Bukit Merah’s Foo Chow lor mee stall closes as rent soars and elderly owner retires

SINGAPORE: Zhong Xing Foo Chow Fish Ball & Lor Mee, a beloved stall in Bukit Merah, has closed its doors after over 80 years of serving the community.

The closure, reported by Shin Min Daily News on Monday (26 August), marks the end of an era for many loyal patrons who have long cherished the stall’s authentic Foo Chow cuisine.

Madam Wong, the 68-year-old owner of Zhong Xing, has decided to retire, citing both declining health and an imminent rent increase as the primary reasons for the closure.

The coffeeshop on Silat Avenue, where the stall is located, is set for renovations in September. Madam Wong was informed that the rent would more than double, rising from over S$2,000 to over S$6,000.

Zhong Xing’s history dates back to 1942 when Madam Wong’s parents migrated from Fuzhou, China, and set up a humble roadside stall on China Street in Singapore.

As her father’s business grew, Madam Wong began helping at the stall after finishing high school.

Her brother only joined the business after their father passed away in 1982, and the family ran the stall together for decades.

“Back then, when things got busy, I had to process 100 kilograms of fish in a day, and there were long queues outside the shop,” Madam Wong recalled.

Over the years, Zhong Xing gained popularity, eventually relocating to its current Bukit Merah location in 2010 after previous moves.

For decades, Madam Wong, her husband, and her 70-year-old brother started work early each morning, each taking on different tasks.

Madam Wong and her husband were responsible for preparing the ingredients and cooking the noodles, while her brother made the fish balls by hand.

Looking at her now hunched-over brother, Madam Wong remarked emotionally, “Being a hawker is really tough. We’ve worked from a young age, and now we’re full of aches and pains. My brother used to be so handsome!”

As they aged and with the impending rent increase looming, Madam Wong decided to close the business.

On the final day of operations, the stall was met with an outpouring of support from long-time customers, many of whom queued up early to savor Madam Wong’s dishes one last time.

Regular patrons expressed their sadness at the closure, with some noting that the stall had been a part of their lives for generations.

“Most of our support comes from elderly patrons and long-time customers, so I didn’t want to raise prices. ”

“We’re getting older, and it’s time to retire. It’s hard to let go, but there’s no other choice. We’re deeply grateful for everyone’s support over the years,” said Madam Wong.

Looking ahead, Madam Wong has no immediate plans beyond resting and taking care of their health.

She mentioned that they would be selling or giving away the stall’s kitchen equipment and fulfilling remaining orders for fish balls before officially closing down.