57-year-old Canteen 398 near Seletar reportedly closing on Sep. 19

After 57 years, Canteen 398 at Piccadilly Road will reportedly be closing permanently on Sep. 19.

According to a sign captured in a diner's TikTok video, the last day of operation will be Sep. 18.

The sign did not explain the reason for the closure.

The couple who runs the canteen apparently told an Instagram user that they planned to take a break and retire.

The canteen's history

Also known as Boh Geh Uncle Canteen, the coffee shop is believed to be Singapore's oldest surviving coffee shop, dating back to 1969.

It was originally a Corporal Mess for the British, then served National Servicemen at the nearby Seletar Camp.

After decades, the canteen has retained its rustic, old-school style with an outdoor dining area set up among overgrown greenery.

Its three stalls — two for food and one for drinks — offer simple meals at relatively affordable prices, making the place popular with workers in the area.

In 2012, the canteen was slated for closure to make way for Seletar Aerospace Park, which was supposed to be built over much of the space.

However, it survived the development plans.