SINGAPORE – Noorman Mubarak, a former flight attendant who once earned a staggering income of up to $20,000 per month as a project manager in the oil and gas sector, made the bold decision to pivot away from a lucrative career to pursue his passion for food in 2017. This transformation led to the creation of "Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang," a hawker stall that has impressively expanded into a full-fledged Muslim-owned chain boasting 26 outlets and an annual revenue of $7 million.

The journey began at the Yishun Park Hawker Centre, where Noorman collaborated with his wife, Ms. Puti Andam Dewi Henry, also a former flight attendant, and a long-time friend. Remarkably, their venture has flourished, employing 100 staff members across all their locations.

Recently, Noorman found himself in the spotlight after a controversial Facebook post where he revealed that he insisted his pregnant wife staff their stall to comply with a National Environment Agency warning. Although he enforced this to keep their stall operational, the couple now has a designated employee managing the stall while Ms. Puti is on maternity leave.

Their partnership has been solid, especially after the birth of their first son, which catalyzed Noorman's desire to stay close to home. The pair, married since 2013, are now proud parents to three children, paving the way for their family-oriented vision.

Noorman's roots in the hawker trade run deep; his late grandmother and parents were also hawkers. From a young age, he participated in his family’s stall operations, gaining invaluable lessons about the food business, work ethic, and management. This background became a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial success.

In the competitive landscape of Singapore's food market, Noorman found inspiration to reignite his hawker legacy when he noticed the Yishun Park Hawker Centre being developed. With an investment of $50,000, he laid the groundwork for success. Initially, he attempted to balance both his hawker stall and corporate job but soon realized the toll was unsustainable, leading him to commit fully to the food industry.

At his stall, Noorman’s innovative take on traditional Nasi Lemak, merging it with his wife’s spicy grilled chicken dish, has set his brand apart. The signature "Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang Set," priced at $7.60, has become a favorite among customers.

The initial success was met with challenges when Noorman expanded too quickly. The outbreak of the pandemic crushed sales and led to significant financial losses, leaving him to dig deep into his savings to survive. However, a pivotal moment emerged when the Yishun Park outlet received recognition in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2021, dramatically improving his business trajectory.

Despite the ups and downs, Noorman’s drive to expand has not waned. He currently aims to grow his outlet count to 50, exploring new avenues including potential regional franchises, sticking to the successful food court model while adapting to market demands.

Today, Noorman continues to pursue his dream of generational wealth and stability for his family, despite facing numerous financial hurdles and personal challenges. "Nobody in their right mind would want to endure this," he admits, "but I am building this foundation for my children so they can chase their own dreams."

In a world where entrepreneurship is often glorified, Noorman’s story reflects the grit, resilience, and passion required to succeed. With 26 thriving outlets and a clear vision for the future, he proves that even a humble hawker stall can transform into a powerhouse in Singapore’s food scene. Stay tuned as Noorman continues to redefine what it means to be a foodpreneur in Singapore!