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After over 40 years on the grind, 86-year-old Madam Seah has retired, bringing the era of Teochew Rice & Porridge at Maxwell Market to a disheartening close. She will be dearly missed, considering how long the stall has been around.
A Facebook user posted on 4 Dec the Hawker United – Dabao 2020 group that he received news that the stall had closed. He even went down to chat with Madam Seah, or Ah Mah as many endearingly call her. But Teochew Rice & Porridge had already closed and he came face to face with a notice plastered on about the cease of operations.
The notice cited Ah Mah’s health condition, which is unfortunately common for the elderly. A Facebook post on Teochew Rice & Porridge’s page dated 4 Nov stated the same as well. However, it only stated a temporary closure, not an official retirement.
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To regulars, it may come as a screeching halt to see a long-time favourite leave. It likely hurts more considering how long Teochew Rice & Porridge has been around. Initially opening alongside the Singapore River, Madam Seah then moved her business to the Maxwell Food Centre.
There she worked alongside her son, who mainly took orders and served the diners. He did not possess the same cooking prowess as his mother. With her retirement and the state of things, there doesn’t look like anyone will take over the stall in her stead.
It just makes it all the more tearful that there’s one less heritage hawker stall left. We have to bid goodbye to her Porridge (S$0.50 per bowl) and unique side dishes like Shark’s Meat (S$5) and old-time classics like Pork Belly (S$3) and Stir-Fried Minced Pork (S$3).
Have a well-earned retirement, Ah Mah. You’ll be dearly missed.
