Singapore Hawkers’ Awards 2026 Opens Nominations to Recognise Hawkers and Associations Keeping Local Food Culture Alive

Nominations are now open for the Singapore Hawkers’ Awards 2026, inviting members of the public to recognise hawkers and Hawkers’ Associations whose dedication, resilience and enterprise help keep Singapore’s hawker culture thriving.

Organised by the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore (FMAS), with support from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the National Heritage Board (NHB), this year’s awards carry the theme “Hawkers’ Spirit: Rain or Shine, We Rise”.

The awards recognise hawkers who overcome business challenges, preserve traditional recipes and flavours, and contribute to the wider hawker community. Members of the public can nominate deserving candidates for the Enterprising Hawker Award, Hawker Heritage Award and Active Hawkers’ Association Award by 31 October 2026.

The Enterprising Hawker Award celebrates hawkers who demonstrate resourcefulness and resilience in managing their businesses, while the Hawker Heritage Award honours those who preserve Singapore’s culinary traditions for future generations. The Active Hawkers’ Association Award recognises Hawkers’ Associations for their contributions to the hawker community.

Hawkers can nominate themselves or be nominated by FMAS members and Hawkers’ Associations. FMAS ambassadors will also visit hawker centres to distribute flyers and assist members of the public with the nomination process.

Each winner in the hawker award categories will receive S$1,000 in cash, a trophy and recognition at the Singapore Hawkers’ Awards ceremony on 30 November 2026.

Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as chefs with expertise in Singapore’s food and beverage industry.

The My Favourite Hawker Centre Award, introduced in 2024, will also return this year. The public can vote for hawker centres that hold a special place in their hearts, with voting open until 15 November 2026. Voters will stand a chance to win a S$100 cash prize.

The Singapore Hawkers’ Awards 2026 provides an opportunity for Singaporeans to show their appreciation for the people and organisations behind the nation’s hawker culture, from individual stallholders who keep traditional dishes alive to associations that support hawkers and their communities.

Members of the public can submit nominations for the Enterprising Hawker Award, Hawker Heritage Award and Active Hawkers’ Association Award by 31 October 2026, while voting for the My Favourite Hawker Centre Award closes on 15 November 2026. The award ceremony will take place on 30 November 2026. https://alvinology.com/2026/10/22/singapore-media-festival-returns-in-december-with-new-asia-creator-summit-and-expanded-content-market/