Highway Ampang Yong Tau Foo bids farewell after 48 years, closing on 8 Feb

Malaysians have witnessed numerous eateries closing their doors for good, and now another local stall is heading down the same unfortunate path. Highway Ampang Yong Tau Foo is set to shut its doors on 8 Feb 2024.

Operating for almost 50 years, this eatery was originally located near Ampang’s Flamingo Hotel. What was once bustling with long queues on weekends and a steady flow of customers throughout the week is now an empty lot fenced off by the state government for the construction of the SUKE Highway.

Currently located in a residence in Kuala Ampang, the restaurant now only attracts a few of its long-time patrons, a stark contrast to its prime days. The establishment is facing increasing challenges in sustaining its business.

Many from far and wide travel to Highway Ampang Yong Tau Foo for its fare of affordable hakka food. The method of food preparation played a significant role in attracting a large number of customers to the eatery. Renowned for its Muslim-friendly choices, the restaurant gained widespread recognition for its in-house fish paste, crafted with high-quality ikan parang and fish bone broth.

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In an interview with FMT, Elaine Siow, the owner of Highway Ampang Yong Tau Foo, revealed that the eatery’s fate was sealed by the exorbitant license fee of RM2,000 every 6 months, a significant hike from its previous annual fee of RM900.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the cost-effectiveness of this establishment’s prices has persevered thanks to Siow and her sister’s steadfast dedication to serving customers of diverse financial means.

“We are not so business-minded as to only want to make money. We want everybody to come here and eat, not just ‘rich’ people who can afford to pay RM2 (per piece). We sell our food at RM1.50; some people take two bowls of rice and three pieces of yong tau foo, that’s RM6 to RM9,” she told FMT.

The closure announcement, expressing gratitude for 48 years of immense customer support, has been posted on the website. The establishment hopes to welcome customers for one last visit.

Visit Highway Ampang Yong Tau Foo before it bids farewell for good.

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