Subway Singapore has recently made headlines with their decision to stop serving pork products at all of their outlets.
This move has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among customers, with many wondering if the chain will continue to offer non-pork options or if they will eventually become completely halal-certified.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Subway Singapore’s decision to stop serving pork and explore what it means for the future of the chain in Singapore.
So, does Subway Singapore serve pork? Let’s find out.
Does Subway Singapore Serve Pork?
As of March 21, 2018, Subway Singapore has stopped serving pork products at all of their outlets. This means that customers will no longer be able to order sandwiches with ham or bacon. Instead, the chain will be substituting all pork options with non-pork alternatives, such as chicken or beef.
This decision was made in order for Subway Singapore to become halal-certified. In order to achieve this certification, all 132 restaurants in the market must serve a halal menu, which means that all pork options must be replaced with chicken or beef options.
While this move has been met with some controversy among customers who are upset about losing their favorite pork-based sandwiches, it is important to note that Subway Singapore is simply trying to attract a new demographic and make their menu more inclusive.
Subway Singapore’s Decision To Stop Serving Pork
Subway Singapore’s decision to stop serving pork products at all of their outlets has been met with mixed reactions. The chain has already stopped serving pork products at 60 outlets last month, but these outlets were not officially marked safe for Muslims to eat. In order to achieve halal certification from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), all pork options must be replaced with non-pork alternatives. This move is a business decision driven by ailing sales and attention, and it may even push the chain to serve better quality sandwiches that don’t taste like mystery meat.
While some customers have expressed disappointment at losing their favorite pork-based sandwiches, others have welcomed the move as it makes the menu more inclusive. However, Subway Singapore still needs to go through a complex process to obtain halal certification, and it is uncertain if all stores will be affected by the change. The controversy surrounding this decision has overshadowed other news from Subway Singapore, such as the launch of their new Black Pepper Chicken Sub. It remains to be seen if Subway Singapore’s decision to go pork-free will ultimately benefit the chain in the long run.
The Reactions And Opinions Of Customers
The decision to remove pork products from Subway Singapore’s menu has garnered mixed reactions from customers. On one hand, many people have expressed their support for the sandwich chain’s decision to become halal-certified and cater to a wider audience. They appreciate the effort to be more inclusive and respectful of different cultures.
On the other hand, some customers are disappointed that they can no longer order their favorite pork-based sandwiches. They feel that the removal of these options has limited their choices and decreased the appeal of Subway’s menu. Some have even taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment.
It is important to note, however, that Subway Singapore is not alone in making this decision. Many other fast food chains and restaurants in Singapore have also gone halal in order to cater to the Muslim population. In fact, there is a growing demand for halal-certified food in the country, and it is becoming increasingly common for businesses to make this change.
What Non-pork Options Are Available At Subway Singapore?
For customers who are looking for non-pork options at Subway Singapore, there are several choices available. The chain is now offering sandwiches made with non-pork protein options, such as chicken and beef. Customers can choose from a variety of sandwiches, including the Veggie Delite, which is made with an assortment of vegetable toppings, and the Veggie Patty sandwich, which features a patty that contains egg.
In addition to these options, Subway Singapore has recently introduced a new meatless protein option made by Nestlé-owned foodservice brand Harvest Gourmet. The Plant-Based Chicken Schnitzel is made with a soy protein base and comes breaded to resemble a traditional German schnitzel cutlet. While it is advertised as “plant-based,” it is important to note that the meatless chicken is made with animal-derived egg whites.
Sandwiches made with the meatless chicken are priced at S$7.50 ($5.48 USD) for a six-inch and S$12.50 ($9.13 USD) for a footlong. This new meatless option is Subway Singapore’s first meatless protein option and will be available until January 18, 2022.
Will Subway Singapore Become Halal-certified In The Future?
As of August 31, 2018, Subway Singapore has officially been certified halal by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), with all but one restaurant displaying the halal certificate. The exception is the outlet at Wisteria Mall, which is still in the application process. This means that Subway Singapore has successfully achieved its goal of becoming halal-certified, and all of its offerings are now compliant with Halal requirements.
It is unlikely that Subway Singapore will revert back to serving pork products in the future, as the decision to become halal-certified was driven by the growing Muslim travel market and the desire to appeal to a diverse customer base. With Muslims making up about 40 percent of the population in Southeast Asia and the Muslim travel market estimated to grow to US$220 billion in 2020, it is a significant segment of customers that Subway cannot ignore.
Furthermore, Subway Singapore’s official halal status will only serve to attract more Muslim customers who previously did not have access to their subs for the past 20 years. While there may still be some customers who are upset about losing their favorite pork-based sandwiches, Subway Singapore’s focus is on broadening their offerings and appeal to a wider range of customers.
The Impact Of Subway Singapore’s Decision On The Fast Food Industry In Singapore.
Subway Singapore’s decision to become halal-certified and remove all pork products from their menu has had a significant impact on the fast food industry in Singapore. This move has not only attracted a new demographic of customers who prefer halal-certified food, but it has also set a precedent for other fast food chains to follow suit.
Singapore has a large Muslim population, and halal-certified food is in high demand. By becoming halal-certified, Subway Singapore has tapped into this market and made their menu more accessible to a wider range of customers. This move has also helped Subway Singapore to stand out from their competitors in the fast food industry, as they are now one of the few fast food chains in Singapore that offer a fully halal-certified menu.
Other fast food chains in Singapore may now feel pressured to follow Subway Singapore’s lead and become halal-certified themselves. This could lead to a shift in the fast food industry in Singapore, with more chains offering halal-certified options and catering to the needs of the Muslim community.
