SINGAPORE: Buangkok Hawker Center officially opened its doors today. Located within the Sengkang Grand Mall, which opened in March and is just a five-minute stroll from the Buangkok MRT Station, the hawker centre aims to provide patrons with a fresh and innovative dining experience.
With all stalls committed to offering at least one affordable staple food item on their menus for no more than $3, the centre aims to cater to a wide range of customers. Most of the new food court vendors are young, second-generation food stall owners hoping to showcase their culinary talents and contribute to the hawker food scene. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are dedicated to reinventing traditional hawker fare and creating a new generation of dining experiences.
In anticipation of the centre’s opening, several stall owners expressed excitement about the potential customer base in interviews with Channel 8. One stall owner highlighted the presence of numerous HDBs, condominiums, primary schools, secondary schools, and tuition centres in the vicinity, suggesting that families would frequent the hawker centre for their meals.
Mall patrons have already shown curiosity ahead of the opening, with many stopping to take pictures and inquire about the offerings of the individual stalls.
Despite the challenges of inflation, the stall owners remain optimistic about maintaining affordable prices. They believe most dishes can be priced between $3 and $4, ensuring customers enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The stall owners are committed to lowering costs, even accepting smaller profits.
The affordability of the hawker centre is not solely attributed to the stall owners’ efforts. The reduced rental costs of operating within the centre allow them to offer their dishes at more accessible prices. Some stall owners estimate that customers can enjoy a meal for as little as $3.
Recognizing the preferences of the younger demographic in the area, the stall owners have tailored their offerings accordingly. Popular items such as Korean shaved ice will be featured on the menus to attract the younger crowd.
Buangkok Hawker Center boasts a spacious, clean environment with bright and stylish decorations. The centre has 720 seats, providing ample space for diners to enjoy their meals comfortably.
The hawker centre houses a total of 38 cooked food stalls, with 34 of them open for business on the opening day. Each stall is committed to offering economical meals priced at $3.20 and below. The industry hopes to engage and attract more young consumers, which is evident in the centre’s design, which incorporates visually appealing walls to encourage diners to capture and share their dining experiences on social media.
Buangkok Hawker Center is managed by social enterprise Fei Xiong Group. To alleviate the workload on the cleaning staff, the operators have decided not to offer dishes that require extensive cleanings, such as fish head steamboat and claypot rice.
With its affordable prices, diverse food options, and modern ambience, Buangkok Hawker Center is poised to become a popular dining destination for residents and visitors alike. The centre’s emphasis on affordability, innovation, and community engagement sets the stage for a promising future in the hawker food scene.