Economy rice

Economy rice is a popular food choice in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Rather than referring to a specific dish, it denotes a style of food stall commonly found in hawker centers, street vendors, or food courts in these countries. These stalls offer a variety of cooked dishes, such as meat, vegetables, eggs, and tofu, that customers can select to accompany steamed white rice.

The concept of economy rice is believed to have Chinese origins, akin to Malay or Indonesian dishes like nasi padang or nasi campur. It's particularly favored among Chinese Singaporeans and Malaysians seeking a home-cooked meal experience without the need to cook at home. The term "economy rice" highlights its affordable pricing, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious diners at hawker centers.

At an economy rice stall, you might find a range of typical dishes including sweet and sour pork, braised tofu, steamed egg custard, stir-fried vegetables, fried eggs, and various deep-fried items, mostly inspired by Chinese cuisine. It is known by different names in different dialects, such as Tsap Fan in Cantonese or Tsap Tsai Png in Hokkien. Some people even refer to it as "Point Point Rice" because you order by simply pointing at the dishes you desire.