Popular bak chor mee stall Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle, which has been serving customers for over four decades, has shut its Ang Mo Kio outlet due to its founder Lee Yong Seng’s “ongoing health concerns”.
The Ang Mo Kio branch was run by Uncle Lee, 67, and his wife, ceased operations after doctors discovered that he had an irregular heartbeat during a routine health check on December 24.
Its flagship stall at Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre, helmed by his daughter Kai Lin and son-in-law, Justin Lee, both 35, will continue to operate as usual.
Unlikely to return to selling BCM
In an interview with 8days.sg, Justin shared that doctors had advised his father-in-law to take ample rest and stop working for the time being.
“They had to find out what was causing the irregular heartbeat and treat it,” Justin said.
Uncle Lee is expected to take a break of at least six to eight months, Justin added. Even if his health improves, it is unlikely that he will return to selling bak chor mee, as the work is physically demanding.
“He was doing 14-hour days, six days a week,” Justin said. “When my mother-in-law was travelling, which was quite often, he would run the stall on his own.”
“In terms of what he wants to do in the future, no one really knows,” he added. “What we know for sure is that he just wants to take a proper rest now.”
Justin added that Uncle Lee is “doing better” and is currently resting at home while on medication.
The family had announced the stall closure via social media on January 4, saying the decision was not taken lightly.
“We regret to share that, due to my father’s ongoing health concerns, he has made the heartfelt decision to close our AMK outlet,” the post said.
“His well-being has always been our top priority, and this choice reflects that. We are deeply grateful for your understanding, loyalty, and the many years of support you have shown us. Thank you for continuing to stand by us.”
“We couldn’t believe it”
The decision to close the Ang Mo Kio outlet came as a surprise to the family, Justin said, given his father-in-law’s long-standing passion for the trade.
“When he first told us, we couldn’t believe it,” Justin said. “Even after he was discharged, my wife and I still had our doubts. It was only when he told us he had spoken to the canteen operator to return the stall, that’s when we realised it was for real this time.”
“When he passed the Serangoon Gardens stall to us, he was supposed to retire. But after one to two months, he went to open his own stall [in Ang Mo Kio] because he just couldn’t sit still,” Justin said.
“But this time, it’s different. It’s really hit him that health is more important than anything else. That’s the priority now.”
Seng Kee was started by Uncle Lee in 1979 and gained a following in the early 1980s when he was operating in a Eunos coffee shop.
Known for his robust, umami-rich soup and flavourful bak chor mee, the stall steadily built a loyal following over the years, including Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng.
Uncle Lee was also known for his noodle-tossing technique while cooking, a signature style that became part of the stall’s identity.
To this day, he has remained committed to his principle of not using MSG or seasoning powder in his soup.
In 2021, daughter Kai Lin, formerly a flight attendant, and Justin, who previously worked in finance, joined the hawker trade to carry on the family legacy, leading to the opening of the Ang Mo Kio outlet. The couple now solely manages the Serangoon Gardens stall.
Justin said the family did not consider taking over the Ang Mo Kio outlet after Uncle Lee stepped back, as it would not have been feasible.
“Even running one stall with just the two of us is barely enough [manpower],” he said. “I honestly don’t know how he did it alone.”
Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles is at #01-37 Serangoon Garden Market and Food Centre, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, S555945. Open Tue- Sat 7.30am – 1.30pm. Closed on Sun & Mon. More info via Instagram and Facebook.
Photos: sengkeebcm/Instagram
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