|
 |
|
Source:
www.nea.gov.sg |
|
“Singapore Hawker Centres –
People, Places, Food” The first definitive book on the social
history of a uniquely Singapore icon |
|
|
Briyani, thosai, chilli crab, roti prata,
chicken rice and satay, the Singaporean-ness of hawker centres is
palpable. Nowhere else on the island (or in the world) will you find
such an eclectic array of food as it was meant to be enjoyed: in a
natural open-air atmosphere, among friends and family, with the sizzle
of hot pans and the clang of woks. |
|
Hawker centres are no longer seen as a poor
man’s meal ticket. They bring together foods old and new, from East and
West. They are a reflection of life in Singapore, bridging cultures and
generations. How did hawking evolve over the years, from street food to
architect-designed eating places? |
|
The National Environment Agency has
commissioned a book that traces the social history of this uniquely
Singapore icon. "Singapore Hawker Centres - People, Places, Food" is the
definitive account on hawkers, their food and their stories. It also
features environment and public health officials who have been
instrumental in transforming hawking from a public health nightmare to a
respectable trade. |
|
"Hawker centres have become an important
icon of the food scene in Singapore and have helped to put the country
on the world map. We felt that it was timely to chronicle the
development of hawker centres in a book, and pay tribute to the many
people who have made it a Singapore success story." said Mr Lee Yuen Hee,
NEA CEO. |
|
NEA started conceptualising the book in 2005
and completed its production in 2007. Working with SNP International
Publishing, the book was researched and authored by Lily Kong, Professor
of the Department of Geography at NUS, who has written widely on these
subjects and won two National Book Development Council of Singapore Book
Awards in 1996. |
|
As the title suggests, the book chronicles
the lives of People who make up the heart and soul of hawker centres,
the colourful Places that hawker centres have become, and the appetizing
Food that keeps people coming back for more. |
|
Minister for Environment and Water
Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, launched the book at Newton Food
Centre today. Attended by hawkers, foreign diplomats and corporate
partners, the event brought together the main characters who have
made this book possible. |
|
The book is available at major
bookstores. |
|
For more information, please contact |
|
Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255
632) Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg |
|
Source:
www.nea.gov.sg News Release 1
Dec 2007 |
SingaporeUpdate.com All Rights Reserved
NEA commissions book on Singapore
hawker centres