It is difficult to imagine living with five dollars a day when the standard of living in Singapore is one of the highest in the world. In the poor neighbourhood of Jalan Kukoh, the residents are doing just that, stretching the dollar with every food they serve. This ethnographic study looks at the breakdown of their modest meals and what the amount can buy.
Bean Sprouts
Due to the lack of money, She can only afford bean sprouts for most of her meals throughout the week.
tau kwa
3 meals of Tau Kwa with light soya sauce
fishballs
This is our only dish for today – fish balls and rice.
kai lan
One of their favourite greens, which is readily available and also affordable.
fried wanton
While others have this as a snack, he defines this as a food of luxury.
salted fish
Best served as toppings over her plain white rice.
Chai po
Stir fry a packet of Chai Po, and I can have it with my rice for four days.
Chye xin
Their only alternative for a nutritional meal.
vitagen
Happy fourth birthday, my son! I am sorry that I cannot afford for more.
mee sua
I have mee sua all the time. Having it on my birthday is not significant any longer.
coffee biscuit
Whenever I am hungry throughout the day, I can always have a few of them and feel satiated.
murukku (indian snacks)
I will buy this for dinner instead of a proper meal so that I can help my parents save some money.
eggs
Hard boiled eggs, rice, and light soya sauce for a meal.
onions
Cong Tou You has been my all time favourite. I am glad that I can still enjoy it even when I am poor.
potatoes
At times when I run out of rice, I will replace them with potatoes.
indian snacks
This is the best snack I can afford with the amount of money that I have.
bee hoon
My son and his family are coming to visit me today after three months. Bee Hoon is his favourite dish.
Red bean
I cannot afford to buy ice cream for my children but I can make ice cream for them.
macaroni
Sometimes, I wish to have chicken and vegetables with my macaroni.
Green bean
The secret to cooking green bean soup is to soak them in water for three days before boiling. This is my only way to earn a living; I have to do it well.
chicken feet
This is enough to satisfy my craving for chicken.
pork belly
Saving up for this for the past 2 weeks. Today is the release of my son from prison after 8 years