SGD 3 Nasi Lemak Surprise in Upper Boon Keng

As I was passing by the Kallang area earlier, I decided to settle lunch there. It was almost lunchtime anyway, and to me, the Upper Boon Keng stretch is always a safe bet when I want something simple, affordable, and still satisfying. There’s that hawker centre beside the market, and the best thing about places like this is that you don’t have to “plan” a meal. You just walk, you look, you get tempted, and your stomach makes the final decision (usually faster than your brain).

While doing my usual slow “hawker centre scan,” I noticed a newly opened nasi lemak stall right at the front. And my first thought was honestly… another nasi lemak stall again? LOL. I mean, nasi lemak is everywhere in this city, and it’s not an easy category to join because the competition is brutal. So naturally, my curiosity kicked in. Like… what made the owner step into such a crowded battlefield?

Then I saw the price.

SGD 3.00.

And my doubts immediately multiplied.

In this day and age, SGD 3.00 feels like a price tag from another timeline. For me, a meal that truly satisfies is usually around SGD 5.00 and above. The ones that make you sit back and go “wah, this is good” are easily SGD 7.00 and up. So I became suspicious. Too affordable to be good, right? But at the same time, that price was exactly what made it interesting, because it felt almost impossible.

So I ordered the Chicken Wing & Luncheon Meat set.

When the plate arrived, I was low-key impressed already because it didn’t look sad or stingy. The rice had that light blue tint (butterfly pea vibes), and it came with the classics: a few cucumber slices, sambal, and an omelette. The luncheon meat was cut thick enough to feel satisfying, and the chicken wing looked properly fried, not the dry “been sitting there too long” type.

And since I was already there, I added one more item: cabbage as a side. It was an extra SGD 1.00, which I thought was fair. In my head I was like, “Okay, maybe this is where the stall makes a bit more money,” so I didn’t mind supporting a little. Plus, vegetables make me feel like I’m being responsible, even if I’m eating fried chicken and luncheon meat (balance is balance 😂).

Now the real test: the taste.

The rice was fragrant and soft, not overly oily, and it had that comforting coconut aroma that makes nasi lemak feel like a proper meal instead of just “rice with sides.” The sambal had a nice kick — not crazy spicy until you cannot taste anything, but enough to wake your tongue up. The omelette gave that mellow, eggy layer that makes everything feel more complete, and the cucumber helped refresh the bites between the heavier items.

The chicken wing was the highlight for me. Crispy outside, still juicy inside, and it didn’t taste like it was rushed or under-seasoned. And the luncheon meat… you already know lah, it’s sinful but it’s satisfying. That salty, meaty bite together with the fragrant rice and sambal is exactly why people keep coming back to nasi lemak.

Overall, I was really satisfied. I genuinely couldn’t believe this tasted this good for SGD 3.00. It’s one of those lunches that makes you feel like you discovered a “cheat code” in the middle of rising prices. And yes, I will definitely come back — next time, I want to try the fish set too.

This is exactly why I still love hawker centres: you can be full, happy, and surprised all in one meal, and the experience always feels a bit personal and grounded in everyday life.