Hawker Behind Thriving Ah Lim Nasi Lemak Closes Stall At Maxwell After Three Months, Turns To Home-Based Business
Why did the Chinese-Muslim-owned stall vacate the space despite the long queues?
Things went “crazy” for Chinese-Muslim hawker Aishah Lim, 38, after 8days.sg’s coverage of her hawker stall, Ah Lim Nasi Lemak, which she opened at Maxwell Food Centre in early January. “I was serving customers every day from 8.30am in the morning to 1pm non-stop,” shares the hawker, who turned a childhood cooking with her Peranakan Hokkien mum into a stall specialising in nasi lemak and prawn noodles. “I was like an octopus, running around the stall trying to cook and serve without any breaks [until closing].”
But just three months later, she chose to suddenly close shop due to disagreements with the hawker whom she shared the stall with. She tells us the arguments started because of rent and escalated to the point where a working relationship was no longer viable.
Meanwhile, she’s turned Ah Lim Nasi Lemak into a home-based business while hunting for a new place to call home.
All photos cannot be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg
Sold out every day for three weeks after 8days.sg article
“When [8days.sg’s] article came out, my cousin sent it to me. I couldn’t sleep that night [before work], as I was very excited – I didn’t know what to expect,” chirps the lady boss, who worked in a public relations role at a construction firm before becoming a hawker.
“But the next few days were crazy. I would open the stall, and there were already customers waiting outside for me,” she adds. “After closing for the day, not having eaten breakfast or lunch, I’ll just sit down to breathe and take a break. I was so tired, but enjoyed every moment as it was the validation I needed [that my cooking was good enough].”
Surprise announcement on April 1
However, on April 1, a surprise announcement on Ah Lim Nasi Lemak’s Facebook page said that the stall was closed, effective immediately. “We sincerely thank each and every one of you who came [to] support Ah Lim Nasi Lemak from near and far,” said the post.
“After going through a period of great sales, then shutting down just like that — it takes a mental and emotional toll [on you]. I really put a lot of effort into the Maxwell stall (pictured below), and seeing it go down the drain... it’s quite sad lah,” shares Aishah.
Considered Changi Village Hawker Centre for new location
Though the closure was sudden, the lady boss tells us that she’s taken the experience in stride. “No regrets lah. It’s definitely a learning experience for me, but I’m looking forward to opening another stall.”
The hawker has yet to decide where Ah Lim Nasi Lemak’s next home will be. “Last month, we were looking at one stall in Changi Village Hawker Centre – ’cos Changi Village, it’s the place for nasi lemak right? – but it was [at a less favourable part of the hawker centre], so we didn’t want to rush into it,” Aishah explains.
“We didn’t want to rush into anything, really. Things have been very hectic. I want to take the time to rest – just doing whatever business I get as a HBB, then after celebrating Hari Raya, I will see how,” she adds.
Operating as HBB for now
The home-based biz version of Ah Lim Nasi Lemak shares the same prices as the hawker stall’s: nasi lemak sets start from $4 and come with fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and slices of cucumber. She also sells Muslim-friendly Prawn Noodles ($4.50) and cafe-style cakes (sourced from a baker) like Pengat Durian Musang King ($8.50/slice) and Ondeh Ondeh Gula Melaka ($7.50/slice). There is no minimum order and an additional delivery fee ranging from $10 to $15 depending on location. Self-pickup from their HDB flat in Yishun is also an option. She also has a rotating weekend menu offering goodies like lontong for the month of Ramadan – check out her Facebook for deets.
How’s the biz so far? She tells us that “quite a number” of her regulars from the Maxwell stall have already ordered her grub.
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