Contrary to the usual expectations for a 70-year-old (like my dear parents), Madam Sav Umphu Sae, a native Thai lady from Ranong City, defies convention. Recently, she opened her own Thai kopitiam stall, Sunny Thai Cuisine, at King George Avenue, proving retirement isn’t in her vocabulary.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Madam Sav was working as a karung guni, aka, rag and bone man. She met with an accident that caused her to hit her head hard. This made her wrestle with the idea of opening a Thai food stall in Singapore, despite knowing the daunting challenges and high risk of failure.
No parent should have to bury their own children, but tragically, Madam Sav’s son passed away at 35, leaving her alone. Residing in a super old estate filled with rental flats, her only desire is to keep working, using it as a means to cope and move forward.
Starting early in the morning, Madam Sav resumes her karung guni duties before opening her stall at 9am. She then works tirelessly until 9pm, 7 days a week, without taking any days off. Honestly, I’m deeply concerned for her well-being.
Nangfa Thai Kitchen: Delish pork basil rice, green curry & pad thai under Bedok HDB
Believe it or not, everything at Sunny Thai Cuisine costs S$5— yes, you heard it right! The menu includes classics like Basil Leaves Minced Meat Rice, Fried Tang Hoon, Fried Chicken Wings, Pad Thai Pork and Seafood Fried Rice.
Even the Tom Yum Seafood Soup with Rice costs S$5— unbelievable! I wonder if Madam Sav even makes any profit at the end of each month. What truly moves me is the fact that despite her financial struggles, she still finds it in her heart to donate her savings whenever possible to build a temple in her hometown.
Let’s all show our support for Madam Sav, shall we? And visit Sunny Thai Cuisine at Chang Cheng Mee Wah Coffeeshop.
Sunny Thai Cuisine
803 King George Avenue, #01-146, Singapore 200803
Sunny Thai Cuisine
803 King George Avenue, #01-146, Singapore 200803
