Old-school Kheng Nam Lee Teochew Porridge, which has been around for many decades, will be closing.
The establishment, which takes up two store units along Havelock Road, announced the news in a Facebook post on March 9.
Its last day is on March 20.
“We want to thank each and every one of our valued customers for their loyalty and support over the years,” it said.
“We wish you all the best and appreciate the memories we’ve shared.”
The establishment is owned by an elderly couple, Tong Suan Toon, 73, and Phang Oi Lin, 70.
Speaking to AsiaOne, the owners’ eldest son, Roy Tong, shared that his parents are shuttering the business as they want to retire.
“My parents’ age has caught up with them and my father had a stroke five years ago,” the 46-year-old explained.
They have no plans to open the business elsewhere.
Kheng Nam Lee actually did not start out as a Teochew porridge eatery.
Over 70 years ago, the space was a coffee shop. In 1989, Roy’s parents bought over the place and converted it into a restaurant selling Teochew porridge.
The eatery, which opens from 9am in the morning till 2am late at night, was a popular supper spot.
It served a wide variety of dishes such as pork trotter jelly, braised duck, cockles and stir-fried vegetables.
These could be paired with either Teochew-style porridge or rice.
Apart from the nearby residents and its loyal customers, Kheng Nam Lee Teochew Porridge has also served celebrities like Hong Kong actors Andy Lau and Chow Yun Fatt.
Photos of the momentous visits by the two famous actors have been framed and proudly displayed on the walls of the eatery.
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melissateo@asiaone.com
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