How to Start Your Own Hawker Stall in Singapore

Before jumping into the hawker trade, ask yourself three key questions:

• Am I willing to go into this full-time?
• How much money do I need?
• What are the risks involved?

If you can confidently answer these, congratulations! You’re on the right track. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five essential steps to becoming your own boss.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To apply for a hawker stall, you must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident and at least 21 years of age.

Step 2: Bidding for a Stall

You can open a hawker stall in either a privately owned or government-owned hawker center. The National Environment Agency (NEA) conducts monthly tenders for government stalls, typically from the 13th to the 26th. Be mindful of tender deposits, rental fees, and other charges such as service and cleaning costs. To avoid overbidding, research past bids and visit potential sites to assess foot traffic.

Step 3: Bidding Results

If your bid is successful, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer from NEA. You’ll need to complete the Basic Food Hygiene Course (BFHC) and apply for a Hawker License before starting operations. If unsuccessful, your deposit will be returned.

Step 4: Basic Food Hygiene Course

All food stall operators must complete the 6-hour BFHC, followed by a 1.5-hour assessment under the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ). This ensures you meet hygiene standards before applying for your hawker license.

Step 5: Applying for a Hawker License

After completing the BFHC, you can apply for a Hawker License through NEA for government stalls or a food stall license for privately-owned stalls. You’ll need documents such as your NRIC, tenancy agreement, BFHC certificate, and a license fee.

Becoming a hawker is a challenging yet rewarding journey. From waking up early to handle the morning rush to battling the heat in the kitchen, the hard work is worth it because you get to be your own boss. For many hawkers, the joy of serving their community outweighs the challenges.

Need affordable equipment to kickstart your hawker journey? At Kitchen Union, we understand the costs of setting up a stall, which is why we offer quality commercial kitchen equipment at prices that won’t break the bank. Let us help you build your dream stall. Explore our shop today!