CNA938 Rewind - Budget Meals at HDB Coffee Shops Now Optional: What It Means for Prices, Hawkers and Diners

HDB is making its budget meal scheme optional at coffee shops, shifting from a “must offer” rule to an opt-in model with incentives for operators. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman unpack what changes on the ground — including the standardised budget meal options, typical price points, and why sustainability concerns drove the move with Hong Poh Hin, Chairman, Foochow Coffee Restaurants & Bar Merchants Association.