Hong Sheng Restaurant zi char stall in Toa Payoh closing in Dec. 2024

Hong Sheng Restaurant, a zi char stall at Block 203 Toa Payoh North, is closing before the year is up, after more than 50 years in business.

The stall started operating in 1968.

The owner, Lin Youhao (transliteration), took over operations about 40 years ago from her brother-in-law, who opened it, 8world reported.

Hard to give up, hard to let children take over

At 65, Lin told 8World that she feels she lacks the strength to continue running the business, even though customers are reluctant for her to give it up.

It is a situation of being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Lin also said giving up is difficult, but at the same time, she is unwilling to let her children do the job: "I don't want them to take over."

"Both my children graduated university and are now professionals," she added

She also explained that becoming a hawker entails tiring work and long hours.

Could sell business

The stall, which is located within walking distance from Braddell MRT station, might still have a potential shot in the arm.

It was reported that Lin intends to sell the business, but said she has not gone public with plans yet.

Hong Sheng Restaurant serves a wide variety of zi char dishes, most notably are its prawn paste, chicken, fried garoupa claypot and sambal kangkong.

It is usually crowded during dinner time.

Top photos via Google Maps