Woodlands business goes viral for selling $1 nasi lemak, has already sold out for March
While some netizens complain when they are unable to order the food, others are happy to see home-based business thrive
SINGAPORE — The hunt for cheap local food in Singapore is getting harder with rising inflation and cost of living. Which is why a home-based food business in Woodlands is going viral on social media with its offer of nasi lemak for just $1.
The business, aptly called "1 Dollar Nasi Lemak", has already sold out its basic packet of nasi lemak - rice, an egg omelette, fried peanuts and ikan bilis, and a generous serving of sambal - for the entire month of March.
It has since branched out to sell variations of its nasi lemak, with additional ingredients such as a chicken drumstick or popcorn chicken. Customers can also opt to eat their nasi lemak from a tub packaging instead of the traditional paper wrapping.
The business' TikTok account has garnered close to 10,000 followers and their most viral video has raked in over 200,000 views.
Customers can place their orders via WhatsApp. Texts and calls are not recommended, with ordering slots only available on weekends with a minimum order of 10 packets.
Selling out due to high demand and managing disgruntled customers
Due to high demand, netizens have expressed their dissatisfaction, after they flooded the business's Whatsapp account with messages, only to realise the nasi lemak has sold out in the coming weeks.
"Can you please explain why this and next weekend are fully sold out? People want to order and have yet to order, but you are already sold out," one comment said.
Others were supportive to see a local home-based business thrive, and were curious to find out how the business covers their operational costs.
"So nice to see you guys always selling out! Hopefully one day you'll be able to keep up orders, hire people or open a shop," commented a user.
The business has diligently posted videos on TikTok in addressing issues with keeping up with customer demand, claiming they are "seriously sold out".
It will be closed for Ramadan, and business is set to resume after Hari Rayi Puasa.
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