VAST shopping malls are a symbol of South-East Asia's rapidly-increasing prosperity. But locals cling defiantly to one age-old tradition: a passion for tasty street eats. So, canny mall operators have included - usually on basement levels - sprawling food centres where dozens of hawker outlets compete for business. In any mall in the region, head for the basement and you'll probably find a food court offering western and local fare at prices far lower than in hotels or restaurants. [ Read more ]