05-04-2025
89y.o. hawker forced to retire after 70+ years
Uncle Li, owner of Li Ji Noodle House at Old Airport Road Food Centre, confirmed that his store will be closing for good on 5 Apr in an interview with Zaobao.
The 89-year-old hawker, Lee Song Kun, better known to most as Uncle Li, has been working in the food industry since he was 17. He started out working as an assistant for various stalls before opening his own business at 30.
Since his wife passed, Uncle Li had been earnestly running Li Ji Noodle House by himself, preparing and cooking every bowl of noodles by himself.
Unfortunately, due to slow business, he is no longer able to sustain the stall.
In an interview with Zaobao, he mentioned that he only has 3 to 4 customers hourly, bringing his daily earnings to around S$100 to S$200. Meanwhile, the stall's monthly rent, utilities, and gas bills add up to over S$3,000. 'Sometimes, I barely break even,' Uncle Li shared.
The menu at Li Ji Noodle House is concise with only 3 items on it—Minced Meat Noodle (S$4), Pork Rib Noodle (S$5/S$6) and the signature Satay Bee Hoon (S$5/S$6).
A netizen on Facebook posted about his recent visit to Li Ji Noodle House after its relocation from Whampoa 86 Food Court, expressing his love for the nostalgic flavour of the Satay Bee Hoon from his childhood.
He describes the gravy as aromatic, thick and smooth, and most importantly, less sweet than most. With fresh and high quality ingredients such as hum, tau pok and pork liver at such an affordable price, it is no wonder many are sad to see the stall go.
In an online forum, many netizens are expressing their respect and admiration for Uncle Li's dedication to his stall over all these years, wishing him a good life after retirement.
When asked about his future plans for the stall, Uncle Li admitted that his children and grandchildren have their own careers and do not intend to take over the business.
'It's really time for me to retire,' he smiled, bittersweet.
As Li Ji Noodle House closes, I hope Uncle Li holds close to him the warmth and comfort his noodles have brought to so many.
Michelin Bib Gourmand satay bee hoon returning in 2025 after April closure
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