Matriarch behind Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee dies at 88, family remembers her as 'truly amazing'
Tan Siu Hong, the woman whose hands and hard work helped shape the iconic Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee brand, has died peacefully at the age of 88, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Her family said her cooking warmed the hearts and stomachs of three generations. What started as a humble stall has since grown into four outlets helmed by the fifth generation.
From Muar to Singapore: A life of hard work
Born in Muar, Johor, Madam Tan came to Singapore at 23 after marrying into the family.
According to Shin Min, she first ran a bak chor mee stall in Woodlands before moving to Siglap, and finally settling at Eunos Crescent Market in 1985. She retired around 1987, passing the trade to her daughter, Sim Bee Yong, 62, and uncle.
Ms Sim told Shin Min at the wake that she has been running the stall at 7 Eunos Crescent for 40 years.
Although she had grown up helping her mother, she only properly learned how to cook the popular noodle dish when she took over at age 27.
"In the beginning, my mother came down every day to open the stall with me and taught me hands-on," she said. "Only after a year or two did she fully let go."
A woman who shouldered all burdens
Ms Sim described her mother as someone who prioritised the family and never wanted to trouble others.
"She would cycle out at 4 or 5am to open the stall, and after closing in the afternoon, she would come home to do housework. She always made sure the family was cared for before she even thought about herself. She was truly amazing."
Mdm Tan's grandson, Ler Jie Wei, 40, who now represents the fifth generation of the brand, also shared fond memories of growing up in her home.
He recalled spending weekends watching her cook in the kitchen. "I was always curious how she remembered every little step," he said. "When I later told her I wanted to take over the bak chor mee business, she was very happy."
He told Shin Min that his grandmother began showing signs of dementia more than 10 years ago. In the last four to five years, her condition had deteriorated so much that she could no longer recognise anyone.
Mr Ler now runs the Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee franchise, which has expanded to four outlets. Without her, the brand wouldn't exist, Mr Ler told Shin Min.
During the funeral procession, the hearse made a detour past 7 Eunos Crescent - the coffee shop where the family's stall stands - as a final tribute.
