Old eateries are disappearing in Singapore. Places such as Hua Nam Restaurant in Upper Thomson, and Lau Hock Guan on Dunman Road, have already closed this year.

And now, adding on to this list is Hup Lee coffee shop located at Jalan Besar, one of the last few old-school coffee shops in Singapore.

Hup Lee is a family-run business that has been in operation since the 1950s. Well-known for its traditional-style charcoal toasted kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and sock-brewed coffee and tea, it is also one of the few places in Singapore that serves butter coffee.

Currently, Foo Mui Ya and Cheong Leong Sing run the coffee shop. Their son helps out occasionally.

According to the Straits Times, the shophouse has been sold, and Hup Lee is set to close on August 22 this year. And some people have expressed sadness, saying that it will be difficult to find such old-school coffee shops like Hup Lee.

Many old-school eateries are missed because of its food, people, and atmosphere - Hup Lee will be no exception.

Old-world charm

Other than serving traditional fare, Hup Lee appeals to many because of the coffee shop's nostalgic atmosphere.

Its interior is filled with nostalgic objects such as old fans and an orange public telephone.

According to Burpple user Wei Zhi Chiang, the coffeeshop is a blast from the past and one feels "immediately transported back in time" upon stepping in.

Hup Lee Auntie

Many also recognise Foo, the Hup Lee Auntie/Grandmother, as she has become quite a popular figure in the coffee shop.

Hup Lee Auntie in her weekend blouse, bright and jolly. Happy weekend folks! . #huplee #oldcoffeeshop #oldworldcharm #oldkopitiam #oldschool #lastofitskind #lastchancetosee #coffeeshop #nostalgia #nostalgic #sgcoffee #jalanbesarheritagetrail #sungeiroad #jalanbesar #kopitiam #coffeeplace #singapore #vanishingscenesofsingapore

A post shared by Nick 孙 + Karen (@onekueh_at_atime) on Jul 28, 2017 at 10:46pm PDT

Foo is known for her consistency in preparing the toast and coffee. According to her son,

"She would take a teaspoon, scoop some of the coffee and let it trickle to see how thick the coffee is. Based on her judgment, she would add more water if necessary. For the toast, she would flip the bread a few times to ensure that it is evenly brown and toasted. She's very particular about consistency."

One customer also likes how Foo is willing to cater to her customers' tastes and preferences:

"Auntie's coffee is very good and it's hard to find someone who does it like her. Once, the coffee was a bit bitter, so I didn't finish it. She saw it and asked me immediately what the problem was. From then on, my coffee has always been perfect. I like that she may have been doing this for a long time, but she still asks for feedback."

But it is not just about the food. Foo is likeable as a grandmother figure.

I'll miss this place. For the 人情味。For the cute auntie who makes the kopi. Like a grandmother who asks if the eggs are to my liking. The people made this place. I think I should say I'll miss the people. #vscosg #vscocamsg #sgfoodie #vscodaily #instafoodsg #onthetable #feedfeed #喫茶店 #thecoffeepressXT #コー​ #thecoffeepress #singapore #咖啡 #커피 #咖啡店#igerscoffee #coffeeshop #coffeetime #新加坡 ?? #japan ?? #burpple #burppletastemaker #咖啡物语 #早餐 #早餐店 #台湾 ?? #specialtycoffee #手工烘培 #咖啡豆

A post shared by 珈琲物语。the coffee press 。新加坡 ?? (@the.coffee.press) on Aug 13, 2017 at 1:41am PDT

Foo works every day of the year, except for the first two days of Chinese New Year. Her son reveals that one reason for the coffee shop's closure is that his mother's health has been deteriorating.

Hup Lee's shutters will close for good on August 22 and Foo will be retiring.

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Top photo composite image from Instagram users the.coffee.press & peterdeployant.

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