In this day and age where food prices are constantly soaring, it’s getting increasingly difficult to find places that still offer food at affordable prices.
For those living in Sungai Petani, they’re fortunate to still have the opportunity to enjoy a hearty breakfast for just RM3.80 thanks to an elderly woman who has been keeping prices low for the past 46 years.
M’sian vendor sells noodles for only RM3.80 per bowl
The noodle stall is operated by a 78-year-old lady surnamed Deng (transliteration), who began selling noodles in 1979 with her mother-in-law.
Initially operating from her home located within the old town area, she later moved to the former site of the Shun De Temple hall. The temple has since moved to Taman Keladi.
When I first started selling noodles, a bowl cost only 20 sen. Over the years, the price has gradually increased, where a small bowl is currently priced at RM3.80, a medium bowl at RM4.00, and a large bowl at RM4.20.
“The price increase only happened last year. Previously, a small bowl was sold for RM3.60. Additionally, shrimp fritters and eggs can be added for just 60 sen each,” she told China Press.
Now that she is older, Deng has handed over the business to her son, daughter-in-law, and daughter. She added that she helps out at the stall mainly to pass the time and to reduce the risk of dementia.
A variety of noodles such as lor mee, Hokkien mee, clear soup noodles, Jawa mee, and curry mee is sold at the stall, which has attracted a steady stream of loyal customers from the neighborhood.
Deng’s son said he is now in charge of preparing the broth for the noodles, while his mother helps fry the shrimp fritters used for the Jawa mee in the afternoon.
When asked how they’re able to keep prices this low, Deng explained: “Most of our customers are from the neighborhood, so we keep the prices lower as part of a ‘small-profits-high-sales’ strategy.
“Although we sell at lower prices, it’s still profitable. By being frugal in daily expenses, we can cover our living costs comfortably,” she said.
The stall is open everyday from 7am to 10.30am except during festive occasions.
Loyal customers approve
Some of Deng’s faithful customers expressed their satisfaction over the prices when interviewed by the Chinese daily.
One of them, who has been patronising the stall since the 1980s when she moved to the area after getting married, said she continues to visit frequently despite the stall relocating to Taman Keladi.
“The noodles here are not only affordable but also very satisfying. After eating, you don’t feel thirsty at all!” she remarked.
Another customer shared that he visits the stall almost every week and has been enjoying the noodles for decades. Occasionally, he also brings friends along to share the experience.
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