does subway singapore serve pork

Does Subway Singapore Serve Pork?

Subway is one of the most popular fast food chains in Singapore, known for its sandwiches that can be customized with a variety of meat, veggies, sauces and bread options. However, one recent change at Subway has left many Singaporeans wondering – does Subway Singapore still serve pork products after going Halal? Let’s find out.

The History of Subway Singapore

When Subway first came to Singapore in 1996, it opened its first restaurant at Bugis Junction. The sandwich chain quickly grew over the next 20 years and now has over 130 locations across the island.

Singaporeans loved the idea that they could make their own perfect sandwiches by picking out their own breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings at Subway. Jared Fogle, Subway’s mascot, was famous for eating only Subway sandwiches for a year, which helped spread the idea that Subway sandwiches are a healthier fast food option.

Similar to what you can get at Subway in the US and other countries, the Singapore menu at first had pork products like ham, bacon, and salami. People in the area liked the pork-based options, like the Sweet Onion Ham and Bacon sandwich.

Why Did Subway Singapore Remove Pork from the Menu?

In March 2018, Subway Singapore suddenly announced that it would be removing all pork products from its menus. This meant favorites like the Italian B.M.T., Sweet Onion Ham, and Breakfast Sandwiches with pork components were taken off the menu.

This decision was made to meet Halal certification requirements across all Subway Singapore outlets. To obtain Halal certification in Singapore, restaurants must prove that all ingredients and food preparation procedures adhere to Islamic law. One key requirement is that no pork or pork-derived ingredients are used on premises.

As a chain-wide change, Subway opted to switch to chicken and beef versions of menu items previously containing pork. So sandwiches with ham or bacon now use chicken or beef bacon instead. With this pork-free menu, Subway aimed to make its food accessible to Muslim customers while still offering customized sandwiches.

How Did Customers React to Subway Removing Pork?

When Subway first announced its decision to go pork-free on its Singapore Facebook page, it garnered over 19,000 comments from customers weighing in. Reactions ranged from support to disappointment and even outright anger.

Some welcomed the move as it made Subway more inclusive for Muslims who previously could not dine there. But many others objected as they felt Subway was bowing down to religious restrictions at the expense of non-Muslim patrons. Some threatened to boycott Subway, feeling it was unfair to take away beloved pork options.

Groups surfaced calling for boycotts of not just Subway but any eatery serving only Halal food. But Muslim groups and those appreciating inclusivity argued that limiting food choices to only non-Halal options was equally unfair.

Over time, Subway’s sales and customer numbers show Singaporeans have largely accepted the change. Subway continues successfully serving a steady stream of customers seeking fresh, customized sandwiches every day.

Does Subway Singapore Sell Any Pork Products Now?

Currently in 2023, five years after Subway went Halal, all Subway outlets in Singapore remain completely pork-free. Subway no longer serves ham, bacon, salami or any other pork products on its menus.

The only meat options are now chicken and beef, with turkey available as an add-on protein. Any sandwiches previously containing pork have been reformulated to substitute chicken or beef versions.

For example, the Italian B.M.T now uses beef pepperoni and beef salami instead of pork. Breakfast sandwiches come with chicken sausage or chicken ham. Veggie Delite is the only sandwich without any meat.

Subway Singapore states on its website that its food prep procedures and ingredients are halal-certified to give Muslim patrons peace of mind. So pork eaters will not find any remnants of their beloved ham or bacon at Subway.

Why Do Some Customers Still Ask If Subway Has Pork?

Though it has been pork-free for years now, some Subway Singapore customers still occasionally ask or are unsure whether it serves pork products. There are a few reasons why:

• They are visiting from overseas branches:

Subway menus overseas like in the US, UK or Australia still have pork items. So tourists expecting similar menu options get surprised and double-check if pork is really unavailable.

• They remember old favorites:

Long-time customers may recall enjoying Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki or a ham sandwich at Subway in the past. So they ask staff if pork options they recognize are still around.

• Menu descriptions can be unclear:

Some redesigned sandwiches still sound like they contain pork – like BMT (previously with salami) or Chicken Ham. Unfamiliar customers want to confirm pork is not an ingredient.

• They want to avoid cross-contamination:

Those with severe pork allergies want to verify cooking procedures prevent any pork contact even indirectly.

While Subway Singapore clearly states it is 100% Halal compliant, it is understandable why some diners still question if pork is being served or not.

What Do Customers Think of a Pork-Free Subway Now?

With five years gone by since Subway went Halal in Singapore, most customers have adapted to the revised menus sans pork:

• Muslims appreciate having convenient Halal options:

The Muslim community definitely embraces now being able to easily enjoy Subway sandwiches without worrying about pork products.

• Customization is still satisfying:

Subway fans highlight that removing pork barely limits the ability to craft the perfect sandwich from lots of ingredients.

• Chicken/beef swaps are decent:

Many customers felt chicken or beef versions of ham/bacon make decent substitutes taste and texture-wise.

• Healthier focus remains:

Those who enjoyed Subway for fresh-made sandwiches with vegetable fixings still get the same healthier meal they want.

However, some responses show pork-loving customers still feel disappointment:

• Craving ham/bacon options:

Some lament the inability to specifically order sandwiches with ham or bacon anymore at Subway locally.

• Not the “authentic” Subway experience:

International brand fans argue that without pork, Subway Singapore does not offer the “true” American-style Subway taste.

• Prefer pork over chicken/beef:

Certain customers strongly prefer the flavor of pork options compared to chicken or beef items now available instead.

Can You Add Pork Toppings at Subway Singapore?

Given all sandwiches at Subway Singapore are prepared in advance behind the counter, there is no way for customers to request or add their own pork ingredients.

Staff will kindly but firmly decline any diner requests to add pork ham, bacon, salami etc. on top of standard sandwich options. All food handlers, utensils and preparation areas must remain pork-free as part of Halal compliance.

Subway Singapore does allow adding extra proteins like turkey, chicken or beef for a customized flavor. But any customer hoping to sneak pork onto their sub will be out of luck. Subway’s Halal certification depends on keeping pork 100% excluded from any outlets.

Will Subway Singapore Ever Sell Pork Again?

As of now, Subway has not announced any plans to reintroduce pork onto its Singapore menus. There are several factors working against bringing pork products back in future:

• Massive logistical challenges:

To sell pork again while retaining Halal status would require setting up separate outlets, kitchens and supplies just for pork, which is costly.

• Lost halal-seeking customers:

Subway would risk alienating its newer Muslim clientele that can now dine there comfortably if pork returns.

• Brand consistency:

As a huge global chain, Subway prefers to standardize core menu offerings as much as possible across different countries.

While longtime pork-loving patrons may continue to hope that ham and bacon make a comeback someday, Subway Singapore likely decided to go pork-free permanently as a well-considered business move.

For those who miss having pork in their sub, Subway outlets outside of Singapore happily continue serving sandwiches with ham, bacon and salami. So visiting a Subway overseas may be the only way currently to get that pork fix.

In answer to the key question – no, Subway Singapore does not sell any pork products currently. As of 2023, all Subway outlets in Singapore remain Halal-compliant and pork-free. Customers will only find chicken or beef as sandwich meat options.

This major change eliminating beloved pork ingredients like ham and bacon sparked mixed reactions when first implemented in 2018. But with time, most Singaporeans have come to accept and adjust to the revised Subway menu.

While some pork fans still long for the old days, Subway Singapore made a thoughtful choice to prioritize inclusivity for its Muslim customers. With customized sandwiches and healthier menu options still satisfying fans, Subway continues thriving in Singapore by sticking to its new pork-free policy.