Toa Payoh's Beloved Zi Char Stall to Close

After more than five decades of serving delicious zi char, Hong Sheng Restaurant, a beloved eatery in Toa Payoh, is set to close its doors on December 29, 2024. The stall has garnered a loyal following since its establishment by Lin Youhao's brother-in-law in 1968, and Lin took the helm about 40 years ago.

Owner's Bittersweet Decision

At 65, Lin Youhao shared her bittersweet decision with 8World, confessing that while she is reluctant to close the stall, her physical capabilities have waned. 'Running a hawker stall is demanding, and at my age, I feel I no longer have the stamina to continue,' she lamented.

Generational Shift in the Hawking Business

Despite being well-loved by the community, Lin is adamant about not passing the torch to her children. 'Both of my children are university graduates and have pursued professional careers,' she explained. 'The long hours and tiring work of a stall holder isn't something I want for them.' It’s a decision that highlights the generational shift in the hawking business and reflects a broader trend of professionals stepping away from traditional family businesses in pursuit of modern careers.

Signature Dishes and Community Impact

Hong Sheng Restaurant, conveniently located near Braddell MRT station at Block 203 Toa Payoh North, has delighted patrons with its signature dishes like prawn paste chicken, sweet and sour pork, and fried garoupa. Known for its homely flavors and bustling atmosphere, the eatery will be sorely missed by its customers, many of whom have frequented it for years.

Future of the Business

Though Lin intends to sell the business, details on the sale remain undisclosed. As the iconic stall gears up for its final days, it serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape in Singapore’s food scene—a place where tradition meets modernity, but not always effortlessly.

A Farewell to a Culinary Institution

As the countdown begins, food lovers are encouraged to visit one last time to bid farewell to a culinary institution that has fed and nurtured the community for generations. Will you be among those who stop by for a taste of nostalgia before it's too late? Don’t miss out!