Hawker

Hawkers operate individual stalls, selling food and beverages in places such as Hawker centres or food courts. Hawkers are also Entrepreneurs, possessing basic business skills such as budgeting, pricing and Marketing.

Hawker Job Description

Ensure smooth operations of the stall.

Acquire relevant licences and certifications to operate the stall.

Responsible for stock management in the stall.

Prepare ingredients required for the day’s sales and on-the-spot preparation of food.

Hand food to customers and handle payment.

Manage finances, including budgeting, tracking expenses and ensuring profitability.

Establish and maintain good relationships with suppliers to ensure the reliable delivery of high-quality ingredients at the best prices.

Implement efficient cooking techniques and resource management strategies to minimise waste and reduce operating costs, such as energy-efficient appliances and water-saving methods.

Note

The National Environmental Agency (NEA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) have developed the Hawker’s Development Programme (HDP), which aims to help aspiring Hawkers gain the skills needed to run a Hawker stall!

A day in the life

Hawker

As a Hawker, Faye interacts with customers and establishes good relationships in the community.

What you should know about Hawker jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

The job of Hawkers can be demanding! You have many responsibilities, ranging from buying cooking equipment to ordering raw materials.

Key Advice

Other than bidding for stalls, other costs in starting a Hawker business include ingredients, equipment, utilities and cleaning fees.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Find your speciality! Hawker stalls specialise in a specific cuisine or food item. Hone your cooking skills and perfect your recipes. That way, if you decide to open a stall, your food will surely attract customers!

While not always mandatory, formal training in Culinary Arts can give you an edge, especially in understanding cooking techniques, kitchen management and food safety practices.

You must know how to conduct thorough research on your target market, competition and customer preferences.

You must have prior experience in building a strong brand identity through Social Media, word of mouth or local Advertising.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Hawker career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Understanding of hygiene practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Cooking Expertise

Ability to prepare various dishes with skill and efficiency.

Finance Management

Competence in budgeting, pricing and managing business finances.

Soft Skills

Service Orientation

Commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Resource Management

Efficient use of ingredients and kitchen resources to reduce waste.

Decision Making

Ability to make quick, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

“My personal motto is to be reliable. To be here for my staff, my customers every day without fail.”

Faye, Hawker

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are all Hawker centres owned by the government?

Not all Hawker centres are government-owned! HDB or NEA manages and owns most Hawker centres. Private companies such as Koufu and Kopitiam own some centres as well. For example, Kopitiam owns the well-known Lau Pa Sat market!
How can Hawkers acquire a stall to start their business?

NEA holds monthly bidding exercises where interested parties can bid for available stalls. They also post a list of stalls in major newspapers such as The Straits Times once a month! As a potential bidder, Hawkers can refer to NEA’s website to see previous bidding prices. In that way, Hawkers can get a rough estimate of how much it will be to get a stall.
Is acquiring a Hawker stall expensive?

The cost of acquiring a Hawker stall can vary depending on several factors such as location, size and demand. Hawkers are advised to research and consult with local authorities or business professionals in their location for accurate information regarding the costs involved.
What do Hawkers have to consider when running a stall?

Hawkers must consider several factors, including the location, license and permits, pricing, the quality and freshness of their ingredients, the menu selection, and customer service.
How do Hawkers promote their food?

Hawkers promote their food using different methods, such as having eye-catching signage, displays to showcase their dishes, promoting their stall through social media platforms, and special deals.