Famous Teochew porridge Xu Jun Sheng to close down

One of Singapore's popular Teochew 'muay' or Teochew porridge place will be shutting its doors this month after 76 years.

Xu Jun Sheng Teochew Cuisine at Joo Chiat Road will be closing down on April 14 due to an increase in rent and with no one to take over the business, reported Shin Min Daily News.

Owner Mr Koh Long Swee confirmed this with the Chinese evening daily.

He told Shin Min that rent had increased from $4,800 to $6,500 and they end up forking out around $10,000 per month after paying utility bills.

Mr Koh also said that the younger generation had no interest in carrying on the family business, as they have all established their own careers.

The Teochew restaurant is currently being run by Mr Koh, his elder sister, and three brothers, all of whom are aged between 62 and 67.

In an interview with The Business Times in January last year, youngest brother Koh Long Eng said that they wish a family member will take over the business.

"This is a family business, so we're hoping our children will take over. But the younger generation may not like it because there are many daily tasks and small errands to run.

"We're used to it but they are not used to the trouble."

He added: "It's best to have someone in the family take over, so Singaporeans can still taste the authentic flavours of our homemade meatballs, tofu soup, five spice, and steamed fish."

According to the report in Shin Min Daily News, the siblings inherited the business from their father who first opened the Teochew eatery along Joo Chiat Place. It has moved four times in the past and even closed down for two years from 2001 to 2003. The reason for moving was mostly due to rent, stated Shin Min Daily News.

Xu Jun Sheng Teochew Cuisine is known for its traditional Teochew dishes. Some of their popular dishes include their meatballs, braised pork trotters, sambal kang kong and steamed garoupa.

Referring to Chinese philosoper Mencius' mother, who relocates home three times to improve her son's education, Mr Koh Long Swee said: "We are like 'Mencius' mother', but no matter where we move to, our customers still patronise us. Thank you for the support."

klim@sph.com.sg