CHINATOWN FOOD STREET OPENS

Singapore revives street hawking after a 20-year break, as Chinatown Food Street opens on November 13. Located on Smith Street in Singapore’s Chinatown district, this is now the draw card with 18 hawker stalls and al-fresco seating for up to 260 diners.

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, officiated the launch of the much anticipated Chinatown Food Street. Dr Richard Hu, who has given enormous support to the developments of Chinatown and Food Street all these years, was also present as the Special Guest for the event.

Dr Lee, who said he was confident that Chinatown Food Street would draw the crowds, added: “I am pleased that we are now able to experience a slice of what life in Chinatown used to be in the 1970s to the early 1980s, but in a modified version that answers to the affluent Singaporean’s preference for more hygienic conditions.”

Food Street is part of the Chinatown Experience Guide Plan, a multi-agency effort spearheaded by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and supported by various government and grassroots agencies, to bring back the street life and heritage to Chinatown.

Selection of food vendors for Food Street was the mastermind of a panel of culinary experts, food critics, representatives from F&B associations, the STB and the Chinatown stakeholders, such as the Chinatown Business Association (CBA) and the Kreta Ayer Citizens’ Consultative Committee. The panel, led by food consultant Mrs Juliet David, went through a stringent selection process to select the Singapore’s best vendors for the 18 hawker kiosks and 12 shop-house restaurants.

The STB also put in over S$1 million towards the development of Chinatown Food Street. Other agencies which provided support to facilitate the transformation included the Land Transport Authority, the National Parks Board, the Ministry of Environment, the Singapore Land Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

“These are tough times, but when it comes to the business of enjoying good food, few can equal the passion of Singaporeans. I’m simply delighted that today, we are able to bring back a piece of nostalgia that is so much a character of Singapore and Chinatown,” said Mr Yeo Khee Leng, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

Chinatown Food Street’s opening marks a milestone in returning the nostalgia to Singapore. With this, street life in Chinatown will be revived.

On November 13, Chinatown Food Street will open to the public from 9pm. Thereafter, operating hours are between 11am and 11pm daily.

Chinatown Food Street is managed by the CBA.