Attap Kia

Singapore’s hawker scene is renowned for its diverse and often affordable meals.

Among them, “cai png” (economic rice) is a staple, allowing diners to pick from an array of dishes.

However, a recent Reddit post by user TheOne0003 on r/SingaporeEats ignited debate, as they shared a meal from Sin Hock Heng Teochew Porridge, claiming their “$10 (overpriced?) 4-dish cai png” felt pricey.

Let’s explore what they received for $9.80 and why the discussion arose.

The Meal:
The user’s meal, totaling $9.80, consisted of four dishes and a bowl of rice.

Here’s a closer look at the dishes captured in the photos:

* Stir fried cabbage: A hearty looking dish featuring stir fried cabbage and savory sauce.

* Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant green broccoli florets, lightly stir-fried, possibly with garlic, offering a nice crunch and a touch of greens to the meal.

* Minced Meat: A generous serving of flavorful minced meat, possibly pork, in a rich, dark sauce. This is a common and comforting addition to many economic rice-style plates.

* Braised Potatoes with Pieces of Meat: Interestingly, these soft, braised potato wedges, soaked in a delicious sauce, also contained small pieces of meat. The original poster noted this dish seemed to be counted as a “meat” dish, contributing to the perceived higher cost.

* Steamed Rice: The essential base for any economic rice meal, soaking up all the delicious gravies from the chosen dishes.

The “Overpriced?” Question:
The central point of TheOne0003’s post was the $9.80 price tag for this economic rice-style meal.

While four dishes plus rice might seem like a good spread, the user’s sentiment suggested it might be on the pricier side for what is often perceived as a “cai png” equivalent, especially with the braised potatoes potentially being classified as a “meat” dish.

Economic rice is often lauded for its affordability, and a $9.80 price point can raise eyebrows for some, prompting a debate on value and portioning.

But the fact that it came from a Teochew Porridge stall, which might have different pricing structures and portions than a typical cai png stall, also adds to the discussion.

Location:
This meal was from Sin Hock Heng Teochew Porridge, located at 701 Geylang Road.

What do you think?
Is this $9.80 meal from a Teochew Porridge stall, resembling a “cai png,” a fair price for a satisfying meal in Singapore, or do you agree it might be a bit “overpriced” for an economic rice-style serving?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Original Reddit Post: reddit.com/r/SingaporeEats/s/Lj4jGceBM0