Popiah & carrot cake stall owner, 72, can't find successor for 45-year-old business, Balestier Market stall closes

After 45 years in business, Miao Sin Popiah & Carrot Cake stall in Balestier Market served its last customer on Feb. 26.

As age has caught up with the couple behind the hawker stall, and their two sons are not willing to take over operations, there was no choice but to close it down, Shin Min Daily News reported.

The 72-year-old owner, surnamed Wang, said he felt reluctant to see the end of the stall, but he also knew it was unavoidable because of his health problems.

"My feet and back ache, so I need to rest in order to heal," he said.

The stall's journey

Sharing how he got into the hawker business, Wang said he wanted to learn a trade when he was young because he was not very strong in his academic studies.

When he was in his 20s, he went to a friend's stall to learn how to make popiah.

It led to him setting up his own stall in 1981, beginning at Upper Boon Keng Road, then moving to Jalan Besar in 1995.

At Jalan Besar, the increasing rent pushed him to expand the menu to include carrot cake, in order to sustain the business.

He also split the work with his wife, who would be in charge of wrapping popiah, while he made the fillings and cooked carrot cake.

There was another move four years later to Eminent Plaza on Lavender Street before he finally settled at Balestier Market in 2014.

When the manager of Balestier Market approached him with an offer, Wang saw the value of the location, and the stall made it its home for 12 years.

Over its long history, Miao Sin has picked up several accolades, including a "Certificate of Fine Culinary Skills", and was recognised in 2017 by "Singapore Best Foods".

Its carrot cakes have also been lauded by customers as one of the best in Singapore, owing to its crispiness.

Saying goodbye

After deciding to shutter the stall in December 2025, Wang put up a notice at the stall front.

The news gradually spread, and the last week of business saw many regular customers paying a visit to enjoy a final meal.

Wang expressed gratitude for their many years of support.

"From the morning, there would be diners asking to take a photo with me," he said. "My eggs would also run out, and I would need to borrow some from the neighbouring stalls."

A diner who was there on Feb. 25 told Shin Min that she felt sad to see the stall go, but also believed that it was right for the owner to retire and enjoy life.

Another diner was patronising Miao Sin for the first time because they heard about the closure.

The diner said: "It's quite a pity to see so many long-time businesses closing."

On his plans for the future, Wang said he hopes to exercise every morning with his wife, and go on trips to explore the world together.

Top images from Shin Min