Healthy Hawker Food

Healthier Singapore Hawker Food

The next time you are out and about at your favourite hawker centre, keep your eyes peeled for hawkers offering healthier options of your favourite hawker fare. Offering lower-calorie meals, wholegrain options, cooked with healthier oils and lower sodium seasoning, these healthier options are more prevalent today as more hawkers join the Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s Healthier Dining Programme which encourages food and beverage (F&B) businesses to provide healthier food and drink options.

Here are 7 occasions and tips on how to make the healthier choice when you’re facing off with temptation.

Related: Healthy Hawker Eats

1. Help! I Am Trying To Lose Weight

Whether you are trying to maintain a healthy weight or to shed a few kilos, make the healthier choice consistently over lunch and dinner and you are all set on the path to a healthy weight goal. 

Related: Cut 100 Calories from Each Meal Every Day Without Going Hungry

2. Lunch! I Don’t Know What to Choose at the Food Court

It’s a busy day. We’re stressed out. Before we know it, we’re stuffing ourselves with warm, familiar, greasy hawker dishes at lunchtime. Being conscious and making mindful decisions can help us enjoy healthy and delicious meals. Here are 7 Tricks for Surviving the Food Court at Lunchtime.

Related: 5 Healthier CBD Lunchtime Dining Options

3. Gulp! The Hawker Centre Is My Paradise

Enjoying your favourite meals the healthier way at your favourite hawker centre does not have to be painful. Instead of depriving yourself, look out for healthier options and enjoy all foods in moderation! Here are 6 tips to help you survive the hawker paradise.

Related: Eating Light at a Hawker Centre Is Possible

4. Er… I Can’t Find a Hawker Centre that Offers Healthy Hawker Food 

Bedok Food Centre, Geylang Serai Market, Old Airport Road market and many more hawker centres and coffee shops have joined HPB’s Healthier Dining Programme. Here’s a handy list of hawkers and coffee shops which you can bookmark on your mobile.

An easy way to identify hawkers selling healthier options, keep a look out for the Healthier Dining identifier at the stallfront! 

5. Sigh! I Can’t Give Up My Favourites

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to! We can “hack” our favourite dishes to make them healthier for us. Love Wanton Mee, Bak Kut Teh, Ice Kachang, Nasi Lemak, Chicken Cutlet or Chicken Rice? Learn how to reduce the calories, fat and salt so you can enjoy your favourites in a healthier way in Healthy Hawker Eats.

Related: Get Healthy — It’s All about the Calories

6. I’m lost! Just Give Me a List of Healthier Hawker Foods to Follow

Not in the mood to ask the hawker to help you hack your meal? There are some dishes that are just lower in calories, fat and salt — no hacks needed. In Eating Light at a Hawker Centre Is Possible, we feature 8 dishes you can order at hawker centres that are healthier options without any need for hacks. 

Related: Beat the Lunch Hour Rush - Healthy Eating at Work

Others Options to Consider:

For Consumers:

• Obtain adequate fibre intake by opting for fruits at the hawker centre
• Ask for ‘Lower in Sugar’ beverage options (with the Healthier Choice Symbol beverages) & opt for ‘Siu Dai’ in coffee or teas
• Avoid adding pork lard into noodles and remove meat skin
• Check out this list of participating food stalls

For Stall Owners:

• Check out this list of ‘Healthier Ingredients' suppliers

Read these next:

• Cooking with Chef Mel Dean... Rendang Ayam Recipe
• Eat, Drink, Shop, Healthy Challenge
• Steady! Balancing Meals with My Healthy Plate
• 10 Hidden Sugar Bombshells in Your Diet