Popular Wanton Mee & Roast Meat Eatery in Jurong Point Closes After 25 Years of Operations

Westies who frequent Jurong Point would be familiar with Lai Lai Kitchen, a small eatery nestled in a corner on the third floor of the “old Jurong Point” building.

Image: M Privileges

And no, they don’t sell curry, no matter how some might have confused them for a store in Kopitiam.

This cosy little store was well-known for providing affordable wanton mee, duck rice and roasted meat to people in the area.

Image: Openrice Singapore

Don’t be fooled by the normal-looking dish above, their sauce is to-die-for.

Now, if you’re as sharp as my boss, you’d probably noticed that I used the word was. 

That’s because Lai Lai Kitchen in Jurong Point is no longer there, according to the daughter of the owner, Susan See.

Popular Wanton Mee & Roast Meat Eatery Lai Lai Kitchen in Jurong Point Closes After 25 Years Of Operations

According to the Facebook post put up by the owner’s daughter, Susan See, 22 Aug 2021 was the last day of Lai Lai Kitchen.

The decision “wasn’t an easy one to make”, she said in her post.

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

The outlet was where her father put “101%” of his heart and soul into giving the best to his customers.

As for what that means, literally? That means waking up at 4am and ending work at 10pm 363 days of the year.

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

Suddenly, that last bowl of wanton mee you had at Lai Lai felt pretty special, no?

The post didn’t explicitly mention why the shop is closing after two decades of love and support.

However, a comment on the Facebook post suggested that it could be due to her father’s decision to retire.

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

Lai Lai Lovers – Unite

For anyone who doubts the power of Lai Lai Kitchen, doubt no more; and for those who love Lai Lai to death, you’ll be glad to know you’re not alone.

The Facebook post was put up a mere 23 hours ago, and yet, within less than a day, it has garnered nearly 1,000 shares, over 2,400 likes and reactions, and almost 600 comments.

For some, the memories of their youth centred around the shop:

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)
Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

For others, it helped them get through the hard times:

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)
Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

One thing for sure, though, there are many who are not ready to see them go:

Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)
Image: Facebook (Hawkers United – Dabao 2020)

Well, as sad as we are to see Lai Lai go, at least we know that uncle can rest well from his 25 years of 18-hour workdays (according to his daughter’s description), no?

Do you have any memories of Lai Lai Kitchen, the only store to remain in its place for 25 years?

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Featured Image: M Privileges