Ex-offender becomes hawker’s apprentice to rebuild his life, one ayam penyet plate at a time
The Hawker Apprentice follows the journey of Shaly Farid, an ex-offender training under veteran hawker Roziah Adon to learn traditional culinary skills. The program highlights the personal and professional challenges of reintegration into society while preserving cultural food legacies.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the intersection of social rehabilitation and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in the hawker food industry.
Roziah Adon spent decades honing her craft, including a sambal recipe she had never shared. Then she met Shaly Farid. CNA’s The Hawker Apprentice explores what it takes to carry on a culinary legacy while rebuilding a life after prison.
Shaly Farid (left) and Roziah Adon are one of three pairs of ex-offenders and mentors on The Hawker Apprentice.
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