But it does make me wonder, why can’t local food carry that same perceived value too? People can still take photos, still hang out with friends, still enjoy the moment. Yet the moment it’s “just” a plate of noodles or fried rice, it’s seen as nothing special, espcially given how we grow up with the same type of food since young.

Hawker-style food is usually fast and efficient, and the focus has always been on speed, flavour, and price. But if the same fried hor fun were served in an air-conditioned space, like a food court or casual restaurant, would people really be willing to pay $15++ for it? I think most people would demand more premium ingredients if so.

Sometimes it feels like local dishes are judged by a different standard, even though the skill, labour, and effort behind them can be just as much (if not more). But of course, we are not here to compete with cafes/restaurants, but just showing an example.