22-Year-Old Entrepreneur Invests Nearly $90K of Her Savings to Launch Three Ke Kou Mian Stalls! Here's How She Did It!

At just 22 years old, Fang Yu is making waves in the culinary world by opening three Ke Kou Mian (KKM) stalls, pouring in nearly $90,000 of her own hard-earned savings. You might be wondering — what’s the secret behind her instant noodle business? It's all about the stunning pork bone broth, reminiscent of traditional ban mian soup, which is combined with Koka instant noodles. Each bowl overflows with fresh vegetables, minced and sliced pork, a perfectly cooked egg, and fragrant fried shallots and garlic. For those craving more, she offers delectable add-ons, like clams! “We aim to provide a more nutritious version of instant noodles,” Fang Yu proudly states.

A Passion Driven by Late-Night Cravings!

Fang Yu's journey into the hawker business was sparked by her understanding of late-night cravings, especially among her friends who often struggled to find open supper spots. Her flagship stall at Bras Basah complex operates 24/7, catering to those hungry for a convenient meal after a night of partying. “They always complain about how far they have to go for food that’s available at odd hours,” she remarks with a chuckle.

Although some have likened her offerings to a popular supper destination in Bukit Panjang, Fang Yu admits she hasn’t tried it herself, citing her distance from the location. “People tell me my noodles taste quite similar, which is really amazing!”

From Family Recipes to Business Success

The inception of her KKM business is a heartwarming tale of generational bonding over food. During the pandemic, she spent quality time with her 81-year-old grandfather, who taught her the art of cooking, especially his adaptation of traditional Chinese dishes. He had a history in the spice industry back in China, which flowed into their cooking sessions. Fang Yu recalls, “He would surprise me with different combinations of ingredients from the fridge, using flavors that resonated from my great-grandmother’s recipes.”

An Investment of Time and Money

The ambitious entrepreneur utilized funds she saved through part-time jobs from her time in junior college, working tirelessly at vaccination centers and retail shops before landing lucrative internships in the banking sector. “All my savings came from my own effort; no support from family,” she insists firmly.

With her graduation approaching in May, Fang Yu felt it was the perfect time to take her entrepreneurial leap. She explained, “I decided to expand quickly because I didn’t want to miss out on the momentum. If I wait until graduation, I risk losing out on potential success.”

The Grueling Hustle of an Entrepreneur

Life isn't easy for Fang Yu, who admits to sleeping only three hours a night to juggle her banking job, managing her stalls, and attending online classes. A typical day means rising at 8 am, working on foreign exchange operations at UBS by 9 am, and utilizing her lunch breaks for stall visits. Evenings are spent at her stalls, especially during late hours when hungry party-goers flock in.

Fang Yu relies on a trusted team of young staff to help manage shifts, ensuring consistency in her food preparation. “Finding young locals who want to work in hawker stalls is tough, so I network for recommendations,” she notes.

Family Support in the Face of Challenges

Despite her demanding schedule, Fang Yu’s family stands firmly behind her decisions. Her father, an esteemed figure in the food and beverage industry, has been a great source of support through this adventure. She expresses her gratitude for their encouragement: “They’re all for me following my passion, regardless of what I choose to pursue after graduation.”

Future Goals and Aspirations

With dreams of expanding to at least 10 outlets, Fang Yu's ambition shines bright. Though she currently has no immediate plans for franchising, she takes pride in her family recipes and holds them dear. “Maybe once I reach 30 outlets, I’ll think about franchising, but that's a long way off,” she jokes.

Curious to try her offerings? The Pork Ke Kou Mian is priced at an affordable $4.80 for a small bowl. Visit Ah Gong KKM at #01-79 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, S180231, open daily around the clock. Check out her Instagram for more updates!

As Fang Yu navigates her way through the challenges of entrepreneurship and prepares for the future, she's proving that with hard work and a dash of passion, one can certainly make a mark in the culinary scene!