Woodleigh HDB block residents complain of smoke from coffeeshop below, cite health concerns

Residents living above a recently opened coffeeshop at Block 115C Alkaff Crescent have reportedly been enduring persistent smoke and cooking odours since the establishment began operations in April 2026, with some reporting health symptoms such as coughing.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the coffeeshop, which houses nine stalls including a satay stall, has a shared exhaust vent positioned directly above the kitchen and toilet windows of the HDB block, causing fumes to rise into residents' homes.

Cannot open windows

One resident, Cai Xiuhua (transliteration), told Shin Min she noticed a strong barbecue smell in her flat from the first day the coffeeshop opened.

"If we don't open the doors and windows, we'll feel stuffy. But if we do, we'll be exposed to smoke," she said, adding that her son had been coughing and eventually had to see a doctor.

When Shin Min reporters visited her unit, they noticed that all the windows and doors were shut despite the hot weather, and that opening the bathroom window revealed a distinct smell of food.

Similarly, another resident, surnamed Xu (transliteration), said her domestic helper had also developed a persistent cough.

She was also concerned about the smoke's impact on her children, noting that her eldest is sitting for the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) this year.

She has since covered her kitchen and toilet windows with plastic curtains, placed spices around her flat to mask the odour, and given her children cough syrup and honey lemon water daily.

She added that she was willing to contribute financially to modify the exhaust system, suggesting that extending or redirecting the vent could help disperse fumes away from the block.

Residents on floors six through 15 told Shin Min they noticed the smoke, though those on the highest floor said they had not been significantly affected by it.

Cai added that the matter had been reported to the authorities and that an inspection had since taken place.

Satay stall owner says they are not solely responsible

Speaking to Shin Min, the owner of the satay stall acknowledged receiving complaints but noted they were not solely responsible for the fumes.

"There are nine stalls here, and all the range hoods use the same exhaust vent. But because the vent is located above us, everyone assumes the smoke is only from our stall," she said.

In response to the complaints, however, the satay stall has since switched from traditional charcoal grilling to using gas stoves.

Following the change, Xu confirmed that using the gas stove has helped to reduce the smoke and odour problem by about 50 per cent.