What is Halal in Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia may not necessarily be Halal in Singapore. Just like any other Singaporean Muslim, Subway in Malaysia to me was an underrated gem that I’d gladly da-pao back home (and still is)!
Earlier this year, there were reports circulating that Subway Singapore was in the midst of applying for Halal Certification for its outlets here. Soon after, the franchise started putting up signs stating ‘This shop serves non-pork products’ at 60 of its outlets islandwide.
It was a long 8 months since Subway finally announced that they are now a Halal Certified franchise in Singapore. Finally!
Of course, like all other Muslims in Singapore, we were thrilled to hear that Subway is officially Halal Certified on 1st September 2018. Seeing fellow local Muslims patronising the eatery still needs some getting used to but like all other brands that have made the Halal move, it will all seem normal in a matter of weeks.
As I try my best to keep calm upon hearing the big announcement, I secretly am excited to get my hands on one of their sandwiches. Curious and impatient (like everyone else), I got their sandwich on the first day it was Halal certified. Please keep in mind that opinions below are strictly mine and may contain comparisons to its Malaysian counterpart which I frequent previously.
Picture Credit: Subway Singapore
Picture Credit: Subway Malaysia
Here you can see that there is quite a difference in the sandwiches that they serve. Though both regions serve the same mains such as the Chicken Teriyaki and the Steak & Cheese sandwich, the Malaysian menu also boasts a seafood option.
Ideal for seafood lovers, the Subway franchises in Malaysia carry a Seafood & Crab Sandwich option on the menu. This is perfect for those who don't fancy chicken or beef. This could probably be one of the few things Subway Singapore can improve on. Now that Subway have opened its gates to a wider audience, they could take a step further and serve food that are of different varieties.
As I was queueing for my sandwich, a man in line before me ordered a complete meal on his tray which had a twelve inch sandwich, a cup of coffee, soup and a cookie. Not that I was eavesdropping but I was surprised to hear that it all added up to more than SGD$ 20.
It really got me thinking whether the ingredients and convenience justify the price. Having not patronise Subway before it was Halal, I am uncertain if the prices have increased since then. In comparison to other fast food outlets, the prices are relatively on par , but the real contrast is with the Subway across the border. Undoubtedly, our nearest Halal Subway option previously was about an hour away and three times cheaper. In all, if you were a frequent patron of Subway Malaysia, you will feel the pinch but nothing can stop a healthy craving coupled with the ease of walking to any of its 60 outlets here.
Putting all that aside, it feels amazing to see eateries making the Halal move. With more Halal food options around us, Muslim travelers in Singapore are presented with an array of Halal eateries that they are familiar with.
