Whampoa Food Centre

We were taken out to dinner at Whampoa Food Centre. It's our first visit! Never knew this place existed. It's not a far drive from home. Convenient enough to hop over. We arrived at dusk. The sky was still light, but the lights were already blazing in the flats. What a gem of a food area. Another place to take visitors to for sure, once we figure out what's good to eat around here. I'm not particularly bothered about which is the best stall selling whichever and whatever. They all look fine. Plenty of food for everyone's choosing.

What a charming enclave tucked away behind the neon lights of the main shops along Balestier Road. The brightly lit food centre had cheerful stall owners who, in spite of the 'self-service' signs, told me that they would deliver the orders to our table. I was a little stunned by the lack of curtness of the stall owners and assistants.

Apparently the food centre's usually pretty crowded. But tonight, it's not too bad. Lots of empty tables. The most pleasing part, besides the company, was the breeze wafting through. The evening didn't plaster its usual layer of thick humidity on humans seated outdoors. The absence of high-rise buildings in the area meant that the wind can come through easily. How lovely. This area used to be a sugar plantation. I certainly hope this charm lasts for a bit. Already, many plots of land have been boarded up and marked for re-development as condominiums.  Lots of hawkers seem to know their customers. They're probably regulars living in the area. I'm curious about these blocks housing the food centre, and 5 steps away, the wet market. Would love to check out the vibes of this locale over a leisurely breakfast on a weekend.