Billionaire at the Food Court? Would You Dine Like Bill Gates?

Bill 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?

  1. Start with a collared shirt – don’t fear the heat or the stares; walk confidently into the hawker centre.

  2. 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.

  3. Don’t forget the spicy satay sauce – it’s essential!

  4. 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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# Billionaire at the Food Court? Would You Dine Like Bill Gates?

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  • koolgal
    ·05-11
    TOP
    🌟🌟🌟Bill Gates made the right choice to dine in Newton Food Centre as its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings makes it a culinary landmark that continually draws both locals and visitors alike.

    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

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    • koolgalReplying toShyon
      Have a wonderful nice relaxing long weekend 🏖️🏖️🏖️
      05-11
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    • koolgalReplying toShyon
      My pleasure 😍😍😍
      05-11
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    • Shyon
      Thanks for sharing
      05-11
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  • icycrystal
    ·05-11
    TOP
    @HelenJanet @LMSunshine @Zarkness @xXxZealandxXx @nomadic_m @koolgal @LMSunshine @Shyon @Barcode @Aqa @SPACE ROCKET @rL @GoodLife99 @Universe宇宙

    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~

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    • icycrystalReplying toShyon
      [Like] [Like] [Like]
      05-13
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    • Shyon
      Thanks for sharing
      05-11
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    • icycrystalReplying tokoolgal
      [Like] [Like] [Like]
      05-11
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  • 1PC
    ·05-10
    TOP
    I won't recreate Bill Gates meal [Chuckle] I think 🤔 for his visit, it's to try as many local dishes as possible (assuming he has a tight schedule [Chuckle]) I Will do the same too if I'm visiting another country on a Short time line 😄. Durians is Always a Hate or Love ❤️ it relationship. No grey 🩶 area 😕. Maybe 🤔 to Soft Taste Test....could offer a Durian ice cream 🍨then the Durians [Chuckle] [Chuckle] [Chuckle]. It's Great that he set up an Office in SG, 🤔.. how to get a job there 🤔... Any lobang to Share 😜 @Jes86188 @Barcode @JC888 @Shyon @koolgal @yourcelesttyy @Aqa @Gis
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    • Shyon
      Nice say, thanks
      05-11
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    • koolgal
      Yes I will also be interested in lobang to work for him too.🥰🥰🥰
      05-11
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    • 1PCReplying tokoolgal
      Yeah 👍 Let's go 😃
      05-11
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  • Shyon
    ·05-11
    TOP
    I’d definitely recreate Bill Gates’ hawker meal—it’s such a fun way to celebrate our local food culture. I’d go for the full combo: chicken rice, satay, roti prata, lime juice—maybe even throw in some fishball noodles. The spicy satay sauce is a must, and I wouldn’t mind the crowd or the heat. It’s all part of the experience!

    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

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  • MilkTeaBro
    ·05-11
    TOP
    Singapore's cost of living: a matter of perspective

    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.
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  • Aqa
    ·05-13
    TOP
    🍤🍤 The Bill Gates’ hawker meal outing is our everyday staple - lunch at the hawker centre next to our office. Not only we are in collared shirt, we order the Gates combo because one dish is not filling enough. We also have the funny face if any food item smell off! But, alas, he went there in a limo, franked by at least 10 suited officers and bodyguards with guns! That’s what make billionaire! Thanks @Tiger_SG @icycrystal @1PC
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    • icycrystal
      [Like] [Like] [Like]
      05-13
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  • Success88
    ·05-12
    TOP
    Wow nice one li saw Bill Gates eat durain at the Hawker center too. Not sure if he like it. @Tiger_SG @MHh @HelenJanet @SPOT_ON @koolgal @SR050321 share your thoughts
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    • SR050321
      Great 👍
      05-14
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  • Those foods are normal to us, we always eat.. For Bill, he tried those foods not chosen by him, someone did it. But it was wonderful that he had shown it to the world... it turns it will help, give a super help to SG tourism...
    I won't be surprised that in next few months or year, huge tourist will fly into SG🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
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  • Mrzorro
    ·05-10
    I don't dine like Bill Gates because I don't like carrot cake, but I definitely will order more food than him, including my favourite BBQ stingray or seafood. Besides that, I am a Durian lover! maybe that's the reason why I am not a billionaire...haha
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  • Tiger_SG
    ·05-14
    @YTigger
    @Barcode
    @vuvence IX
    @ECLC
    @Shyon
    @Lzerol
    @highhand
    @Sam1702
    @Axekay
    @koolgal
    @Success88
    @nerdbull1669
    @Mrzorro
    @Star in the Sky
    @MojoStellar
    @Aqa
    @DiAngel
    @1PC
    @Zarkness
    @北极篂
    @Shyon
    @MHh
    @icycrystal
    @MilkTeaBro
    @koolgal

    Thank u for joining my weekend event. Tiger coins have been sent to your account. Don’t forget to check them[Tongue] Welcome to see u in the next event[Smart]
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  • MHh
    ·05-13
    I won’t recreate the bill gates’ hawker meal. Too much food in one setting. Where is my laksa and carrot cake! He should be introduced to the Chinese carrot cake. Same same but different carrot cake. Durian is one of my favourite fruit. I am obsessed with it! Unfortunately makes me fat during its season when I indulge in it and also burns a hole in my pocket as they are increasingly expensive. I hope that when he sets up his office here, Singaporeans can benefit through its technology exposure, broadening the views of Singaporeans and provide jobs. However, its vision and what he drives for may be against what some Singaporeans believe and would like to see for example compulsory vaccination and tracking of personal data. I hope this would not bring about division in the nation.
    @DiAngel @LuckyPiggie @Universe宇宙 @Kaixiang @Success88 @SPOT_ON @rL @Fenger1188 @HelenJanet @Wayneqq come join
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  • DiAngel
    ·05-11
    I will go for rojak, popiah, satay, fried oyster omelette. I’m not a fan of durian - can do with or without it as the most I can have is 2-3 seeds. I have a hypersensitive throat. Thus, 2-3 seeds are my max. Otherwise, I will have sore throat the next day. 失声and not 失身。 [Happy][LOL][Chuckle]


    Good to hear that Gates is setting up an office in Singapore. Not my field of expertise. But I am happy that more people will be employed. Their package will be a super good deal.[USD][USD]


    @MHh @HelenJanet @HelenJanet @rL @melson
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  • 北极篂
    ·05-11
    如果你问我会不会重现“亿万富翁的小贩餐”,我毫不犹豫回答:当然会。盖茨那顿鸡饭、沙爹、普拉塔、甘蔗汁的组合,简直是新加坡美食的精华版,不豪华却有深度。我一直觉得,小贩中心的魅力就在于它的烟火气,它包容了不同文化的风味,也藏着最真实的生活滋味。一个亿万富翁愿意放下身份来品尝,反而让这顿饭多了几分“生活的仪式感”。


    至于盖茨在新加坡设立办事处,我认为这不是偶然,而是看中了新加坡的稳定、开放与区域枢纽地位。尤其在当前地缘政治复杂的大背景下,新加坡作为亚太科技与金融中心,对像他这样的全球投资者有强大吸引力。


    至于榴莲,我以前真的是敬而远之,但后来被朋友“强迫”尝试后,彻底改观。那种外臭内香、绵密细腻的口感,确实很上头。榴莲就像人生,有人一口爱上,有人一生抗拒,但它的魅力,就是让你无法忽视。痴迷与困惑,其实都合理,它本身就不属于“中庸之味”。
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  • Zarkness
    ·05-11
    An interesting topic , for me newton , Chinatown and Maxwell is the hawker I would bring for the experiences . Newton for night , Chinatown for afternoon and Maxwell for late afternoon since it’s so near . Beef noodles, roasted chickenwing, prawn noodles , laksa , nasi lemak , steam bean paste fish head , rojak . So many more . . . For durain I would go for chalk farm cake 1st as it’s a kind of paranakan durain combination which can go for tea break . If acceptable, real durain will be good to go for tasting experience with different types of msw, d24, red prawn etc…
    Gates setting up office in sg is alway a good opportunity for both ways , win win . I love that . Jobs and opportunities opens up ! 🙏💕🥰
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  • Axekay
    ·05-10
    I will invite bill gate to dine at the market in the heartland (e.g. boon lay market) to experience the good food that true blue Singaporeans are enjoying [Cool]
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  • I would recommend Bill Gates to try the famous Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette on top of what he had, I think it had been in Newton Food Centre since the early 1970s, the way oyster is prepared which is different from western style.
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  • Lzerol
    ·05-11
    Lmao I love durian I think he kinda likes it too hence the puzzled expression (originally it obviously doesn’t smell good to him)
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  • highhand
    ·05-11
    yes eat at food court is good.
    don't have to inflate your lifestyle even if your salary increases. save, invest and grow your money
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  • Sam1702
    ·05-10
    I used to dine and will dine again to try variety of food. Any foodie would definitely try local cuisineat this authentic hawker centres..
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  • vuvence IX
    ·05-12
    Yes I would, especially in Singapore where some of the world's best fast food is.
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