Son with special needs cooking fried kway teow at Ang Mo Kio stall after dad got cancer & mum suffered stroke

A young man with special needs has stepped up to helm the wok at a char kway teow stall in Ang Mo Kio, after his father partially retired from the trade following a cancer diagnosis and his mother suffered a stroke.

The family-run stall, Bendemeer Fresh Cockles Fried Kway Teow, which is in Ang Mo Kio, has long been a favourite among regulars.

When the family considered closing it down, loyal customers urged them not to.

In an interview with Bestfoody, the mother shared that customers repeatedly encouraged them to keep the stall open.

The couple then decided to teach their son how to cook fried kway teow.

Battling illness together

In the video interview, the father spoke candidly about his ongoing battle with cancer, which led him to “semi-retire” and pass the torch to his son.

“My son now has 60 to 70 percent of my cooking skills,” he said, adding that he hopes to return to the stall fully if he recovers.

The mother also shared how her husband had taught both her and their son to cook, calling him “the best”.

She also admitted that she's aware how her husband could "go away anytime" due to his illness, saying she would be very sad if he was gone.

She recently suffered a stroke, limiting her ability to assist with cooking.

Their son now shoulders most of the physical work, including tossing the noodles in the heavy wok.

Teaching their son

The couple's son, who has had developmental challenges since birth, requires consistent guidance and repetition in learning how to cook.

"That's his nature,” his mother explained.

Despite the challenges, she proudly noted that he has improved significantly over time, even engaging with customers at the stall.

She recalled moments when customers questioned her son's behaviour, and she had to explain his condition.

This was to educate customers that her son was no different from other children, who may need instruction and some tough love.

The mother said: "Some aunty asked me, 'How did you teach your son?'"

"You see my son is just like yours," the mother continued. "Just tell him to do it, if he don't, I may scold him."

Now, many are impressed with his cooking, with some saying the dish he fries up tastes similar to his father's.

Bendemeer Fresh Cockles Fried Kway Teow, which is located at Block 409 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, is open daily from 10:30am to 6:30pm, except on Mondays.

Top photos from Philip Li/Facebook