Most Singaporeans are resigned to our favourite food haunts shutting down for good, sooner or later.
So when news gets out that yet another heritage restaurant is closing, they usually experience a surge in customers.
That appears to be the case for Ah Seah Teochew Porridge in Hougang, which has seen long queues recently.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
Fans are ostensibly aiming to savour one last taste of their fare before it goes away forever.
On Saturday (28 May), Lianhe Zaobao shared a photo of a snaking queue outside Ah Seah Teochew Porridge, which spilt over onto the public walkway.
According to the paper, it was taken close to dinner time.
Another netizen also posted photos of the crowd on Saturday (28 May).
Judging from the number of people in line, it might take a while for patrons to get their teochew porridge.
However, most of them probably didn’t mind, considering it might be the last time they eat here.
Source: Facebook
On Thursday (26 May), Ah Seah Teochew Porridge said on Facebook that they would be closing on 19 Jun.
The sad news was also shared on notices in English and Mandarin in the restaurant itself.
Source: Facebook
That puts an end to 58 years of operations that have seen the brand featured in the National Heritage Board’s (NHB’s) Hougang Heritage Trail.
When the closure was announced, long-time patrons wondered why the restaurant was closing down after so long.
Li Sai’e – second daughter of founder Li Fa, who now runs the business – cited manpower issues as the main reason.
The 56-year-old told Zaobao that she had to do most of the food preparation herself, even if she had someone helping out at the front counter.
She said it’s very tiring to handle the kitchen herself, especially after her staff quit due to health reasons, adding,
It’s tough to hire people now, some staff leave after a short while and others demand high salaries.
While some family members, like Ms Li’s youngest daughter, have been helping out, she can’t bear for her to go down the same route of toiling in the kitchen.
Source: Ah Seah Eating House on Facebook
Since the unit’s lease is expiring in June, there’s nobody suitable to take over, and it’s difficult to hire staff, so they made the tough decision to close down.
She said they’ll help the remaining nine staff find other jobs.
According to Roots.sg, Mr Li set up the first Ah Seah Teochew Porridge stall in Lim Tua Tow market in 1964, naming it “Ah Seah” after his nickname.
Besides traditional teochew porridge, they’re also known for a large variety of more than 50 dishes like braised duck, large intestines and steamed pomfret.
Source: Facebook
Over the years, their location has changed, with their current outlet occupying a spot at Teck Chye Terrace off Upper Serangoon Road for several decades.
On Saturday (28 May), the eatery shared a photo of old Mr Li back at the stall, cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Source: Joyce Lee on Facebook
It looks like the customers who braved the queue today were rewarded with a treat indeed.
Long queue or not, fans of Teochew porridge may want to drop by to try their food one last time before they close.
Who knows, you might be lucky enough to catch Mr Li there.
Here’s how you can get there:
Ah Seah Teochew Porridge
Address: 31 Teck Chye Terrace, Singapore 545731
Opening hours: 11am-10pm daily, Closed on Mondays
Website: Ah Seah Eating House Facebook page
Nearest MRT: Serangoon or Kovan Station
Hopefully, they’ll consider restarting the business again after a good rest.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News on Facebook.
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