Check out today's hot buys. The managing director of Nam San Food Manufacturing, one of about five major suppliers of the dish here, delivers 'several thousand packets' to his 200 customers every day from his factory at Joo Chiat Road. These include hawkers, school canteens and cafes, which also get their supplies of otak from him. Another big player, Changi Village Nasi Lemak, counts giant coffeeshop chain Kopitiam and scores of canteen operators and confectionery shops among its regulars. Business is thriving, although it bears no ties with the famous hawker stall at Changi Village food centre.
Retail outlets are also in the pipeline.
His shop, which is located near the Clementi bus interchange, produces 1,000 to 2,000 packets a day on its premises. His business thrives, says Mr Fong, because of the hand-made chilli. Only he and his three family members are privy to the secret recipe, while the 12 workers on their payroll take charge of transportation and catering. Mr Mah attributes the appeal of the earthy fare to its affordability. Thanks to the coconut milk and fried egg, however, the high saturated fat content could cause some to lose their appetite.