A wanton noodle stall in Toa Payoh has suspended operations after one of its owners was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.<\/p>\n
When Stomp visited Pin Xiang Wanton Mee \u2014 located in Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market \u2014 on Oct 21, notices informing customers of the temporary closure were pasted on the stall\u2019s shutters, citing \u201cpersonal circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, we will be taking some time away, and we are unable to confirm if or when we will return,\u201d the sign read.<\/p>\n
The owners, a couple named He Mei Fa and Ye Xue Ying (transliterated), added that any updates regarding the stall\u2019s operations would be shared on its social media channels.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, we will be taking some time away, and we are unable to confirm if or when we will return,\u201d the sign wrote.<\/p>\n
STOMP PHOTO: TRIXY TOH<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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According to Shin Min Daily News, He was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer<\/a> on Oct 5 and is now undergoing chemotherapy.<\/p>\n Located at Block 93 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Pin Xiang has been a fixture in the neighbourhood since 1993.<\/p>\n Long queues<\/a> were a common sight at the stall, with diners sometimes waiting more than half an hour for their bowl of wanton<\/a> noodles.<\/p>\n Speaking to Shin Min, He, 57, said he had decided to suspend operations to focus on his treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n He shared that he had gradually lost weight since the start of the year, prompting him to visit his family doctor for a check-up. He was subsequently advised to undergo further examinations at a public hospital.<\/p>\n He sought medical attention after feeling increasingly unwell and fatigued about three weeks ago. Further tests confirmed that he had cancer.<\/p>\n He said he had been attending regular health<\/a> screenings and was generally in good health, despite having high blood pressure and diabetes.<\/p>\n The diagnosis came as a devastating blow to the family, especially as it was made on his birthday on Oct 5, just a day before his wife\u2019s birthday.<\/p>\n He eventually decided to adjust his mindset and face the situation with optimism.<\/p>\n \u201cI even joked with the doctor and asked if I could continue running the stall after getting diagnosed,\u201d the 57-year-old said.<\/p>\n However, he understood that taking time to recuperate was important, not only for his own health but also to ease his family\u2019s worries.<\/p>\n He was also concerned that his wife would become increasingly anxious and his children would be at a loss over how to care for the family if he did not prioritise his recovery.<\/p>\n He has since completed one round of treatment. Although he gets slightly breathless when walking and tires more easily, he said the illness has not significantly affected his daily life.<\/p>\n Long queues were a common sight at the stall.<\/p>\n PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n He also expressed gratitude for the concern shown by customers and said he hopes to reopen the stall if his health improves.<\/p>\n After running the business at the same location for decades, He said many customers have become close friends. Some had even invited the couple to go on trips with them, he said.<\/p>\n He also shared that he had considered shortening his operating hours or opening fewer days a week as early as six years ago, although he had no immediate plans to retire at the time.<\/p>\n Now, however, he will have to assess his health before deciding on the future of the business.<\/p>\n He said he had discussed the matter with his two children, leaving it to them to decide whether they wanted to take over the stall. If they are keen, he is willing to help out. Otherwise, he hopes to find someone suitable to continue the business.<\/p>\n His wife, Ye, 52, stood by him throughout his illness, urging him to stay strong and face the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n Ye said she was devastated when she first learnt of He\u2019s diagnosis, and had to put the stall\u2019s operations on hold to prioritise his health.<\/p>\n He often spoke of his wife as his biggest source of support. Ye, meanwhile, urged him to keep fighting and recover so they could visit her hometown in Malaysia and travel together again.<\/p>\n The couple had initially planned a trip to Xinjiang, China early next year, but will have to put it on hold. He now hopes to take his wife to Finland one day.<\/p>\n He repeatedly described his wife as his biggest source of support.<\/p>\n PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n His eldest daughter fondly recalled how her father would spend his free time taking his children to the library and cycling with them.<\/p>\n \u201cHe often tells us that we are not wealthy, but he sent us for piano, art, and swimming lessons since we were young. He is the perfect father,\u201d his daughter said.<\/p>\n Speaking to Stomp, Ah Yann, a hawker at a neighbouring seafood stall, said she had known the stall owner\u2019s wife for about 30 years, having grown up with her.<\/p>\n The 51-year-old said that when she started working at the neighbouring stall about three years ago, the two women were already acquainted with each other.<\/p>\n Ah Yann said she knew that He had been unwell, but refrained from prying into the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all good friends,\u201d she said, adding that she used to enjoy their wanton noodles almost daily before the stall suspended operations.<\/p>\n A fellow hawker said she used to enjoy their wanton noodles almost daily before the stall suspended operations.<\/p>\n PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Kelly, who runs a stall opposite Pin Xiang for almost four years, also described the couple as her friends.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot bear to see them absent, we\u2019ve all been working here for so long,\u201d the 46-year-old told Stomp.<\/p>\n She added that the closure had also affected neighbouring businesses, as Pin Xiang was a long-established and well-known stall that drew crowds to the area.<\/p>\n An elderly diner at the hawker centre, who declined to be identified, told Stomp that she already misses Pin Xiang, which had apparently been closed for about two weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cI always want to eat it. I\u2019m sad because they\u2019ve been here for so long, they are like my friends,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Having lived in the neighbourhood for about 50 years, she said she used to patronise the stall three to four times a week and enjoyed all of its offerings.<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See something interesting? Contribute<\/a> your story to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nSuspends operations to focus on recovery<\/h2>\n
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Grateful for customers\u2019 concerns<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/div>\nWife remains by his side throughout illness<\/h2>\n
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\u2018We\u2019re all friends\u2019: Hawkers, diners<\/h2>\n
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