise are both in their 20s, gave up their jobs at integrated resorts and started selling their KL inspired roast meats in 2016. Caramelized, tender and glisterning meats is what you get from this stall. The name speaks for itself, a Roast Paradise.

It is a must-try but be sure to come early as they sell out fast. Due to its popularity, the young duo now has another outlet in Ang Mo Kio and a restaurant, Food Kin, a collaboration with Singapore DJs, The Muttons.

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