We know how hard it is to find handmade goods these days, especially with foodstuffs like dim sum, traditional kuehs, and more.
Even the beloved Tan Hock Seng bakery is gone as the owners have decided to rest and retire.
So it’s sad to see that yet another hawker stall closing down due to manpower issues. Popular hawker stall Cheong Fan Paradise will close down on Sunday, 8 May.
Lack of Manpower To Continue Stall Business
Cheong Fan Paradise was first set up by former Shangri-La’s Shang Palace dim sum chef, Kerene Cheng, in April 2021.
Initially, the 46-year-old started the business with a business partner. The pair sold freshly made rice rolls and other food items such as carrot cake and glutinous rice.
According to Shin Min Daily News, Cheng explained that the stall wasn’t able to find a suitable hawker stall assistant even though the position came with a $3,000 salary.
It was also difficult to find a suitable candidate with experience due to the meticulous nature of the role.
Even if Cheng managed to hire assistants, the assistants did not stay long as they were not used to the tiring work and long hours.
Work for the stall starts as early as 6:30 am to prepare the handmade rice rolls sold by the stall and closing time for the stall is at 4:00 pm, said Cheng.
“Aside from the freshly made rice rolls, all other items at the stall such as the carrot cakes and glutinous rice, even the sauce for the rice rolls, are made by hand every day.”
Tedious Work to Run Hawker Stall
Cheng was the first head female chef in 40 years when she was working at Shangri-La’s Shang Palace. She has also done kitchen work since the age of 18.
Because of this, Cheng has gotten used to working in a kitchen due to her immense experience as a chef.
In comparison, many green horns will find it hard to withstand the hot environment and spending long hours on their feet all day.
Cheng said that a hawker’s job is “not easy” and that even her partner had chose to quit after three months because she felt exhausted due to the long working hours and hard work needed to run the stall.
Cheng’s own sisters and friends have tried to help her but they could only take orders and man the cashier at the hawker stall as only Cheng can do the cooking.
If you want to show Cheng support before her stall is gone for good, head to her stall at:
#01-87 Chop Hong Lik Restaurant, 5023 Ang Mo Kio Ind Park 2, Singapore 569526
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Featured Image: Google (Matthew Lee)