Yishun married couple pays close to S$10,000 in stall rent but sells S$2 nasi lemak for the people

A husband-and-wife team in Yishun has been selling nasi lemak at S$2 even as their stall rent approaches close to S$10,000 a month.

Reban Kasran, 57, and Sakdiah Abdul Latiff, 53, own Indonesian Selera Corner at Block 101 Yishun Avenue 5, a 24-hour stall that has been in operation since 2005.

Their $2 nasi lemak comes in two variants: fish or chicken, each served with rice, sambal, egg, anchovies, peanuts and cucumber.

Why they keep the price low

Speaking to Berita Harian, Sakdiah said the idea to sell nasi lemak at S$2 came after hearing directly from customers, particularly elderly regulars who wanted something simple and filling.

Sakdiah added that some of their customers have as many as seven children, and that pricing nasi lemak any higher would put a real strain on such families.

“We believe affordable food should not be a burden to people,” she continued.

In a video on her Instagram, Sakdiah also addressed the community directly, saying:

"In the Yishun area, there are still many people who are struggling, elderly folks who can eat this nasi lemak. The price is only $2. We've been selling it for a long time but not many people know. So for breadwinners, you can order our S$2 nasi lemak."

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How they make it work

The stall has eight staff and also offers nasi padang dishes, which helps cover operating costs.

To keep ingredient costs down, the couple regularly compare prices across multiple suppliers and source from whoever offers the most competitive rate.

Reban told Berita Harian that profit was never the main concern.

He said:

"We don't really think too much about making big profits. Even though the profit margin is very small, we keep prices low to make sure anyone can still afford our nasi lemak.”

He added: “We just want to make sure the elderly and large families still have an affordable food option."

He also said quality was non-negotiable despite the low price point.

Customers who have grown up at the stall

Among their most cherished memories are the long-term relationships built with regulars across generations, Sakdiah told Berita Harian.

She said:

"I still remember a child who first ate at our stall when he was 10 years old, and now he is 30 and has his own children."

She also recalled a customer who had been coming since he was eight years old in primary school, and still returns even after starting university.

Beyond the elderly, their customer base spans students and workers who stop by for breakfast before school and work.

Passing it on

Reban and Sakdiah, who have three children, are already training one of their daughters, currently studying at ITE, to eventually take over the stall.

Reban told Berita Harian:

"As long as we are able, we will continue to keep this nasi lemak at a price that ordinary people can still afford, because we want to always be there for the community."