In the bustling streets of Bukit Panjang, there’s a 50-year-old hawker who runs a hawker stall at Fajar Shopping Centre.
However, what makes her stand out isn’t just her culinary skills but also her unique pricing strategy. Wu charges an extra S$0.50 for customers who request their char kway teow without beansprouts, according to Shin Min Daily News.
A Taste of Tradition
Wu’s journey as a hawker began two months ago when she set up her stall at Fajar Shopping Centre. However, her love affair with char kway teow dates back 20 years.
This dish, a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, is a stir-fried delight that combines flat rice noodles with succulent prawns, savory Chinese sausage, and an assortment of vegetables, including the infamous beansprouts.
The Menu and Additional Charges
A quick glance at Wu’s menu reveals a fascinating pricing structure. Photos of the stall’s menu display additional charges for various customizations, such as extra ingredients or beansprouts.
These additional ingredients come at a cost, ranging from S$0.50 to S$2. Surprisingly, the last option on the menu allows customers to eliminate beansprouts entirely, but even this comes with an extra charge of S$0.50.
Wu’s Perspective
When asked about the additional charge for no beansprouts, Wu explained that they displayed their additional charges when they opened the stall, but they are not trying to earn the extra 50 cents. She added that they are just trying to make things easier for themselves.
She further explained that they only have 3 woks at their stall which can cook about 4 to 5 portions at once, but if the customer requests for no beansprouts, they have to cook up a new batch for them, which takes up time.
Wu’s rationale is rooted in efficiency. With a limited number of woks, every order without beansprouts disrupts the flow of her cooking process. The extra charge is meant to compensate for the additional time and effort required to prepare these customized orders.
Understanding Customers
Despite initial surprise, most of Wu’s customers are understanding. Some have devised clever workarounds, like ordering the regular char kway teow and simply picking out the beansprouts themselves to avoid paying g the extra 50 cents.