Possibly the oldest canteen left in Singapore is Canteen 398 at Piccadilly Road.

It is near Seletar Camp.

The canteen takes its name from its address at 398 Piccadilly. It is also known as Boh Geh Uncle Canteen.

It has been around since 1969. And it still feels like it.

Forgotten place

As Singaporeans find ways to become more mobile -- by becoming private hire car drivers, taking up cycling or riding e-bikes -- they are exploring previously hard to reach places.

Canteen 398 is one of them.

Operating on the grounds of the former Seletar Camp since 1969, it is the last kampung kopitiam.

The canteen was slated to be closed by 2012.

Seletar Aerospace Park by Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) was supposed to built over much of the area.

But it has so far survived the development plans.

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Popular with workers

There are two main food stalls that sell Malay and Chinese food, as well as a drink stall.

The food stalls are only opened for lunch, and are closed by 4pm on weekdays.

The canteen is closed on Sundays.

It is popular with workers. It used to serve military personnel in the area.

But do not expect proper ventilation inside the canteen during the day as it can get excruciatingly stuffy.

Badly damaged during storm

On July 13, 2015, a massive three-storey tree fell on the canteen at 2am destroying parts of it.

The toilet and a prayer altar were damaged.

The damage looked extensive, but instead of closing down for good, the canteen closed for two to three days for repairs that amounted to about S$1,200.

How to get there:

Jalan Kayu exit at Tampines Expressway and enter camp. Canteen 398 is on the right.

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