$2 Laksa, Homecooked Goodness, and a Story of Resilience

Homecooked Goodness and $2 Laksa

Nestled in the quiet Green Zone of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, The Asian Makanstall is a haven for affordable, home-cooked meals. Run by the friendly English-speaking couple Bobby Lee, 74, and Wendy Wang, 70, the stall offers a variety of dishes, including laksa, mee hoon goreng, and a selection of kueh.

What truly sets The Asian Makanstall apart is their $2 Katong laksa, a rare find in today's world. This wallet-friendly option has surprisingly flown under the radar, with many unaware of its existence. "Not many people know about our laksa. We don't get consistent customers," Lee shared with 8days.sg.

Lee's culinary journey has been a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Having moved stalls four times within the hawker center in search of lower rent, he has experimented with various dishes, including Indian-style biryani and UFO-shaped Fuzhou oyster fritters. While his $4 laksa is already a steal, the $2 version, made possible by a generous customer's donation, offers an even more affordable option. This smaller portion includes laksa gravy, noodles, fish cake, and tau pok.

The initial donation has been fully used, but a second donor has stepped up with $1,500, allowing Lee to continue the promotion. Some customers even choose to pay more than the $2, "paying it forward" for others to enjoy this delicious and affordable meal.

Beyond laksa, The Asian Makanstall also offers homemade pineapple tarts for Chinese New Year, available for purchase through WhatsApp. For Lee, becoming a hawker was a necessity after being retrenched from his job as a quality assurance manager. Despite the challenges of finding employment at his age, he persevered, taking cooking classes and selling insurance to make ends meet.

Now in their 70s, Lee and Wang continue to work hard to cover their expenses. While they keep their working hours short to help with their grandchildren, they believe it's important for older adults to stay active.

The Asian Makanstall is a testament to the couple's dedication and passion for providing delicious and affordable food. Their $2 laksa is a true gem, offering a taste of home-cooked goodness at an unbeatable price. So, if you're looking for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal, be sure to check out The Asian Makanstall at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.