Food Republic recognised for hawker heritage efforts at Retail Asia Awards 2026

The brand supports hawker businesses through its food atrium concepts.

Food Republic won Sustainable Brand of the Year - Singapore at the Retail Asia Awards 2026 for its efforts in preserving and evolving Singapore’s hawker culture through sustainable business partnerships and experiential dining concepts.

Food Republic introduced the thematic food atrium model in Singapore in 2002, combining hawker dining with interiors shaped around local heritage references, this model seamlessly blends the food court and restaurant dining experience. Its 14 outlets houses a mix of long-established hawker names and newer food concepts, with tenants selected according to culinary reputation, public recognition, and relevance to local food culture. The company also worked with hawkers on business expansion across its food court ecosystem whilst retaining traditional preparation methods and recipes.

In many of Food Republic outlets, the dining areas incorporate details drawn from older Singapore streetscapes, alongside curated background music, themed activations, and occasional busking performances. Rather than operating as standard food courts, the outlets are positioned as spaces centred on Singapore street food and hawker trade traditions.

Within the last 24 months, six outlets underwent refurbishment works and the launch of Food Republic’s first food hall at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Today, Food Republic partners with its food and beverage operators to manage 241 stalls across its 14 outlets in Singapore. 

To empower the next generation, Food Republic established FRITE with the Institute of Technical Education as part of a Young Hawker Entrepreneurship Incubator Programme aimed at students interested in entering the hawker trade. A total of 33 students participated in the initiative, which covered industry exposure and business development support.

The brand also established cross-sector partnerships as part of the community initiative, Project Nourish, which distributed meal vouchers to at-risk youth from less advantageous backgrounds.

Food Republic currently operates more than 35 outlets worldwide and continues working with local food operators across its food atrium network.

The Retail Asia Awards highlights the pinnacle of excellence, innovation, and leadership within the retail industry across the Asia Pacific region. It serves as a benchmark of success, honouring companies and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to shaping the future of retail.

The Retail Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the Retail industry, please contact Marni Marco at [email protected].