From Music to Meals: The Journey of a Singaporean Hawker
July 27, 2024, 1:56 am
In the heart of Yishun, Singapore, a culinary transformation is taking place. Stanley Sim, a former clarinetist in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band, has traded his musical notes for frying pans. He now runs 618 Sim Carrot Cake, a bustling hawker stall that serves up plates of chai tow kway, or carrot cake, to long lines of eager customers. This is not just a story about food; it’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and the harmony of two worlds.
Stanley’s day begins before dawn. At 4:30 AM, he rises to prepare for the day ahead. By 6:30 AM, he’s behind the counter, frying carrot cake for a steady stream of customers. The stall is a family legacy, passed down from his parents. Stanley is the second generation to take the helm, and he’s determined to keep the family tradition alive.
His mornings are filled with the sizzling sounds of cooking and the tantalizing aroma of fried radish cake. Customers line up, some waiting for over an hour, eager to taste the dish that has become a staple in the community. The stall has gained a reputation, drawing in food lovers from all corners of Singapore. The secret? A meticulous preparation process and a generous heap of preserved radish, or chai poh, that elevates the dish to new heights.
But Stanley’s life is not just about frying carrot cake. After his morning shift, he transitions to a different kind of stage. In the afternoons, he teaches clarinet lessons at local schools. This dual life is a balancing act, but for Stanley, it’s a fulfilling one. Music has been his lifelong companion, a passion that refuses to fade.
His journey from musician to hawker is a fascinating one. For 19 years, Stanley played in the SAF Central Band, performing for dignitaries and participating in significant national events. He recalls the emotional experience of playing at the funeral of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. The rain poured down, instruments soaked, yet the music continued. It was a moment that encapsulated his dedication to his craft.
Leaving the band was not an easy decision. The allure of music still calls to him, but the responsibilities of family and the desire to honor his parents’ legacy led him to the hawker life. He admits that the transition was challenging. Cooking is a different rhythm, a different kind of performance. Yet, he has embraced it wholeheartedly.
Stanley’s carrot cake is a labor of love. He takes pride in the preparation, ensuring that each plate is visually appealing and delicious. The layers of carrot cake are stacked meticulously, a testament to his attention to detail. Customers often comment on the presentation, which adds to the overall experience. It’s not just food; it’s an art form.
The recipe is a closely guarded family secret, but Stanley is open about the process. He washes and re-seasons the chai poh, balancing flavors to create a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet. The result is a carrot cake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a generous topping of preserved radish that enhances every bite.
Despite the long hours and physical demands of running a hawker stall, Stanley finds joy in his work. The satisfaction of seeing customers enjoy his food is a reward in itself. He often receives compliments, and the long queues are a testament to his success. On weekends, the stall can see wait times of up to two hours, a clear indication that his hard work is paying off.
Yet, the hustle doesn’t end there. Stanley’s afternoons are dedicated to teaching music. He finds that the act of teaching rejuvenates him. It’s a way to connect with the next generation, to pass on the skills and passion that have shaped his life. He sees the growth of his students as a personal achievement, a continuation of his musical journey.
The duality of his life is striking. In the mornings, he’s a hawker, frying up a storm. In the afternoons, he’s a mentor, guiding young musicians. Each role feeds into the other, creating a fulfilling cycle of creativity and community.
Stanley’s story is a reminder of the beauty of following one’s passion, even when it leads down unexpected paths. It’s about embracing change while honoring tradition. As he flips carrot cakes and teaches clarinet, he embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptability.
In a world that often pushes for specialization, Stanley Sim proves that it’s possible to wear many hats. He is a hawker and a musician, a teacher and a chef. His life is a symphony of flavors and sounds, a testament to the richness of experience.
So, the next time you find yourself in Yishun, consider stopping by 618 Sim Carrot Cake. Not just for the food, but for the story behind it. A story of a man who turned his back on one stage to embrace another, all while keeping the music alive.
Stanley’s day begins before dawn. At 4:30 AM, he rises to prepare for the day ahead. By 6:30 AM, he’s behind the counter, frying carrot cake for a steady stream of customers. The stall is a family legacy, passed down from his parents. Stanley is the second generation to take the helm, and he’s determined to keep the family tradition alive.
His mornings are filled with the sizzling sounds of cooking and the tantalizing aroma of fried radish cake. Customers line up, some waiting for over an hour, eager to taste the dish that has become a staple in the community. The stall has gained a reputation, drawing in food lovers from all corners of Singapore. The secret? A meticulous preparation process and a generous heap of preserved radish, or chai poh, that elevates the dish to new heights.
But Stanley’s life is not just about frying carrot cake. After his morning shift, he transitions to a different kind of stage. In the afternoons, he teaches clarinet lessons at local schools. This dual life is a balancing act, but for Stanley, it’s a fulfilling one. Music has been his lifelong companion, a passion that refuses to fade.
His journey from musician to hawker is a fascinating one. For 19 years, Stanley played in the SAF Central Band, performing for dignitaries and participating in significant national events. He recalls the emotional experience of playing at the funeral of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. The rain poured down, instruments soaked, yet the music continued. It was a moment that encapsulated his dedication to his craft.
Leaving the band was not an easy decision. The allure of music still calls to him, but the responsibilities of family and the desire to honor his parents’ legacy led him to the hawker life. He admits that the transition was challenging. Cooking is a different rhythm, a different kind of performance. Yet, he has embraced it wholeheartedly.
Stanley’s carrot cake is a labor of love. He takes pride in the preparation, ensuring that each plate is visually appealing and delicious. The layers of carrot cake are stacked meticulously, a testament to his attention to detail. Customers often comment on the presentation, which adds to the overall experience. It’s not just food; it’s an art form.
The recipe is a closely guarded family secret, but Stanley is open about the process. He washes and re-seasons the chai poh, balancing flavors to create a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet. The result is a carrot cake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a generous topping of preserved radish that enhances every bite.
Despite the long hours and physical demands of running a hawker stall, Stanley finds joy in his work. The satisfaction of seeing customers enjoy his food is a reward in itself. He often receives compliments, and the long queues are a testament to his success. On weekends, the stall can see wait times of up to two hours, a clear indication that his hard work is paying off.
Yet, the hustle doesn’t end there. Stanley’s afternoons are dedicated to teaching music. He finds that the act of teaching rejuvenates him. It’s a way to connect with the next generation, to pass on the skills and passion that have shaped his life. He sees the growth of his students as a personal achievement, a continuation of his musical journey.
The duality of his life is striking. In the mornings, he’s a hawker, frying up a storm. In the afternoons, he’s a mentor, guiding young musicians. Each role feeds into the other, creating a fulfilling cycle of creativity and community.
Stanley’s story is a reminder of the beauty of following one’s passion, even when it leads down unexpected paths. It’s about embracing change while honoring tradition. As he flips carrot cakes and teaches clarinet, he embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptability.
In a world that often pushes for specialization, Stanley Sim proves that it’s possible to wear many hats. He is a hawker and a musician, a teacher and a chef. His life is a symphony of flavors and sounds, a testament to the richness of experience.
So, the next time you find yourself in Yishun, consider stopping by 618 Sim Carrot Cake. Not just for the food, but for the story behind it. A story of a man who turned his back on one stage to embrace another, all while keeping the music alive.