Eating habits among Hokkiens and Teochews in Singapore.

• Main Author: Teo, Grace Ping Ting.
• Other Authors: Tan Joo Ean
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Communities, classes and races
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/14990
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This exploratory study attempts to understand Hokkiens’ and Teochews’ patterns of food choices that arise in daily routines and special occasions, specifically Chinese New Year and Birthdays, so as to examine the social and cultural reasons for these choices. It will also consider if traditional food bears cultural significance in their lives. The study involved interviewing 40 respondents—young and old—from the two dialect groups, from September to December 2008, using purposive sampling. The analysis covers three aspects: health issues; convenience and care; tradition and novelty. The findings suggest that there is a greater leaning towards healthy options, an inclination towards home-cooking as well as a decline in importance of traditional foods amongst the older generation.