CultureShock! Singapore by Kelly Jackson-Nash

Author:Kelly Jackson-Nash
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789814751766
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International

For the uninitiated, a visit to a hawker centre can be a little overwhelming, so if possible have a friend join you so they can show you how the system works. You can order from any stall in a hawker market, although some centres have touts who seat you and present you with a menu as if you were in a restaurant. Touting is illegal but it does still happen in the big touristy centres. You are not under any obligation to order from the person that shows you to an empty table and gives you a menu. Each stall usually specialises in a few dishes, so feel free to order from a couple of different stalls.

The best way to start is to simply walk around looking at all the stalls and what they sell. Each stall will have photos of what they sell, and you can always ask the stall-holder for more information if you’re unsure what is in the dish. When you see something that you’d like to eat, order it from the stall-holder and give them your table number (which you will find on the top of the table). Unless the stall has a sign saying ‘self-service’, the stall-holder will normally bring your meal to your table. Payment is usually when they bring the food, but some stall-holders may ask for payment up front.

Grades and Labels

Each food outlet in Singapore is assessed annually and receives a hygiene rating from the National Environment Agency (NEA). An A is for outlets that receive 85% or better, B for 70–80%, C for 50–69% and D for less than 50%. Whilst this is the government’s rating system, the locals have their own tongue-in-cheek system—A is for avoid, B is for bad, C is for ‘can’, and D is for delicious. Some locals swear that any stall who has the time to achieve an A grade mustn’t have much business as they have too much time to clean! Food outlets are required to display their grade at the front of the stall. This will let customers know in advance what the hygiene standards of the outlet are so that they can make an informed decision.

The other main sign that you will routinely see at food outlets is one indicating that it is halal. The certification is awarded by MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore). If you are of the Islamic faith, look for the halal symbol. If you are not Islamic you are welcome to eat from halal-certified stalls, but please be mindful not to mix the plates and utensils from the halal stall with those from non-halal stalls.

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