\n<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Tampines GRC, which is involved in organising three bazaars across the estate \u2013 at Tampines Changkat, Tampines Central and beside Tampines MRT Station \u2013 said it has seen a 30 per cent increase in overall stall numbers.<\/p>\n
It has also introduced new elements at its Tampines Central location to refresh the experience.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said: \u201cThis year, we are seeing more curated themes, wider adoption of cashless payment options, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities to enhance the overall experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cVendors (at Tampines Central) were carefully selected based on the variety of fusion food they offer, aligning with current trends and appealing to residents\u2019 tastes.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Woodlands, both new and returning stallholders have signed up.<\/p>\n
Many vendors say\u00a0the strong community spirit is a key reason for setting up shop, even as costs rise.<\/p>\n
Ms Asmah Osman, co-owner of food stall Cahaya Timur, said rental has gone up by about 10 per cent compared\u00a0with\u00a0last year.<\/p>\n
Because of that, along with rising ingredient costs, she has had to raise prices by S$1 to S$2 (US$0.80 to US$1.60) per item.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her menu features dishes\u00a0such as lamb shank, mutton, prawns and fish, which are expensive, she added.<\/p>\n
Ms Asmah, who has been participating in bazaars for about 20 years, said that strong customer support keeps her coming back, adding that regulars even remember her stall from previous years.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of them are so old, some of them with children. I was surprised. They still recognised us here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n