Reward 1000 Tiger-coinsBill Gates recently visited Singapore to attend the 2025 Asia Philanthropy Summit, where he announced the establishment of a new Gates Foundation office in the country.
Over the past two days, photos of Gates casually dining at the Newton Food Centre have gone viral on social media, sparking lively discussion among netizens.
During his visit to the hawker centre, Gates tasted chicken rice, satay, carrot cake, roti prata, lime juice, and sugarcane juice. He didn’t seem to mind the crowd watching, recording, or snapping photos—instead, he immersed himself in the experience, thoroughly enjoying the food.
One netizen jokingly asked, “Mr. Gates, can I borrow 10 dollars?” to which another replied, “By the time you finish asking, he’s already made another $1.3 million…”
A Singaporean commenter quipped:
“I eat at hawker centres, Bill Gates eats at hawker centres, therefore I = Bill Gates.”
Many locals are now hoping to have their own chance encounter with Gates at a hawker centre, just so they can post on social media:
“Had dinner with Bill Gates.”
Would You Recreate the Billionaire’s Hawker Meal?
Start with a collared shirt – don’t fear the heat or the stares; walk confidently into the hawker centre.
Order the Gates combo – fishball noodles, chicken rice, roti prata, satay, and lime juice. Don’t worry if you can’t finish—it’s perfectly fine to pack it up.
Don’t forget the spicy satay sauce – it’s essential!
Make a confused expression while eating – after all, as a billionaire used to Western cuisine, it’s understandable if the local flavors are a bit surprising at first.
Some netizens joked that trying the same dishes instantly made them feel like their standard of living had been elevated to that of Bill Gates.
Durian: Love It or Hate It?
Durian is practically a national ritual in Singapore—offered to guests, shared during casual chats, or enjoyed at random roadside fruit stalls.
Photos show Bill Gates trying durian for the first time. He sniffed it, shook his head at the pungent smell, and put down the husk. Then, curiously, he picked up a piece of durian flesh and took a bite. His face showed a puzzled expression, and after mumbling a few words to himself, he set it down and didn’t go back for more.
Would you recreate the billionaire’s hawker meal?
What do you think of Gates setting up an office in Singapore?
And where do you stand on durian—obsessed or confused?
Participation Prize: Every comment will get 5 tiger coins~
Lucky Prize: 5 lucky tigers will get 50 tiger coins for interesting billionaire dinner plan or durian introduction
Post directly in the topic: Billionaire at the Food Court? Would You Dine Like Bill Gates? or leave your comments on this post to win tiger coins~
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Comments
My favourite stall is Heng Carrot Cake. It is one of the standout Bib Gourmand stalls in the food centre.
Established since 1971, Heng Carrot Cake is noted for its unique approach in steaming its own carrot cake rather than relying on premade versions. There are both white and black versions.
I love the black version with its crispy exterior and lots of wok hei. Just writing about it makes my mouth salivate.
Talking about Durian, I am not surprised that Bill Gates is not too keen about it. While it is celebrated as the King of Fruits, the pungent aroma can be a little offputting for first time eater.
Durian is an acquired taste but its complex blend of sweetness, creaminess makes a treat for those who love it.
@Tiger_SG @Tiger_comments
dinning with uncle Bill... yes please please please...
sometimes I wonder if his name has anything to do with him being a billionaire... "Bill Gates" does it mean he has access to these gates where you find billions and billions of bills [Thinking] [Thinking] [Thinking]
hmmm... me dreaming again... [Happy] [Happy] [Happy]
uncle Bill, please dine with me [Grin] [Grin] [Grin]
Would you recreate the billionaire’s hawker meal?
What do you think of Gates setting up an office in Singapore?
And where do you stand on durian—obsessed or confused?
Participation Prize: Every comment will get 5 tiger coins~
Lucky Prize: 5 lucky tigers will get 50 tiger coins for interesting billionaire dinner plan or durian introduction
leave your comments on this post to win tiger coins~
It’s exciting that the Gates Foundation is opening an office in Singapore. It shows strong trust in our region and could bring more philanthropic initiatives to Asia. I'm proud that Singapore is seen as a key hub for global impact.
As for durian—I’m still confused! I’ve tried it a few times, but I can’t say I’m a fan just yet. I get why Gates made that face—it’s definitely not for everyone!
@Tiger_SG @Tiger_comments @TigerStars
Many perceive Singapore as exceedingly expensive, but the reality is nuanced and depends heavily on lifestyle choices. My family, residing in an HDB flat, primarily cooks at home, occasionally dining out at shopping mall restaurants on weekends. The cost of education, from primary school to junior college, is virtually free for Singaporean citizens. Compared to average household income, basic living expenses remain relatively low.
However, a luxurious lifestyle significantly increases expenses. For instance, a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) for a car can cost S$100,000—a substantial sum for a 10-year permit. Similarly, a modest condominium might cost S$2 million, while luxury goods and fine dining are readily accessible.
In conclusion, while basic living costs are affordable for Singaporean, a lavish lifestyle comes at a premium, potentially exceeding that of many other countries.