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88 Katong Laksa will be closing on 29 Mar, marking the quiet end of a long-standing hawker favourite at Circuit Road.
Known for its rich, lemak gravy and spoon-only noodles, the stall has built a loyal following over the years, especially among devoted hawker food fans. But beyond the bowls that have warmed many bellies, it is the story behind the stall that lingers most.
88 Katong Laksa is run by a husband-and-wife duo, Uncle Soh and Auntie Irene. The stall was born out of something far more personal — following Uncle Soh’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis, he started the business so that his wife would have a source of income after he passed.
Since then, the stall has been kept going by the pair’s quiet resilience. With little additional manpower, managing daily operations has never been easy; when one is unwell, the other is often unable to cope alone.
Over the years, this has led to multiple temporary closures and reopenings, as Uncle Soh underwent surgeries and treatments, including a major spinal tumour operation. In early 2026, another setback struck when Auntie Irene suffered second-degree burns while working, forcing yet another pause in operations.
Despite these challenges, the duo has continued to give back to the community, frequently organising initiatives for elderly seniors and offering sponsored bowls of laksa to those in need.
As a result of their ongoing health issues and in order to prioritise rest and recovery, Uncle Soh and Auntie Irene have made the difficult decision to close down their stall.
“Every moment, each day that I live, I should be thankful for it. Life may not be as good as before, but it should still be lived and celebrated to the fullest,” Uncle Soh shared in 2023 — a reflection of the resilience he has carried through the years.
While their laksa may be known for its comforting richness, it is their perseverance, love, and devotion to one another that truly warms the cockles of the heart.
Happy retirement and speedy recoveries, Uncle Soh and Auntie Irene!
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