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Story by Ryan Chan
A bowl of fishball noodles or plate of nasi lemak at $2.50 can be rare to come across in Singapore these days, but NTUC Foodfare’s Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market will bring a collection of classic local fare together at affordable prices.
Officially opened on 6 August 2016, the centre will see hawker stalls with a price cap imposed on two basic food meals to cater to the budget-conscious and low-income groups.
Said NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, who was present at the opening as guest-of-honour: “This Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market is an example of how NTUC Social Enterprises are widening their social footprint to provide relevant, accessible and affordable services to our working people.
“By putting in place price moderation practices, NTUC Foodfare is able to ensure that good and tasty food is affordable to Singaporeans at the hawker centre.”
Healthy and Cheap
Foodfare also has a Rice Garden stall, which offers healthy, nutritious meals at affordable prices. For a rice meal with two vegetable dishes and one meat dish, patrons only have to pay $2.70. The same meal will cost senior citizens, students, national servicemen and union members only $2, while Comcare holders pay just $1.50.
Quite a number of the hawker centre’s other stalls have also committed to providing healthier choices at affordable prices. A total of 23 out of the 26 offer one Healthier Choice meal below 500 calories. Among these, 11 offer two such meals.
Keeping Prices Low
The hawkers were selected based on food quality, variety and price. They were also informed of the price range and cap before they submitted their tenders. This was to help them to assess what would be fair and sustainable. (See pages 3 and 4 as the hawkers share how they keep prices low and remain profitable.)
Residents have also responded well to the centre, which has been operating since December 2015. A survey of 500 residents showed 43 per cent visit the centre daily, with another 40 per cent who said they visit at least once a week.
Foodfare CEO Perry Ong said: “The hawkers share our vision of providing a good mix of basic food types at low prices so as to deliver greater value to customers. We are heartened to that the residents like what we offer and are able to benefit from [this project].”
Good to Know
Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market
259 Bukit Panjang Ring Road
Singapore 671259
Opens daily 6.30am to 10.30pm
Source: NTUC This Week
