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It’s never nice to hear about old hawkers getting injured and losing their livelihood. They have dedicated their lives to the craft, and it’s rather painful to see them hurting. Thankfully, this story doesn’t end in tragedy. 88 Katong Laksa in Circuit Road Hawker Centre has just reopened after a month-long break.
When I first heard about this story, my mind drifted to the recent Hong Lim fire incident and how utterly distraught the elderly owner of Ho Kee Seafood was. The photos of him grasping his head in pure shock were seared into my mind.
So, it was good to hear this piece of better news. It was first shared via a post in the Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 Facebook group, where the poster shared that the co-owner of 88 Katong Laksa, Auntie Irene, has fully recovered from second-degree burns she sustained.
Auntie Irene was hurt a few days after New Year’s, when she burnt her hands and legs while working at the stall. Auntie Irene was rushed to the nearest family clinic, where her wounds were treated. She was advised to recover at home, hence the temporary closure.
88 Katong Laksa was initially slated to reopen on 20 Jan 2026, but it was pushed back as Auntie Irene hadn’t recovered in time. Additionally, her husband, Uncle Soh, was unable to man the stall on his own due to underlying medical conditions.
Thankfully, Auntie Irene has fully recovered and has reopened 88 Katong Laksa on 27 Jan 2026.
Regulars of the stall are likely aware of the unfortunate health issues that plague Uncle Soh. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer back in 2022 and set up the hawker stall so Auntie Irene still had income after he passed on. Its advance was halted in Oct 2024 after Uncle Soh underwent an operation to remove the tumour in his spinal cord.
The couple’s sheer grit and determination surely merit a try at their Katong Laksa (S$4/6). 88 Katong Laksa has already reopened so make sure to head down and support them!
