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OK, let pause for a while first. What do you think the thread is all about when you see the title? Mouth watering food / makan, a new drama from Suria, or eye candy for lao uncle? What about SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure? I bet most will link it with a documentary, probably about hunting for great food in different part of the world. But, it is something else, and quite unexpected, at least for me. It is a video game, developed by a Singapore firm. Sedap! They ate cai fan for a year to make this cooking video game Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/sedap-they-ate-cai-fan-for-a-year-to-make-this-cooking-video-game SINGAPORE – In soon-to-be-released video game Sedap!, players can serve up a feast of regional dishes like nasi lemak and mango sticky rice while battling mythical South-east Asian beasts. This two-player cooperative cooking action game marks the studio debut of home-grown game developer Kopiforge. It is set to be released on digital marketplace Steam on May 22, retailing at $14.50. Despite the virtual feast on offer, the game’s rocky development meant the studio’s three co-founders had to survive on a humbler menu of budget meals as they took home an average salary of $700 each. Co-founder Jay Wong says that “only eating cai fan for a year” has become an inside joke at the studio to describe their meagre budget. The 26-year-old graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a degree in media art (with a specialisation in games). The team also relied on other cheap hawker fare and cost-of-living hacks to finish their labour of love. “Sedap! is our love letter to South-east Asia,” says Mr Wong, who adds that the game’s concept began from a starting point of noticing how under-represented the region’s culture was in video games. This got him wondering. “What if we made a fantasy game, but instead of dragons and goblins, we featured creatures from our own myths? What if the food you cooked wasn’t generic soup or steak, but nasi lemak or mango sticky rice?” The result blends the chaotic action of popular cooking simulator game Overcooked (2016) with distinctly regional influences. Players can prepare more than 50 dishes from across the region, from globally known fare such as bubble tea and chicken rice, to regional staples like Cambodia’s fish amok, Myanmar’s mohinga and the humble teh tarik. The game’s regional influences also mean that players take on creatures from South-east Asian myths, while playing to a soundtrack composed using traditional instruments. Bringing this game to life meant dealing with quarter-life crisis. The game initially began in 2021 as a graduation project by Mr Wong and Ms Nadiyah Toi, 25. The two later co-founded Kopiforge in 2023 with Ms Foo Jing Ting, 27, to start developing the game full-time. Ms Foo was a senior of Mr Wong in Nanyang Polytechnic. Despite picking up accolades – including Best New Game at the BIG Festival @ gamescom latam 2025 and Best Student Game at the Level Up KL Sea Game Awards 2023 – securing funding was a challenge. Failing to secure a grant from the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the team relied on small grants and a single private investor. They also pitched the game to over 100 publishers before clinching a publishing deal at the end of 2024. “The year 2024 had a lot of layoffs in the video game industry, and I heard that funding in general was cut by a lot,” says Mr Wong. “We were a first-time studio with no prior game development experience, so I could guess why we didn’t attain funding.” These funding struggles meant that the bulk of their finances were dedicated to paying their freelance collaborators – who were brought in after the studio’s founding – fair rates, leaving the three co-founders with an average monthly income of $700 each. This took a personal toll. “Singapore’s culture puts a premium on productivity and high income,” says Mr Wong. “Most of my peers, especially those in tech, were already earning so much more than me, and I struggled with feeling left behind.” To join Kopiforge, Ms Foo left a better-paying gig as a system engineer at HP, but it is something she does not regret. She says: “Since university, I’ve felt like I was part of a different rat race from my peers because I always wanted to be in a role where I could create things, despite being trained in a technical field.” She had graduated from NTU with a degree in computer science in 2022. For Ms Toi, the sacrifices began even earlier, when she faced backlash from both family and school teachers over her decision to pursue a degree in game art at NTU. “I figured I would probably hate myself if I went for something practical and spent my life wondering what things could’ve been like if I’d committed to art instead,” she says. Their bet is about to be tested. What happens next hinges on the game’s sales, which will show whether their gamble – and all those cai fan meals – were worth it.

As a bustling metropolis renowned for its culinary diversity, Singapore offers an array of dining options that cater to every palate. Yet, amidst this gastronomic abundance, cai png stands out as an unparalleled lunchtime staple. It’s hard not to be consistently drawn to the simplicity cai png (or cai fan) - with its customisable array of meats, vegetables, and gravies, all of which embody the essence of comfort and convenience. In many ways, cai png is not merely a meal; it is a reflection of our multicultural heritage (and inspiration for a hit song), an everyday delight that captures the heart of Singapore's dynamic food scene. What Is Cai Fan and Why Is It a Singapore Lunch Favourite? A Staple with Diverse Options Cai fan, commonly known as economy rice, is an integral part of Singapore's vibrant food culture. At the heart of this beloved meal is its simplicity and versatility. Found abundantly in hawker centers, food courts, and kopitiams, cai fan presents an array of choices, offering diners a delectable selection of dishes to accompany steamed rice. Whether you fancy the zest of sweet and sour pork, the comfort of stir-fried cabbage, or the richness of curry chicken, cai fan caters to all palates with its wide-ranging offerings as noted in various guides. One of the compelling features of cai png is its economic efficiency, providing a budget-friendly option for those seeking a fulfilling meal. The affordability coupled with the customisability makes it a go-to choice for many during lunchtime. However, cai fan’s appeal goes beyond cost; it reflects the everyday dining habits and flavours of Singaporean homes. Predominantly Chinese in nature, cai fan embodies the essence of communal home-cooked meals while embracing diverse influences from Malaysia and Indonesia, akin to nasi padang and nasi campur (at least according to what Wikipedia states). Culinary Experience and Challenges Opting for cai fan not only tantalises one's taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the skills and dedication of stall owners who tirelessly craft an array of dishes daily. Interestingly, ponder about it a bit further and you'll find that replicating popular cai fan dishes at home can be challenging - both in terms of flavour accuracy and logistical effort. Yet this only enhances appreciation for the convenience and authenticity provided by local stalls as reflected upon by enthusiasts. How much is the average lunch in Singapore and why cai png offers great value Navigating the bustling food scene in Singapore, one finds that lunch prices can vary widely based on location and selection. In upscale districts like Orchard Road, meals may tend to be pricier, with some noodle dishes approaching S$4.50 (or even S$6-7!) in certain food courts. However, more economical options thrive in Singapore's myriad hawker centers, where classic Singaporean dishes might be obtained for under S$3. Amidst this culinary diversity, cai fan, also known as cai png or vegetable rice, emerges as a champion of cost-effective dining. Offering diners the ability to select a variety of dishes atop steamed white rice, it's a meal that aligns with both budgetary constraints and diverse palates. Its affordability is accentuated in neighbourhoods with abundant hawker centers, cementing cai png as an attractive option over pricier alternatives. The varying price points allow diners to customise meals economically, illustrating why cai png is often heralded as Singapore's best value lunch according to discussions on Reddit. One of cai fan's greatest appeals lies in its customisation. You can craft the perfect plate by selecting dishes that cater to your mood and nutritional needs. While some prefer the traditional inclusion of steamed rice, others may opt for a no-rice version to avoid the post-lunch slump associated with heavy carbs. Apparently, 'No-rice cai fan' is a popular alternative for those seeking lighter protein-centric meals, such as chicken nuggets or sambal kangkong as suggested on Lemon8. Whichever your preference, cai fan ensures a satisfying culinary experience tailored to your taste. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Singapore's Central Business District (CBD), finding budget-friendly yet delectable lunch options may seem challenging. However, several cai fan stalls stand out by offering hearty meals without breaking the bank. For instance, a trip to Zhi Sheng Cooked Food or Teck Ee Economical Rice might just be the solution for cost-efficient dining as detailed (again) by Lemon8. Culinary gem In conclusion, cai png stands unrivalled as the ultimate lunchtime choice in Singapore. Its versatility, affordability, and the sheer joy of customising a plate to one's liking make it a culinary gem that resonates with the heart of every Singaporean. More than just a meal, it’s a reflection of Singapore’s multicultural spirit, and a testament to our appreciation for uncomplicated, yet deeply satisfying food experiences. (Cover image from Unsplash)