Ever wondered what happens before your favourite hawker dishes hit the table? Join us and experience the district like never before—before the sun rises and the wok fires roar. This immersive walking tour gives you a front-row seat to the pre-dawn hustle at Balestier and Whampoa markets, where hawkers begin their day prepping for the breakfast crowd. Feel the quiet intensity of the morning buzz, hear untold stories of grit and pride, and savour the smells of a Singapore that’s fast disappearing.
Meet Balestier Road Hoover Rojak, where second-generation hawker Stanley Lim has carried on his late father’s legacy since 2014. Awarded the Bib Gourmand, Stanley’s story is as rich as his sauce—what started as a humble pushcart in Toa Payoh is now a neighbourhood icon so beloved that residents lined the streets to bid farewell when Mr Lim passed. You’ll get the chance to meet Stanley, hear how he modernised the family recipe without losing its soul, and maybe even grab a bite before the breakfast queue starts forming.
The tour also takes you to an old-school bakery that has found fresh life with a younger generation—retaining the comforting traditions of the past while boldly experimenting with flavours that speak to today’s palate. You’ll meet former roadside vendors from the old Kim Keat Village, who once sold vegetables to farmers and are still proudly serving today’s residents. These stories—of resilience, reinvention, and roots—are what make Balestier more than just a place to eat. It’s a living archive of Singapore’s hawker spirit, and you’re invited behind the curtain.
Lora Lee is a veteran trainer, educator, and heritage advocate whose work lies at the intersection of tourism, communication, and personal transformation. With over 15 years of experience in the field, she is known for her engaging bilingual facilitation style, her emphasis on values-based leadership, and her deep commitment to nurturing the human spirit.
A graduate of the National University of Singapore (Business Administration) and holder of a Diploma in Tourism, Lora is a certified ACTA trainer and a lead facilitator in the WSQ Tourist Guide Training Programme, where she has mentored numerous batches of aspiring and practising guides. She has conducted over 28 professional development workshops for the Society of Tourist Guides Singapore, equipping guides with practical tools in communication, storytelling, ethics, and hosting.
Lora’s work extends far beyond technical instruction. As a career coach and life skills educator, she has worked with a wide spectrum of learners—from students and job seekers to army personnel, prison inmates, and youth-at-risk. Through customised workshops on interview skills, workplace readiness, emotional resilience, and personal branding, she helps individuals recognise their self-worth and chart purposeful paths forward.
Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Lora is also active in community heritage programmes, guiding participants through Singapore’s cultural landmarks and sharing stories that honour the lives and voices of everyday people. Her tours and trainings are not just informative—they are heartfelt, human-centred, and deeply grounded in the belief that learning is most powerful when it is personal.
Lora Lee is a veteran trainer, educator, and heritage advocate whose work lies at the intersection of tourism, communication, and personal transformation. With over 15 years of experience in the field, she is known for her engaging bilingual facilitation style, her emphasis on values-based leadership, and her deep commitment to nurturing the human spirit.
A graduate of the National University of Singapore (Business Administration) and holder of a Diploma in Tourism, Lora is a certified ACTA trainer and a lead facilitator in the WSQ Tourist Guide Training Programme, where she has mentored numerous batches of aspiring and practising guides. She has conducted over 28 professional development workshops for the Society of Tourist Guides Singapore, equipping guides with practical tools in communication, storytelling, ethics, and hosting.
Lora’s work extends far beyond technical instruction. As a career coach and life skills educator, she has worked with a wide spectrum of learners—from students and job seekers to army personnel, prison inmates, and youth-at-risk. Through customised workshops on interview skills, workplace readiness, emotional resilience, and personal branding, she helps individuals recognise their self-worth and chart purposeful paths forward.
Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Lora is also active in community heritage programmes, guiding participants through Singapore’s cultural landmarks and sharing stories that honour the lives and voices of everyday people. Her tours and trainings are not just informative—they are heartfelt, human-centred, and deeply grounded in the belief that learning is most powerful when it is personal.
Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes with good soles
Parking is available at the Block 91 Whampoa Makan Place.
After Hours @ My Community
After Hours @ My Community
After Hours @ My Community
After Hours @ My Community
After Hours @ My Community
After Hours @ My Community
