Yesterday I mentioned hawker centers, and after experiencing more of Singapore, I think I should explain a bit more about how these places are set up. They’re a little bit grungy, very down-to-earth, and definitely something every tourist here should visit.
Typically the hawker centers are a place to get excellent cheap food. Typical stuff there costs between 2 and 3 Singapore dollars for a meal (a US dollar is about 1.40 Sing right now). Each stall has a rolling shutter in the front, and certain places only open up for breakfast or lunch, or are closed on specific days. Each shop sells a specialty food or drink, and there are often many stalls selling a food which is similar but not identical; locals will tell you they have a favorite shop which is better than the others. All of the vendors seem to speak Singlish, a sort of mishmash of Malay and Chinese and English that I haven’t managed to decipher yet.
As each place has a specialty you buy the special thing from that stall and get other things from other stalls. On my arrival we had roti prata from one stall and beverages from two others. It’s sort of a mix and match deal. Some others have special deals: this morning I had something called “kaya toast” with “kopi” (sweetened strong coffee) which came together in a set. It still cost about 2 dollars, and tasted great.
The markets are tied together in one building with a single roof over it for shade, but it’s open to the air. There are benches and tables set up where you can sit down and enjoy your food with friends. As each shop serves a specialty dish, the food is prepared expertly and with lots of personal attention; if your lifestyle depends on making a good curry, you’ll make a good curry!
I’m really enjoying reading about your travels…especially the food. I love food… :o) It reminds me of the food shows we watch on Food Network or the Travel Channel. I keep expecting to hear about some trip you took into the wilderness to sample fried bat (they say it’s good, by the way). Very cool! I’m glad you’re taking the opportunity to explore. We’re with you in spirit!
Don’t pay any attention to your sister. You should not eat fried bat, no matter how good it is. Ugh. But I know you–you will eat it just to say you had it. I’m glad you’re having a good time; I hope you’re taking a lot of pictures, like of the hawkers, etc.
You should absolutely eat fried bat if you can find it :) If for no other reason than to drive mom nuts :-p
Thanks for the notes on your travel experiences in Singapore. I find it fascinating!
Yummo! Next time I’m there I’m guano have some fried bat! Everything tastes better when it’s fried! Do they have curry bat?
Your father has obviously been out in the sun too long. I’m “guano” have to put sunscreen on him.