Popular Hock Kee Fried Kway Teow stall has sadly closed its doors for good following the passing of its 69-year-old owner
Uncle Song’s renowned stall began as a modest pushcart located at Maude Road, later relocating to Berseh Food Centre several years ago.
It’s a somber moment for char kway teow enthusiasts as the hawker behind the beloved Hock Kee Fried Kway Teow stall at Berseh Food Centre has passed away. The late Song Yancheng, fondly known as Uncle Song among his regulars, was renowned for his meticulous preparation of char kway teow, frying each plate with care. Customers often waited patiently for their servings of the dish, relishing the rich flavors of wok hei-infused kway teow adorned with eggs, bean sprouts, and blood cockles.
Stall Closed Permanently: “Our Dad Passed Away After Serving His Last Plate”
Uncle Song’s children, who manage his stall’s Facebook page, announced his passing on the platform, along with the closure of Hock Kee for good.
The notice stated: “We are very sad to share that March 18 was the last day of operation for Hock Kee Fried Kway Teow. Our dad passed away after serving his last plate of kway teow on March 18.”
No reason was given for Uncle Song’s death. His family is currently holding a five-day wake for him at 388A Bukit Batok West Ave 5. They declined to be interviewed by 8days.sg, although an earlier Facebook update shared the wake details, and mentioned that “our dad (宋炎成;1955-2024) has passed away peacefully late last night.”
Hock Kee Fried Kway Teow is said to have begun as a pushcart over 50 years ago along Maude Road, initially operated by Uncle Song’s mother-in-law before he took over. He later upgraded his pushcart business to a coffeeshop stall at Syed Alwi Road, and in 2015, he relocated to Berseh Food Centre.
Customers fondly remember Uncle Song’s “satisfying” char kway teow.
Messages offering condolences flooded social media from Uncle Song’s loyal customers, many of whom had grown up enjoying his food. N G YL Mike shared his cherished experience dining at Hock Kee in the foodie group Can Eat! SG, recalling a memorable visit to the renowned stall that typically had long queues.
He wrote, “I must be really lucky (Hock Kee) today… to be the 1st customer of this established old-school Hock Kee Char Kway Teow stall! The stall shutter was down when I arrived!.. and suddenly it burst open much to my delight! Out came Ah Hock.. walking past me to go to the restroom! Waiting patiently for his return paid off… and he proceeded to fry the 1st plate of his heritage pride for the day!”
“Fragrant, savory, and not too sweet… the char kway teow was fried to heavenly perfection with traditional ingredients like pork lard, cockles, Chinese sausage, etc. You couldn’t ask for more with this craving-satisfying meal!”
