Man behind popular orh luak stall in Newton dies
The word on the street was that popular orh luak stall Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette at Newton Food Centre had closed for good.
But on April 30, Madam Wang Yumei, was back in action.
She told Shin Min Daily News that her husband died on April 21 and she had to take care of his funeral.
The couple started selling orh luak in 1966, opening their first stall at Orchard Road Gluttons Square.
The stall in 1978 moved to Newton Circus Hawker Centre, as the food centre was previously called.
Madam Wang's husband retired 10 years ago and was diagnosed with liver cancer about three years ago.
"When my husband was still handling the business, we were open from 5.30pm to midnight," said Madam Wang, who would arrive at her stall at 2pm to prepare for the day.
"Now it's just me and my helper, so we close at 10pm."
Madam Wang added that her husband was constantly worried about her and would always tell her to "take care of your body and don't work too hard".
"I rest on Sundays and Mondays now. In the future, I may work four days and rest three days. My children are also worried that I am overworked," said Madam Wang, adding that she might retire within the next two years.
Her children have no intention of taking over the running of the stall or selling her recipe.
Madam Wang was unaware of the rumour about her shuttering her business.
"Some of my customers have patronised my stall over three generations. There are even those who travel all the way here from Tampines," she said.
