Founder of Fatty Cheong hawker stall at ABC Brickworks Market dies at 56

Chan Tuck Cheong, founder of Fatty Cheong hawker stall, dies at 56

Chan Tuck Cheong, founder of the popular Fatty Cheong char siew and wanton noodle stall, passed away on Saturday (19 Oct) at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer.

His son, Lachlan Chan, announced the sad news today (20 Oct) in a Facebook post.

He wrote, “Dad, you are finally free from that pain. Don’t worry, we will take good care of mummie [sic]. We will live well for our remaining days. You will always be our pride.”

Began working in eateries at the age of 10

According to an anecdote posted in Death Kopitiam Singapore, growing up in Chinatown surrounded by char siew hawkers inspired Mr Chan to become well-known in roast meats.

To support his eight siblings, he began working in eateries and restaurants at age 10, which allowed him to develop a knack for cooking

His childhood obesity earned him the nickname “Fatty Cheong,” which he embraced and used as the name of his first stall in 1992.

Despite lacking formal education, Mr Chan overcame the challenges of being an entrepreneur, such as transitioning to selling duck meat when a swine fever epidemic struck Singapore in the 1980s.

His honesty and dedication to his craft allowed him to open a third stall at the ABC Brickworks Food Centre.

Refused to retire from being a hawker

Mr Chan loved the hectic hawker lifestyle and refused to retire, Moreover, he enjoyed martial arts, coached lion dance, and did outdoor recreational sports in his free time.

The well-loved hawker is survived by two sons, who have helped him manage his business, and a daughter, who works at an F&B company.

Also read: Tampines economic bee hoon hawker dies after suddenly fainting during holiday in China

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Featured image adapted from Tripadvisor