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Zhen Jie Fa Cai Yu Sheng at Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre has a yearly tradition of selling yu sheng throughout the Lunar New Year month. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of the founder, Mdm Cheong Lai Chun, fondly known as Aunty Zhen Jie (珍姐), on 26 Aug 2024. She was 77 years old.
Melvin, the owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap, located at the same hawker centre, mentioned that he would regularly spot the late Aunty Zhen Jie at the food centre.
He said, “I would chat with her every time. It’s sad that I haven’t seen her for over a month, as my stall has been on a break while my mum recovers from an operation.”
Though the exact cause of her death is unclear, it’s known that the late Mdm Cheong had been ill for some time. She had already passed on the reins to her daughter and son-in-law.
During the festive period, Zhen Jie Fa Cai Yu Sheng is well known for its 4 types of yu sheng: Jelly Fish, Vegetarian Raw Fish, Abalone and Salmon. Crowds begin lining up as early as 8am, especially on Chinese New Year’s Eve, to buy them.
The handcrafted yu sheng here is known for its array of fresh vegetables and sauce that isn’t excessively sweet. Before the island-wide ban of serving raw freshwater fish on 5 Dec 2015, the stall was using fresh ikan parang (西刀魚).
During normal days, the stall serves a variety of braised dishes such as Wine Chicken (S$5), Sesame Oil Chicken (S$5.50), Wine Prawn (S$6) and Vinegar Pig’s Trotter (S$7). They even have Mixed Pig’s Organ Soup (S$5).
The family also owns Super Mummy Cafe next door, offering a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Our hearts ache at the news of Mdm Cheong’s passing, and we extend our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Zhu Zhu Zai: Ex-private dining chef sells lu rou fan & braised pork pizza from $3.80
