Our hawker scene is an integral part of our nation’s identity, run mainly by those present in the early years of our nation’s building.

That’s why losing one of our beloved hawkers cuts a deep wound in our community.

On the morning of 22 February, it was reported that the hawker running popular midnight joint Soon Li Yong Tau Foo stall at Blk 115 Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre, Wu Qiu Fa, passed away from a heart attack.

Reopened For Only One Month

The stall, which has been operating since the 1980s, reopened last month. It had been closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A popular supper spot for both residents of Bukit Merah and those living outside of it, the stall is known for its “ungodly” opening hours from 12 am to 3 am from Tuesdays to Sundays.

The stall often saw long queues as its tasty yong tau foo soup was highly sought after and the news of its reopening was greatly welcomed by its customers.

A Sudden Departure

According to Wu’s wife, the incident started when they were on the ferry back to Singapore from Batam. They had went to Batam for a short trip and were due to back in Singapore at 6 pm on 21 February 2023.

Wu suffered from intestinal cramps during the ferry ride and managed to preserve through the pain until he reached the Singapore ferry terminal. By that time, he was in so much pain he couldn’t stand up and was sent to the hospital by ambulance.

The couple waited until 12 midnight before Wu was warded. They were informed that Wu would undergo an operation the next day. After settling Wu down, the wife made her way back home.

However, at about 4 am on Wednesday (22 February 2023), Wu’s wife received a call from the hospital notifying her about his sudden passing.

Lost & Confused

The couple has no children and the wife is left lost and confused. She has no intentions to deal with the stall until after she has settled her husband’s funeral matters.

Wu’s funeral was reported to be concluded on 26 February 2023.

Acquaintances of the couple revealed that Wu was quiet and helpful. He could be counted on to help out his neighbouring stalls, including fixing any pipe issues.

A regular of the midnight yong tau foo stall remembered how Wu would constantly ask her not to come to the food centre so late just to have his food.

The announcement of the uncle’s death by Melvin Chew, who runs the Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 Facebook group, was flooded with condolences by netizens.

Some netizens, like this one, have been loyal customers of the stall since the beginning.

Others expressed regret at not visiting the stall during the short period they were open before the uncle’s death.

Overall, the stall is revered by customers from all over the island, and the uncle’s legacy will truly never be forgotten.

Not the First Loss to the Hawker Community in Recent Months

Despite being early into the year, we’ve already experienced another deep-cutting loss to our beloved hawker community.

Earlier on 11 January, traditional kueh stall owner Lim Ah Meng passed away at 78, similarly from a heart attack. The stall, located in Hong Lim Food Centre, has since been taken over by his daughter, according to 8days.sg.

On 4 January, the Can Eat! Hawker Food Facebook group reported that the uncle running the Nan Rong Chee Cheong Fun stall in Bendemeer Market and Food Centre had passed away.

The exact date of his death is unclear, but it is said to have occurred sometime in late December last year.

The aunty running the stall alongside him has since retired, and the stall is now permanently closed, according to Google.

For now, we need to deeply cherish the uncles and aunties running our vibrant hawker scene and show our appreciation for their deliciously prepared meals while we can.

Rest in peace.