A call to preserve our "very own" local food culture

Singapore’s food culture is slowly diminishing due to the western influences and also the lack of knowledge from the younger generation for traditional food in Singapore. As the different races’ cuisines make Singapore a unique and fascinating country, it is thus vital to preserve our local food culture.

Preserving local food culture is important as it meant passing knowledge from one generation to another, our lifestyles, norms, beliefs, food preference and knowledge of food is also passed on. In other words, it serves as a reminder to the younger generation of their roots and culture of their race.

Different variety of local food in Singapore

In addition, local food is fresher and healthier as they do not contain preservatives and additives which is harmful to our human health. The food that we purchase at our local farmer's market is often picked within 24 hours of our purchase. This freshness will also make our food taste better as well as higher nutritional value. 

Locally grown vegetables in Singapore

Last but not least, by consuming more local food will also mean a better economy for our country. According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves the community at every transaction. 

Better economy

Appreciating our local food culture may seem easy, but in fact it takes a lot of effort to do so. In order to make teenagers appreciate our local food culture, we must start cultivating them from young. 

First of all, Ministry of Education can organise an event or food fair where students of every school will have to visit. In this particular event or food fair, there will be many different types of local food sold by the difference races & religion. As a result, students will be exposed to it and even get to taste them. 

An example of a local food fair held in Singapore

Secondly, since most of the teenagers are tech-savvy and spend most of their time on the internet and social media, the government can make use of this platform to promote the different types of local food. In addition, traditional food restaurants can set up phone applications that can be commonly downloaded from the app stores in our smart phones. As a result, this can help to raise awareness on the existence of local traditional food. 

Evernote Food, a phone app that can be used to search for local food

Thirdly, Health Promotion Board can launch more campaigns or create more advertisements on the nutritional value of the locally grown food we have here in Singapore. As a result, teenagers will be more inclined to eat more local food due to its various nutritional benefits that is better for health.

Healthier choice symbol launched by Health Promotion Board (HPB)

Last but not least, parents play a big part as well. Parents should educate and expose their children to the local food instead of giving in to what they like to eat. This will ensure that children are aware of the existence of local food at a young age. 

There is a wide variety of local food that we have here in Singapore, start appreciating them today!!!