Old Airport Road Hawker Centre

Old Airport Road

A series I am doing to document hawker culture in Singapore, which was recently awarded the status of World Heritage. This first 4 photographs were shot digitally with Hasselblad H3D-39 with HC 4/28mm and converted to black and white in Ps2020.

Old Airport Road Food Centre. One of the more popular food centres in town. These food centres, also known as Hawker Centers, was an effort by the government to consolidate formerly itinerant hawkers who roamed the streets into centers, where health and cleanliness standards can be monitored, and rids the streets of push carts.

Inside, stalls are build en-mass. And is typical in this region, individual stalls are owned and helmed by small business owners, who often operate as a one or two person show. Each specializing in one dish.

Here is one stall.  Very old school hawker. Typical characteristics are that these are mostly owned and operated by the older generation. These chef owners are often grumpy, and sometimes rude. But usually feature good cooking with delicious meals prepared a la minute at inexpensive prices. This outlet is known as Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow Mee. A noodle dish, made with flat rice noodles mixed with yellow noodles, fried with lard, with a concoction of light and dark sauces, chilli paste, egg, cockles and prawns. Price for a plate range from S$3 to S$5 (about US$2.25 to US$3.70).

Upstairs, we find other sundry shops. This one, also manned by an elderly couple was very friendly. The shop is packed to the brim with ribbons, buttons, etc. which they will sell for DIY projects, but will also undertake to do alterations for you in-situ.