Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Regulars of Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles have probably heard that the stall at Pek Kio Market & Food Centre has been closed since Feb. The stall isn’t closed for good; it’s likely to reopen in Jun, said Tham Lay Mon, the hawker aunty behind this stall.
When I spoke with Aunty Lay Mon on 26 May, she told me that the stall initially paused operations in Feb when her supplier travelled overseas, resulting in a supply disruption. Later, Aunty Lay Mon underwent cataract surgery, extending the closure period.
While Aunty Lay Mon is hopeful about the stall’s reopening, she hasn’t fixed an exact date yet. As her lease ends in Jun, they will have to renew it first.
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles has been in operation since 1951. Over 70+ years, it has served generations of customers, with regular patrons patronising the stall since their youth, and bringing their children there years later.
However, the stall has also gained a reputation for pricey dishes, with their big prawn noodles selling for as much as S$25 for the largest portion. In a previous article, one of our writers also mentioned that their broth was diluted and the prawns were not fresh.
Besides that, many customers also expressed their dislike for Aunty Lay Mon’s fierce demeanour. On this note, Aunty Lay Mon admitted that she is bad-tempered, but said that when she gets angry, it’s for a reason.
She gave an example, “If a pregnant lady orders at my stall, I’ll scold her husband sitting down; he should order, not her.”
While I haven’t visited Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles, I hope the stall resumes operations soon so I can try their prawn noodles and decide whether this stall is for me.
