By Ethel Tseng
Copyright tnp
A beloved hawker stall serving traditional Cantonese porridge for over four decades may shut its doors for good in 2026, after multiple attempts to find a successor fell through.
Hong Kee Porridge has built a loyal following at Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre, serving up signature dishes such as raw fish porridge, fish head porridge, and pork porridge.
Photographs at the stall show its popularity even among public figures, such as Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.
The stall is run by 80-year-old Xu Shouhong (transliterated), who had migrated from Guangzhou to Singapore. He first helped his brother run a porridge shop in Chinatown before setting up his own at Commonwealth Crescent, where Hong Kee Porridge has been a fixture for more than 40 years.
Stall seeks successor
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Mr Xu said he begins work as early as 2am each day, spending four hours painstakingly stirring a pot of porridge by hand to ensure the grains cook evenly.
Although still in good health, Mr Xu admitted that age is catching up with him, and he has been considering retirement since last year.
His two sons have shown no interest in taking over the family business, despite his hopes.
“Later, through friends’ introductions, a few groups came to view the stall and expressed interest, saying they would consider it. But nothing came of it,” Mr Xu said.
Business remains steady, he noted, with the stall selling up to 200 bowls a day. He added that he is willing to pass on the trade to anyone prepared to take over.
If no successor is found, he plans to return the stall to the authorities after Chinese New Year in 2026, around March or April. He declined to disclose the asking price for the business.
Customers express regret
Mr Xu’s wife, who is in her 60s, initially considered running the stall on her own, but admitted it would be too much for one person to handle.
He added that after retirement, the couple intends to spend more time with their grandchildren.
Regular customers were saddened to hear the news, with some suggesting he shorten his hours and open only three days a week.
“I feel reluctant to let go too,” Mr Xu confessed. “But at my age, it’s time to rest.”
Madam Liu, a 53-year-old homemaker who has patronised the stall for more than five years, said: “The taste here is unique, you can’t find it anywhere else. I really hope someone will carry on this craft so it doesn’t disappear.”
Mr Huang, a 40-year-old Commonwealth resident who works in the technology industry, agreed: “If I want to bring my family back here in future, we might not be able to eat it again.”
