Fareground offers new approach to hawker food

A hawker centre blending the old and the new, Fareground, will open at Pasir Ris Central in November.

As well as traditional hawker fare, it will have one floor dedicated to “creative cuisine”, served in a space designed to look like a hipster cafe.

To add to the vibe, events such as craft fairs and music performances may also be held in the space, says NTUC Foodfare, which is running the centre. Its ambition is to “inject new energy to the local street-food scene”, a spokesman says.

The food hub’s first level will feature 20 cooked-food outlets offering traditional hawker fare such as chicken rice and wonton mee. Upstairs, the menu features cafe food, fusion fare or local food with a twist. Possible dishes include Japanese donburi, for which diners can choose the ingredients.

The final list of food offerings will be unveiled after September 22, the closing date for Singaporeans and permanent residents to apply for the stalls.

It is the third new centre to be managed by NTUC Foodfare, after Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market, and Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre.

Foodfare says each stall in its latest venture will offer at least two budget meals, while the “hipster” cuisine will be comparatively cheaper than similar dishes at cafes.

Seating about 770 diners, the hawker centre will be open from 7am to 10.30pm daily.