JustUpdateOnline.com – Singapore, Eka Mairina, a familiar face in the Singaporean entertainment scene and a former MasterChef Singapore contestant, has officially transitioned from the stage to the kitchen. The Jakarta-born entertainer recently launched "My Indo Cook," a dedicated food stall serving authentic Indonesian home-style dishes at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).
Mairina, 48, is no stranger to the spotlight. Having won the Malay singing competition Anugerah in 2003 and later reaching the top 12 of MasterChef Singapore Season 3, she is well-versed in performing under pressure. However, she admitted that the reality of running a commercial kitchen during the lunch rush was a different kind of challenge.
The business owner shared that the first few weeks were particularly demanding, noting that the physical and mental toll initially affected her appetite. Despite the steep learning curve, Mairina’s venture represents the culmination of a home-based business she started in 2020 after social media followers expressed interest in her cooking.
A Rapid Ten-Day Launch
The opening of the physical stall at NYP’s North Canteen happened unexpectedly. After seeing a social media advertisement for a stall takeover, Mairina consulted her family and decided to take the leap. The transition was remarkably swift, with only ten days to handle licensing, secure suppliers, finalize the menu, and learn the point-of-sale system.
Mairina invested a five-figure sum—at least S$10,000 (approximately Rp141 million)—from her personal savings to fund the project. Operating as a solo entrepreneur, she manages the daily operations of what she humorously refers to as a "one-woman company."
Authentic Flavors at Student-Friendly Prices
My Indo Cook focuses on providing genuine Indonesian flavors at accessible price points. The menu features several staples, including:
- Nasi Uduk: A fragrant coconut rice dish served with vermicelli, crackers, and sambal. A standard portion starts at S$4 (around Rp56,000), while versions featuring fried chicken or ayam ungkep (Javanese spiced chicken) are priced at S$5.90 (around Rp83,000).
- Indomie Varieties: The popular instant noodles are available in various styles, including a Balinese sambal matah version. Prices start at S$3.80 (approximately Rp54,000) and go up to S$5.90 for sets with additional toppings.
- Traditional Soups: Both Bakso (meatball soup) and Soto Ayam (chicken soup) are offered at S$4.50 (around Rp64,000).
Mairina emphasizes the authenticity of her recipes, particularly her sambal, which uses fresh chilies and tomatoes rather than the dried chili base typically found in local nasi lemak.
From Homemaker to Entrepreneur
Before this culinary venture, Mairina spent 16 years primarily as a stay-at-home mother, occasionally taking on acting and singing roles. Her return to a full-time professional role has been a significant lifestyle shift. Her husband, an associate director at a luxury hotel, provides moral support and business advice, while her MasterChef experience continues to influence her workflow.
At the stall, Mairina proudly displays her original MasterChef apron. While she often jokes with students that she bought it online, many recognize her from her television appearances.
Future Expansion Plans
Despite the daily exhaustion that comes with running a food stall, Mairina has ambitious goals for My Indo Cook. She has already received inquiries regarding potential partnerships in Dubai and Australia, and she hopes to eventually expand into wedding catering and additional retail outlets.
For now, her focus remains on mastering the fundamentals of the food and beverage industry through her campus stall.
Location and Hours:
My Indo Cook is situated at Nanyang Polytechnic, North Canteen (Block E, Level 2). The stall operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM during the academic semester, with shortened hours during school holidays. It remains closed on weekends and public holidays.
