Naomiblackk Lau Pa Sat First Date Controversy
When a Singaporean influencer said she wouldn’t want a first date at Lau Pa Sat, the internet exploded. Suddenly, a simple opinion about a hawker center turned into a national debate. Was she being “high maintenance”? Or was she just being honest about what makes a first date feel special?
Who is Naomiblackk?
For those unfamiliar, Naomiblackk is a Singaporean influencer known for lifestyle and beauty content. She has built a following on Instagram and TikTok, sharing everything from fashion tips to everyday reflections. On Instagram for example, as of the writing of this post, she has close to 40,000 followers.
Naomi’s name recently trended after she posted an Instagram story where she said she wouldn’t want a first date at Lau Pa Sat. What sounded like a small personal preference quickly blew up into headlines across local media and countless debates online.
Naomiblackk’s official Instagram page.
What Did She Actually Say About Lau Pa Sat?
I think it’s important to understand the exact words that went viral. In her story, she said:
- She wouldn’t want a hawker center first date.
- Not because of money, but because hawker centers are often “warm, crowded, and noisy.”
- She wanted a first date to feel like effort was made, not like a casual afterthought.
Later, she clarified again that her statement had absolutely nothing to do with money or trying to look “down on anyone”. According to her, the fact of the matter is that most “women want to feel like” some level of serious effort was made on the first date.
This was her personal preference, not a blanket statement for all Singaporeans. Yet the internet took it as a bigger issue about hawker culture and dating standards.
Why Lau Pa Sat Matters to Singaporeans
To really get why this debate blew up, you have to understand what Lau Pa Sat is. I have personally been there on many occasions. This is what the place is:
- Lau Pa Sat (which is also known as Telok Ayer Market) is an iconic hawker center in the heart of Singapore’s CBD.
- It’s famous for its satay street, where vendors grill sticks of meat late into the night.
- It’s also a historic building, dating back to the 19th century. It is actually recognized as part of Singapore’s iconic hawker culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For many Singaporeans, hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat aren’t just a place you go to get food to eat. According to my Singaporean acquaintances, hawker centers are also about identity, heritage, and community. So when someone calls it a “rude” choice for a first date, it feels bigger than just dating advice.
Is Lau Pa Sat Really a “Bad” First-Date Spot?
This is interestingly where opinions split.
Pros of a Hawker Center Date (like Lau Pa Sat):
- Authentic experience: You get real Singaporean food culture.
- Affordable: Great if you’re dating on a budget.
- Casual vibe: No pressure, relaxed environment.
- Tourist appeal: For foreigners, Lau Pa Sat is a must-see.
Cons of a Hawker Center Date:
- Hot and crowded: Not ideal if you want to dress up and impress.
- Noisy atmosphere: Hard to have a deep conversation.
- Casual feel: Might not give the “effort” vibe some people expect.
So the answer is: it depends on who you’re dating. If both people love local food and don’t mind the heat, Lau Pa Sat could be perfect. If one person wants something romantic and quiet, it may feel underwhelming.
How Singaporeans Responded to the Lau Pa Sat First Date Debate
When Naomiblackk’s comments hit the internet, Singaporeans wasted no time jumping into the discussion. What might have been just one influencer’s personal opinion quickly turned into a nationwide debate.
Some users defended hawker centers with pride, saying things like:
- “What’s wrong with satay? At least it’s authentic food, not some overpriced pasta.”
- “If she thinks Lau Pa Sat isn’t good enough, maybe she’s not the right person to be dating in Singapore.”
Others, however, agreed with her sentiment:
- “First dates are about first impressions. A noisy, sweaty hawker center doesn’t exactly scream effort.”
- “Nothing wrong with Lau Pa Sat, but not on the very first date. Save it for later when you’re already comfortable with each other.”
On TikTok, the reactions were just as strong, but often funnier. People stitched her video with mock first-date scenarios, pretending to pull up at Lau Pa Sat with satay sticks and sugarcane juice. Some even turned her line “Do I look like a Lau Pa Sat kinda girl?” into a meme, using it for everything from job interviews to ordering bubble tea.
Meanwhile, Instagram polls and comment sections showed just how divided people were. Some women said they would love a Lau Pa Sat date because it shows “real Singaporean culture”. Others insisted that a first date should feel special, not like a casual lunch break in the CBD.
Better Alternatives: Best First Date Ideas in Singapore
If Lau Pa Sat feels too casual, where should you go instead? Here are some cool options out there:
Romantic First-Date Spots in Singapore
- Rooftop bars like Ce La Vi (Marina Bay Sands) for city views.
- Fine dining at places like Odette or Labyrinth.
- Sunset at Sentosa beaches.
Casual but Thoughtful First-Date Ideas
- Botanic Gardens picnic.
- Gardens by the Bay light show.
- Haji Lane cafés for artsy vibes.
- Clarke Quay for nightlife and live music.
Balance Between Effort and Comfort
- Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex for a unique experience.
- East Coast Park cycling followed by hawker food.
- Singapore River walk with food stops along Boat Quay.
The Bigger Picture of What This Debate Really Shows
At its core, this isn’t just about Lau Pa Sat. I think it has more to do in relation to what first dates mean.
- For some, effort equals money spent.
- For others, effort equals time and thought put into the experience.
Like I said earlier, for Singaporeans, hawker culture is more than just casual dining. Most Singaporeans see these places as their pride, heritage, and identity. So when an influencer said Lau Pa Sat wasn’t for her, it felt like a slight against something Singaporeans deeply value. But really, it was just her saying: “I want something that feels a little more special on the first date.”
At the end of the day, whether Lau Pa Sat is a great first-date spot depends on you and the person you’re with. Some couples might bond over satay smoke and sugarcane juice. Others might prefer skyline views and cocktails.
Personally I think the most important thing is the effort, respect, and authenticity put into the date. So it really doesn’t matter whether you’re at a hawker center or a rooftop restaurant.
