Be informed that the quality of ingredients do suffer at the expense of selling at a profit. Why do a $3 plate of chicken rice cost more at hawker centre than these budget outlets? Well, some hawkers pride their food with quality sources and choice of ingredients. Also, do note that most chicken rice stalls do not have their meat cooked 100%. It is usually 70% cooked with some patches 50% cooked sometimes when they rush.
In fact, several chicken rice operators do not cook their chicken anymore. They depend on third party. You will be surprised that even branded stores take oem meat, but i cant reveal their names here. There is a difference between frozen (cooked) chicken and those cooked on site or freshly cooked daily by third party. The frozen ones are usually cheaper but had been stored for a while. Not everyone can taste the difference.
For those who are really gearing up for these cheap meals, just be mindful to eat them occasionally and not include them as part of one's diet weekly. If really want to go cheap, get some bread, bring some lettuce & sliced tomatoes, and an apple for lunch (which can work out to be barely 80c). It is much healthier that way than the oil soaked rice with high sodium sauces, msg and hormones altered food.
I know some will disagree with me, but take it from here that this is just a suggestion and not a joke or flame bait.
Sometimes a good meal need not come expensive (ie a fancy meal with sharks fin and abolone at fine dining). A good meal is to eat nutritiously and sufficiently. And it certainly fits all budget to say the least.
And yes, it is great news food prices are falling, but please do not let these be a hazard to your own health.