Hawker centers and food courts have long been a staple everywhere. Wherever it’s situated or what it’s called, these places offer the same purpose: to provide delicious, affordable food. Have these places adapted to consumer demands or due to becoming a thing of the past?
“For Singaporeans, the hawker center is part of daily life, no more remarkable than another 99-cent pizza joint is to a New Yorker.” (Modak, 2017)
Hawker centers are a cultural icon of Singapore and are found all over the country, offering an extensive range of dishes. These are usually located in the heart of the community and offer a unique experience for locals and tourists alike. Food courts, on the other hand, are indoor spaces with a similar concept, usually found in shopping malls or commercial areas.
Aside from affordability, the variety of dishes made available to consumers has easily made these establishments popular. Food courts are more secure, with franchises and constant foot traffic from mall-goers; however, the existence of hawker centers is threatened by trends, changing tastes, and bigger businesses. But it doesn’t have to be.
With endless options, it’s easy to be overshadowed by another hawker stall, which is why availability and being visible to consumers is important. Food delivery apps have evolved to offer mix and match ordering — hawker stalls can either sign up as a merchant alone, or partner with another stall whose menu compliments theirs. Similarly, food court tenants can partner with delivery apps to expand their reach or search if their mall provides mix and match options.
While food courts have POS set-up, hawker centers have to be more resourceful. A long line draws attention, but it can also discourage potential customers. Every second counts, and being accommodating to tourists by providing multiple payment options will already be a huge help. (Tip: E-wallets and prepaid cards are commonly used by tourists and locals alike!)
As long as people are in need of good food with an equally good price, there will always be establishments like hawker centers and food courts around. Ultimately, it requires the cooperation of both owners and consumers — business owners to adjust to the times, and consumers to frequent familiar flavors even during passing trends.
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