A char kway teow hawker is giving back to the people in Singapore this 55th National Day by way of his unusual discount: Bring your own egg as an ingredient and pay S$2 per plate of his fare.
The hawker, Dominic Neo, 46, runs his stall, Liang Ji Kway Teow King, that sells carrot cake and fried rice as well.
He is offering this discount from Aug. 7 to 9 in hopes of imparting some long-gone hawker culture to younger Singaporeans.
It was common practice in the past for customers to bring an egg to be cooked with their fare and getting a discount in the process.
Not a gimmick
In a Facebook post on July 19, Neo publicised his offer with the disclaimer that he is not doing this as a gimmick.
He also stated another reason other than passing on some good old traditional practices for younger Singaporeans to experience.
During this trying Covid-19 period, Neo said he wants to pay it forward to customers and friends who have supported him.
Neo wrote: "A smile bring new hope and move on. Talk sweet , smile sweet being an awesome sweet customers."
According to the current menu signboard, Neo's char kway teow sells for S$5 or S$7 per plate.
Neo's culinary skills have been recognised over the years, as he was repeatedly featured in the media.
50 cents char kway teow previously
This is not the first time Neo has pulled off this unusual discount.
In 2018, he offered a plate of char kway teow for 50 cents if customers brought their own egg.
That year, it was reported that he absorbed the costs and was met with a long line of customers.
He cooked till his hands hurt then.
Neo wrote in other posts online that he has since moved his stall to a new air-conditioned food court at 2 Serangoon Road Singapore 218227.
The food court is located in the newly-renovated Tekka Place.
All photos via Lily Choo