What to Expect?
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.
Step into the world of 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.
About After Hours @ My Community
Singapore is a city which never sleeps. A plethora of activities continue deep into the night, even as most of us head to bed. Follow us on an unforgettable adventure in our neighbourhoods and meet the unsung heroes keeping the island’s essential services running after dark.
You might be fast asleep or up late on Netflix. As you rest or unwind, a whole workforce of graveyard shift workers disperses across the country to ensure the island’s essential services operate seamlessly.
Our neighbourhoods thrive because of the dedication and unwavering commitment of these hardworking individuals. Make a trip to our neighbourhoods during MCF2025 and express our gratitude to the heartland heroes!
About your Guide
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 Singapore Tourist Guide Society, 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.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate in this exciting tour!
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 2.0 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English
- Meeting Point: Meet at the entrance of Block 91, Whampoa Makan Place (91 Whampoa Dr, Singapore 320091)
- Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
What to bring?
- Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes with good soles grip.
- Participants may need to walk on wet floor during the tour.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella, hand sanitisers, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Parking is available at Whampoa Makan Place.
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
For updates:
- Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
- Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
- Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates
