2025-07-18T11:04:08Z

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Imagine trading the allure of the skies for the relentless heat of a hawker stall. That's exactly what Noorman did, fueled by an insatiable desire to stir something new in his life. Once a globetrotting Singapore Airlines steward, he found himself caught in the mundane rhythm of asking passengers, 'Coffee or tea?' The paycheck was handsome, but the fulfillment was as elusive as a cloud. So, in 2011, he walked away from the skies and into a maintenance role in the oil and gas sector, rising to a managerial position. But the fire within him remained unquenched—it craved the flavors of his childhood spent in his father’s hawker stall.

Pandemic, Perseverance, and Plates

Fast forward to 2017, and destiny called again, this time in the form of Yishun Park Hawker Centre. Teaming up with a friend, he poured SG$40,000 into a new venture: Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang. This wasn’t just any dish; it was a bold rendition of a beloved Malay classic, spiced up with his wife’s Indonesian ayam taliwang recipe. The journey was anything but easy. Early mornings blurred into late nights as they toiled almost 18 hours daily, battling exhaustion and modest returns.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, casting a cloud over small businesses worldwide. Yet, Noorman stood resilient, turning adversities into opportunities. His determination was encapsulated in a 2020 LinkedIn post urging others to 'see the opportunities in every problem.' His perseverance paid off in 2021 when his stall was quietly listed in the Michelin Guide with a Michelin Plate. The recognition was a dream come true, marking a pivotal moment on this grueling yet rewarding journey.

31 Outlets and a Dream Realized

Today, Noorman's creation has evolved far beyond a single hawker stall. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang now boasts 31 outlets, each bustling with daily sales reaching up to SG$4,000. From neighborhood centers to the opulent Marina Bay Sands, his culinary vision has become a beloved local icon. The official Michelin letter and decal, received after four years, are testaments to a journey marked by sweat, dreams, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

Noorman’s story is more than just business success; it’s a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of personal fulfillment. In his own words: 'It is always Day One for me. The real work always starts today.'