March 21, 2023, 02:10 AM
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The elderly couple who owns Mei Xiang Popiah, located at 133 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, will be retiring their 39-year-old business for good after this weekend, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Hu Chaocheng, 80, and his wife, Fu Laizhi, 78, have been helming the stall together since 1984 after Hu was laid off from his bus inspector job.
On Google, a number of customers had left stellar reviews for the stall, with many complimenting the crunchy texture of the popiah skin and its fresh ingredients.
Screenshot via Google
One patron even called the stall a "hidden gem" in Singapore.
Screenshot via Google
Started the business to raise their family
Speaking to Shin Min, Fu explained that the trade was passed down from her father.
"We chose to start our hawker business because we had to make a living for ourselves and raise our children," the 78-year-old added.
The couple had been operating every day over the years until approximately 15 years ago when the couple had to take care of their grandson.
Since then, the stall would only open on the weekends.
Reasons for retirement
Fu also shared that she and her husband have decided to retire because of their advanced age.
Additionally, the kopitiam in which the stall locates will also undergo renovation soon, and the rent is expected to increase afterwards.
The last days of operation for the stall will be this Saturday and Sunday (Mar. 25 and 26).
Many hawkers announced retirement recently
The elderly couple, however, is not the only hawkers that announced their retirement in recent weeks.
In February, a friend of Toh Seng Wang, the second-generation owner of Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee stall, located at ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre, confirmed Toh's retirement and shared that the stall would be returned to the government.
Just two days ago, the owner of Zhao Ji Claypot Rice – a popular stall at Chinatown Complex — also announced that she would be closing down her 43-year-old business for good due to manpower issues.
Top image via Shin Min Daily News
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