Popular Tiong Bahru ‘No Signboard’ Bak Chor Mee Hawker’s Fate Uncertain After Closure Of Longtime Coffeeshop

Old-school bak chor mee

His regulars swear by his old-school lard-slicked bak chor mee, loaded with ti poh (sole fish), minced meat, prawns and braised mushrooms. Ah Chye started his business 57 years ago at Sago Lane in Chinatown before moving to Tiong Bahru.

Coffeeshop location to close

Around 10 years ago, he shifted to a retro coffeeshop at Seng Poh Road, where he has been operating since. Unfortunately, that kopitiam is closing for good on June 27, as its main operator had decided not to continue running it. 

Closure a "pity"

“It’s a pity, everyone knows me here. I have been here since I was unmarried and now my son is 40 years old,” Ah Chye told 8days.sg. His wife helps him at his stall, but the couple has no intention of retiring. “I want to work for a few more years; my daughter-in-law has asked me to reopen elsewhere and she will help me [with the operations],” shared Ah Chye.

He has yet to find a new location. “I want to move nearby, I’m looking for places now,” Ah Chye said emphatically. As for what his plans are after the coffeeshop closes in June, he chirped: “Rest for a few weeks!”

Sixties Chaozhou Traditional Bak Chor Mee will operate till circa Jun 27 at #01-49 71 Seng Poh Rd, S160071. Open daily except Wed & Thur, 6.30am-1pm. 

Photos: Alvin Teo