Bib Gourmand and Singapore Hawker Centers

   

My favorite Rojack wasn't among the lauded.

     As karma would have it, the first Michelin Bib Gourmand awards coincided with my arrival in Singapore. 17 of the chosen were to Hawker Center vendors.
     For many, the news was unwelcome. Why? Hawker stalls are a radically different species from the food courts which dot American, and increasingly, Singaporean malls. Hawker stalls often feature only one specialty, cooked a la minute by a single chef, perhaps with the help of family. Each day's servings are limited by ingredients on hand, and when they are gone, the stall closes. That is why hungry customers queue, and great stalls have the longest queues.
     Some hawkers anticipated that the line for their specialty would increase, leaving the chef pressured and some customers dis-satisfied.  Customers feared the longer wait, or possibly a price increase.
     The Singapore Straits Times gave the announcement lots of space and commentary.  Some thought the selections superficial. Other Singaporeans were relieved that their favorite vendor had not been chosen, so there would be no increase in waiting line, or heaven forbid, sell out before normal closing time.
     Famous Crispy Curry Puffs at the Amoy Street Food Centre is calling to me but will have to wait until we get our MRT cards on Monday! There are more than one hundred Hawker Centres.  I have so many questions about them. Will I be able to visit them all?