In recent times, there have been stories of hawker stalls fetching either astonishingly high or incredibly low bids. A striking example of this trend is evident in the Bedok Food Centre.
A stall that was once rented for a mere $10 a month three years ago has now received a staggering bid of $4,556 per month. This latest bid has set a new record for the highest amount ever offered for a stall in this particular hawker centre.
Someone Bid $4,556 Per Month for A Hawker Stall That Was Once Rented for $10 a Month Before
Situated at the crossroads of Bedok Road and the upper section of East Coast Road, the Bedok Food Centre has seen this particular stall change ownership ten times in the last decade.
Interestingly, there was a time when the stall was operated for as low as $10 a month.
The individual who placed the $4,556 bid already operates another stall in the same hawker centre and has been doing so for nearly three decades.
A relative of this bidder shared, “Our fried chicken is a household name, largely due to our delectable chili. With this new stall, we aim to introduce Western cuisine, filling a gap as no other stall currently offers it.”
However, not all hawkers share this optimistic view. Many believe that sustaining a profit, especially with such high rents, is challenging.
They are pinning their hopes on the upcoming Sungei Bedok MRT Station, set to be operational by 2025, to attract more customers.
One hawker voiced his concerns to 8World, stating, “The location’s appeal has diminished over time. The current bid is exorbitant. Only if your food has a renowned reputation for being exceptionally tasty can such a price be justified.”
In a contrasting perspective, another hawker mentioned that a nearby stall received a bid from two individuals for just $22.
Highlighting the competitive nature of the hawker scene, last month, a stall at Eunos Crescent Market and Food Centre received a bid of $5,555.
Similarly, a stall at Bendemeer Food Centre was bid at an impressive $5,000. Both these amounts set new records for their respective food centres.
Such high bids have left many hawkers in a state of disbelief, questioning the feasibility of making a profit with such steep overheads.