Singapore’s hawker culture, a source of immense pride for locals, recently came under the scrutiny of two tourists who shared their honest opinions in a YouTube video on the channel Walking In My Shoes Thailand.
American Robbie Michael Shipman and his Thai companion, Kitty, expressed admiration for Singapore’s cleanliness and various activities but raised concerns about the absence of street vendors and the relatively higher cost of food.
Hawker Culture in the Spotlight
In a YouTube video posted on December 30, Robbie and Kitty shared their thoughts on Singapore’s food scene. While they acknowledged the quality of food in Singapore, the pair expressed a preference for Thailand’s street food, lamenting the absence of street vendors along Singapore’s roads.
Robbie and Kitty commended the excellent quality of food in Singapore but highlighted their preference for Thailand’s culinary offerings. Kitty noted that unlike Thailand, street vendors are not prevalent along Singapore’s roads.
The tourists voiced concerns about the cost of food in Singapore, deeming it relatively expensive. Robbie cited an example, comparing the cost of a typical lunch for two in Thailand (around 200 to 300 baht) to a meal for two in Singapore, which cost just over $30.
Their visit to Maxwell Food Centre left them spending more than $20 on street food, which they found steep compared to their experiences in Thailand.
Positive Impressions Beyond Food
The tourists expressed surprise at Singapore’s traffic conditions, describing it as calm with fewer cars. Robbie noted the slow, safe, and clean streets, attributing the favorable air quality to the well-maintained environment.
Robbie highlighted Singapore’s diverse activities, including giant malls, expansive centers, and numerous sightseeing opportunities. The city-state’s variety of attractions impressed the duo.
Both tourists praised Singapore’s cleanliness, with Robbie expressing admiration for the greenery despite frequent rainfall. The contrast with other bustling cities, such as Bangkok, left a positive impression.