Nestled on the second level of Chinatown Complex Food Centre lies a hidden gem that is redefining the hawker scene in Singapore. Kook@Chinatown, a modest food stall run by 57-year-old Ng Khai Choon, operates on a surprising monthly rental of just S$1. Despite the unconventional setup, it has become a sought-after spot for its delectable Indian-style mutton soup and vegan-friendly dishes.
Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of Mr. Ng and his ingenious approach to running a hawker stall.
The S$1 Rental Strategy
Mr. Ng’s secret to securing a S$1 monthly rent lies in strategic bidding. He identifies stalls that have gone months without any tender offers, evaluates their location and viability, and places a low bid.
“Basically, how it works is, if the stall has been in the tender process for months without bids, I will recce the place to see if it meets my criteria. This stall is near my home, it’s the ideal size and is quite airy. So I placed a bid for S$1 and got it,” explained Mr. Ng.
His current stall, tucked away on the perimeter of the sprawling hawker centre, is far from high-footfall areas. Despite the challenge, his low rent allows him to focus on quality while keeping operations lean.
Operating Hours and Menu
Kook@Chinatown operates for just four hours a week:
- Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sundays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The menu is simple yet enticing, featuring four dishes:
- Gobi Chapati
- Lentil Soup
- Mixed Salad
- Mutton Ribs Soup (S$8.50)
The mutton soup, a standout dish, features tender rib meat cooked fresh, served in a rich, lentil-based yellow broth. With customizable spice levels—mild, spicy, and very spicy—it caters to a variety of palates.
“I prepare just enough ingredients for 10 bowls each day to ensure freshness,” shared Mr. Ng.
Why He Chose Indian-Style Mutton Soup
Despite being Chinese, Mr. Ng’s love for Indian-style mutton soup inspired him to create his own version.
“About 12 years back, I tried different versions of the dish in Singapore, and sad to say, it’s not very consistent. Some days the meat is tender, some days no. So basically, I wanted to make my own perfect version,” he said.
After years of trial and error, Mr. Ng perfected his recipe. Today, his mutton soup is hailed as one of the best, with fresh meat and a bold, flavorful broth.
Balancing Two Stalls
When he’s not at Chinatown Complex, Mr. Ng runs another stall at Hong Lim Food Centre, also in Chinatown. For that stall, he bid S$44, choosing the amount to match the stall’s unit number.
Unlike his Chinatown Complex location, the Hong Lim stall operates during weekdays. Together, the two stalls generate a modest monthly profit of about S$1,000.
Challenges and Government Support
While Mr. Ng enjoys his work, he admits to facing challenges, particularly in staffing. Hawker stall workers must be citizens or permanent residents, making it hard to find help.
Fortunately, government support eases some burdens. Grants such as the Energy Efficient Grant and the Hawker Productivity Grant help cover equipment costs, while flexible lease termination terms allow hawkers to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Future of Kook@Chinatown
Mr. Ng’s current S$1 rental term lasts until 2026, after which the rental rate may increase. If that happens, he plans to bid for another low-rent stall rather than continue at a higher cost.
For now, Kook@Chinatown remains a testament to resourcefulness and dedication, offering a unique culinary experience in the heart of Singapore.
Why You Should Visit Kook@Chinatown
Whether you’re a fan of mutton soup or vegan dishes, Kook@Chinatown offers a taste of ingenuity and passion. Visit this hidden gem for a bowl of fresh, flavorful goodness—before it sells out!
📍Location: Second level, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Block 335 Smith Street, Singapore
