Luis Gerard E. Esta Class: 2/6
Nestled in the heart of Woodlands lies my favourite go-to hawker centre. Displayed above the entrance are 3-dimensional, polished stainless steel letters spelling out its name, lit by a luminous white light from behind, contrasting the dull, stained grey wall that they rest on.
Upon entering the hawker centre, one will be greeted by an ambrosial aroma of delicacies filling the air, so divine that they could almost taste the various scents. Neatly laid out between stalls are vibrant tables and chairs, blemished from years of use. Tiles in various colours and sizes cover the walls and floor. Suspended from the ceiling are incandescent lights, giving the place its lively ambiance. A low whirring of ceiling fans can be heard throughout the dining area, filtered out by the noisy chatter of diners.
The hawker centre offers a wide selection of local and foreign cuisine, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western food. Many unique stalls selling these culinary delights line the sides of the place, as their eye-catching multi-coloured signs attempt to attract the attention of diners. Usually seen around these stalls are long queues of all sorts of people donning school uniforms, suits or just regular, everyday clothes, constantly glancing at their watches with frowns on their faces as they wait in anticipation to indulge in their favourite meals.
Once at the front of a queue, ready to order, one may be greeted by the toothy smile of the stall vendor, followed by a cheerful “Good morning!” As one awaits their food, they may be able to catch a whiff of it being prepared, together with the clattering of cooking utensils and sizzling of meat, if any, which can be music to one’s ears. They will be able to enjoy the dish, which was handed down from one generation to another, that is being prepared in front of your very eyes.
A diversity of people can be found at the hawker centre, such as families having their meals together, students hanging out after school, old friends bonding and strangers having friendly chats with one another. Cleaners are ridding the areas of marks and stains and food leftovers, and stall vendors are busy preparing food for the customers.
This hawker centre, aside from having delectable dishes, local and international, is able to bring people from all walks of life together and have them interact and socialise with one another. This is why it is my favourite hawker centre.
Writers by the River 