Singapore: food, food courts, and male problem

Food is an important feature of every day life in Singapore, it is actually a national passion. Most Singaporeans don't cook and eat out, even the poorest. This would be unthinkable in many as expensive and as wealth cities as Singapore. Yet, food can be very cheap in Singapore. There is quite interesting origin of the Singaporean food culture and food courts.

Most people don't know, but once in the past in 19th century the male/female ratio in Singapore was 10:1 (Source: Museum of Singapore). That was quite unique situation, how to feed all these hungry necks? They won't cook for themselves. It must have been quick while simple... Then street food sold by hawkers started to thrive.

Moreover, Singapore as a major port could enjoy all the spices exported to Europe for cheap prices. And finally, Singapore has always been multicultural lying on the edge of Indian, Chinese, and Malay influence it has always been a melting pot of cultures. People of various origins has been coming to Singapore bringing not only their customs but also their recipes. The recipes has evolved, has been combined and customized.

Over time, through government regulations hawkers were transformed to food stalls and food courts appeared. I have always thought that food courts are of Chinese origin but it appears it is originally mainly Singaporean thingie. All this resulted in scrumptious food for cheap prices.