CUSTOMERS OFTEN QUEUE 30 MINS BEFORE THEY’RE READY
A regular customer told 8days.sg that usually patrons, herself included, would start waiting outside the shop from 2.30pm just so they can grab the goreng pisang fresh from the fryer.
“It’s very good and only 50 cents. I don’t think you can find it any cheaper, especially in the CBD area,” she said.
It must have been our lucky day as the shop was relatively quiet when we visited on a weekday. There were only a handful of customers coming to buy the goreng pisang as it was being cooked. We were told business is generally slower in December as office workers are on leave and travelling.
“Plus, it’s been raining nonstop since this morning,” reasoned Chennai-born Hidayatulla, 30, one of the cooks at the shop.
Well, more piping hot goreng pisang for us.
According to Hidayatulla, on a regular day, the eatery usually makes 400 to 500 goreng pisang on weekdays, which is usually sold out around 6pm. They sell around half the amount on weekends.
“We are usually very busy from 3pm to 5pm as people come to get snacks during teatime. You see that lady? She comes every day,” said Hidayatulla, pointing to a customer waiting at the counter.
Since it is so popular, why not sell them throughout the day?
“No time to make,” he laughed. He recommends coming on weekends when the place is much quieter.
SAME PRICE FOR FIVE YEARS
The friendly cook said goreng pisang was only offered at the eatery around five years ago and despite inflation, it has always been sold at 50 cents.
“Boss says it’s okay, just keep the same price.”
There are four other King Umar Prata Hut outlets in Singapore, including two in Hougang and one in Pasir Ris, and goreng pisang is also available there at the same price.
Source: CNA
