There's More Sugar In Hawker Food Than You Realise

Sugar content per serving: 7.5 teaspoons (38.2g), or one can of Coke.

Where’s the sugar hidden? Mostly in the gravy to complement the spiciness. Cut down on the amount of sambal belachan as well, since it contains a higher amount of sugar and oil that could contribute to total fat and calorie count.

Make it healthier: Order alternatives like dry mee siam. Or if you’re whipping up your own mee siam, opt for canola oil or sunflower oil instead of full fat oil like palm or coconut oil (the saturated fat content in palm oil is about five times higher). Replace sambal belachan with fresh chilies and herbs to lower sodium levels.

Sugar content per serving: 3 teaspoons (16.2g), or half a can of Coke.

Where’s the sugar hidden? Rock sugar is added in the spice paste for the laksa broth.

Make it healthier: For a lighter home-made version, use reduced fat coconut milk which has 40 per cent less fat than regular coconut milk.

Sugar content per serving: 6 teaspoons (29.7g), or a generous scoop of ice cream.

Where’s the sugar hidden? It’s added directly into the dish to bring out the flavours. Ask the tze char uncle (or the chef) nicely if he can reduce the amount of sugar and soy sauce used.

Make it healthier: If you’re preparing it at home, use brown rice instead of white rice — it prevents a drastic spike in blood glucose levels within a short period of time, thus reducing the risk of diabetes.

Sugar content per serving: 5.5 teaspoons (27.8g), or one scoop of ice cream.

Where’s the sugar hidden? In the peanut sauce that coats the deep-fried tofu.

Make it healthier: Take it easy with the sauce. And if you’re cooking it yourself, bake it, don’t deep-fry it.

Sugar content per serving: 7 teaspoons (36.6g), or a can of Coke.

Where’s the sugar hidden? That sinful black sweet sauce. Think about it the next time you’re tempted to drown your chee cheong fun in the sauce.

Make it healthier: If you don’t want to forgo the sauce (who does?), make your own and reduce the sugar content and hoisin sauce mixed in.

Sugar content per serving: 5 teaspoons (24.2g), or a scoop of ice cream.

Where’s the sugar hidden? In the broth, which contains rock sugar, fish sauce and oil. Resist scarfing down the entire bowl of gravy, however umami it may be.

Make it healthier: Opt for the soup version with more vegetables, but avoid finishing the soup as it is high in sodium.

Fortunately, no. Wenny says hawker food is not entirely unhealthy. "It depends on whether you make informed choices such as [favouring soups] or those with the Healthier Choice Symbol. Portion size is also a significant factor to take into consideration when dining out. Sharing a large portion helps you to control your calorie intake. Other things you can do to eat healthier include: asking for less oil/fat, less sugar and less salt; in other words, less gravy. Ask for more vegetables. Avoid cream-based and gravy dishes, and opt for the soupy version. Avoid deep-fried and processed foods high in saturated fats. Have whole grains such as brown rice whenever possible when dining out. Steer clear of sugar or sodium-heavy gravy once in a while." Try lighter options like Teochew porridge for a healthier, balanced meal. Choose dishes like sliced (not fried) fish soup rice which offers a balance of protein, carbs and fibre.