[Zlatagor]

I think part of the reason vegetarian food can be more expensive, especially at hawker centers, is the cost of ingredients. Fresh vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based items tend to be pricier than regular meat options. I’ve also noticed that some vegetarian dishes at hawkers use things like mock meats or other specialty ingredients, which can add up. I’ve actually tried using goat protein powder at home for my smoothies, and while it’s not exactly cheap either, it’s a great alternative to whey. It might be a similar case for vegetarian options at hawker centers – they might be using higher-quality ingredients or more niche items.