Ipoh sisters turn $500 into 4 restaurants in 14 years

join telegram
follow instaMY

All great stories start somewhere. For sisters Elaine and Cheryl Tioh, the founders of Shan Cheng, it began many years ago with just S$500.

Shan Cheng origin story - logo, dishes
Credit – Shan Cheng

For those not in the know, Shan Cheng is an eatery chain which strives to bring authentic Ipoh cuisine to Singaporeans. There are currently 4 outlets, at Bukit Panjang Plaza, Ang Mo Kio, Midview City and Compass One.

Hailing from Ipoh, Elaine and Cheryl began their brand in honour of their mother, whose cooking they missed after travelling to Singapore for work. When they arrived in the 2000s, all they had was S$500 from their parents – just enough to rent a room.

To make ends meet, they took up jobs as a bank teller and a logistics sector employee. Their initial aim was simply to survive, and the plans for a restaurant only came in 10 years later.

From their experience helping their mother, a noodle seller, the sisters already possessed the skills to cook dishes from their hometown. Realising that there wasn’t much of the traditional Ipoh cuisine they missed so dearly in Singapore, and encouraged by their friends, they founded Shan Cheng.

Shan Cheng’s menu was created with the recipes Cheryl and Elaine learned in their youth. As such, it promises to bring the best local taste of Ipoh to every customer’s tastebuds. This even includes the ingredients, which are sourced directly from the city.

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The sisters had to handle everything themselves, including repairs, buying of materials and the food preparation process. They admitted to getting into disagreements at times, but have realised that to get along.

Shan Cheng origin story - Authentic Shredded Chicken Horfun soup, Char Siew Horfun dry
Credit – Shan Cheng

If you ever wish to drop by, try some of their specialities. Their signature Authentic Shredded Chicken Horfun (S$8.40) and Charsiew Horfun (S$8.10), are made from their mother’s 30-year-old recipes. Both dishes come in Dry and Soup options.

It’s incredible how Shan Cheng started with just S$500 and the memory of a hometown. Truly, hard work comes a long way!

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo

Fa La Seafood: Zi char spot with over 115 dishes like chai poh hor fun from $4

Video thumbnail
shiopan shio-down 😬 #singapore #sgfoodies #singaporefood #bakery
01:09
Video thumbnail
anyone up for the best wanton mee in KL? 🤤🍜 #malaysia #kualalampur #noodles #foodie #klfoodie
00:27
Video thumbnail
your bank account might hate you after this 😬 #malaysia #kualalampur #fashion #vintage #y2k
00:38
Video thumbnail
Hunting for $2.50 breakfast spots in Singapore | Food Finders Singapore S7E1
12:35
Video thumbnail
if you're ever wondering how cny is celebrated in KL 🧧🐍 #malaysia #kualalampur #chinesenewyear
00:12
Video thumbnail
not sure where to go food hunting in KL? we got you! #malaysia #foodie #kualalampur #food #chowkit
00:29
Video thumbnail
located in a 101 year old heritage building! #foodie #sgfoodies #singapore
00:42
Video thumbnail
pop by the market for prosperity 🐍🧧 #malaysia #kualalampur #cny #chinesenewyear #lunarnewyear
00:19
Video thumbnail
this is for all pop mart lovers!! #singapore #jewelchangi #cny2025
00:19
Video thumbnail
anyone up for cheap chicken tenders? #malaysia #kualalampur #tenders #chicken #wings
00:20
Video thumbnail
🏌️here's a new range for you golfers out there #malaysia #kualalampur #golf #golfswing #golfer
00:13
Video thumbnail
make your own tea in HK 🇭🇰 #hongkong #dimsum #hongkongtouristspot
00:41
Video thumbnail
would you pay $5000 to stay in this suite? #singapore #hotelreview #sentosasingapore
00:41
Video thumbnail
if you ever craved teppanyaki, this is the place to go 😋 #malaysia #japanese #teppanyaki #foodie
00:19
Video thumbnail
How to eat like a local in Hong Kong | Food Finders Singapore S6E12
19:12
Video thumbnail
there's no more 'where to eat ah' after this 😋 #malaysia #kualalampur #pasarseni #central #market
00:22
Video thumbnail
Recreate Mcdonald’s Curry Sauce with us #mcdonaldscurrysauce #sgfoodie #sg #currysauce #recipe
01:01
Video thumbnail
life changing tonkatsu!!! #food #singaporefoodies #koreanfood #tonkatsu
00:24
Video thumbnail
think we picked the wrong shade 😂 #singapore #lipstickhacks #makeuphacks #singaporevideos
01:07
Video thumbnail
#pokemon #misterdonut #singapore #singaporefood
00:22

Newest