Hawkers returning to Beauty World Food Centre for operations until next year’s CNY

Remember when the hawkers at Beauty World Food Centre were abruptly told to up and leave without much of an explanation? Well, two months later, it seems like they’re returning to run their stalls again.

According to The Straits Times, it is believed that the $17.5 million acquisition plan for the food centre at Bukit Timah has been withdrawn. Lianhe Wanbao said that the food centre’s management backtracked on the initial decision to cease operations in May, and several hawkers have since returned to re-fire up their stoves.

Over 50 percent of the stalls were seen in operation when Lianhe Wanbao dropped by for a visit on Sunday (Apr. 23), including ones selling vegetarian food, nasi lemak and mutton soup. One hawker mentioned that the bulk of the regulars would be returning in May, although business has been adversely affected as the crowds haven’t been the same ever since news of the food centre’s closure.

Things are still up in the air, but it seems like the hawkers will continue to run their stalls until before next Chinese New Year. So if you’re feeling nostalgic, you’d better get to Beauty World before then.