Free children's books celebrate Singapore's culinary heritage and street vendors

Singapore's unique culinary heritage is the focus of two new free children's books designed to preserve and celebrate the city-state's gastronomic traditions for younger generations.

One book centres on Hainanese cuisine and culture, offering young readers an introduction to the cooking techniques, ingredients, and social significance of dishes that have become synonymous with Singapore's multicultural identity. Through illustrations and narrative, the publication traces how Hainanese immigrants shaped the local food landscape, creating dishes that remain popular today.

The second title shines a spotlight on the ice-cream uncle, the street vendor who has long been a fixture in Singapore's neighbourhoods. The book captures the essence of this informal but cherished tradition, documenting the role these vendors have played in the daily lives of Singaporeans across generations.

Both publications serve as cultural documentation tools, introducing children to aspects of Singapore's heritage that might otherwise fade from collective memory as the country modernises. By combining storytelling with visual elements, the books make local history accessible and engaging for young audiences.

The initiative reflects broader efforts to preserve Singapore's intangible cultural assets and ensure that traditional foodways and street vendor culture remain part of the national narrative for future generations.