I seldom go for fancy food or pricey ingredients because I mostly focus on nutritional value. Of course, high-end food can be satisfying, but I just don’t want to spend too much on something that only offers a temporary feeling of satisfaction. While there’s definitely some excitement in waiting for the food and eating it, that feeling doesn’t last once I’m full. And that’s the disappointing part about eating fancy food—it ends too quickly once the meal is over. LOL.
That’s why I usually eat at hawker centers. I feel the food there is good enough and satisfying without being excessive.
That said, some hawker stalls do venture into using premium ingredients beyond the usual chicken, pork, or fish. I recently had an experience like that when I visited the Punggol area and tried a noodle dish that stood out. It was a regular noodle dish, but the toppings were on another level.
It came with deep-fried fish skin crackers and baby abalones!
It’s been a while since I had a noodle dish like that, so I figured it was a good time to treat myself. Spending a bit more on something that brings satisfaction—even if it’s short-lived—shouldn’t be a big deal. Occasional indulgences like this can even be motivating, so I think they’re worth it.
I really liked the fish skin! The crunch and flavor were spot on. I could eat a bunch of those with a beer on the side—LOL.
The abalone was a bit bland, but the texture was nice. That texture is part of what makes abalone special, and it’s also why it costs more than common ingredients. Spending SGD 9.80 for a bowl of noodles is definitely on the higher side, especially when you can get wanton noodles or minced meat noodles for about half the price at other stalls. Still, getting to experience a different topping makes it worth the extra cost.
Treating yourself to something special every now and then doesn’t have to come with guilt—especially when it brings joy and a fresh experience. It’s all about balance and knowing what makes a meal truly satisfying for you. At the end of the day, good food doesn’t always have to be expensive, but it’s nice to indulge once in a while.
Sure! Here's a simple and concise summary in bullet form:
Food: Noodle dish with deep-fried fish skin cracker and baby abalones
Price: SGD 9.80
Location: Hawker stall in Punggol area
Experience:
- Unique topping made it stand out from regular noodle dishes
- Fish skin was crispy and flavorful
- Abalone was a bit bland but had a nice texture
- Overall, a satisfying occasional treat despite the higher price