SINGAPORE: A parent has raised concerns about the high food prices at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), particularly after paying S$6.30 for a meal at the NTU Hall 2 food court.

She expressed worries about the financial burden on students and their access to affordable meals.

However, the stall owner clarified in an interview with local media that her stall is not a typical economy rice (‘cai fan’) stall but rather offers Chinese-style stir-fry dishes. As a result, the cost of her ingredients is higher.

Fen, a concerned parent, earlier complained to online media outlet Stomp about being charged S$6.30 for a cai fan at a stall in the campus on 21 August.

The meal, consisting of economy rice with pork, egg, and brinjal, cost S$1.50 each for vegetables, S$2.50 for pork, and S$0.80 for rice.

She highlighted that NTU students might face higher daily lunch costs compared to outside options, citing that a similar meal with one meat and two vegetables costs S$2.90 at a coffee shop in Bedok.

Fen also expressed dissatisfaction with the S$4.75 sausage baked rice from another stall, describing it as unappetising.

“Generally, food at NTU is not as good as the old days when workers from nearby factories and offices would drive in to have their lunches there, ” Fen remarked.

She expressed concern that students might struggle to access decent and affordable food on campus, especially if they lack the time to travel elsewhere and must rely on the limited food options available.

Stall owner’s explanation

In response to these concerns, stall owner Ms. Li, who has been operating since 8 August, provided an explanation.

In an interview with Chinese media Shin Min Daily News, Ms Li clarified that her stall specializes in Chinese stir-fry dishes rather than traditional economy rice (‘cai fan’), which results in higher ingredient costs.

She also mentioned that, in addition to pork, her stall offers mutton at S$2.50 per portion, as well as beef and seafood at S$3 per portion.

Ms Li emphasised that the prices are not considered excessive and are clearly indicated.

Her stall also provides free soup and extra rice at no additional charge.

She added that the mala hotpot does not incur a base charge and that she uses a more expensive variety of rice imported from China.

Comments reveal concerns about student meal affordability and acknowledge hawkers’ pressures amid rising costs

Despite Ms Li’s defence, some students and netizens remain skeptical about the pricing.

Comments on Stomp and Zaobao’s Facebook posts reveal that while there is concern about the affordability of meals for students, some also recognize the pressures faced by hawkers, including rental costs and the rising cost of food materials.

There is a sentiment that NTU’s administration is out of touch with students’ needs and should better monitor welfare and food pricing.

A netizen suggested that if rental costs are a factor, it might be time for universities to investigate these issues.

There are comments suggesting that NTU’s food prices are indeed high.

While some netizens believe the pricing is still reasonable, others acknowledge the financial pressures faced by businesses due to high rents in Singapore.

A comment on Zaobao’s Facebook post noted: “Currently, rents in Singapore are high for everything. Is anyone providing services for free? It’s hard to understand how vendors can sell cai fan without making a profit. “

“Sometimes, consumers need to appreciate the difficulties faced by business owners. It often feels like people are accusing them of making too much money. Everyone needs to make a living. I think S$6.30 is quite normal.”

Another comment echoed similar sentiments: “The cai fan vendors are really pitiful; they’re criticized all day long. Do they not have to pay rent, utilities, or wages for their workers?”

Some disagreed with the stall owner’s explanation, noting that the issue lies in how the product is positioned.

A comment pointed out that stir-fry is typically cooked dish by dish to maintain freshness and optimal temperature, which justifies higher prices.

In contrast, cai fan is prepared in bulk and kept on display, compromising freshness and temperature, thus leading to lower prices.