We also visited some of the non traditional food centres as they are very modern and air conditioned and are operated by large food chains like Food Republic and Food Junction. They are found in the big shopping centres and do not have the fresh produce sections. Same food but definitely lack the ambiance and excitement of the traditional food centres. In the process I have had some amazing food and the list is to long to mention. The journey does not end as I have not even covered the tip of the iceberg.
Link to local hawker centre portal; http://myhawkers.sg/
Some interesting things I learned. If you find a tissue packet on a table it is reserved or "Choped". A queue at a food stall does not mean the food is very good. Singaporeans believe in queuing and that it means there is something good where there is a queue. Some foods can not be ordered in single servings like Fish Head Curry. It is meant to be shared. It is common to order several dishes from different stalls and then share with friends and family.
Dress casual and cool (Nobody wears as suite to eat street food) and take spare napkins if you are going to do the curry thing. Food prices are fixed and there is no bargaining. Food stall cleanliness are rated with "A" being very good and "C" very bad. Most stalls give you a number and serve your food at your table. Check for self service notice else you might wait a long time for your food.
If the place is packed do not fear. It is customary to sit at a table with strangers and even have a chat. I had a nice chat to a old Chinese man last week. Parking is not free so get your vouchers from the local 7Eleven else you will have a problem. Strange food names can actually be something simple. Example, Beef Kway Teow = Ribbon Rice Noodles served with Beef strips and beef mince balls.
Last but not least it is not uncommon to hear slurping and gulping. One thing I still must conquer is those little chopsticks. Still eating with a spoon which does make me stand out. I will continue the quest.
PS. you can get a hearty meal for between $3 - $5 and the fresh produce is much cheaper at the Hawker Centres than at the shopping malls.
I am sure you are all aware of the "Occupy" demonstrations that has taken place in some of the major Financial Hubs like Wall Street. I was quite interesting and funny to read a fellow Blogger, (Orangefoamfinger) post yesterday on this topic in Singapore. Remember, that kind of sh.. I mean stuff is not allowed here. Read the article here and check the photos of the demonstrators.Nice one Orangefoamfinger.
http://orangefoamfinger.com/2011/10/17/an-occupy-demonstration-singapore-styles/
We love avocados and most weekends it is part of breakfast. I have been struggling to get nice ones here and have settled for the small imported Australian Hass ones until I find the real stuff. Then at breakfast we discussed where does avocado actually come from and did not have the answer. Googled it and they are Native to Central Mexico. Guacamole should have been a dead give away. The top three producing countries today is Mexico, Indonesia and the USA. Avocado was only introduced to South Africa and Australia in the late 19th century.
Read more here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado
ohhhhhhhhhh my god..sooo yumy :)
ReplyDeleteration MREs meals ready-to-eat