Beloved Chinatown hawker, 80, who brewed coffee using traditional methods for over 60 years, dies of cancer

For more than six decades, Tan Chew Ning ran Tai Hwa Coffee Stall at Chinatown Complex after learning how to brew coffee from his father when he was just 13 years old.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Tan passed away on Wednesday (Sep. 10), and his funeral was held three days later on Sep. 13.

Tai Hwa Coffee Stall was named one of the top eight coffee stalls in Singapore in a contest organised by Marigold in 2013, Shin Min reported.

The stall had also been spotlighted in various newspapers and online platforms, each paying tribute to Tan's dedication and craftsmanship.

Insisted on brewing coffee the traditional way

Tan's father had operated a coffee stall along Pagoda Street until it was taken over in 1993, his son shared with Shin Min.

Tan had dropped out of school when he was a teenager to help his father, and later worked in different coffee shops before eventually striking out on his own.

In 2008, Tan's son had asked his father if he wanted to open their own coffee stall, since his mother also made coffee.

Together with a friend, the couple eventually decided to take over Tai Hwa Coffee Stall at Chinatown Complex.

Though their partner later left the business, and Tan's wife passed away in 2018, Tan continued to run the stall on his own.

However, he shortened the stall's operating hours from nearly 17 hours a day to 11 hours.

Tan's son also added that his father remained resolute in brewing his coffee using the traditional method even though it took longer to prepare and he had lost some customers as a result.

His cancer relapsed

Tan's son shared with Shin Min that a little over a year ago, Tan began experiencing stomach pains and persistent constipation.

Medical checks later confirmed that Tan had colon cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and for a time, was cleared of cancer.

Unfortunately, the cancer relapsed.

Even so, Tan remained determined and continued to work at the stall.

"He wasn't feeling well on Wednesday, so he stayed home that afternoon," Tan's son recounted. "He later suddenly collapsed at home before being rushed to the hospital, but he passed away shortly after."

Many customers shocked at his passing

News of Tan's passing was shared by a member of the Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 Facebook group on Sep. 11.

The announcement drew a wave of condolences, with many paying tribute to his dedication and expressing respect for him.

Many were also shocked by his sudden passing, with a few recounting visiting his stall just a few weeks ago.

Tan's daughter-in-law is considering take over the stall to continue carrying on Tan's legacy, his son revealed.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News